
As a matter of preface, let me first say, I have no desire to denigrate here. I am reading several misleading articles and memes denying the fact that the Bible asserts that “revival” will happen on the earth prior to the return of Jesus. My purpose in this article is only to clarify from the Word. Not repudiate and demean others…
The Bible does state that just before the day of the Lord there will be a “great falling away” from true faith and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
It ALSO declares that at the same time, just before the Day of the Lord, there will be a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, like (and perhaps even greater than) the days of the apostles in the book of Acts:
“And it shall come to pass that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:28-32)
Just prior to the Lord’s return will be a period when there are both great false movements of apostasy from fidelity to the Jesus of the Bible (as we see in our day), AND it will also be a season when the Bride across the earth will make herself ready (Revelation 19:7) with first commandment love for Jesus (Mark 12:30), intimate reliance upon the Lord (Song of Songs 8:5), and Holy Spirit power (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 3:21) that will testify of the uniqueness of Jesus’ glory and sweep billions of souls into the family of God. (You don’t become “mature in Christ” and not win souls. A lot of souls.)
Glorious!
Straight from the Bible.
Our God is big enough to do both at the same time.
A good example of this duality is how the Lord moved in our culture during the 70’s. Through the Jesus People Movement, Campus ministries and Charismatic renewal movements millions were brought into covenant with Jesus Christ, AND at the very same time apostasy, heresy and great immorality was being embraced by denominations forming the World Council of Churches and other false movements denying the 17 tenets of the apostle’s creed.
When both the “great falling away” and “the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh” are in full bloom it will be the most intense hour of history humanity has ever seen…
…and THEN He shall come.
Halleuia!
Rather than limit ourselves and the arm of the Lord with predictive prescriptions, let’s encourage one another to maximize His glory based on the prodigious nature of His promises.
Regardless of the hour, our Father is the God of (Ephesians 3:20). Always.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20)
Blessings.
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JSB • March 1, 2023
“Of the INCREASE of His government there shall be no end!” (Isaiah 9:8)