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Some thoughts on what’s happening.
I understand all of the reactions to what is happening at Asbury and even what has happened at Lee over the past 24 hours. The prophets that prophesied have wearied many. The false fire has caused us to rethink. And, our own sense of what revival “should” look like is probably being challenged.
As a historian, I can tell you that there is not a clear pattern as to the dynamics of a revival. We know that prayer and hunger for God are the seeds but the specifics accompanying these phenomena vary from place to place.
We also know that the impact of a revival is both immediate and long-term. And, we know that all revivals are messy. They just are. This is because people are messy. For this reason, they are filled with the genuine and the fake as they grow. There were spiritualists showing up at Azusa. There were people faking tongues as there always are. Azusa was a mess. Some people like Parham explained the mess with racist rhetoric. Others like the Methodist evangelist W. B. Godbey explained it as emotionalism because when he was given the opportunity to speak, he spoke in Latin and people thought he was speaking in tongues. Neither of these reactions stopped it nor did they remove its messiness.
The long-term impact of any revival is hard to see because it’s only after several decades (or more!) that this impact begins to emerge. You trace it out in the ever-expanding relational circles of individuals who were present. It’s usually the long-term impact that reveals the praxis. The immediate impact is a catalyst in the lives of those present.
The bottom line is that we need to trust God and let events unfold. It will be messy. It always is. We discern and we move. If leaders begin to manipulate, then we step in. If leaders begin to teach something false, then we step in. We are not simply passive in our embrace of everything nor are we active in our dismissal of everything. We give God the freedom to work in the mess of every life and we recognize that what is happening will be different because people are different and cultures are different and responses are different. And most of all, we join the cry, “Come Holy Spirit!” [Dale M. Coulter – 2.13.23]
For those wanting to see more before you are willing to call this a revival or whatever, let me make two quick points:
1. The Azusa Street Revival started as a prayer meeting on Bonnie Brae Street in the home of the Asberry’s somewhere around March 20, 1906. William Seymour received the baptism in the Spirit on April 12, 1906. They got the AME church on Azusa Street on April 13, 1906. The prayer meeting had lasted for over three weeks BEFORE it became the Azusa Street revival.
2. This whole event started one week ago. I know in our current climate one week seems like a lifetime but that’s our problem, not God’s. We like our food fast, our news delivered wirelessly to our phones, our texts and tweets to go around the world in 5 seconds, and our money to be directed deposited. The tech age has shaped how we live now. But, we cannot allow that mentality to determine how we approach these events. [Dale M. Coulter – 2.14.23]
After chapel at PTS today, I made the short trek a few blocks over to the Lee University Chapel. I wanted to see for myself what was happening.
When I sat down in the balcony and started to look around, I was struck by three words: “Don’t observe, enter.” So, I closed my eyes and, for the next hour, moved in and out of petitionary prayer and meditation. Toward the end, meditation turned to conversation as the Spirit began to speak some things (just for me).
When I got up to leave, I had a strong sense of calm. That’s probably the best word. I didn’t feel like I had to rush anywhere for anything. The usual list pressing in on my mind was gone. In fact, as I walked back to my van, I had to slowly reorient myself like you would do when you are lost in thought or first awake.
I cannot say exactly what was happening below on the main floor because I was not really paying attention to the details. I can say that students were intermittently singing, reading from scripture, and praying.
I have often noted that mission flows from moments of encounter. To put it in medieval terms, we move out into the world after we have been caught up in the arms of the bridegroom. Ecstatic embrace with God fuels embrace of the other. I thank God today for that embrace.
Will this continue? I hope so. For how long? Who knows? Don’t observe, enter. [Dale M. Coulter – 2.15.23]
More to follow on this developing Pentecostal Theology story:
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Earlier this year, Church of God General Overseer Timothy Hill unveiled Harvest ’24, the culmination of an evangelistic program which began as the FINISH Challenge. When Bishop Hill was elected general overseer in 2016, he issued the FINISH Commitment and now the FINISH Commission – Harvest ’24 – is a ministry vision for the 2022-2024 Assembly period. A printed version of the complete vision, which focuses on the three primary tenets ADVANCE, ACTIVATE, and ACHIEVE, is being mailed to every minister in the USA and Canada. The same document is available to view/download using the button below. Every minister, evangelist, and ministry worker is encouraged to adopt Harvest ’24 in their local church in partnership with the general church. A limited number of printed copies are available through Pathway Press by calling 1-800-553-8506, via email, dray@pathwaypress.org, or writing Pathway Press, 1080 Montgomery Ave., Cleveland, TN 37311. |
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By Dale M. Coulter: “Lee did not catch anything”
Lee did not catch anything. We have to stop thinking about the Spirit as some sort of virus leaping from one place to another. Lee students who had been hungry and praying saw what happened at Asbury. They decided to imitate the students there and begin a 24-7 prayer meeting. Others have joined in. That’s what is happening. I suppose you can call it “copy cats” but I would suggest that this is how revival spreads. Something breaks out somewhere and it ignites spiritual hunger in others. This usually has two responses. Some travel to the original outbreak while others start their own prayer meetings. Sometimes it’s both. We know some Lee students went to Asbury.
Look, I don’t want to make more about what is happening at Lee than is. It’s definitely not anywhere close to what is happening at Asbury. Will it be? Who knows? I prefer to say it’s a prayer meeting right now. But, it’s having a positive impact on the Lee community and the surrounding areas. People are starting to travel for evening services that are packed.
Where I do agree is that we should not compare Asbury and Lee along spiritual lines. We can talk about more numbers, longer time in existence, one is the first and the other is not, etc. But, when I’m studying early Pentecostalism, I don’t say that what happened at the Mukti Mission in India or the Hebden Mission in Toronto is qualitatively inferior because neither were close to Azusa in size and impact.
A.J. Tomlinson: Report Of Investigation Proceeding of Elders Council and Correspondence – Convened at Cleveland, Tennessee June 12-21, 1923
The 1923 Church of God Report of Investigation on A. J. Tomlinson
Anonymous
like I just said on the other post John Mushenhouse Philip Williams Peter Vandever and not merely echoing Duane L Burgess who stated: Waiting to see if this is a genuine revival producing holiness, changed lives, impacting the local community, exalting Christ, sanctifying the saints in TRUTH (sound doctrine), not emotionalism or decisional regeneration. https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/the-1923-church-of-god-report-of-investigation-on-a-j-tomlinson/
Anonymous
Terry Wiles we are of course asking this for our friend Peter Vandever our AG is safe with Res16 in place but what about others? Would the fake FL revival manuals Gary Sean Mullings still does not believe existed,, — WILL Be used @ KY-TN by Bentley as well? https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/brownsville-revival-deliverance-nar-manuals/
Anonymous
bro Dale M. Coulter can we quote your “Lee did not catch anything” comment to John Mushenhouse ? Re: Neil Steven Lawrence Jim Price Link Hudson Peter Vandever + other coggers in our group here…
Lee did not catch anything. We have to stop thinking about the Spirit as some sort of virus leaping from one place to another. Lee students who had been hungry and praying saw what happened at Asbury. They decided to imitate the students there and begin a 24-7 prayer meeting. Others have joined in. That’s what is happening. I suppose you can call it “copy cats” but I would suggest that this is how revival spreads. Something breaks out somewhere and it ignites spiritual hunger in others. This usually has two responses. Some travel to the original outbreak while others start their own prayer meetings. Sometimes it’s both. We know some Lee students went to Asbury.
Look, I don’t want to make more about what is happening at Lee than is. It’s definitely not anywhere close to what is happening at Asbury. Will it be? Who knows? I prefer to say it’s a prayer meeting right now. But, it’s having a positive impact on the Lee community and the surrounding areas. People are starting to travel for evening services that are packed.
Where I do agree is that we should not compare Asbury and Lee along spiritual lines. We can talk about more numbers, longer time in existence, one is the first and the other is not, etc. But, when I’m studying early Pentecostalism, I don’t say that what happened at the Mukti Mission in India or the Hebden Mission in Toronto is qualitatively inferior because neither were close to Azusa in size and impact.
Anonymous
Troy Day Dale M. Coulter let me get one thing clear – I believe the early days of Pentecost in the USA was a move of God. The question is – did self-seeking and not God-seeking men take control. My fear is that different day – same devil.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse been trying to tell this to Kyle Williams Duane L Burgess I am not sure if Brett Dobbs still believes in going to heaven
Anonymous
Troy Day do they believe in the devil as many don’t today.
Anonymous
Troy Day of course I believe in going to heaven.
Anonymous
Tommy Smith is this what the prophet spoke about? https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/messenger-of-the-third-pentecost/
Anonymous
On this episode, Dr. Tony Richie returns as our guest to talk about the revival currently taking place among the students at Asbury University and Lee University. We also finish up our discussion of his book “Saved, Delivered, and Healed” by talking about the reality of spiritual warfare in the world today.
Intro (0:00)
A conversation about revival (3:48)
Revival at Asbury University (6:00)
Revival at Lee University (10:15)
Tony’s theology of revival (17:16)
We have to make disciples (21:55)
Misguided attempts to “reduce revival” (28:20)
Let’s talk about spiritual warfare (30:00)
Is it the devil or a dead battery? (31:10)
The devil a real being? Yes! (33:30)
Spiritual warfare every day!? (35:50)
We live on a battlefield – not a playground. (38:35)
The anti-supernatural mindset of the global West and the problem of evil. (41:45)
Pentecostal counter-culture (46:00)
The devil attacks the mind (Logismoi) (49:50)
Believing the lies of the devil (56:30)
The “key” to spiritual warfare (58:37)
Augustine and the “root” of sin (1:03:00)
The whole armor of God (1:04:20)
The importance of praying in the Spirit (1:05:10)
Jesus is NOT arm wrestling the devil. (1:09:28)
Conclusions (1:11:35)
Resources:
Visit here to purchase Tony’s latest book “Saved, Delivered, and Healed”
Check out some of Tony’s other work too: Essentials of Pentecostal Theologyand Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Religions: Encountering Cornelius Today
If you are in the Cleveland, TN area, be sure to check out our sponsor, North Cleveland Church of God. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-2-about-revival-and-spiritual-warfare/
Anonymous
https://www.facebook.com/bishoptimothymhill/videos/746705457091637/
Anonymous
AN0THER great case in point made by John Mushenhouse here
case in point. Here is a post from a Pentecostal pastor who also gives planned revivals. He is also the guru of a Pentecostal forum. See how they can’t be happy but have to put themselves as one in the know and one who helps bring in the revival. The sad thing is he calls people like the Asburians not living in the fulness of God. So many need to have a feeling of importance. :
The revival that is taking place right now reminded me of this dream God gave nearly 3 years ago. God is returning us to a time where the only thing extravagant about the Church is His presence.
Stop this seeking of personal glory.
THESE planned revivals remind well of the fake FL revivals Gary Micheal Epping attended with Peter Vandever Should there be a protection mechanism @ lee like they put one @ asbury against THE MANUALS of how to manufacture fake revivals? I hear they are on sale now https://www.pentecostaltheology.com/brownsville-revival-deliverance-nar-manuals/
Anonymous
AFTER rejected by campus security @ Asbury HOW and with WHOM shall Todd Bentley infiltrate Lee? John Mushenhouse Peter Vandever Dale M. Coulter Philip Williams http://www.babylonforsaken.com/rampexposed.html
Anonymous
Are we all ready in 2023 to see signs and wonders of His glory that will make us marvel? I know we are! We have big plans for 2023 as we’re believing God to see a great harvest of souls, to see more believers equipped to do the work of the ministry, and to see revival! In April, we’re going back to Lakeland to re-dig the well of revival for Peter Vandever and Gary Micheal Epping plus Derek Godfrey https://mailchi.mp/rhm.email/prophetic-word-for-2023
Anonymous
Troy Day the biggest sign and wonders is the kids who raised playing church actually meet jesus and start to live and share the gospel with the llost.
Anonymous
Dale M. Coulter Neil Steven Lawrence John Mushenhouse Jim Price
is it TRUE Lee’s revival was capped last night for the time being and especially on Sundays… ol Peter Vandever may need a more authentic source now…
Anonymous
Troy Day capped???? what do you mean?
Anonymous
Dale M. Coulter revival may NOT be “American.” but it is certainly a very WESTERN idea to start with
Anonymous
Troy Day control freaks…
Anonymous
Neil Steven Lawrence @lee?
Anonymous
Troy Day in the photo, you copy pasted -all I see is a list of rules there… 
Anonymous
Neil Steven Lawrence is there another one @ lee?
Anonymous
and done with ….
You may have heard that Lee University is having revival. I don’t know if that’s what’s taking place, but it appears that God is doing something special on our campus. I’ll attempt to provide you a brief account of what has been occurring.
On Monday morning, February 13, a group of students from a School of Theology and Ministry class had a desire to pray for Lee. They joined with their professor around 11:00am in The Chapel and throughout the day many other students joined them until out of this organic student led prayer vigil about 150 people were gathered in The Chapel praying together into the early morning hours. Most of those in attendance were students accompanied by faculty, staff, and administrators. A few community people began to gather as well.
Since Monday, there has been a steady gathering of people in The Chapel praying, meditating, and worshipping. There have been a handful of people praying in the morning and throughout the day the gathering gradually grows to fill The Chapel by the evening. A rotation of Lee leadership and security are always present at these gatherings. While these prayer vigils include many students, more church groups, local pastors, and community people have started attending, especially at night. Many Lee faculty and staff are also present.
Lee administration is providing guidance and support to the prayer vigils, working to ensure the safety of all participants, and that the prayer and worship are orderly and proper. There are periods when prayer and worship are loud, and there are also periods when there is silence and reflection. Praying for needs of people also occurs at different times and there have been demonstrations of the spiritual gifts. All these expressions are biblical and in order. However, these gatherings are not programmed worship services with an official start time like a chapel or convocation service, and there is no livestreaming. There is not a sound system being used and the only instrument is an electric piano. These are gatherings devoted to prayer.
Lee has not promoted the prayer vigil and has not called it a revival. Media and social media have dubbed this a revival. Perhaps it is, yet in our hearts we believe it to be a student led prayer vigil for the heart of God. We are not attempting to manufacture anything nor are we attempting to compete with what are being called revivals at other colleges and institutions. We are attempting to follow what God is uniquely doing here. We do not know how long it will last. We will do everything within our power to discern, lead, and guide as it continues.
Some of the Lee family may not understand what is occurring and that’s ok. Attending these meetings is not required, nor is it a sign of one’s spirituality. There is no judgment on anyone who attends or does not attend. God is very present and at work at Lee outside of what is currently taking place in The Chapel. Classes are continuing as scheduled, Conn Center and Dixon Center chapel services are taking place as scheduled, and other campus events are also ongoing as scheduled. Should you have questions regarding The Chapel prayer vigils, someone from campus ministries or administration is available to speak with you.
Thank you for your prayers as we walk through this special and unique time together at Lee University.
Blessings,
Mark Walker
https://vulcanhammer.org/2023/02/16/lee-universitys-statement-about-the-revival-on-its-campus/
Anonymous
Dr. Terry L. Cross is there a way to confirm one such letter was indeed sent out from LeeU -Thanks
Anonymous
Troy Day yes, I believe this the letter sent from the president to faculty and alumni. I dont know where else it may have gone.
Anonymous
Terry L. Cross THANK YOU It was posted FEBRUARY 16, 2023 BY DON WARRINGTON without specification of the source
Anonymous
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6MoYSDjEkw
Anonymous
Troy Day He started out at CFNI. he went into the prayer ministry. It appears he copied a lot from a student at CFNI who led the prayer ministry. In the military it is called stolen glory I think.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse yes but this prophecy is 2001 – what say ye ?
Anonymous
The thing was did Dutch see Asbury or his hopes for the NAR.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse ???
Anonymous
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ-X24o1218
Anonymous
We need to be careful right now about our discussion. Reason: Millions of souls hang in the balance of what “OBVIOUSLY” Jesus Messiah is doing (invisibly) in the hearts of the young and the old. This is serious Kingdom Work being done by the King of the Universe and the Owner of Planet Earth. Please, hold your thoughts in your head. A fool speaks all of this thoughts, but a wise man can keep a secret.
Anonymous
Troy Day amen.
Anonymous
so, basically Dale M. Coulter is it now shut down?
Anonymous
our cog friend Peter Vandever claims Lee is liberal like Asbury perhaps because UMC ordains you know what I submit this NOT being the case but then again one can only wonder what’s going Terry Wiles Dale M. Coulter The Chapel will remain closed for the corporate prayer gatherings through Sunday, February 26, at which time we will provide further details regarding the student led prayer movement.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse Melvin Harter my brother Charles Page stated earlier today THIS
I was blessed to be at Lee College when the 1970 revival broke out, indeed it broke out. We had a weekly mandatory chapel service and on that day the Lee basketball team was scheduled to lead the service. It evolved into a confession and repentance of sins by the team members. It was godly repentance and the whole student body was moved to seek God. There was no prompting; it was not organized but it was spontaneous and lasted for three days, non-stop. Classes were dismissed and revival spread to every building. It was genuine!
Now over fifty years later revival has broken out. Asbury had a great move of the Spirit before Lee. Revival had spread to other Christian colleges. Our revival was a part of an out-pouring in national proportions. In like manner we are seeing revival fire poured out again. Is all this genuine? I’m not sure so I am hesitant to jump on the bandwagon, praising the revival!
In fact in retrospect our Lee revival also fell the test of complete authenticity. There was emotional excess, abuses of the spiritual gifts and disorder. I myself was carried away in excessive emotion and inordinate norms of spiritual behavior. (What are norms for behavior in a revival that has God as the giver)
A lot of students made lifetime commitments and I myself found my wife in profound praise in the Brown auditorium. My future wife was slain on the floor in the tight spot between the piano and the edge of the stage. I had to step over her and when I looked down God made a divine connection for us. She was speaking in tongues and praising God. We married two years later! That was fifty years ago. I’m certain that God is still in the arranging business in today’s revival.
Today’s revival lacks the spontaneity of human hearts seeking God. The news is carried by media outlets and others copy what’s going on. The response to the move of God results in godly repentance, confession and testimony to God’s move. Celebrated men (falsely called apostles and prophets) are mingling with the watching crowd, hoping to simonize this move into their own stage.
Will this move today endure 50 years?
Anonymous
did the revival in 1970 last 50 years – From what I heard there was a lot of sexual sin both hetero sexual and same sex in the late 70s on. Lot of drinking as well. It seemed to be a normal secular campus.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse seems like I wasnt there per se Just re-telling the story Tonight we will take some time to expose some wrong post-tribbers like Gary Micheal Epping who claims to be revival product2
Anonymous
Troy Day As I heard that the same Revival happened in Asbury Chapel, Indian students are praying that it has to happen in India as well. As such, let us pray to God through our Lord Jesus Christ that the Revival has come all over the nations by His Grace. Amen!
Anonymous
so far little mentioning.