Q: “What do you think about the Ashbury Revival?”

Q: “What do you think about the Ashbury Revival?”

A: It is easy to get excited any time one mentions a possible revival and jump on
some bandwagon that ends up with people taking sides as to it legitimacy while openly
debating whether it is genuine. I am not willing to jump on any bandwagon or take sides.
My responsibility is to test the spirit and examine the fruits, not draw conclusions or take
sides so I can offer my expert opinion on a matter. I admit I have heard different things
but I can honestly tell you I don’t know if it is legitimate.

I appreciate Paul’s teacher Gamaliel’s advice to the zealous Jewish counsel to
leave Jesus’ disciples alone. If they are of God than they will be fighting against God,
but if it is of man, these men’s preaching will come to nothing (Acts 5:28-39). I also take
note of Jesus’ example when His disciples asked Him what to do about a man outside
of their group, casting out demons in His name. He told them, “Forbid him not; for he
that is not against us is for us” (Luke 9:49-50). The Apostle Paul had the same attitude
when it came to those who were preaching Christ due to envy to cause strife. Paul
stated, “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ
is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Philippians 1:18).

Revival has a different impact on different groups. For the church revival means
comatose, lukewarm members who lack vision being awaken from a sleep to be about
the Father’s business in the harvest field of the world. It often results in Christians
receiving a new vision or having been endowed with love and fervor for lost souls. For
the lost souls it means quickening them with a new life, the life of Jesus. However, you
look at it true revival will result in repentance and changed lives.

I have also learned like Paul, the motive wrong, the message may be weak and
missing important elements, and the worship a mixture but God still can move through
the maze and save the seeking, hurting soul in spite of man’s inept way, fleshly efforts,
and worldly methods. After all, He is always looking for that one lost sheep, for salvation
is an individual matter and it is God’s work and doing when one is saved.