Tue POST 11 Pastor Stephen Kotch River Of Life Fellowship Revival When 1 was growing up, my understanding bout being born again and revivals was non-ex- istent. My upbringing was such that participat- ing in tradition was all that was necessary to be classed a “Christian.” In that context I would pass by church billboards heralding that “re- vival week” was to start on Sunday and contin- ue for seven days. I couldn’t understand what that meant. I pictured revival was an event whereby one’s participation in the week-long program would automatically put a person in “really” good standing in the church, and make he or she more holy than the week before. I also understood one had to faithfully attend every session to experience the full impact the week. That was my perception. After being born again, and investigating “revival,” my outlook changed. I discovered what true revival was and was not. I realized that revival was not a united city- wide crusade to advance evangelism — though I quickly add that it can be an effective way of reaching people for Jesus — it is not revival. Secondly, revival is not an extended series of meetings at a church for seven days. I came to realize that revival is something God does for us, not something that we do for God. There- fore, one cannot schedule a “revival.” Stephen F. Oxford, a noted evangelical preacher said “revival is not some emotion or worked-up excitement; (rather) it is an invasion from heaven that brings a conscious awareness of God.” Richard O. Roberts added that “true revival is the extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit that produces extraordinary results. The biblical meaning of the word “revive” is taken from the Hebrew word “haya” and the Greek “amazao,” both literally meaning “to come back to life from the dead.” It seems we have confused” “revivalism” with evangelism. Evangelism is good news; revival is new life. Evangelism is man working for God; revival is God working in a sovereign way on man’s be- half. What then marks true revival? To be sure true revival does not depend on money, organi- zation or advertising. You cannot organize or @- the fire of God. In reflecting on the Welsh Revival of 1904 it is noted there were no hymn books, no worship leaders, no commit- tees, no choirs, no great preachers, no offerings and no organizations. Jesus Christ was the epi- center. How do we recognize true revival? It will not and cannot come without spiritual pre- paredness. That means unity and prayer. Acts 1:14 says “(they were gathered) all with one ac- cord continued steadfast in prayer.” When peo- ple meet these requirements someone has paid the price. Another key is suddenness. Revival is spontaneous when men cannot account for what is taking place in terms of meetings, preachings or activities. It is also a time when men and women become God-conscious. For example, they become acutely aware of the presence of God, a conviction that leads to re- pentance. Supernatural manifestations are also associated with revival. They can include weep- ing, laughter, speaking in other tongues, resting in the Spirit, body contractions or “jerks” as oc- curred during the New England outpouring. True revival has been, and still is, the prod- uct of prayer, repentance and commitment. We are reminded that revivals have begun when God’s children, pastors and laymen alike, have allen to their knees and sought power and fire from on high. High Point Church Christmas Program Children involved in High Point Church's Kidstuf youth program participated in a Christmas Program over the holidays. The Kidstuf program teaches core virtues for the whole family. The format is full of lights, action and drama. Pictured from left,back row: J. Musto; G.Gagliardi; J.Austin; C. Simpson; M.Mattis; D. Rittenhouse, Director. Second Row: G.Gagliardi; L.Hawley; C.Warner. Kneeling: P.Griffith; R.Barber. High Point Kidstuf cast in performance. St. Paul’s Sunday School Valentine’s Breafast St. Paul's Sunday School will hold a Valentine’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, February 8 at 9:45 a.m. in the social hall. The church will be helping families that have children attending St. Paul’s Head Start Center. All are welcome to attend. Send us your church news The Post would like to include every religious congregation serving the Back Mountain and Tunkhannock areas on this page. You can send news three ways: By e-mail to thepost@leader.net; by fax to 675-3650; by mail to The Post, 15 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre PA 18711. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesdays. New contributors are welcome to write for the “Pastor's Corner” column. Please call for guidelines. Call 675-5211 if you have any questions. CHURCH NOTES Idetown United Methodist Idetown Rd., Lehman The Idetown Congrega- tion will be joining with their sister congregation Lehman UMC at Lehman through March 2004 for Worship services and Christian Education on Sundays. The Idetown Church is not closed, only joining with Lehman for these months as we jour- ney on as the church of Je- sus Christ and please note the times for worship and Sunday School under Lehman Methodist below. Lehman United Methodist 1011 Mt. View Drive, Lehman Sunday Worship, 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for pre- school through adult, 9:30 a.m. 2nd and 4th Sundays, Youth group at 7:30 Mt. Zion United Methodist Mt. Zion Rd, Harding Feb. 7 - All-you-can-eat Soup and Salad Supper, 4:30-7 p.m. Soups, chili, salads, breads, desserts and beverages. Adults $5, children under 12 $3. All welcome Shavertown United Methodist 163 North Pioneer Ave. Shavertown Prayer time Wednes- days, 7-7:15 p.m. St. Luke’s Lutheran Tunkhannock Rd., Nox- en Sunday School is 9:30 am. and Church Service at 11 am. St. Paul’s Lutheran RR 4 Box 627A (off of 118), Dallas Saturday Evening Ser- vice at 5:30 weekly. Sun- day service, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Annual reports by com- mittee chairpersons and organizations are due in the church office no later than January 2. St. Therese’s Catholic Church 64 Davis Street, Shaver- town. Married couples’ night away, February 20 and 21. February 27-29, Interna- tional Student Leadership Weekend for 9-12th grade students. For more info., Call Denise at 696-1144. Trinity Presbyterian 105 Irem Rd., Dallas Saturday evening servic- es will not be held during the month of January. They will resume Feb. 28. Trucksville United Methodist 40 Knob Hill Rd. Trucksville Sunday Services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday School classes for all ages are held at the Educational Facility on Sundays, 9:45-10:45. Back Mountain Senior Citizens meet Feb. 5 Back Mountain Seniors will meet to discuss business items February 5 at 1 p.m. Those interested in working on sleeping bags for the homeless should arrive an hour early. Members will be asked to pay dues. Ann Balavage and Genevieve Albosta will be honored. Bakers for the meeting will be Kay Hudak and Therese Harvey. For more information call 696-1828 or 696-3095. ‘Families Helping Families’ “Families Helping Families,” a program offering infor- mation and support for those seeking answers about chemical dependency, will be meeting at St. Paul's Lutheran Church every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information call Nicholas Colangelo at Clear Brook, Inc., 823-1171. The Dall las Post IL] Ly FTX gut Yu L B . 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