A Biblical Theology of Revival — Tim Keller

Tim Keller delves into his perspective on revival, emphasizing that it's not just about extraordinary spiritual gifts but an intensification of the ordinary operations of the Holy Spirit. He outlines three ways in which revival unfolds—awakening sleepy Christians, converting nominal Christians, and bringing hard-to-reach non-Christians into faith. According to Keller, seeking revival is integral to a Christian's main ministry, involving the conviction of sin and the invitation to convert and pursue holiness. He argues that revival is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and a core function of the church, adapting uniquely to each culture and age.

Join Tim Keller as he explores the biblical roots and cultural significance of revival in this thought-provoking discussion.

This talk is from The Gospel Coalition 2013 National Conference at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.

#revival #bible

[robertjasso]

I was saved 5 years before the 1970 revival hit California but sought after the ideals of the Hippie culture thinking it the true social revival and marijuana and hallucinogens and music and love were the sacraments . But God is mighty to save and never let me forget the powerful conversion experience he granted bringing me back to him.

[cmccooeye]

As someone who spent quite a lot of time in pentecostal/ charismatic churches, I think he may have missed a point in the pentecostal view of revival. He said there is an emphasis on the extraordinary gifts, while his understanding is that revival is an increase in the 'ordinary' operations of the church (minutes 10-11). I would say that in the pentecostal view, the 'ordinariness, ' of the supernatural gifts in the new testament church is recovered during revival, that miracles shift from extraordinary to become 'ordinary' operations of the church. There is a belief (contrary to Keller's) that tongues, healing etc should be ordinary experiences for Christians and recovering this is part of revival. Charismatics see these gifts as being as much the 'ordinary operations of the Holy Spirit' as conviction and conversion. It's interesting that Keller when talks about the 'God awareness' in 1 Cor 14:25 (minute 23) - he didn't mention prophecy (an 'extraordinary gift') as the "theological mark of revival", since that is what caused the God awareness in that verse.

[gracetemple]

Powerful revelation on revival glory to God.

[williamschmidt]

A great topic in this critical time we are living in!!! Clearly II Chronicles 7:14 is the key to successful revival; and, God has answered these prayers many times in the past!! One such time was during the Vietnam War when God rescued us from demonic communism!!  The author of "Threads of Faithfulness recounts the whole dramatic story!!!

[ilarraza]

Wow he got saved during the Jesus People movement!

[crafterman]

I know this is pessimistic, but as a Gen Z kid who grew up in an incredibly secular and constantly progressive-shifting culture, I cannot conceive of a revival occurring ever again in America.