An Article of Faith

What is spiritual awakening?

Spiritual awakening occurs when large numbers of people (or a high percentage of people in a given area) experience this “new birth” to spiritual life in a short period of time (see John 3:3). Spiritual awakenings are not just times of mass decisions for Christ. Decisions may or may not reflect a new birth.

In a spiritual awakening people’s lives are radically changed. Often a spiritual awakening results in a changed society in a city or a nation. Major social reforms have often accompanied spiritual awakening. When people put off the old life of sin and put on the new life in Christ, things are different: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,” affirms Paul, “he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

Here are some examples of the kinds of things that take place during a spiritual awakening: bars and taverns close for lack of business; police and law-enforcement personnel face a drop in work due to decreases in crime; businesses receive money and merchandise from thieves, employees, and shoplifters who are seeking to return stolen goods; Christians and churches begin serious efforts to help the poor and needy in the community through orphanages, rescue missions, and other needs-based ministries; laws change or are enacted to protect the oppressed and to uphold justice; reconciliation takes place between races and ethnic groups; foul language is replaced by civil and wholesome talk; evil practices cease and are often outlawed; private and public acts of immorality decrease dramatically; marriages are restored; and the biblical family model is strengthened.

If this sounds like the kind of place you’d enjoy living and raising a family, then let’s seek the Lord together for revival and spiritual awakening in our land. If our nation is going to turn around from the rapid moral decline we’re in, people’s lives must change; and only Christ can change lives.

Take some time to pray. Tell God how much you long to see a change in the society around you. Mention some of the things you’d like to see changed. Describe to God how dry and thirsty you are for a fresh encounter with Him. Ask Him to pour out refreshing springs of living water on you and those around you. Give God permission to show you the part you are to play in this work and pledge yourself to obey all He asks of you.

“GOD, I’ve heard what our ancestors say about You,” wrote the prophet Habakkuk, “and I’m stopped in my tracks, down on my knees. Do among us what You did among them. Work among us as You worked among them.
And as You bring judgment, as You surely must, remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2, MSG).

(Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.)

(Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.)