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Revival Fires are burning across our land.

So, we’re told. 

Gen Z is going back to church and showing increased interest in Jesus and Christianity.

So, we’re told. 

Far be it from me to pretend I actually have my finger on the pulse of what God is doing in hearts from California to Maine. Most days, I am barely able to keep track of what God is up to among the local church I am privileged to pastor. It’s highly presumptive to think we can “track” God with polls and stats. Truth is, we all need God to track us. Hunt us down. Find us in our lostness. Revive us in our spiritual death. Save us. 

Jesus said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). 

My prayer is that more lost sinners are indeed being found by the Sovereign Savior, all across our nation. I pray for genuine gospel revival in my city, state, and country. And, in some instances, it does appear that God is doing a great work of grace to save sinners and sanctify saints.

But, I have concerns. 

Every time I read an article or see a TV report on purported revivals in America, whether on college campuses or at political rallies, it’s what I am not seeing or hearing that concerns me.

Sometimes the difference in genuine biblical Christianity and less biblical or unbiblical versions of it lies in what is not said, as much as in what is said. If you have a few minutes, click these links to listen to a few segments from Fox News to discern my concern:

https://share.google/RawjEjHIU45Bz12Fp

https://youtu.be/LB6XYOF6DxU?si=GqzL6_nK65dh3kB4

If the message of Bryce Crawford and the so-called Costco Pastor have no more substance than what we hear in these television interviews, every gospel-loving, Bible-believing Christian should have at least some pause, some check in their spirits, when discerning these movements being called “revival.” Granted, I am not very familiar with either of these men, and maybe Fox News edited out what might be called “weightier” gospel content. But, if not, then I reiterate my concerns.  

It’s not that what these men say in these interviews is heretical or even erroneous. But, we have to ask, “Is this the gospel?” Are these men actually sharing the good news as given to us by the Savior Himself? 

Jesus said, “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). 

Jesus said, “Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). 

Jesus called His own disciples “evil” (Matt 7:11).

Jesus said we commit murder and adultery and pride and slander and deceit because we are defiled and dirty on the inside; that is, in our hearts (Mark 7:14-23). 

Jesus cursed the most religiously zealous leaders of His day, calling them “hypocrites” and “blind guides” and “whitewashed tombs” (Matt 23:13-36). 

Even among those He graciously and gently forgave, Jesus pointed out their “many sins” (Luke 7:47). 

Jesus said sinners hate Him, the Light, and love their wickedness, and therefore will not and cannot come to Him in and of themselves (John 3:19-21). 

Are you starting to see or sense my concern? A gospel that refuses to speak of sin is no gospel. A gospel that calls for no repentance is no gospel. If we’re just a little sick, or in need of better mental health, or higher self-esteem, then the “gospel” of pop-psychology will do just fine. 

But, if we are spiritually dead and hell-bound rebels, who hate God and His Christ, then only a bleeding Savior on a cross, bearing the awful wrath of God against our sin, crying out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me” (Matt 27:46), will do.  

Let’s pray for a genuine Good Friday Gospel awakening and revival. 

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

by Keith McWhorter