“If
my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and seek my
face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin and heql their land” -2 Chronicles 7:14
(ESV).
This
verse was emphasized near the 4th
of July when we were considering the birthday of our country and the
ideals upon which our nation was founded. Much emphasis is heard now
from ministers from pulpits and on television and radio for a return
to God-fearing, God-honoring ways in America. We stand in the need
of a “Great Awakening” as we had in our nation’s earlier
history. One is overdue for this disheartening time in which we
live.
Three
or four spiritual awakenings are identified as periods of evangelical
fervor which brought conviction, confession of sin, and strengthening
of congregations throughout the colonies. Early, it was a period of
turning from “high” church practices to congregational practices
and personal religion.
The
First Great Awakening in America began in the 1730’s and extended
through about 1743. Evangelical leaders during that period were the
Rev. Solomon Stoddard who preached in frontier revivals. His
grandson, the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, was famous for his sermon
entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” This sermon has
been preserved in written form and included in American literature
textbooks. In 1838, the Rev. George Whitefield of England came to
Georgia and preached convincingly and evangelistically of turning to
God. He also preached through the middle colonies and in New York
and Philadelphia. The First Great Awakening had a decided influence
on religious liberty laws written into our country’s constitution.
The
Second Great Awakening began in the 18th
century and was especially strong in the Northeast and Midwest. The
preaching brought about awareness for social reforms such as
abolition, temperance and women’s rights.
The
Third Great Awakening from about 1850 to 1900 saw many new
denominations formed, active missionary work, and the “social
gospel” preached. The Young Men’s Christian Association was
formed in 1844. Dwight L. Moody, a strong evangelical leader, began
preaching in 1858. Religious work was strong in both Northern and
Southern armies during the Civil War.
The
Fourth Great Awakening was about the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Evangelistic campaigns like those led by the Rev. Billy Graham
occurred. Two denominations, in particular, were strong in
preaching, teaching and leading people to repentance and right
living. These were churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and
in the Synod Lutheran denominations. My husband, the Rev. Grover
Jones, was a young Southern Baptist minister beginning his ministry
in 1952. I can recall some great local, state and national
evangelistic results during those years and following.
During
2016, the Rev. Franklin Graham has sought to make America aware by
his “Wake Up America” tours with a service on the grounds of each
state capital in the nation. Good reports of attendance and
participation have occurred. Prayer groups such as “Cry Out,
America” and the emphasis to stop and pray for America at 9:00 p.
m. each evening are part of the effort to awaken America to spiritual
responsibility.
Awareness,
awakening and repentance begin in the heart of each individual. May
we pray that we will sincerely study 2 Chronicles 7:14 and earnestly
meet what God demands—becoming humble, praying, seeking God’s
face, and turning from evil. Then God promises blessings: God will
hear, forgive and heal our land. - Ethelene
Dyer Jones 09.25.2016
No comments:
Post a Comment