Semănătorul (The Sower)
April 2023, Volume 3, Number 2
“Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down”: An essay on some aspects of the history of revival
Michael A.G. Azad Haykin
ABSRTACT
This article focuses upon the theme of revival in the history of the church. It highlights first the deep interest of Calvin and Edwards in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and how their influence was deeply felt among the Puritans. Three examples of revival are given, namely, in France; in the seventeenth century; the English and Scottish Puritans, Calvin’s spiritual children, also experienced revival first-hand; the Elim Evangelistic Band, which developed into the Elim Pentecostal Churches, begun in Ulster in 1915 and soon spread to other parts of the British Isles. In the 1920s it experienced a massive period of revival growth under the leadership of George Jeffreys (1889–1962). Here we learn of the variety as to how God sends revival, using different instruments. The article discusses the following facts about revival and gives examples. Genuine revival is not something that can be created. Revival comes from God. In times of revival, the Spirit primarily uses the Word of God to powerfully impact people. In revival the Holy Spirit’s activity is an exalting of the Saviour–a Christ- centred event.
KEY WORDS: Revival, the Puritans, the Elim Pentecostal Churches, God-sent
revival, the power of the word, Exalting Christ.