Thoughts on the Asbury Phenomena, Part 6

Thoughts on the Asbury Phenomena, Part 6
Monday, March 6, 2023 by Dr. James W. Walraven

Categories: Apologetics / Contemporary issues / Encouraging words / Spiritual warfare / The church / Thought for Today

How should we regard Asbury? How should we approach it?

I think the best answer is found in Hebrews 11, verses 1 and 6, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (NAU).

We can look at Asbury either through the eyes of faith or through the eyes of skepticism. There have been numerous posts on social media from both perspectives. When one is taking the skeptic’s side, one can always find reasons to disbelieve something. We’ve already discussed how any move of God will be imperfect since people are involved. That imperfection is precisely what skeptics look for in order to give them proof for their denial, for their skepticism. It is worth remembering that the rejection of Jesus was spearheaded by the religious leaders of the day. Jesus didn’t fit their agenda, though the Scriptures precisely foretold what would happen, including that rejection.

How we view Asbury reflects our preconceptions, our presuppositions. Sadly, I’m thinking of one social media poster who is so bitter (the root of that bitterness was indeed something horrible) that he will discredit anything that God might or would do.

Wouldn’t it be best to pray in faith for Asbury, that God would bless it, that the Holy Spirit would continue to move as well as correct any errors that might seep in; to protect it from satanic attack, influence and lies? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if many lives would be changed, that many in this country would come to faith in Jesus Christ, that a genuine renewal/revival would occur, that repentance from sin and forgiveness would follow? In a country that now sees hate as the new love, and unforgiveness as a virtue, we desperately need it.

Now, suppose Asbury isn’t going to be long-term. Will some people’s lives have been forever changed? Yes. Is that a good thing? Yes. Is Asbury still worth praying for? Yes.

I’m also thinking of what Jesus had to say about new wineskins, as well as people naturally preferring the old to the new. When God moves, it often isn’t through existing established ways. When it is, separation often follows. For example, the Wesley’s started out in the Anglican church, but ended up having to move on; Luther hoped to reform the Roman Catholic Church, but was given the boot.

Rather than demanding that Asbury check all our theological boxes, wouldn’t it be better to humble ourselves before God; to ask Him to move in our lives, even if it isn’t in ways or through means we’d envision? If we’re honest, don’t we all need to be revived in one way or another? I’d answer that with a resounding, “Yes!”

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