Modernization is Not an Excuse to Dismiss Badly Needed Old-Fashioned Revivals

By -
I remembered reading through Jeremiah can be a chore because the events of that book continue to repeat itself. At the same time, reading through Jeremiah can be a comfort because the prophet chose to stand by God's command even if he momentarily stopped preaching (Jeremiah 20:5). One verse that is used to call for old fashioned revivals is Jeremiah 6:16 which says:
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

It's a problem you start calling for old-fashioned revivals and people will call you outdated or a neanderthal. While there's nothing wrong with modern technology but the problem is when people only care if something is modern. While modernization can be used to evangelize but it can also be used to spread the influence of sin. The same printing press that allowed the late Martin Luther to publish Bibles was also used to print Papal bulls and indulgences. The same sword that's used for self-defense and law enforcement can be used for murder. The same computer that can be used to write Christian literature can be used for preparing inappropriate materials. The problem isn't modernization but how people misuse it for their own selfish needs. The key verse is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says:
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

What's the call for an old fashioned revival you may ask? The call for the old fashioned revival is to seek the ways of God and not of man. This means going back to what the Bible says and not what man says. The New Age philosophy today centers on man. Modernism centers on man rather than God. Modernistic theology seeks to fit in to the world when pure theology doesn't seek to fit in with the world. This is not a call for pastors to go back to primitive technology, take down the projectors, let the church members come riding horses or just by walking but this is all about old fashioned doctrine. The church can have a Power Point presentation, a video presentation, the pastor can use a microphone, the service can be recorded for others to hear and appreciate while calling for an old fashioned revival in terms of doctrine.

We can still have revivals even in the midst of modernization. It's about going back to making sure that worship is the ultimate priority. The church and Christian educational institutions can have whatever technology they can use to help make things easier but they should take charge not the technology they're allowed to use. You can keep the Powerpoint, the microphone and all the modern equipment but make sure your worship honors God. You can have an electric organ in your church but make sure it plays old-fashioned style godly music. You can have video presentations but make sure they're all God-honoring. Pastors can keep having video presentations and Power Point while they are preaching the Word of God without compromise. Hellfire preaching is badly needed to bring people to repentance. Members of the church can have access to modern communication technology but they must be taught to use them responsibly.

It's time not to care what the world says. True we're living in the modern times but God hasn't changed His standards of holiness. God doesn't want sissy pastors who destroy the flock but those who will supply the members of the flock with understanding. He wants pastors who will stand to do His will. He doesn't want people who melt like sugar into popular opinion but those who will challenge it just to get the truth across. It's time to be serious as the coming of the Lord is nigh. He has declared in Matthew 23:14 that the Gospel must first be preached across the world before He returns. That's why we must preach the Gospel with the hope that He will return for His saints.

See also: