What we are expecting in this time and what we call revival is certainly not what some imagine it to be: a revolutionary movement that would come to overthrow the established foundations of the Church and the doctrines of the apostles. Such a vision looks more like a movement of rebellion than a true revival.

Sadly, many—often unknowingly—are nurturing this idea: a rebellious movement that disregards established authority in the name of expressing spiritual gifts. An abandonment of the Church’s traditions in the name of freedom of revelation. With claims such as “being spiritual rather than religious,” some use such expressions recklessly, justifying heretical practices and even imitating—or outright borrowing—strange fire and occult practices, all under the banner of a “free and revealed” spirituality.

During a retreat I attended in 2016, one of the speakers said something that forever changed my view of God: he said that day that God does not change, but He varies in the way He acts.

The revival we seek should not lead us to write a new Bible, but rather to align ourselves perfectly with the one that has always existed.

In my view, revival is not primarily about bringing new things but rather about restoring the old with the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit. That is why the elders left us their testimonies: so that through their stories, we can lead the Church back to its former authenticity and power.

Revival is not an independent movement, but an action that strongly depends on the knowledge of the Church’s history and journey—its covenants and its structure.
Revival is not a particular denomination that must rise among the existing ones; it is not a church led by a specific man for the purpose of gathering souls.
Finally, revival is not a slogan—an expression used to add weight to a particular ministry. Therefore, no one can claim revival as their own.
Revival is not a seminar, a conference, or a series of crusades.
Revival is not the business of one person.

It is important to remember that revival is not a justification for insubordination and disobedience from sons toward fathers, or from the younger toward the elders.

It is important for us to let go of the distorted image we have formed of revival. Likewise, this will allow us, as we continue reading this book, not to get lost in our imagination…

This text is an excerpt from the book “REVIVAL AS SEEN BY A SON” written by Jefferson Grace Mango.

We invite you to read the next article: “WHY REVIVAL?”