Revival Through Hunger: Lessons from Church History

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the profound movements of God throughout history, focusing on times of restoration, refreshing, and revival. We began by discussing the Pentecostal outpouring of the early 1900s, highlighting how these movements not only satisfied the spiritual hunger of those involved but also sparked a greater desire for God to move in even more powerful ways. This hunger for God has been a recurring theme in every significant revival, from the evangelical awakenings led by figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield to the Azusa Street Revival in 1906.

The Azusa Street Revival, led by Charles Seymour, was a pivotal moment in church history. It began in a humble setting but quickly grew into a continuous church service that lasted for three years, drawing people from all over North America. The secular press, initially skeptical, ended up spreading the news far and wide, further fueling the revival. This movement had a profound impact on many individuals, including Reed Burgess, John G. Lake, and A.G. Ward, who went on to spread the message of the Holy Spirit and healing across the globe.

We also touched on the significant contributions of early evangelical missionaries who laid down their lives to spread the gospel, often seeing little fruit in their lifetimes but paving the way for future movements. The 1940s saw a fresh hunger for more of God, leading to the rise of healing evangelists like William Branham, Oral Roberts, and A.A. Allen. These men, despite their human imperfections, were used mightily by God to bring healing and revival to many.

As we reflect on these historical movements, we are reminded that God uses ordinary people with a deep hunger for Him to accomplish extraordinary things. Let us be inspired by their example and avail ourselves to God, believing that He can do even greater things in our day.

### Key Takeaways

1. Hunger for God Precedes Revival: Every significant move of God is preceded by a deep hunger for His presence. This hunger not only satisfies those who seek Him but also ignites a greater desire for more of His power and presence. This pattern is evident in the evangelical awakenings and the Azusa Street Revival, where the initial hunger led to widespread spiritual renewal. [02:03]

2. Impact of the Azusa Street Revival: The Azusa Street Revival was a transformative event that drew people from all over North America. The continuous church service that lasted for three years was a testament to the deep spiritual hunger and the powerful move of the Holy Spirit. This revival had a lasting impact on many individuals who went on to spread the message of the Holy Spirit and healing worldwide. [06:24]

3. Legacy of Early Evangelical Missionaries: The early evangelical missionaries laid down their lives to spread the gospel, often seeing little fruit in their lifetimes. However, their sacrifices paved the way for future movements and greater harvests. Their commitment and consecration to God serve as a powerful example for us today. [24:03]

4. Rise of Healing Evangelists in the 1940s: The 1940s saw a fresh hunger for more of God, leading to the rise of healing evangelists like William Branham, Oral Roberts, and A.A. Allen. Despite their human imperfections, these men were used mightily by God to bring healing and revival to many. Their ministries sparked a renewed faith in God's healing power and led to widespread revival. [32:20]

5. God Uses Ordinary People: Throughout history, God has used ordinary people with a deep hunger for Him to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether it was the early evangelical missionaries, the leaders of the Azusa Street Revival, or the healing evangelists of the 1940s, their lives remind us that God can use anyone who is willing to seek Him and be used by Him. Let us be inspired by their example and avail ourselves to God, believing that He can do even greater things in our day. [44:01]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:03] - Hunger for God and Revival
[05:28] - The Azusa Street Revival Begins
[06:24] - Continuous Church Service
[07:03] - Secular Press and Revival Spread
[09:14] - Impact on Individuals
[10:01] - John G. Lake and South Africa
[12:18] - Healing and the Atonement
[13:41] - The Four Square Gospel
[15:09] - Contagious Nature of Revival
[17:08] - Restoration Movements
[20:13] - Sacrifices of Early Missionaries
[22:13] - The Second Great Awakening
[23:14] - Great Prayer Movements
[24:03] - Legacy of Evangelical Missionaries
[25:49] - Fresh Hunger in the 1940s
[27:03] - William Branham's Visions
[28:21] - Predictions and Impact
[29:24] - Tragedy and Encounter with God
[30:22] - Gifts of Healing and Knowledge
[31:32] - Impact on Other Evangelists
[32:20] - Rise of Healing Evangelists
[33:09] - Interdenominational Meetings
[35:30] - Human Element in Revival
[36:58] - Gordon Lindsay and The Voice of Healing
[39:22] - Kenneth Hagin's Prophetic Warning
[44:01] - Inspiration for Today
[48:36] - Call to Seek God

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:8 (NIV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2. Acts 2:4 (NIV): "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
3. Hebrews 6:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the Azusa Street Revival, and how did it impact individuals like John G. Lake and A.G. Ward? [09:14]
2. How did the secular press initially react to the Azusa Street Revival, and what was the eventual outcome of their coverage? [07:03]
3. What role did early evangelical missionaries play in paving the way for future movements, despite seeing little fruit in their lifetimes? [24:03]
4. Who were some of the key figures in the rise of healing evangelists in the 1940s, and what were their contributions to the revival movements? [32:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the hunger for God’s presence, as seen in Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:4, relate to the recurring theme of spiritual hunger preceding revival movements? [02:03]
2. In what ways did the Azusa Street Revival demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit, and how did it fulfill the promise of Acts 2:4? [06:24]
3. What can we learn from the sacrifices of early evangelical missionaries about commitment and consecration to God’s work? [24:03]
4. How did the rise of healing evangelists in the 1940s reflect a renewed faith in God's healing power, and what does this teach us about God using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes? [32:20]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the theme that hunger for God precedes revival, how can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take this week to seek more of His presence? [02:03]
2. The Azusa Street Revival had a profound impact on many individuals who went on to spread the message of the Holy Spirit and healing. How can you be a vessel for God’s work in your community? What specific actions can you take to share your faith with others? [09:14]
3. Early evangelical missionaries laid down their lives to spread the gospel, often seeing little fruit in their lifetimes. How can their example inspire you to remain faithful in your own ministry or personal evangelism, even when results are not immediately visible? [24:03]
4. The rise of healing evangelists in the 1940s showed that God can use anyone, despite their imperfections. How can you overcome feelings of inadequacy and allow God to use you for His purposes? What specific area of your life do you feel called to serve in? [32:20]
5. Considering the impact of the secular press on the spread of the Azusa Street Revival, how can you use modern media and technology to share the gospel and inspire others? What platforms or methods can you utilize to reach a broader audience? [07:03]
6. The sermon emphasized that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What steps will you take to respond to this calling? [44:01]
7. Reflect on the legacy of figures like William Branham, Oral Roberts, and A.A. Allen. How can their stories of faith and healing inspire you to trust in God’s power for miracles today? What specific prayer or action can you take to seek God’s healing in your life or the lives of others? [32:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Hunger for God Precedes Revival
Every significant move of God is preceded by a deep hunger for His presence. This hunger not only satisfies those who seek Him but also ignites a greater desire for more of His power and presence. This pattern is evident in the evangelical awakenings and the Azusa Street Revival, where the initial hunger led to widespread spiritual renewal. The early 1900s Pentecostal outpouring is a prime example of how a collective yearning for God can lead to transformative experiences and movements.

The Azusa Street Revival, led by Charles Seymour, began in a humble setting but quickly grew into a continuous church service that lasted for three years, drawing people from all over North America. This revival was marked by a profound spiritual hunger that not only satisfied those who participated but also sparked a greater desire for God to move in even more powerful ways. This hunger for God has been a recurring theme in every significant revival throughout history. [02:03]

Isaiah 44:3 (ESV): "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you feel a deep hunger for God's presence? How can you intentionally seek Him in that area today?

Day 2: Impact of the Azusa Street Revival
The Azusa Street Revival was a transformative event that drew people from all over North America. The continuous church service that lasted for three years was a testament to the deep spiritual hunger and the powerful move of the Holy Spirit. This revival had a lasting impact on many individuals who went on to spread the message of the Holy Spirit and healing worldwide.

The secular press, initially skeptical, ended up spreading the news far and wide, further fueling the revival. This movement had a profound impact on many individuals, including Reed Burgess, John G. Lake, and A.G. Ward, who went on to spread the message of the Holy Spirit and healing across the globe. The Azusa Street Revival serves as a powerful reminder of how God can use a small, humble beginning to create a widespread spiritual awakening. [06:24]

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV): "‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy."

Reflection: How can you be a vessel for spreading the message of the Holy Spirit in your community? What steps can you take to share your faith more boldly?

Day 3: Legacy of Early Evangelical Missionaries
The early evangelical missionaries laid down their lives to spread the gospel, often seeing little fruit in their lifetimes. However, their sacrifices paved the way for future movements and greater harvests. Their commitment and consecration to God serve as a powerful example for us today.

These missionaries, despite facing immense challenges and often seeing minimal immediate results, remained steadfast in their calling. Their dedication and perseverance laid the groundwork for future revivals and spiritual awakenings. Their legacy reminds us that our efforts in God's kingdom are never in vain, even if we do not see the immediate fruits of our labor. [24:03]

Hebrews 11:13 (ESV): "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt your efforts for God's kingdom were in vain. How can the legacy of early missionaries inspire you to remain faithful in your calling?

Day 4: Rise of Healing Evangelists in the 1940s
The 1940s saw a fresh hunger for more of God, leading to the rise of healing evangelists like William Branham, Oral Roberts, and A.A. Allen. Despite their human imperfections, these men were used mightily by God to bring healing and revival to many. Their ministries sparked a renewed faith in God's healing power and led to widespread revival.

These evangelists, though flawed, were instrumental in bringing about a renewed focus on God's healing power. Their ministries were marked by miraculous healings and a deep sense of God's presence. This period of revival serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their imperfections, to accomplish His purposes. [32:20]

James 5:14-15 (ESV): "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? How can you seek God's healing power today?

Day 5: God Uses Ordinary People
Throughout history, God has used ordinary people with a deep hunger for Him to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether it was the early evangelical missionaries, the leaders of the Azusa Street Revival, or the healing evangelists of the 1940s, their lives remind us that God can use anyone who is willing to seek Him and be used by Him. Let us be inspired by their example and avail ourselves to God, believing that He can do even greater things in our day.

The stories of these individuals show that God does not require perfection or extraordinary abilities to use someone for His purposes. Instead, He looks for those who are willing to seek Him wholeheartedly and be available for His work. This truth should encourage us to offer ourselves to God, trusting that He can use our lives in powerful ways. [44:01]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you make yourself more available to God for His purposes? What steps can you take today to seek Him more wholeheartedly?

Quotes

1. "And you know what? I recognize that in every move of God, those that are impacted by that move, not only does it deeply satisfy the hunger they had, but it begins to spark greater hunger to see God do even greater things. And so it almost, it leads to another... Hungering for God to move. To move even in greater ways." [02:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "But here's the interesting story. I've got good news. I've got bad news. Here comes the secular press. The editor at the time of the L.A. Times, and I just passed the L.A. Times building on my way to the airport of the L.A. Times. They were eager to get a story because they heard about these this church service that's never ending on Azusa Street. He sent a couple of journalists to go out. He says, I want a story of what's going on. Here's the bad news. Two journalists go out. They become so overwhelmed by the presence of God. They laid their pads and their pens down." [07:03] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So as God moves, the nature of it is people are used to impact others, and it grows. Yeah. So what we have here, just to identify. But I want us now to come to the 1940s. We have the Great Reformation. That was a restoration movement. We concentrated. It was a restoration of the gospel, the gospel of grace, the gospel of justification by faith, coming out repentance from dead works. You know, if we give this a scriptural line, we see it in Hebrews chapter six. The first principles of the doctrine of Christ. The very foundation of apostolic doctrine. The foundation." [15:09] (104 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "There was then the great early 1800s. Men like Charles Finney that was used to bring the second great awakening. A million converts in three years. That's without social media. That's without radio. That's without all the mass communication. Just set the upper west coast of New York, western New York, on fire. D.L. Moody in the great cities of America. Chicago, the YMCA. New York. The great prayer meetings. Jeremiah Lamphere, 1857. Horace Greeley was a very noted journalist out of the New York Herald. And he counted in one hour on horseback that at noon he estimated 10,000 people in prayer in 1857 filling the churches just of New York City. It was a great prayer movement." [23:14] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And I want to say something about those evangelical missionaries that gave their life. And great will be their reward. Many of them maybe were only on the field for six months. Or a year. Because they died of disease. But they were so fully consecrated to God. A hundred years later, when the John G. Lakes came, when others came now filled with the Holy Spirit, they entered into the fields and the labors of other men. In other words, they sowed the seed. When they came now with power and the Holy Spirit, they saw greater numbers. But there were those that went before them. Never forget it. That laid their life down. It's important to see that." [24:03] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "And oftentimes what happens is there is a rigid wineskin that makes God, that causes God to move outside the norm. But whether it's healing, whether it's being filled with the Spirit, speaking in tongues, God's always desire was to see these ultimately restored back into the church. Yes. Even if for a little while it's moving outside. I think about when David brought the ark. The real destination for that ark was Jerusalem. But for a while it had to go into the house of Obed-Edom. Because David was not handling it. There was a problem. And for a few months that house was blessed. God was moving in Obed-Edom's house. But eventually that ark came back out and ended up in Jerusalem." [35:30] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And next time we come together, because we don't have time, we're going to begin to see how these moves of God even impacted Long Island in latter years. All and let's be inspired by their example in that god will take normal common individuals that have a hunger and will pursue god and will do extraordinary things through them so those of you that are watching we who are discussing there's so much more god wants to do through our lives let's be inspired avail ourselves and let god move mightily in our day." [44:01] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I tell you, I'm going to do it. I'm going to take some time just to, you know, get along with God and say, we have a generation that needs the power of God. They need the salvation of God. They need the reality of God. They're so broken and hurt. We should just spend time with God today and avail ourselves, and let's believe God to do greater things, even in our day." [48:36] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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