The Root of Revival Criticism

Anytime there has been a spiritual awakening it has not been without criticism. Satan will try to destroy the very work of renewal in many ways, But there is no more familiar form of trying to dilute the workings of a move of God than criticism.

Those who by unrighteousness and jealousy are apt to make less of the moving of the Spirit in lives because they themselves are unwilling to deal with God in certain areas of their lives and therefore they begin to tear down what God has done in those who did respond to the call of Christ for salvation and holiness. It is a very dangerous thing to question the work of the HolySpirit.

That said, be it far from us that when we would be criticized for claiming a great work of God within us; that it would not be on the merit of a past conflict left undone or even an ounce of unforgiveness toward someone. May we be sensitive to any ill will towards others, or even if someone has something against us... 

We are bound in times of revival to respond to those things that would be laid upon our hearts to deal with in order to be emptied of unrighteousness and in turn be filled with the HolySpirit.

Jesus said in Matthew chapter 5... If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

 If we are indeed to live a Spirit-filled life there must be no room for bitterness and conflict between us and others. Even the seemingly smallest issues can keep us from enjoying the full blessings of serving our sweet Saviour.

So allow me to encourage all of us to be sensitive to the Spirit regarding criticism towards what we claim Christ has wrought in us. It just may be that the critics are fueled by some foul bitterness, and it doesn't matter if what is amiss was our fault or if we are as innocent as a baby bird. If you know there is something there deal with it.

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

-Matthew 18:15

It has been mentioned before in our precious Bible and is so true, Bitterness is the only sin mentioned that has a root... And what a strong root it has.

There is also a danger of bitterness taking root in those who have experienced revival when we hear the criticisms of others.

Don't allow Ol' Slewfoot to rob you of what you know is the undeniable work of God.

-Pastor Chad

The Work of the HolySpirit

Where do I begin? God has done many marvelous things in our lives in recent days at Three & Twenty Baptist Church. 

Our people have an undying thirst for the things of God and I praise His precious name for it. Homes that were dry and lifeless now ring out with joy, scripture and prayer. Family worship has been revived in our homes and a burden for the abundant life is consuming our people. 

Why?, some may ask?... The sweet HolySpirit came by our way and touched hearts in a way I've never experienced before. People began to desire the Oil in their homes and lives and Christ was pleased to provide that filling that could only come from Him. Bitterness and unforgiveness was dealt with and plucked out and cold hearts were melted as the wax of a candle before a burning fire. Two precious souls were saved and one young man called to preach. 

On Saturday evening of the last night of meeting a burden for prayer under the old Oak trees was put forth by one of the brethren, the Wind of the HolySpirit blew through that prayer meeting and hungry men were filled with the Spirit. 

Since then, a rock altar has been established there and at various times the men of the church have been drawn there for prayer. One man who works second shift even took his lunch break to come and spend time in nighttime prayer. This morning as I went by to pray I found that a dear brother had made a huge cross of Cedar and Placed it in the ground at our rock altar. Let us never forget that prayer is the wood that fuels the fire.

I can say with no fear or reservation of any kind that God has sent revival to the people of Three & Twenty, and as Pastor am humbled that God would come our way and bless an undeserving people such as us. I am excited to see what God does with us, and if we will continue to obey Him there's no telling what God could do in the days and years to come. 

May we ever abide in His divine Love.

-Pastor Chad

Praise The Lord!

As far as we know tonight is the last night of meeting at Three & Twenty Baptist. We don't know what God may do in our midst tonight but I want to thank Him for what He's already done for our church... 

Bitterness was plucked from hearts, reconciliation was made between folks, a burden for the lost was reborn and so far, 2 precious souls have been saved. 

I believe with my entire heart that God has changed our people for the better and I'm excited to be part of what God has done and will continue to do. 

Come on out to Ridge Rd. tonight and labor with us in prayer and obedience as we seek His face tonight. 7:00... Hope to see you there. -Pastor Chad

Revival Update

The Wind is blowing at Three & Twenty Baptist Church. Prayer, testimonies and tears have been common place in this unusual move of God. 

Many have testified of getting bitterness out of their lives and asking others to forgive them; one young husband and father shared that he had harbored bitterness in his heart against his Dad for more than 8 years. God dealt with this young man and contacted his dad and was able set things right between them. This is just one of many examples of what God is doing in lives.

We are asking God to revive His work in the midst of the years and save souls in these days of spiritual awakening. Help us pray that God will set up a Memorial in our homes and church, and please come worship with us if possible. So far we are scheduled for April 9-11 @ 7:00 each night. 

I will try to keep this ministry blog updated throughout this meeting. 

-Pastor Chad

Special Revival Effort

3rd Annual Winter's End Gathering

Not I, But Christ

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

As a young boy I remember Dad telling me about my grandmother accepting Christ as her Lord and Saviour. She was about 13 years old and had been drawn by the Spirit before but just didn't feel like she could live up to the Christian standard on her own. 

Early one cold morning as she was in the barn milking the family milk cow, she felt the sweet HolySpirit drawing her unto Himself once more. She laid her head over on the warm belly of that old milk cow as she often did on such cold mornings and began to pray about her fears.

She began to explain to the Lord that she would love to accept Him into her heart but exclaimed nervously... "I can't live the Christian life, I'm sure I'll fell!" The reply she would get at that moment would change her life forever. 

"Junia", the Lord so gently replied... "I know you can't!, but if you let me in, I'll live it for you." And right there while milking that cow my Grandmother was gloriously saved.

My Grandmother Junia was a precious saint of God the rest of her days. And she was right, not her nor anyone else is capable of living a righteous life outside of the influence and guidance of Christ. We must follow His Word and fellowship with Him daily. As the people of God we must all say as Paul did above... "Not I, But Christ".

Christ died that we could be freed from the bondage of sin, and from the most horrible individual to most moral of folks ever born all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, there is none good, no not one and all our righteousness is as filthy rags. That leaves us in a very needy condition, thank God that we have a blessed hope in Jesus Christ. Who died that we might live. Yet not I, but Christ.          -Pastor Chad