Comparing the ministry of Charles Spurgeon with the “principles” of great awakenings as recorded in James Burns’ Revivals, Their Laws and Leaders, Lewis Drummond writes:
“…there is always an ebbing tide before the awakening flood comes. A general defection from “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) often infects the Church just before awakenings dawn. Dullness and lethargy pervade God’s people. Dark days settle in. These periods are also characterized by straying from the central task of evangelism. Churches and pastors begin to substitute secondary ministries for this primary responsibility. Priorities get reversed.
Along with these problems, deviations from apostolic theology can subtly creep in. Compromise on ethical and moral principles tends to follow hard on the heels of doctrinal errors. A critical and blasé attitude envelops many as people grow cynical about those whom they label as “puritanical” and “pious.”…Some actually defect and fall into open sin. In a word, plain “worldliness” takes over, and the Church sinks into a Laodicean syndrome. Yes, church programs go on, often with greater fervor. There is a form of godliness but a denying of real spiritual power (2 Timothy 3:5). With spiritual power missing, and the Church neither hot nor cold, it stands in dire danger of the Lord’s Laodicean rejection (Revelation 3:16).
Although ebb times seem inevitable, the Church and the people who make up the Church are not thereby exonerated and blameless for their defections. In the final analysis, believers become what they want to become, and bear the consequences of their own actions. Christians also reap what they sow, individually and collectively.”O God, how today’s Church needs you to move!
Pastor Todd
