For any who may not know, the 'Church in His Presence'
(Link to their site) is holding a 'revival' known as the 'Bay of the Spirit revival'. It started at their church in Daphne, AL and is now being held at the Mobile Convention Center, in Mobile Alabama. The pastor of this church is John Kilpatrick.
First and foremost, it is important to know that what I share is my understanding, observation, and belief. My understanding is something very much under construction by the Lord. I have walked with the Lord for some time and the more He shows me... the less I am persuaded I know anything other then Him, and Him crucified.
I am going to use this thread to develop my notes into a coherent post on what I saw the evening of 28 August 2010 when I attended. (yes, I know... I am sure the goat herder's post is likely to be coherent... I can hope can't I?)
Some background that is significant when considering what I am going to share;
- I asked the Lord that I not take any bias into this, neither for or against.
- My experience includes having been used in the Lord's service as he has given prophecy, knowledge, and the seemingly contradictory (to some) gifts of discernment, and other lessor gifts also... so I am not at all a cessationist..
- I serve in street witnessing ministry in the community of Brownsville (were the Brownsville revival took place). I can speak with authority on the effects of the Brownsville revival on the community of Brownsville. Certainly not to give a person by person account, but can share the after-effects I have witnessed first hand. More on this may come out in the discussion, or maybe it is for another thread.
- A couple weeks ago a brother that I have known for many years spoke with me about the 'revival at Daphne'. We talked about going, and then it became one of those things you 'intend' to do. While praying the Lord reminded me... and then I logged in here the next morning and Brother Mark was asking if we knew about the revival... there is no coincidence in the Lord's economy.
Some thoughts about what I am going to share;
Let me say that NOTHING I witnessed could not take place in your local Church. The same Holy Spirit that was present in the Mobile Civic Center (the temporary meeting location) is also present within the follower of Christ. He is just as capable of working in your local gathering....
... does this mean no one should attend this event or any like it? No, of course not.
On the ride over I prayed some very specific prayers. I asked the Lord to show me the what spirit was at work here, and if this were a true work / move of the Lord or a show. I also asked He allow me not to judge, but to bless the Lord's people who were there.
One principal I understand about 'revival' is that it is impossible without repentance. Our relationship with the Lord is obstructed by our sin. There is no getting around dealing with sin if we desire to be closer to Him.
I arrived approximately 35 minutes after the beginning or worship. When I walked in I heard worship music, and heard the people singing and praising the Lord. The songs included 'mighty to save' and 'Thine eyes have seen the Glory'. There were a couple that I did not recognize that I assume were written by the professional worship team members.
The sound was loud, but not overly so. Not cranked up to the point of 'performance' but loud. I was blessed by the worship and entered in freely and was blessed to be a part of it.
The people were seated in typical convention center seating, there were pedestals set up for the sound guy and the three cameras I saw recording. Nothing about the technicality or the facility was a distraction other then the stage lights that pointed back into the congregation. I have a continual migraine and the light caused me great pain. My dark glasses helped.
I was blessed by the worship, and spent time praying for the blessing of those around me. I asked the Lord to bless the men who were leading and use them for His Glory. The leader was Pastor John Kilpatrick, He spoke of the Lord doing miracles, and I heard him give the glory to the Lord. I was listening for signs of pride, or 'ego' and did not hear this to be apparent. The things I heard him to say were consistent with scripture, and did not appear to be said to please men.
Some of the testimonies given were of hearings that had been seen on prior nights. Several people came forward to bear witness of the things the Lord had done. None seemed to have been coached, and some were not 'polished' as one might expect of someone who had been 'screened' or coached. I am tempted to give an account of the things shared, but Youtube is rich with these accounts... and I would rather that each might be able to give their own account.
In each instance, the people gave the Lord the glory, and did not attribute the healing to men or the movement. In the testimonies shared I consistently heard evidence that people came with faith that the Lord would heal them... no one said they did not believe the Lord would / could do it. I understand this to be significant as the principal of 'Faith' is an important distinction (IMHO) that separates the true work of the Lord from false 'signs and wonders' done by men.
Only thing that struck me as contrived was the process when each testimony was given.. .when the speaker finished John Kilpatrick would place his palm on their forehead and they would fall back. This appeared to me to be a dramatic element, and while I know it is common practice it did not strike me as authentic. This is my opinion / observation. Being 'Slain in the Spirit' is obviously a common point of contention, I neither wish to take issue with it or do I want to ignore what I see. I mention it as it was something I saw, and recorded in my notes. May well be that the Lord is 'growing me' on this.
The speaker was Pastor Nathan Morris. The title was 'Famous last words'. He shared a message of repentance and focused on the Cross, and the reality of the end of this life and consequences in eternity. It was not a 'feel good' message, or a populist gospel. I was blessed by the message and if the steady flow of people headed to the altar was an indication I was not alone.
My brother was quite fatigued having worked all day so we left as the altar call was concluding. I would have liked to stay longer, and may well be lead to go back on my own so as to not need to leave.
A couple of random notes (things I wrote as I was there);
"To the pure, all things are pure... nothing is withheld from the one who seeks the Lord." (We receive what we believe we will).
"Each receives as they expect. Our faith will define the experience we encounter in the presence of the Lord".
John Kilpatrick spoke of a 'baptism in love'. I believe he was relating his own experience, but he provided no scriptural basis for this... and little explanation. He may well have been discussing his personal experience, and did not seem to imply that it was something necessary for salvation or experienced by all.
"God is not pouring out His spirit on perfect people" John Kilpatrick (I say amen).
"So many preachers are worried about their reputation... when it is all about Jesus.. not about them." Nathan Morris (again, amen)
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Overall assessment; I saw nothing there that was harmful, and nothing that would cause me to speak against what is happening. I will also add though, there is nothing happening that should not be happening in the local Church. If the Lord would lead someone to go, then they should go... out of obedience to the Lord.
Blessings to any who read this, please give me the opportunity to clarify anything that is less then clear.
