The Church during the times of revival has always been on the cutting edge of reform and restoration of the truth. When men would demoralize and dehumanize their brethren for the sake of economic expedience or adopt a position of superiority over others, it was the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that would challenge corrupt systems of discrimination and division. Revered Pastor and abolitionist Charles Finney believed his duty was to abolish slavery and accept former slaves as fellow members of a kindred body of believers. Although many people may have given attention to his message on revival of religion, they fail to examine the effects of a genuine move of God that challenges religious systems to reexamine their hearts and be purged of the roots of racism underneath the surface of their outward expressions of piety.

                It will not be the world nor political or civic institutions that will provide the impetus for change. It will be the influence of a people that have returned to the foundation of biblical faith who believe that Jesus is the answer to every question and the solution to every problem. In recent years,  Jesus Christ were conveniently attached as an addendum to a set agenda used only to validate a cause that men had already adapted. He was not the Author of their faith, but instead a confirmer of what men had authored themselves and a faith that only led them to a life of self-indulgence. They believed in themselves and had confidence that they could change the world. Yet, the global crises grew worse and people experienced an unprecedented level of despondency. As it was in the past, people continue to spur hatred and polarization among people-groups with little effort to understand the other side. If there is no change in today’s climate of racial tensions, this decade could lead to the eruption of a racial civil war as a result of clashing cultures. It is not just the Shiites and Sunnis that are diametrically opposed to one another. How many define the Christian faith and give expression to what they truly believe could lead to contention among those who profess in honoring and worshiping the Prince of Peace.

                The Occupy Movement has directed our attention towards the civil unrest among the majority. While their message is a clarion call for change, who has been prepared to lead in an environment of change among the masses who are seeking something that none of our current civic leaders possess? Civil unrest can lead to anarchy unless there is a clear message directing people to a cause that is so great as to occupy the efforts of the Occupiers, and channel their energies towards a path of permanent change. The temporary resolution is what the Bible speaks of when it says, “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

                We are in desperate need of a Third Awakening! The comatose state of the Church has rendered her disengaged in providing and protecting the principles of truth faith in God, yet fully engaged in the practice of erecting monuments that deify the strength of humanity. It sets the world on a collision course with God, awaiting His judgments to prove all that it purports as being wrong. As the tensions surmount and the apathetic decrease their concerns, the standard of righteousness seems to lose its potency. However, when it happens as it is happening now, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up His standard against all standards that do not measure up to His own. Pray for revival here…Pray for revival now…”Lord send revival!”