There is nothing cynical in the phrase, “Character is what you do when nobody is watching.” Talk is cheap and saying that doesn’t make me a pessimist.

There is nothing cynical in the phrase, “Anxious to see how the ‘revived’ Christians live after the services end and the news crews leave.” Faith without works is dead and saying that doesn’t make me a pessimist.

If this ‘revival’ brings just one person to Jesus, it will be worth it. The angels will rejoice and God will be glorified. I completely agree. Amen!

If this ‘revival’ steers just one soul away from Jesus into the emotion fueled idolatry of Humanism, it will still be worth it because of that one person who came to Jesus.

If this ‘revival’ leads untold numbers people to trust their emotions and follow their hearts rather than anchoring their faith in the Bible, it will still be worth it because of that person who came to Jesus.

And if this ‘revival’ causes anyone to conclude that Jesus isn’t for them because they aren’t feeling the same emotions as the rest of the group, we will still rejoice in that one person who came to Jesus.

I’ve been a church person for a long time. I know what happens when I dare question the long-term value of temporary ‘spiritual experiences.’ It is blasphemy to voice my belief that a spiritual high doesn’t necessarily indicate a movement of the Holy Spirit.

“John, you jerk!!! Just because YOU don’t feel it doesn’t mean GOD ISN’T WORKING!!!”

You are absolutely right. My emotions aren’t reliable tools for gauging what God is doing. I would never tell you to trust my reserved, unemotional mannerisms as validation of my faith. It would be wrong for me to demand you accept my feelings are a sufficient test of truth.

…amen?

(2nd Corinthians 13:5) Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?