Revival and the Difference Between Discernment and Criticism

Revival and the Difference Between Discernment and Criticism:
Dr. Michael Brown

https://www.youtube.com/live/_KhgGtItsWE?si=l_N2eWtVvEh4Te-E

Heh Mike, Thanks for posting that.

In the sharing by Dr. Brown, he says that the test of whether something is a revival is that the preaching and sharing at the meetings:

1) are based on the Word,
2) produce repentance
3) produce a strong desire to go out and share the Gospel with others,
4) Have long term transforming affect on the lives of the hearers.

This definition and list of criteria is put forth in the first 5 minutes of his talk. If I haven't stated his words right, please correct. I tried to listen over the list a few times to insure I was getting it right.

He also said that we should rejoice "if it's a true revival" and weep if it is not true which presumably means waiting to see before rejoicing however, it seems he was also saying we should rejoice right away when something seems to be happening because it might be true or might be a move of God and he was critical of those who would immediately criticize it as not being a revival. Not sure how we truly rejoice in the Spirit if it might be true. However the contradiction in his words is that we should rejoice "if it is true" and defining what true is and then say we should rejoice if it might be true. Those aren't the same things. I just wonder what the Biblical basis is for spiritual rejoicing in something if it might be true especially if it might just as easily not be true if the test includes long term transorfmative fruit of righteousness? Any help on that ?

I'm not sure where Dr. Brown's definition of "revival" comes from other than a general idea that whether something is a revival of the Holy Spirit is based on the gatherings' "fruit" in peoples' lives as in you will know it by its "fruit". Is that accurate or is there a specific Bible verse(s) that makes the case for Dr. Brown's 4 tests of a true revival that I listed from Dr. Brown's posted sharing.

Next, I was confused about his list in this way, a revival must include by necessity long term transformative changes and affects on the hearers in order for the gatherings to be called a move of God. Doesn't that mean that we have to wait a good period of time and make an assessment on the meetings' transformative permanent righteousness producing fruit in peoples' lives before calling something a revival or a move of God ?

I'm not trying to criticize his definition. I can agree with it unless there is a fuller Biblical definition of a "revival" that someone can come up. As some have said though, the definitions are across the board. Some might say it's a signs and wonders revival, ( which Scripturally isn't fruit but gifts), others might say it's repentance only which is tough to judge initially as true repentance is measured by it's life altering fruit that is produced in keeping with true repentance and that such repentance is preceded by true Godly sorrow and grieving ("against you and you only have I sinned and your judgements are right").

So, my question, do you agree with Dr. Brown that a true revival must have all four criteria and therefore, one must wait for the long term fruit before calling something a move of God at the revival level ?

"So, my question, do you agree with Dr. Brown that a true revival must have all four criteria and therefore, one must wait for the long term fruit before calling something a move of God at the revival level ?

It is one thing to read about the great revivals in the history of the church, which I have done, but it is another thing to experience a true revival in which I have had limited experience but Michael Brown has had years of experience. There will always be critics of true revival, you can find them here on Sermon Index. I could name names but I will refrain from doing so. There are many more characteristics of true revival that were not mentioned by Michael Brown, but he is spot on with what he did mention, like being in line with the Word, true repentance, and bearing fruit. Critics of revival are in many cases not looking for the good that is coming out of a revival but what is wrong, judging by manifestations that they don’t approve of such as shaking or falling under the power of the Spirit. We don’t have to wait for years to know if a revival is true or false, for every true revival is marked by the presence of God being there, so that in that atmosphere you know that God is in this place, and in many true revivals that awesome presence of God has come down on a whole region, so that sinners have an awareness of God and are convicted of their sins by the Holy Spirit, and come to repentance and a born again experience.

Brother Robert, thank you for taking the time to listen to the message by Dr. Michael Brown because some with a critical, judgmental, fault finding spirit will not listen to what Dr. Michael Brown had to say, because their minds are already made up, and they have an unteachable spirit.

Thanks Mike.

I honestly think a lot of the so called "discernment camp” or "heresy hunters” ( the applicable name seems to depend on the POV of the beholder) is in significant measure due to the lack of discernment or the honor culture (praise everything) in the Charismatic camp. Not just my opinion. Listen to the prophetic/pastoral guys on Remnant Radio.

Second, Dr Brown speaks of a "critical spirit”. That isn’t a spiritual term at least as I understand Scripture. What seems to be in Scripture is a spirit that is a quick, baseless and a severe judging (condemning) spirit. A critical spirit in some minds is anything negative. That isn’t a Biblical notion. A critical or objectively analyzing spirit is one that compares a man’s words and actions, speech and conduct, by, through and as against Scripture and evaluates whether it is true and from God. The Spirit calls that a "noble” spirit. ( Berean )
We are to dwell on and think on that which is "noble” and "good” and "pure.” That is what is truth, what is righteousness and what is holy. Through that spirit and Spirit Wisdom we are called to evaluate all things. Optimistic wishes isn’t what the Spirit guides us into but rather into what is true.

Finally, Dr Brown’s own words through experience I guess is that a true move of God produces fruit…….. sharing of Gospel, behaviors and heart attitudes showing good works, and righteousness of character. These are post event changes that tell the tale so I think Dr. Brown would or to be consistent, he should, have is a prudent and hopeful "wait and see” approach. And just to be clear because you put a twist on what I was saying that makes me or my position absurd, that doesn’t take years and years.