Success and Opposition

"The work here is progressing gloriously, although the opposition is deep and bitter."

—The Apostolic Faith, Dec. 1906

The early Pentecostal revival in Salem, Oregon, demonstrates that success does not mean ease.

Revival Characteristics

"Revival is a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one's will to God in deep humility." 


Charles Finney

Finney on Prayer

“[Charles] Finney was very clear on the need for prayer and the value of the work of the Holy Spirit. That this spiritual depth applied to his own life is why sinners, such as those in the cotton mill, could be so deeply affected by his presence. He walked with God. That is the true secret to Finney’s, or any other, revival. He once said, ‘A revival can be expected when Christians
have the spirit of prayer for a revival.’ ”

“Charles G. Finney: Groundbreaking Revivalist,” Ken Horn
Pentecostal Evangel, August 16, 2009

Revival Definition

"Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again."

Vance Havner

For Revival, Resolve This First

“A spirit of revival can’t thrive when church members can’t get along. In many churches, this is the first thing that needs to be resolved. Revival requires unity. Get right with each other to provide good spiritual soil.”

“How to Stop a Revival,” Ken Horn
Today’s Pentecostal Evangel, March 29, 2009

Revival: What's at Stake

“Revivals begin with God's own people; the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them new fervor and compassion, and zeal, new light and life, and when He has thus come to you, He next goes forth to the valley of dry bones.… Oh, what responsibility this lays on the Church of God! If you grieve Him away from yourselves, or hinder His visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely!”

Andrew A. Bonar

Revival, Charter Right of the Church

"Revivals are among the charter rights of the church. They are the evidences of its divinity, the tokens of God’s presence, the witness of His power. The frequency and power of these extraordinary seasons of grace are the tests and preservers of the vital force in the church. The church which is not visited by these seasons is as sterile in all spiritual products as a desert, and is not and cannot meet the designs of God’s church. Such churches may have all the show and parade of life, but it is only a painted life."

E.M. Bounds

In the Christian Advocate, December, 1890.

Tears and the Move of the Spirit

“Repentant tears are the waters upon which the Spirit of God moves.”

Brownlow North

Not all quotes for the Spirit-filled life seem positive. But this one is. The tears of the soul propel revival.