The Kind of Revival We Need
As I write this article and look out of my study window, I notice a fresh, green look of new
life. We were out of town this weekend, and this Monday morning it appears I've returned to a
new place. Have you ever noticed when you're away from something dear to you and return, the
dearness grows dearer? My garden has grown several inches, and the pastures are greening up,
although the lawn needs mowing again. It looks like revival around here! Maybe it's because of
the recent rainfall, or because the temperatures are warming up. It could be the seasonal change
or the longer days. Whatever it is, it's got to be God and it's just plain common sense.
Mr. Webster defines common sense as "the unreflective opinion of ordinary people, sound and
prudent, but often unsophisticated judgement." A characteristic of a genuine Christian is that of
having a good hold on common sense
"Who is wise, and he shall know them? For the ways of
the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein:"
(Hosea 14:9)
If we would rely on our common sense, we would be more committed to living the way God wants us
to. The Bible is a book about common sense, and since God made us, it would seem His book would
be a good rule to live by. Salvation by grace is not some mysterious doctrinal depth to reach,
but just plain common sense. Listen, we're all sinners, so it makes sense that if we are going to
heaven the only way to get there is by God providing the means through the only Holy one, the
incarnate God, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Common sense tells us there is no other way.
Common sense should teach us that if we recognize our need of a Saviour, then we should follow
Him in believers baptism and that if we are serving Him in a local church body, we should be re-
baptized if need be to identify with the people we're working with.
Going to church is not a hoop to jump through to get to heaven or to get the approval of your
friends, but is just plain common sense. Jesus Christ is the bread (food) of life. And, if you
don't eat, you will die! The gospel is food for hungry should.
Not having sex outside of marriage is not a holy restriction to keep you from having fun, but
is just common sense. The emotional, biological, and spiritual implication of God's gift of sex
makes for a clear path of that special act to be between a husband and wife in the covenant of
marriage.
When we don't have revival, we don't have God. When we don't have God, we don't have common
sense. When we don't have common sense, we lose our direction and we wither. If we're going to
have revival, we've got to have God, and God is most clearly seen through the eyes of common
sense.
"At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O father, Lord of heaven and
earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto
babes." Matthew 11:25)
Let's ask God to send a common sense Revival right now. Only He can do it, and nobody needs this
worse than His people. Common sense has died in many hearts, ;homes, and churches. The following
article appeared in the Pine Mountain Traveler.
My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on
him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as
time passed. Today I read his obituary.
Obituary - Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many
years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in
bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing
when to come out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair and maybe
it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by a simple, sound financial policy (don't spend more than you earn) and
reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are always in charge). His health began to
deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set into place.
Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens
suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an
unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became
businesses and criminals received better treatment than victims. Common Sense took a beating
when you couldn't legally defend yourself from a burglar in your home and the burglar can sue
you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize
that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, sued and was awarded a
huge settlement. Common Sense was predeceased in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife,
Discretion; his daughter Responsibility; and his son. Reason. He is survived by three step
brothers, I Know My Rights, Someone else Is To Blame, and I'm a Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone!
Brother Randy
