A Catholic No More

Epilogue

R E V I V A L ! !

Revival!…. another chance!

Revival!…. restricted to backsliders.

Revival! A beautiful word. Like love and peace and goodness and joy. The word sends shivers of hope and excitement throughout the prodigal heart. It arouses memories of yesterday when Jesus was king, when life was as it should be, when purpose was wholesome, when fruit was evident, when friends were blessed by one’s presence.

Revival! The good shepherd has found the lost sheep. The lost coin has been found and the woman is dancing. Heaven celebrates and hell is in remorse.

Prodigal son: I am tired of this pigsty! And I hate pigs! Why should I stay in this muck and stench when I have a father who is loaded? I’m dirty, I’m hungry, and I stink! I’m outta here! I will say to my father,”I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”

Several times every day the old man surveys the horizon where he last saw his son’s frame diminish with every hurried step until he was no more. Gone.

My son! My son! Why? Why did you leave? What did you not have? All my possessions I shared with you. You slept in a fine bed. You sat at my table while servants waited on us. Are you ever coming home? Are you…. still…. alive?

My son!! Is that him coming over the hill!? That’s him! I know his stride! His fat is gone and his clothes are rags, but that’s my boy!! Servants, quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet! And bring the fatted calf here and kill it! Let’s party!!”

My son was lost and now is found. Revival!

Promise: If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2Chr.7:14)

Promise: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn.1:9)

Promise: As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev.3:19,20)

Promise: The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. (2Chr.30.9)

Promise: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mt.11:28)

Promise: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. (Is.55:7)

Revival! A return trip to Calvary.

Revival! Kneeling once again on the bloodied ground.

Revival! For the humble only. The proud must bear their burdens.

Jesus. The master builder and the master re-builder.

Jesus. He can mend the broken life.

Jesus. He will forgive.

Revival! “Jesus I come to you now!”

Revival! “I choose you, Jesus!”

Revival! Jesus again takes His rightful place on the throne of the contrite heart.

Revival! Breaks the charismatic cycle.

Revival! Breaks the evangelical cycle.

Jesus. Sin-bearer, advocate.

Jesus. Coming king.

Jesus. Elder brother.

Jesus.