Posts Tagged ‘spirit of revival’
Six reasons Haiti may be closer to revival than the United States
After a week of fire in Haiti, it’s clear to me why they may be closer to revival than we are.
As a revivalist for the last 23 years, it’s usually quite easy for me to discern the spirit of revival. When it’s there, it overwhelms me, and when it’s not, I’m grieved. Until last week, I’ve been grieved for years.
I preached 16 times over 8 days in suffocating heat and was wrecked as I watched hundreds of precious people aggressively contend for the fire of the Holy Spirit. Their worship was explosive and their commitment was remarkable.
Last week I encountered the spirit of revival for the first time in years. The last time I felt it was during an event with Brian Simmons in Detroit several years ago. It quickly faded however, and I’ve been outside of a revival atmosphere since—until Easter morning in Haiti, that is.
Nearly 2000 people packed that church in 85-95 degree heat and worshipped with fire!
Monday saw hundreds of people return, and by the end of the week we were at 2000 radical Haitian revivalists dancing and interceding deeply.
Watch a video of a massive fire tunnel of JOY that took place on the last night of the conference:
Six reasons Haiti may be closer to revival than the United States
1. Hunger
The entire week was filled with hundreds of people contending for freedom and an encounter with Jesus. People kept coming to me, some in tears, telling me in broken English, or in French with an interpreter how thankful they are for encountering Jesus. One amazing young lady was absolutely transformed after I prophesied to her on the first day. She went from a stoic, emotionless disposition to joy and tears on the last day. I told her I’d never forget her after watching what God did in such a powerful way in her life. She simply said through an interpreter, “I’ll never forget the fire you gave me.” I was wrecked again.
Their hunger wasn’t for a new car, a new house or for promotions or to discover their ministries. They simply wanted Jesus. The average income in that part of Haiti is about $70 a month. To honor me as a man of God (his words), one person gave me Haitian money that equated to $12 and I was deeply moved. That was possibly 1/6th of his monthly income. That translates to several hundred dollars when compared to our American economy. His hunger for Jesus resulted in thanks and honor of the messenger—and this messenger was probably more moved by him than he was by me.
2. Commitment
Nobody drove to the church. In fact, you nearly would need a four wheel drive to navigate the roads that led to the church. They were extremely rocky and broken up with deep holes.
Everybody walked to the church—many for up to two hours, and then, after a 3 hour service, they would walk home, two hours, in pitch darkness (no street lights at all) and often in a massive downpour (it was the rainy season when I was there.).
The Sunday service lasted six hours in extreme heat, and then, after a break, most returned Sunday evening for more. Then, their commitment was so intense that they returned every single night that I was there. Eight nights in a row!
There was no competing, more important activities such as ballet, baseball, movies, relaxation or ANYTHING at all! There was nothing better or more important than going to worship Jesus at the church. They were committed to the corporate gathering, and that in itself may be enough to see revival launch there.
In America we all drive, yet most wouldn’t think of sitting down in an air conditioned car for two hours to drive to church every night. The commitment we have in this nation just isn’t comparable.
3. Honor
I have never, in all of my years, seen a church honor their pastor with such passion, humility and love. It would be impossible for me to overstate what I experienced. One young emerging leader told me in broken English, “I love my pastor and he loves me. I love to stand next to him.” It was precious. The pastor and his wife are so humble yet unapologetically bold and focused on seeing transformation come to Haiti—and everybody honors that devotion.
They had a special service to show their appreciation this past Sunday, and for six hours people sang songs to them, present fruit as gifts, shared testimonies and literally laid out a red carpet as thousands gave them a long standing ovation. The pastor and his wife never would have asked for this, but the people exhibited their hearts of honor for them in a memorable way.
4. Boldness
Finally I found a church where you could preach convicting, challenging messages and the people actually rejoiced! The pastor isn’t playing games, and he refuses to entertain apathy or a casual approach to God or the church. He just gave a 30-day ultimatum. Either become 100% committed to attending regularly, to giving financially and to serving in ministry—or leave. You are either in or you are out. And guess how people responded. Yep, they are in.
Sadly in America we are so independent that any ultimatum like that would most likely result in most people checking out. The pastor would be accused of being controlling instead of appreciating his determination to accomplish the mission.
Haitians are radically devoted to seeing their nation experience revival and transformation. They aren’t in the church for the sake of their own experience. They are craving for God to move, and they embrace the sharp, difficult messages that are required to see this revolution come.
5. Supernatural
Demons are everywhere, and they know it. They experience such unbelievable supernatural realities that it doesn’t take much to ready them for a move of God. I asked a jam packed alter full of people how many were experiencing nightmares. This prophetic word was burning in me, but I had no idea what kind of response I’d get. Over 1/2 of the massive crowd raised their hands. 1/3rd said they were specifically aware of demons. Voodoo is rampant in the area and the power is real.
So, if the enemy is that real, then it’s easy to understand just how real and supernatural God is.
This being the case, everything just feels much more powerful. The intercession and worship is intense. The atmosphere is alive. They understand deliverance and they expect other worldly encounters.
6. Desperation
The earthquake in 2010 killed 225,000 people. The region is devastated and poverty is extreme. It’s a third world country that seems to have more needs than can ever be met.
It feels hopeless. In a remote region I asked the pastor how in the world the police would find us if there was a problem. He said, “You don’t want to need the police.” That wasn’t very comforting! I realized how much they actually have to rely on God.
The police or an ambulance can’t come to our rescue. That’s the situation in a nation where medical care in poor and emergency systems are nearly non-existent. As I stated before, the average income is $70 a month.
The pastor told me about a critical prayer meeting that he held just prior to the earthquake. 1400 people showed up. None of them died in the earthquake. Three people from the church who didn’t attend did die.
They understand the realities of life and death, and they are extremely desperate for Jesus. The prayer meetings are full. In fact, the pastor just added another weekly prayer meeting with the expectation of revival breaking out—and the desperate are coming.
How can America see revival?
I am so disinterested in most strategies, round table sessions or great ideas.
I want prayer meetings.
Lots and lots of prayer meetings with hundreds and thousands of people in attendance.
The prescription of revival is simple:
“Congregate the people who are willing to make a total surrender. Pray and wait. Believe God’s promises. Hold daily meetings. ”Evan Roberts
Is anybody ready to fully surrender, pray, wait, believe and attend daily meetings in America? If not, revival will have to wait.
Invite John Burton to minister in the spirit of revival at your church or conference
John Burton carries and releases the tangible fire of God. ~Matt Sorger
Experience our brand new website and learn more about the urgent yet joyful mandate for revival that John carries.
John Burton is available to minister in your church or at your conference or event. John has been developing and leading ministries for over 20 years and is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. John has authored six books, has appeared on Christian television and radio and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City.
Additionally, he planted two churches, has initiated two city prayer movements and is currently directing a prayer and revival focused ministry school in Detroit called theLab.
In addition to his thrill ride as the senior leader at Revival Church in the Detroit region, an equally thrilling mission of his is to bring a message of revival and unity to churches around the world.
We would have a lot of fun and your local mission would experience a serious surge of strength and life as John ministers messages including:
- Covens in the Church (Serving with leadership with joy and passion)
- Carry Like Mary (A message of awakening)
- Becoming Unoffendable (John’s most popular teaching)
- A Spirit of Insignificance (Freedom from rejection and insignificance)
- And more!
John also has a web and graphic design business and is continually developing new and exciting ventures. He and his beautiful wife Amy have four children and currently live in the Detroit region.
- Connect with John and book an event today!
- Listen to John’s teachings
- Watch short video messages
- Read articles by John
RECOMMENDATIONS
I want to recommend to you the ministry of John Burton. John carries a real passion and anointing for revival, breakthrough and transformation. He carries and releases the tangible fire of God and brings people into encounters with God's presence. He is a strong equipper in the areas of prayer and evangelism and mobilizes people to carry God's word and presence outside the four walls of the church building. John is also a great preacher of the word. He has had many years of ministry experience both as a pastor and evangelist. His understanding of local church ministry makes his ministry well rounded and unique. He pastors, oversees a school of ministry and travels releasing the fire of God and igniting hearts with a passion for Jesus. I believe he would be a great blessing to your church.
Matt Sorger
“John is dangerously prophetic, provoking passion in those in pursuit of revival. In just a few short years, I have witnessed the impact of his obedience to Christ in a region bound by division & religion. His mandate is one of radical devotion, raising up burning ones and releasing them into new levels in their kingdom assignment.”
Marcellis Smith, Lead Pastor
Jubilee City
Detroit, MI
“John Burton is a modern day revivalist that sees and wants the heart of God rise up in this present generation! I highly recommend him for any ministry you may be considering. In my opinion, he is like a modern day John the Baptist going ahead preparing people for the Lord! We had him in our church and we were not disappointed and neither will you!”
Pastor Tim Martin
“John Burton is a man who has continued to allow himself to be thrust into the middle of what God is doing. He not only hears from Heaven, but is willing to boldly shout it from the rooftops. If John is stirred about something, I would recommend that you listen.”
J.D. King, International Director World Revival Network of Ministries
John Burton is a man with unquenchable passion for God. His life is a living Epistle of the truth that the Kingdom of God is not just in word, but in power. He lights fires wherever he goes leaving behind the unmistakable fragrance of the life of Christ. I highly recommend his ministry to you.
Glenn Bleakney
I highly recommend John’s ministry! Can’t wait to do some meetings together with him!
Pastor Brian Simmons
“If you are in a room with John Burton for more than 10 minutes and you don’t have a fire in your belly, I would check your pulse. This man is a fire starter and it’s catchy! John is a revivalist who burns with a passion to see cities and nations set ablaze with love for Jesus! He is a gifted writer, preacher and prophetic minister. He has clear vision and strategy for city wide breakthrough of revival. I highly encourage you to invite his team at TheLab to your church if you are in need of corporate breakthrough!”
Julia Palermo
Listen now! A sudden outbreak of the spirit of revival in Detroit last night!
I didn’t see it coming! The spirit of revival surprised a zealous people in Detroit!
This message will absolutely rock you with violence! Is it possible you have a crisis of revelation? Listen and expect a powerful experience with God HImself!
Listen NOW here: http://media.johnburton.net/4086197
I boldly share three motivations that keep me burning every day—and this strategy will cause you to burn through every obstacle in your life.
In a day when unity in the church is so critical, I refuse to unify with anybody who is lukewarm! This means that we must discover a burning, white-hot remnant that loves not their own lives, who are ready to explode!
Are you in this remnant?
Are we ready to lay down our lives for our city, or are we simply interested in a move of God that brings personal blessing and prosperity?
There is an awakening that must happen! When we start desiring encounter more than breakthrough the spirit of revival will come.
Listen now and follow along with my notes below:
My Three Motivations
I. We must burn
a. We were born to literally and aggressively awaken the sleeping and to change environments.
i. I believe to live an average life requires continual sin.
1. Our call is to live by the most fervent faith and have the most zealous disposition.
b. Night and day, never taking a break…we are to be consumed with the fire of the Living God!
c. I’m going to share three personal motivations that ensure I stay on fire.
i. If our foundational relationship is with God as problem solver, we’ll find ourselves to be sleepy, tepid and dry.
ii. We are called to govern and to bring about the change ourselves. We are to solve the problems!
iii. You awaken! You prophesy! You pray! You burn!
d. Church at Sardis- we have a problem.
i. Revelation 3:1-3 (ESV) 1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
1. God will actually come against the church!
2. Our very good God will take on the role of adversary, as thief, against his church if it isn’t pure, white, spotless.
e. Church at Laodicea-we have a problem.
i. Revelation 3:15-19 (ESV) 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
1. We must burn!
2. We can’t make declarations of our own satisfactory condition if God sees us as poor, blind and naked!
3. White hot devotion is a must!
II. Motivation #1: Deep, experiential intimacy with Jesus
a. Critical point: I’ve met many who identify with one of the three motivations, and that single focus is not enough to sustain us.
i. Many would say that all we have to do is experience God’s love and everything will just fall into place.
1. Not true!
2. Have you ever met someone who loved God and then sinned?
3. Have you ever met someone who just soaks in God’s presence but isn’t available to do the work of the ministry?
b. That being said, nothing else will work if we don’t have a deep, abiding, experiential, overwhelming and intimate relationship with Jesus!
c. Intimacy with Jesus will form us!
d. A. W. Tozer: The love of Christ both wounds and heals, it fascinates and frightens, it kills and makes alive, it draws and repulses. There can be nothing more terrible or wonderful than to be stricken with love for Christ so deeply that the whole being goes out in a pained adoration of His person, an adoration that disturbs and disconcerts while it purges and satisfies and relaxes the deep inner heart.
i. My personal life is marked by continual and intentional encounters with Jesus.
1. I am extremely devoted to intimacy!
ii. It’s a major, daily focus of my life!
1. Worship music is playing almost continually in my office.
2. I pray in the Spirit, soak, mediate and spend time just enjoying the Lover of my soul, the bridegroom.
3. My desire is alive!
4. E.M. Bounds: The deeper the desire, the stronger the prayer. Without desire, prayer is a meaningless mumble of words. Such perfunctory, formal praying, with no heart, no feeling, no real desire accompanying it, is to be shunned like a pestilence. Its exercise is a waste of precious time, and from it, no real blessing accrues.
iii. Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV) 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
1. Asking, seeking and knocking must be continual.
2. God isn’t resisting us, he’s wooing us!
a. We too often want God to manifest in our natural realm when he’s hiding just on the other side of the border of natural and supernatural.
b. He wants us to manifest in his realm!
c. The Great Commandment
d. Matthew 22:37 (ESV) 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
e. Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
e. This is why the cares of life must be violently eradicated!
i. David Wilkerson Many of those who once were so passionately in love with Christ now run about pursuing their own interests. They're burdened down with stress and problems, chasing after riches and the things of this world.
ii. If we are distracted by life, the Bible tells us we won’t mature, and we see a church out there that is immature and without time to be intimately involved with God.
iii. Luke 8:14 (ESV) 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
1. J. Oswald Saunders : We are at this moment as close to God as we really choose to be. True, there are times when we would like to know a deeper intimacy, but when it comes to the point, we are not prepared to pay the price involved.
iv. I’m looking for a store front for Revival Church North where we can devote many nights a week to fervent, intimate prayer! It’s a must!
1. Anna: Luke 2:37 (ESV) 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
2. We must pray and refuse to allow anything to get in the way!
3. Oct 12.
III. Motivation #2: Fear, Trembling and Obedience
a. David Wilkerson: Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do.
b. Every day of my life I have a keen focus on working out my salvation, on obedience and on allowing God to reveal his justice to me.
c. Keep in mind we are not dealing with the friendly spirit, the cozy spirit…He’s the Holy Spirit!
i. Revelation 15:4 (ESV) 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
1. Yes, he is the comforter…but, if you find yourselves comforted in sin instead of comforted from sin, it’s a demon you are dealing with.
2. God’s comfort comes in holiness!
ii. Philippians 2:12-16 (ESV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
d. Am I blameless? Do I grumble? Do I obey without questioning?
e. Adam Clarke: Considering the difficulty of the work, and the danger of miscarriage. If you do not watch, pray and continually depend on God, your enemies will surprise you, and your light and life will become extinct; and then consider what an awful account you must give to Him whose Spirit ye have grieved, and of whose glory ye have come short.
i. One way I know I’m doing well is if I experience the fear of God and not the spirit of fear.
ii. If the spirit of fear is there, I know I’m not pursuing intimacy with Jesus sufficiently.
iii. If the fear of God isn’t there, I know I’m blinded to his righteousness and judgment.
1. There is simply no way to approach God in fullness without trembling and considering our own depravity!
2. Abu Bakr: When you advise any person you should be guided by the fear of God.
3. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV) 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
4. Matthew 10:34 (ESV) 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
a. The call to partner with God is a call to a hard core, sobering mission—and to sleepwalk through life, to pursue comfort and ease is to intentionally depart from God at the point of mission.
b. The fear of the Lord won’t allow us to leave when the loving feeling lets up.
c. I know my walk with Jesus will eventually lead me to the garden of Gethsemane, and I’ll have the option to sleep or to be with Jesus as he is about to shock the planet.
IV. Motivation #3: My Mission
a. If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice? – David Livingstone
b. I simply know that I can’t take a day off in my fervent pursuit of God because of the importance of my calling.
i. The same is true for 100% of you out there.
ii. If I don’t burn hot every day of my life, people will go to Hell.
1. James 3:1 (ESV) 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
iii. I have been seeing 11:11 everywhere!
1. I don’t know exactly what it means.
2. Could judgment be coming on Nov. 11?
3. Revival?
4. I believe 1 Cor. 1:11 is a key verse.
5. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
6. Follow me as I follow Christ.
iv. Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
1. Since I know others eternities are dependent on my connection with Jesus, I cannot be one that doubts!
2. The moment I am faced with circumstances that challenge my faith, I have no option but to cancel everything and stir up my faith!
3. Tozer: “Any faith that must be supported by the evidence of the senses is not real faith.”
4. Also, I am to teach others what I’ve been commanded.
a. If I am not a student, if I’m not in deep contact with God, I won’t be able to disciple the nations!
b. And successful or unsuccessful ministry always results in either heaven or hell.
c. That keeps me motivated every single second.
c. This is why I simply cannot ever understand how people can excuse themselves from ministry by giving into distractions and excuses, relaxation and personal pursuits.
i. Every day I have eternity in my windshield. Every single day.
1. – Luis Palau A nation will not be moved by timid methods.
2. – David Livingstone Christ alone can save the world, but Christ cannot save the world alone.
3. Do you have an overwhelming, all consuming heart to change the world for Jesus?
4. Consider Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China:
a. As child, at age 5:
When I am a man, I mean to be a missionary and go to China.
b. As a young man:
I feel I cannot go on living unless I do something for China.
c. Late in life, as a veteran missionary:
If I had 1,000 lives, I’d give them all for China.