coolerguy12 said:

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I feel like we have seen a revival on this board. Never seen so many post proclaiming Christ on F16 before

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My son and I went to our first service in years yesterday, and then a friend invited me to go have a steak and watch Klein speak about faith at Central last night. It was a great day!

American Hardwood said:

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dermdoc said:

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WestHoustonAg79 said:

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AggieBand2004 said:

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I just hope part of the revival includes some significant fixes in the churches of America.
We need more Paul Washers and Voddie Bauchams. Having people getting emotionally roused up by Steven Furtick, Andy Stanley, and Todd White does no good.

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What's wrong with Andy Stanley?????

I have started listening to his podcast during the week to keep my mind and spirit grounded and he has been pretty inspiring to me of late. I find his messages very applicable in the daily grind. Not aligned to a tee with my church but it's a positive message nonetheless.

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Something is wrong with everyone. Except Jesus. Unity not division.

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Jesus did not come to unify. He came to divide those that would believe and those that would not. You cannot escape judgment.

However, context matter, and I understand what you mean. We need to be united in an ecumenical sense.

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Especially because more than a few of those splits were politically driven and neither side will admit it because both very poorly schooled about the secular political events during the same religious controversies. An example many devout Orthodox that know their theology are clueless about the actions of the Eastern (Byzantine) Emperors. Its almost as bad with Catholics with the context of some Popes. Ironically, often when they get the "bad" popes history right, they get wrong the times the papacy absolutely doing what they had to do to survive. Rome had to wear several hats in the Middle ages because until 800 they had lost their secular framework. And then there is the Protestants that don't understand some of the machinations of the German princes in regard to the Holy Roman Empire, or to the degree types like Charles V sometimes determined Rome's hand. And this it without evening mentioning the Avignon phase or "Babylonian Captivity". This formula applies to the later times too -- 19th C is heavily colored by the Italian and Greek Revolutions (almost entirely ignored)

That said, ironically enough, modern times - later 20th to present - has been less political as reason (other than being driven by it, like Lliberal agendas causing the pressure) because the splits now are usually over actual theology breaks-- ordaining women, whether gay even has space at all, changing the text of the Bible, violating Tradition, etc.

I'd rather complain about it and pose the question on an anonymous message board. Like most of us.

Moe Jzyslak said:

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I'd rather complain about it and pose the question on an anonymous message board. Like most of us.

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Completely understandable. I am complicit in this as well. To be clear, I was being quite serious about asking folks. I do imagine it's a variety of reasons. Travesty forces us to question our own faith, our own life and what may await. Some folks seek the answers in church. Some will seek answers by joining the TPUSA movement.

I see this happening to a lot of friends I know. The only thing I would add is that a % are realizing that Evil is real and coming to it that way.

I don't know how it will go for Elon, but for midwit atheists like me (now Christian), there are stages:

The first realization is that Christianity *works.* This leads to statements like "We need religion." When people say this, they mean other people need it, not them. "The… https://t.co/XYXWEORAd9

— Chrisman (@chrisman) September 22, 2025

I don't know how it will go for Elon, but for midwit atheists like me (now Christian), there are stages:

The first realization is that Christianity *works.* This leads to statements like "We need religion." When people say this, they mean other people need it, not them. "The plebs need it."

The second realization is that Christianity is *True*. Metaphorically true, the way Jordan Peterson decscribes it. It will work for you personally. It's not just something "people" in general need, but something you need. It's a system, a philosophy.

The third realization is that Christianity is *literally* true. The resurrection happened as written in the Gospels. Such a miracle would be no obstacle for the Creator of the universe. The spiritual world is real. You have a heavenly Father. And he loves you so much he sacrificed his son for you.

For me the journey happened from reading Jordan Peterson > C.S. Lewis > G.K. Chesterton, then finally the Gospels themselves. How did it happen for you?

scd88 said:

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Love the energy on this thread.

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Genesis 50:20

I will also challenge you all who are going to church again for the first time or even those that have been going that are not part of a small group/bible study, to join one. If there is not one available to you at the church then start one.

I had been going to church for most of my life however never was too involved. My wife had been pushing me for years to join a small group and was reluctant because partly I didn't think I knew enough and would embarrass myself, as well as I did not think I would fit in with the "overly churchy" people that go to these things. After my daughter was born in 2020 I made a promise that I would get more involved and set a better example for her and my future kids.

So our family joined a small group for "30 year olds with kids" and it has been the best decision of my life. For small group we gather at each others house on a rotating basis every Sunday everning, do a potluck and hang out for the first hour, then bible study over that days church sermon for the next 45 min - hour. But now outside of that these are some of my best friends I have ever had. We play golf together, have gone hunting/fishing together, watch the games together, have poker nights or pickleball nights together, etc...not only that but my kids have made new friends they get to play with weekly while watching mom and dad lean into Jesus and create a strong church community with.

It is important to go to church but also so so important to build that community together, fellowship together, and live life together. They are ones that can not only enjoy the good times with you but help you through those hard times.

So I highly recommend joining or starting a small group with other people/families in your similar position!

Our separation from God first and other people second is why we have a huge rift in the country. When people talk to each other, they find they have way more in common than different.

zooguy96 said:

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Our separation from God first and other people second is why we have a huge rift in the country. When people talk to each other, they find they have way more in common than different.

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If could pick what would most be rid of, is people's use of talking points in actual conversation. The moment you hear the other say "orange man" you know almost immediately they are uncritical MSM-DNC worldview and it may be hopeless. For the same reason would never use "The Kenyan" or any such when seeking individual discussion. The starting point is almost everything would be better if "we" were in charge, agree? LOL. Kind of make it a joke and then try to discover actual stances.

Apollo79 said:

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Meh I'd like to agree but nothing will change, cultural rot has already set in.

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There were gay/pedo bathhouses in Rome. And then they were gone. For at least 1700 years.

Just a thought.

discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

No Spin Ag said:

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discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

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He is God. He doesn't owe us an explanation.

If He gave us one, very likely we couldn't comprehend it anyway.

Ask yourself this. Why did he require his only son to die a horrible death so that we can have hope of being with him one day? Why didn't he just say, you guys can all be with me one day?

Certainly that would have been easier, right?

No Spin Ag said:

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discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

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God only knows. It's bigger than we are.

4 said:

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No Spin Ag said:

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discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

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He is God. He doesn't owe us an explanation.

If He gave us one, very likely we couldn't comprehend it anyway.

Ask yourself this. Why did he require his only son to die a horrible death so that we can have hope of being with him one day? Why didn't he just say, you guys can all be with me one day?

Certainly that would have been easier, right?

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Great points.

Now if only humans would learn from their mistakes we might not have to go through these never ending cycles.

Queso1 said:

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No Spin Ag said:

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discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

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God only knows. It's bigger than we are.

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True, but it doesn't hurt to wonder.

Queso1 said:

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No Spin Ag said:

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discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

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God only knows. It's bigger than we are.

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Heard Voddie Baucham one time say in response to a similar question, "That's not my department and praise Jesus for that." (He obivously expounded on what he meant by not my department but I appreciated the quip none the less)

I've often asked why the Jewish people so quickly built a golden calf after they had just witnessed the miracles that God had done amongst them. The same answer to that applies to the question you brought above. We as humans are fallen and we stray from our Lord. Many of us live in open rebellion against Him. And yet He continuously pursues us and woos us fights for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I pray you are right!

No Spin Ag said:

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discobrob said:

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God makes dead things come to life. If he wills revival, cultural rot stands no chance.

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Why would God have waited until someone was murdered and not done something in the past 100+ years (depending on who you ask) so that things wouldn't have gotten so bad that things like murders happen?

Or did he want the rot to happen, with all the pain and sorrow it's caused, including Charlie's murder, to get things back on track, when they had been off track for so long?

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Look at what St. Stephen's martyrdom did. (Which imo this more resembles and said it early) He represented the witness that was trying to reach the non-insiderss, the true outliers, the Gentiles. His murder basically by the direction of the Sanhedrin (would put our pied pipers as the modern version) galvanized not only his witness, but cleared some of the barriers separating lukewarm from hot Christians in the making (Elon may be one)

God never pledged to stop evil. But he does hijack its efforts at times in ways clearly discernible. The attack on Pearl had to happen to get the US into the war to destroy Nazism. In retrospect its easy to see more served than did not the scheme of things. That's another example perhaps too high level as the start of that war was complex.

What about 9/11? Dunno. May have been a case of W/Cheney botching such a successful use of evil for good. Handled a certain way it could have led to a united west/russia/asia elimination of radical Islamists.

213 Grove said:

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I will also challenge you all who are going to church again for the first time or even those that have been going that are not part of a small group/bible study, to join one. If there is not one available to you at the church then start one.

I had been going to church for most of my life however never was too involved. My wife had been pushing me for years to join a small group and was reluctant because partly I didn't think I knew enough and would embarrass myself, as well as I did not think I would fit in with the "overly churchy" people that go to these things. After my daughter was born in 2020 I made a promise that I would get more involved and set a better example for her and my future kids.

So our family joined a small group for "30 year olds with kids" and it has been the best decision of my life. For small group we gather at each others house on a rotating basis every Sunday everning, do a potluck and hang out for the first hour, then bible study over that days church sermon for the next 45 min - hour. But now outside of that these are some of my best friends I have ever had. We play golf together, have gone hunting/fishing together, watch the games together, have poker nights or pickleball nights together, etc...not only that but my kids have made new friends they get to play with weekly while watching mom and dad lean into Jesus and create a strong church community with.

It is important to go to church but also so so important to build that community together, fellowship together, and live life together. They are ones that can not only enjoy the good times with you but help you through those hard times.

So I highly recommend joining or starting a small group with other people/families in your similar position!

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Thank you for posting this. I'm in a similar boat but behind you in the execution of it. Raised in the church. Typical lazy faith in college/young prof life. Also had a daughter (first) born in 2020 and we have been regularly attending Sundays and kids go to preschool at our church. My soul has been longing for the plug in like a small group etc but whether I like to admit it or not, many of the reasons you laid out is prob why I haven't been the family leader I should and found the right plug in for us. It's easy to "get busy" and continue to go through the motions. I have been reading a lot more though, not just scripture but other faith books and all over some of the podcasts I have found. Soooooo ready for a big change!

I have certainly recognized the need to grow/mature in your faith and be intentional about it.

Thanks for posting sir.

You won't regret it. And if the first one you join isnt for you keep trying until you find one that sticks. And if you are scared to join because you don't think you know enough, that doesn't matter, most of these are extremely welcoming and even still to this day there are sometime I just sit and listen without chiming in at all, and that's okay. The important part is showing up, learning, and setting that example. You got it!

Here's a great video that gets me every time. Well worth sharing with your friends that are looking for something right now.

[url] [/url]

Apollo79 said:

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Meh I'd like to agree but nothing will change, cultural rot has already set in.

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Our Austin church was backed up for 5 blocks with cars waiting to get in. Never seen anything like it.
We are about 30% liberal too.

I pray revival comes to our country - bringing new believers to the faith and for Christians across the country to embrace Christ's call to love our enemies.

A politician cannot heal what ails us.

coolerguy12 said:

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Here's a great video that gets me every time. Well worth sharing with your friends that are looking for something right now.

[url] [/url]

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My favorite preacher. Alister Begg is such a gifted speaker, and a true man of God. I was really disappointed when I heard he was retiring last year.

That clip is dynamite

100% agreed

Yes a revival of sorts is occurring with Gen Z. Well documented.

These phenomena are cyclical. Talk to olds about the "Jesus freaks" from the early 70s. Or go back even deeper in our religious history. This current moment is very real but it is not unique or permanent.

TTT

ec2004 said:

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I pray revival comes to our country - bringing new believers to the faith and for Christians across the country to embrace Christ's call to love our enemies.

A politician cannot heal what ails us.

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More specifically, government cannot heal what ails us.

dermdoc said:

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Just got a text from a doc friend. She has a good friend involved with Turning Point and is being told there is record interest and the young people are on fire for Jesus.

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I went to TPUSA headquarters last Tuesday and again this Tuesday. The number of people that are still coming there is significant.