Great Southland Revival (Review)

Great Southland Revival – Tracing the Spirit’s Flame from Acts to Australia gives a good summary of the work of God among His people in the world and particularly in the Antipodes. God empowered His gospel workers with His Spirit to turn the world upside down Down Under with the power of the Gospel of His Kingdom. Perhaps instead of “Down Under” we should use “Right Side Up”?!

As can be expected, the book uses much Pentecostal/Charismatic jargon to detail the story’s movements of the Spirit of Christ down through the years. It is good to see that the book supports a victorious Christ “down here”, i.e., an optimistic rather than a pessimistic eschatology:

“What began in the book of Acts made its way to the farthest reaches of the South Seas. The dream of the psalmist has been fulfilled: “The Lord reigns; let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” (Psalm 97:1). And now, few regions in the world are better prepared for that great Revelation scene when the enthroned Lamb is worshipped by the vast multitude from every nation, tribe and tongue.” p. 262.

Likewise, it is good to see the book deal with more than conversions, but also considers the impact revivals have on nations and what happens if they fail to continue honouring God for His gracious, special and transforming visitation(s). For example, I was also grateful for a helpful key to understanding an area of Australian politics:

The methodist presence in the labour movement eventually faded. Discrimination drove large numbers of Irish Catholics – the majority from working class suburbs – into the ALP [Australian Labor Party], ultimately reshaping it as a Catholic workingmen’s party. For decades, the ALP served as a conduit for Catholic social teaching. It was only from the 1960s that Labor, like other parties, became secular and more hostile to Christian values.” p. 244.

With the following wise disclaimer provided by the authors, this Australian reviewer wholeheartedly endorses this very illuminating book:

Human and even demonic meddling may well be present in a revival. But that does not mean that God is absent. In fact, it could count as further evidence that we are witnessing the spiritual frontlines of a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.” p. 283.

In the words of that old hymn 679 in the Revised Church Hymnary, we sing and pray to the Triune God these words of Albert Midlane ((1825-1909):

1 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice which wakes the dead,
And make Thy people hear.

2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Create soul-thirst for Thee;
And hungering for the Bread of Life
O may our spirits be.

3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Exalt Thy precious Name;
And, by the Holy Ghost, our love
For Thee and Thine inflame.

4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Give power unto Thy Word;
grant that Thy blessèd Gospel may
In living faith be heard.

5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
And give refreshing showers;
The glory shall be all Thine own,
The blessing, Lord, be ours.