The birth of a movement

There are moments throughout the expanse of history that God has used mere men to do his work. It may not be delivered in a way that we like but that person’s willingness and obedience to do as the Holy Spirit guides them makes them the perfect vessel to reach the hurting and lost. I believe that is why God choose William Seymour. He was flawed but willing and eager for a move of God.

“…the church is an organism, not a human organization.”

Frank Bartleman, Azusa Street

This quote stood out to me as being relevant still today. I’ll leave my thoughts for another time but I encourage you to ponder this for a moment.

Below are two more quotes that jumped out to me during the reading. They are made by the man who compiled these sermons.

God has never worked according to the color of man; He operates through the heart of man.

Rather, follow those who press into God’s Spirit. Let us go on to maturity and fight for the prize rather than personal glory.

I thought this book was put together well and it read nicely. After his summary of William’s life and ministry, he shares a Hardy collection of sermons preached by the man. The insight into the heart of this pioneer of the Pentecostal movement was compelling. I can’t say that I agree 100 % with the teachings, but that is not why you are reading this. I would call this a great “here and there book”. You don’t want to read the whole thing like you would fiction. You will lose the effect it might have.

*** I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The views expressed are entirely my own.

About the Book

Book: The Great Azusa Street Revival

Author: William Seymour

Genre: Christian non-fiction

Release Date: October 16, 2020

A fascinating collection of the words and teachings of William Seymour in the years leading up to and including the historic Azusa Street Revival, which began in Los Angeles in 1906 before spreading across the country and creating the modern-day Pentecostal movement. Includes historic accounts, eyewitness testimonies to the power of God, and photos capturing the multicultural, worldwide appeal of Seymour and his ministry, including his stirring sermons, which covered a wide range of topics that are still relevant to believers today. Compiled by Roberts Liardon, author of the bestselling God’s Generals series.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

William Seymour (1870–1922) was an African American, holiness preacher who initiated the Azusa Street Revival, an influential event in the rise of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. He was the second of eight children born to emancipated slaves and was raised in extreme poverty in Louisiana. Seymour was a student of early Pentecostal minister Charles Parham, and he adopted Parham’s belief that speaking in tongues was the sign of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. In 1906, Seymour moved to Los Angeles, California, where he preached the Pentecostal message and sparked a revival that drew large crowds of believers as well as increased media scrutiny about the controversial religious practices as well as the racially integrated worship services. Seymour’s leadership of the revival and publication of The Apostolic Faith newspaper launched him into prominence within the young Pentecostal movement. As the revival’s influence extended beyond Los Angeles through evangelism and missionary work, Seymour was in the process of developing the revival into a larger organization called the Apostolic Faith Movement. This process was ultimately defeated by power struggles with other ministers and ultimately damaged the unity of the early Pentecostal movement and led to a decrease in Seymour’s influence. By 1914, the revival was past its peak, but Seymour continued to pastor the Apostolic Faith Mission he founded until his death. The revival acted as a catalyst for the spread of Pentecostal practices, such as speaking in tongues and integrated worship, throughout the world. It also played an important role in the history of most major Pentecostal denominations.

More About William

The participants were criticized by some secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

Inklings and notions, November 15

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 16 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, November 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, November 17

deb’s Book Review, November 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 20 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 23

My Devotional Thoughts, November 24 (Spotlight)

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, November 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25

Livin’ Lit, November 26

Giveaway

To celebrate this tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1039d/the-great-azusa-street-revival-celebration-tour-giveaway