J. I. Packer, writing in God among us (“God in our environment”; Ann Arbor, 1987), pages 24-35, proposes that, among the variety of God’s means of action, five constants appear in biblical awakenings:
1- Awareness of God’s presence: “The first and fundamental characteristic of awakening is the feeling that God came in an astonishing way in his holiness, mercy, and power. “
- 2- Reaction to the Word of God: “The message of Scripture.
- Which before.
- At most.
- Had only a superficial impact.
- Now in its listeners and readers in the depths of its being”.
3- Sensitivity to sin: “Consciousness becomes delicate and deep humility becomes present”.
4- Community disposition: “Love and generosity, unity and joy, security and audacity, the spirit of praise and prayer and the passion to reach and win over others are recurring marks of resurrected communities”.
5- Fertility in testimony: “Christians proclaim with words and works the strength of a new life, souls are gained and a community consciousness enlightened by Christian values arises”.
No church, no community can experience such heavenly powers without a fuss against this world. In addition, it is the pastor’s job to pray for awakening and preaching for awakening; therefore, a faithful pastor cannot do his work without accepting that the gospel he preaches will bring radical changes.
Understood.