Church Quake

Duncan Campbell, the Scottish evangelist and revivalist known for his role in the Hebrides Revival, once said, “Revival is a community saturated with God.” He also referenced the words of Thomas Chalmers, who described revival as “the impact of the personality of Christ on a community.”

We are in desperate need—both individually and corporately—of such a heart awakening in our generation. A transforming revival must come. But it will come one of three ways: by choice, by circumstance, or by consequence. How much better for it to come by a heart awakening than a rude awakening.

The Lord’s Provision During the Shaking:

In 1988, I wrote an article titled “The Lord’s Provision During the Shaking.” A couple of years later, it became a chapter in one of my books, Church Quake: The Lord’s Provision During the Shaking. And now, more than ever, I sense the urgency to revisit that message.

We are living in a time when every institution—both sacred and secular—is being shaken. Everything people have placed their hope in is being tested. But only that which is part of the unshakable Kingdom of God will endure.

Paul reminds us in Hebrews 12:27–29:

"Now this, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire."

God begins with His own household—the Church. As we see throughout Scripture, when the Lord addresses Jerusalem, there are often prophetic parallels that apply to His people today. Zephaniah 1:12 is a sobering reminder:

"And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and punish the men who are settled in complacency, who say in their heart, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil.’"

The Lord is searching the Church with the lamp of His Holy Spirit, exposing compromise and complacency. By His light, He is purging the dross and refining us for the days ahead.

What’s Really in Our Hearts:

Deuteronomy 8:2–3 reminds us of God’s purpose in allowing wilderness seasons:

"…the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart… that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."

God has allowed us seasons of peace and prosperity so we could be a blessing to the nations. But instead of stewarding that favor, many have chosen to follow the lusts of the world.

I’ve often said, “While men reach for thrones to build their own kingdoms, Jesus reached for a towel to wash men’s feet.”

God is now shifting. He is redistributing resources from those who have become enamored with celebrity and self-promotion to those who have been faithful with little and have not abandoned their First Love. Those who have been surviving on crumbs are about to see an increase for greater stewardship.

Humility, Reverence, and True Riches:

Proverbs teaches us that riches, honor, and life come from humility and the fear of the Lord—not from chasing them directly. Many forget where they came from and seek the blessings while bypassing the heart posture required to carry them.

God humbles us not to harm us, but to keep us from trusting in our own strength. It is only through the Presence of the Lord that we find true satisfaction.

D.L. Moody once said, “There are no limitations to those who’ve been in the Presence of the Lord.” That still holds true today.

Prepare the Bride. Prepare the Ark. Prepare the Way:

Once again, I sense the Lord emphasizing four urgent preparations for His people:

1. Prepare the Bride – the Church must purify herself.
2. Prepare an Ark of Refuge – for the many who will be shaken and searching.
3. Prepare the Way for Revival – because revival is coming.
4. Prepare a People for the Coming of the Lord – for He is nearer than we think.

When shakings come—whether through moral failures, public implosions, or economic collapse—we must not rejoice. Like Jeremiah who wept over Jerusalem, we must intercede and weep for those who have fallen. May they repent and return stronger.

A shaken Church often leads to scattered sheep—wounded, wandering, and discouraged. We must be ready to welcome them with grace, not gloating. It’s not a time for puffed-up pride, but broken-hearted compassion.

Knowing God and Pleasing God:

In Daniel 11:32, we’re told, "…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." The Hebrew word for know here is YADA—an intimate, interactive, and submissive relationship. Similarly, Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, "…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…" (the word sufferings also means passion).

To know God is to share His passions. And to know His passions is to live with humble conviction and holy compassion.

We must not be deceived into thinking we are immune to failure. If Lucifer could fall, so can we. Pride comes before destruction, and God’s call is always back to intimacy with Him—not performance, platforms, or possessions.

Doing Things God’s Way:

Success is not wrong, but compromise is. We cannot do things the world’s way and expect the blessing of God. He is not interested in outward concepts or shallow charisma—He desires character and surrender.

So how do we please God?

• By loving people.
• By showing them Jesus.
• By embracing the broken and leading them to healing.
• By gathering scattered sheep and pointing them to the Good Shepherd.
• By speaking truth in love, seasoned with grace…and being part of the solution.

We are not called to give the enemy any ground. We carry Good News, and we must walk in our assignment to bring lasting transformation through Christ.

The Shaking Is Here. Revival Will Follow:

Make no mistake—the shaking is here, and more is coming. But with it will come a great harvest.

Will we respond with faith and obedience? Will we choose revival by choice, or will it come to us by consequence?

The Church has always grown in times of challenge. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, and may we be found faithful, focused, and fruitful in this season.

The world is watching. The time is now.