WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?

Have you wondered this?  Is there some period in history that you've glamorized?  Perhaps if you had a time machine, you'd go back and visit that time period?

I've often thought the time around the turn of the twentieth century would have been an interesting time to live.  Cars were just beginning to hit the scene.  An explosion of manufacturing was soon to hit the country.  The "roaring twenties" was a period of prosperity and expansion.  But two World Wars were on the horizon that would change the world forever - one way or the other!

Recently, I've wondered how far back one would have to go to find a fervent faith in America?  How far back would we have to wind the clock to find the culture saturated with a deep faith in God? 

Historians record three "Great Awakenings" in America.  The last of these was from 1850 - 1910.  It was characterized by the founding of new denominations and zealous missionary outreach!  It resulted in over one million new converts for the churches of America!  It produced institutions like the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and great leaders like Dwight L. Moody.  It carried the nation through the desperate days of civil war and the issues that divided the nation!

Some historians are claiming that there was a fourth "Great Awakening" in the late 1960's and through the 1970's.  This period was characterized by the weakening of the "mainline" Protestant denominations in membership and influence while conservative denominations like the southern Baptists and Pentecostals thrived!  There is no general consensus that a fourth "Great Awakening" actually occurred.

I would like to live in a period known as a "Great Awakening"!  I would love to see a massive turning to Christ for salvation!  I would love to see a willingness to sacrifice for the cause of Christ.  I would love to experience a church where there is a desire to participate in the sufferings of Christ.  I would love to see a boldness and courage that is willing to pay whatever price is necessary to see the Kingdom of God flourish! 

Regretfully, I have NOT experienced this in my lifetime - as yet.  But from what I'm reading, the Spirit of God may have plans to bring me into contact with such a church over the next year...