Revival
I have prayed for Revival a lot over the years. And yet, I am often the cynic.
Has Charlie Kirk's death/assassination started what could be a national revival?
His funeral/memorial was amazing! So many national figures, politically powerful people talking about Jesus, salvation, the Bible, and truth. My goodness, was this for real???
And then the message from Erica Kirk (Charlie’s wife) was incredible! And after losing her husband to a ridiculous killing only two weeks ago, to publicly say she forgives the assassin…are you kidding!! Am I hearing this right!?
I had the privilege of being invited to an event sponsored by a Christian Lobbyist group representing Christian Schools in Ohio. Our little town hall meeting was with Senator Bernie Moreno and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, who works for President Donald Trump with the assignment of closing down the Department of Education and giving education back to the States (a tremendous blessing for us in Ohio – a leader Choice State). And to hear these politicians sounding like Biblical believers with a goal to bring faith, character, and Truth back to the way we govern… Incredible. What is going on?
And not that “Red” means Christian, but “Red” seems to give more room for Christian thinking. So, the perfect storm in the winds of change, and Charlie Kirk's goals as a leader, with apologetic skills, making us all more enthusiastic and bolder in debating and standing for Biblical Truth bringing us to “Such a Time as this.” Is this a time where we Christians can really be a part of making and building a kingdom focused culture where morals, character, and values are normal and meaningful?
We Christians (the Body of Christ) must steward this time and the opportunities before us well!
Yeah, for some good signs in what is otherwise a very scary time (Wars, rumors of wars and much disunity and liberal thinking all over our planet).
Pause – to the hopeful world changer, or the cynic!
Did you hear about the revival at Calvary?
A few weeks ago, we had a special guest (Adrian Despres) speak to our kids. He spoke in Chapel 7 times, plus Bible classes, Leadership kids, teacher devotions, and a donor event. He is an evangelist, Biblical apologist, that really gets kids (He got us teachers too). He delivered several powerful messages. The one that cleared the gym bleachers and sent kids to the gym floor, faces to the ground, tears in eyes with sincere hearts to repent and get in communion with our Savior Jesus was called Four Chairs (get the t-shirt!).
Adrian has developed this message over the years, and it explains our situation so well. We want to be, we need to be, in the 1st chair – a life devoted to the Lord. He describes what a John 10:10 Christian looks like, not perfect, but a love of Jesus that is real and genuine. I could never reproduce his humor and embellishments here (although Adrian does have a book on the subject you can get). The 2nd Chair is a Christian – represents many of us, who get used to Jesus, and grow luke-warm. We might be headed to heaven, but not joyful, not purposeful, and just getting by. The fourth chair is the unsaved, the agnostic, the atheist, the bad-boy – yep – they are going to hell. Then he describes the third chair, much like the 2nd chair – but not saved. They have taken the wide road, not the narrow and think they are saved, but they are not. It is a game to them, and they thought they picked up the life insurance against hell by a child’s prayer or on the coattails of parents and grandparents – “hey I am an American!!” But the salvation they thought they picked up is not real.
Wow – chair 2 and 3 are not impressing chair 4! Chair 4 wants nothing to do with it – it looks fake. And Chairs 2 and 3 make fun of Chair 1 for being some “goody to shoe!”
It is a mess! And the only remedy is to see where you are, consider your sin, confess, and jump into Chair 1! Fall in love with the Jesus who died for our sins and wants us to live that Good Life described in John 10:10 and the message that is all over the Bible.
As I said, a few lines do not do it justice, but while Clay Cross is singing “I Surrender All”, the floor flooded with our students (6th through 12th), your sons and daughters, repenting and proclaiming that “I want to be a Chair 1 Christian!”
It was beautiful! Kids are crying, teachers are crying, and I am crying!! III John 4 tells us there is no greater joy than to see our kids walking with God in Truth!!
Revival!! It is the beginning of a transformed mind, and it changes everything! We use our Holy Spirit power to be the pieces and parts described in our Portrait of a Graduate as we become the next part of the fearfully and wonderfully made person described in Psalms 119 to the handiwork that God created to do the good works and fulfill the assignments He has for us (Eph 2:10). It makes us obedient, hardworking, curious, kind, problem-solving, good teammates, testimony for Jesus-kind of life that was intended (that the devil and world hates).
And – as good as that sounds — you guessed it, we all do it, we leak, we slip, and we forget. Again — Get the t-shirt!! Remember what you are fighting for! Participate in the Bible Study, the activities at Church, the family worship and prayer at home and pursue, over and over, the First Chair!!
I am hopeful and excited about the revival or resurgence I see in our county! But I get more excited about the things I see right here in our school and in our community. These things will have a huge impact on you and your family. And then push this out over the next 10, 20, and 30 years, and we will see these kids having a huge impact wherever they go. Nope – not proclaiming “easy street,” but excited about what God is doing right here, right now!!
The Body of Christ is an awesome organism! Let’s all join forces to contribute to what God is doing to bring His Kingdom about!! No reason to be cynical. This life-changing transformation is what all of us at Calvary are fighting for (Portrait of a Graduate: Equipped, Grit, Humble and Grateful, Leader, Authentic, and having a Biblical Worldview).
Praise God for REVIVAL!!
The Frontline: A Call to Calvary Dads
Scripture is clear, God has called fathers and guardians to be the first defenders of truth in their homes. The words of Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 remind us of this weighty responsibility:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Likewise, Proverbs 22:6 gives us both direction and encouragement:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
These verses tell us what it means to lead our families spiritually. But here’s the question: How are we doing in living them out?
Why Fathers Matter on the Frontline
When it comes to the spiritual development of our children, the home is obviously the key ingredient. Research and experience alike tell us that the hours children spend in different environments shape who they are becoming. Consider this stat on waking hours from birth until age 18…
- Hours at church: 2,500
- Hours at school: 17,000
- Hours at home: 84,620
The message is clear — home is the frontline. Fathers and guardians are called to lead, to disciple, and to defend truth in their homes every single day.
Yet, it can be hard to pass on or defend what we don’t fully understand ourselves. That’s why we’re launching a new group called The Frontline, a place for CCS dads and guardians to grow in faith, strengthen their understanding, and step boldly into spiritual leadership.
What is The Frontline?
The Frontline is not a group for experts or professional apologists (though they’re welcome too). It’s a community of ordinary CCS dads who want to be intentional about raising kids who love and follow Jesus.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Led by: Ryan Hyde, CCS Head of School
- Meeting Dates (2025-26): November 18, January 20, February 17, and March 17
- Time & Place: 7:00–8:00 PM @ Calvary
- Commitment: You don’t have to attend every session, but we encourage you to prioritize them.
- Reading: We’ll be working through Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. (Free on library apps like Libby and Hoopla, or available for purchase on Amazon.)
- Format: Each meeting will include guided discussion, prayer, and practical encouragement. We’ll share what’s working in our homes, celebrate victories, and learn from one another.
Why Join?
Our goal isn’t only to learn from C.S. Lewis, but also from one another. Together we will:
- Strengthen our faith.
- Grow in confidence to defend truth.
- Build routines that help shape our children’s walk with Christ.
- Encourage one another in the unique challenges of fatherhood.
This is about taking our place on the frontline of our children’s spiritual formation. The church and the school play important roles, but God has entrusted the greatest influence to the home. Let’s rise to the challenge, together. Fathers/Guardians can register in the school app by clicking the tile “Spiritual Formation>The Frontline". Sign up before 11/15!