QUOTE (J. Edwin Orr) – April 22

“The life of the majority of churches and societies is sub-normal, stunted in growth, paralyzed instead of powerful. What is the trouble? It is just general backsliding…Churches, and all other groups of Christians, are just like individuals–either they are growing in grace or else they are backsliding…Pretence and disappointment-disappointment and pretence. This is the condition of multitudes of starved Christians. The author has been privileged to witness God’s power manifested in many genuine revivals–and it has always been noticed that those who are disappointed get a glimpse of new hope…those who pretend get shown up. “Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; see if there be any wicked way in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.” The important thing to remember is repentance is the prelude to revival. The Church must first Repent.”
~ J. Edwin Orr

In honor of J. Edwin Orr, a Baptist minister and promoter of Church revival and renewal,who died on this day in 1987.

Resources:
Today in Christian History – April 22
The Church Must First Repent