It began when the Holy Ghost brought a fresh emphasis on Spirit-baptism during the Holiness Movement of the late 1800's. This was when Protestants first widely recognized that there is a second major conversion people need to undergo after salvation. Thousands of Christians prayed to experience this supernatural event, and as a result, a dramatic new level of both sanctification and physical healing was brought to the Body of Christ. These are some of the most basic results of men becoming filled with the Holy Spirit.

     Next, in the early 1900's another major revival was released. Starting with the Azusa Street outpouring in 1906, Pentecostalism was birthed and spread quickly around the globe. The Pentecostals realized there was a major connection between becoming baptized in the Spirit and speaking in tongues. They realized that all empowered believers could talk to God in unknown languages, and this brought a huge improvement to the Church. Many former Holiness folks became very encouraged in faith as they began to practice using this newly discovered prayer tool.

     After that a new understanding of the gifts of the Spirit was brought to believers worldwide. A series of Charismatic movements during the middle of the century brought attention to phenomena such as healing, prophesy, exorcisms, and tongues with interpretation. These gifts (or charisms) became the focus of Pentecostals, mainline Protestants, and Catholics alike. Even a number of conservative evangelicals began receiving such signs and wonders during the 1980's.

     Finally, toward the start of the new millennium there was an increasingly higher level of attention being brought to “exotic manifestations” of God's power. Through the Laughing Revival led by Rodney Howard-Browne, and in moves of God such as the Toronto Blessing, whole crowds began to become overwhelmed by holy laughter, supernatural “drunkenness,” and wild shaking. Millions fell to the ground as the Lord touched their bodies, and many felt the weight of Christ's presence like they had never known.

     Spirit-baptism, the prayer-language, the gifts of the Spirit, and exotic manifestations each played a unique role in the history of modern revival. Each of these elements of the larger Revivalist Movement were given to us in a fresh way though during different seasons of time. We learn from looking back that when God is stirring in our midst, He always brings an unexpected change to Christianity.

     Ezekiel 47 speaks of a river flowing from the Temple of God which rises steadily and releases new life wherever it flows. I believe this is a picture of the refreshing waves of the Spirit that are sweeping through the Church. We may not know exactly what wave is coming next, but we can expect it to take us deeper into the things of God. We are never going back – we are only moving forward! A new level of power awaits those who will be humbled by the way it alters their faith.