1. Smith Wigglesworth ‘Born again’ Methodist, confirmed Anglican, Brethren preacher, Salvation Army wife

2. Shortly before he died (1947) he prophesied:
“During the next few decades, there will be two distinct moves of the Holy Spirit
Restoration of gifts of the Spirit
People leaving historic churches to plant new ones
During these moves of the Spirit, the people involved will say ‘This is the great revival!’
But neither will be, just steps along the way
When the new churches are on the wane, there will be something not evidenced before:
A coming together of those with an emphasis on the word, and those with an emphasis on the Spirit”

3. This has not yet come about... but... there is good Bible precedent...
“When the word and Spirit come together, there will be the biggest movement of the Holy Spirit that the nation has ever seen
The outpouring of God’s Spirit will flow from the UK to the mainland of Europe and begin a missionary movement”
This has not yet come about... but...
there is good Bible precedent...

4. Acts 2:29-36
Peter speaks the word to the crowds gathered at Pentecost
He alludes to David prophesying the coming of the Messiah, and that he would not be abandoned to the realms of the dead but would rise again
Earlier in Acts 2 (17-21) he describes Joel prophesying the coming of the Holy Spirit on everyone who asks

5. ‘About three thousand were added to their number that day’
Then in Acts 2:37-41
Peter urges the people to repent, be baptised, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Word + Spirit
The result?
‘About three thousand were added to their number that day’

6. Unlikely series of events
Jesus calls fishermen to spearhead the Kingdom of God
Jesus preaches the word as a Rabbi, but is a miracle worker by the Spirit
Not surprising to us, who know God as Father, Son and Spirit
But revolutionary to the religious people of the day
Most of whom soon turned against him
Crucifixion and resurrection
Total bewilderment of Peter and the others

7. The promise of the Holy Spirit for everyone who asks
Pentecost!
Peter now given amazing insight (‘Oh I see!’)
look up the talk a couple of weeks ago on John 20 and the ways of seeing
Peter speaks of word – prophecy – and Spirit coming together
Fulfilled that very day
God is in control!

8. Re-awakening of some in the churches to the gifts of the Spirit
1960s and 1970s
Re-awakening of some in the churches to the gifts of the Spirit
1970s-1980s
People leave historic churches to plant new ones
Splits in many churches, including St James’
Often over other issues, but used as a reason to leave to form new fellowships
Encouraged by the politics of the time (OK to be self centred, consumerism starts to rule)

9. 1980s-1990s
Quite strong antagonism among the new churches towards the longer established ones
‘Join us, the living church’

11. And antagonism from the mainstream churches towards the new churches:
‘The Charismatic movement is dangerous because...’
‘Don’t be deceived’

12. 21st Century B1 in Taunton Alpha – bridging the divides
Born out of Evangelical Alliance and Charismatic new churches
Even (a few) Anglicans are part of the fellowship!
Alpha – bridging the divides
Eg Alpha for Catholics
The new churches are nearly all formed into national networks (‘denominations’ they used to be called!)
Nearly all the new churches have their own buildings
And a very consistent ‘liturgy’!

13. While the old churches (like St James’)
Would never have allowed God’s Spirit to move had the new churches not given the impetus
Foretaste of the kingdom...
“When the word and Spirit come together, there will be the biggest movement of the Holy Spirit that the nation has ever seen”

14. The fellowship of the believers (Acts 2)
Our mandate:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.