Tag Archives: George Whitfield

S.A.N.S. Episode 18: The Best Thing in Life

Posted on February 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The first artist to appear twice on SANS is Steve Wiggins. However, this time Steve isn’t alone, serving as the lead singer of Big Tent Revival. Since I’ve spent a majority of my life in the state of Delaware, I live in between two famous locations where revivals were held. Pike Creek and St. Georges each contained naturally amphitheater’s where preachers like George Whitfield led outdoor big tent meetings.

For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 6:23.

These big tent revivals during the first great awakening led to the creation of the Methodist Church. Named after John and Charles Wesley who were methodical in their Bible Study and prayers. As for today’s song, I could have chosen a few from Big Tent Revival’s Open All Nite Album. Yet, the lyrics of the Best Thing in Life comes right out of scripture. A free gift for all to receive.

by Jay Mankus

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More Than Just A Saint

Posted on May 12, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSav51fVlKU

Nestled on the edge of southern New Castle County lies the quaint town of St. George’s.  As the construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal began in 1823, this community was divided in two with the majority of the buildings now located north of the C & D Canal.  While only a few blocks in diameter, the name’s founder of this town was more than just a saint.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation, Mark 16:15.

George Whitfield was born in Gloucester, England in December of 1714.  An educated man, Whitfield attended Pembroke College before meeting the Wesley brother’s, founders of the Methodist Church at Oxford University.  As the first Great Awakening began to spread, Whitfield traveled to America to play his part.  Preaching a series of sermons at tent revivals in Delaware, large crowds flocked to hear George Whitfield speak at Pike Creek and what is now St. George’s.  These messages transformed the spiritual climate of Delaware, giving birth to churches throughout New Castle County.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15.

Today, the amphitheater upon which Whitfield spoke is gone, leveled during construction of the C & D Canal.  However, his legacy continues in the form of a new school that bears his name.  St. George’s Vocational Technical High School stands about a mile southwest of St. George’s.  Although most students are likely unaware of this saint, history has not forgotten the passion that George Whitfield preached with, winning over founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin.  Just as Paul Harvey ended each of his programs, it’s fitting to say “now you know the rest of the story about St. George’s.

by Jay Mankus

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Free Falling

Posted on May 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Tom Petty’s 1989 song Free Fallin’ refers to a boy who broke up with a decent girl, breaking her heart.  As a result, a sense of guilt leads Petty toward a downward spiral, free falling into a state of depression.   On the surface, many are great at hiding their pain, trying to stay cool or avoid unwanted attention.  Yet, deep inside the average soul, hurt is accumulating day by day, searching for someone or something to elevate this weight.

In Acts 11:1-3, a similar burden was lifted from the church, opening the heavens for a spiritual free fall.  Up until this point, Jewish law prohibited anyone in this faith to associate with Gentiles, especially partaking in unclean food according to Leviticus 11.  However, angelic intervention, 2 visions and a message from God redefined a Jews perspective of impurity, Acts 11:8-10.  Everything changed in Acts 11:15 as the Holy Spirit, fell upon the Gentiles in Caesarea.

According to the apostle Paul, God allows this to happen periodically, as He determines, 1 Corinthians 12:11.  This spiritual free fall is for the common good of the church, 1 Corinthians 12:6, occurring throughout the book of Acts 2:4, 4:31, 10:44-46 and so on.  Unfortunately, seminary’s, the school which trains future pastor’s, disagree with the book of Acts, claiming this was a momentary, supernatural out pouring of the Spirit, no longer active, ceasing to exist.  This notion has caused many in the church to free fall, questioning the existence of God.

While I don’t have the answer or power to end this thousand year old debate, I do want to prevent future believers from free falling from the faith.  If God can part a sea in the Old Testament and cause a dead man to rise from the grave after 3 days in the New Testament, why can’t the Holy Spirit free fall today to commence another spiritual awakening?  Although, prayers shouldn’t treat God like someone going to a check out counter, Matthew 21:21-22 promises great things to those who believe.  If you follow in the footsteps of George Whitfield, you might just experience another spiritual free fall.

by Jay Mankus

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