I tried unsuccessfully to determine who was the first to use the term "the new normal."  It's not important anyway, except I hate to want to know something and not be able to track it down.

Whatever!  We know what the term means.  "The New Normal" means that events have so changed the cultural or economic or social or religious landscape (depending on the subject being discussed) that what was "normal" is no longer the norm; there is a "new normal," a new environment of actualities and expectations and opportunities and threats and possibilities.  

Revival is the arrival of a "new normal," when subnormal Christians become normal.  Vance Havner said, "When subnormal Christians become normal, people will think them to be abnormal."

Subnormal Christians live materialistic and self-centered lives.  Subnormal Christians know little of the presence and leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Subnormal Christians can barely be distinguished from good, moral pagans.  There is little of the supernatural about their lives; little that would indicate they are twice-born and Spirit-filled.  

Normal Christianity is living by the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Normal Christianity is pictured in the Book of Acts and in the epistles of Paul.  Normal means consecrated to Christ; submitted to His will; in love with His people and in love with a lost world.  Normal Christianity is hot-hearted and evangelistic; it is missional and missionary; it is benevolent and charitable.

Unfortunately, most Christians are not normal; they are subnormal.  Living beneath their privileges, they experience little of Christ's anointing and guidance.

Revival is when subnormal Christians become normal.  People will think them to be abnormal; but it's just the "new normal."

That's what we're praying for.  Welcome to the "new normal" for EFBC!

Alan Day, Senior Pastor