Serving as the “catalyst” of the Pentecostal movement in the twentieth century, William J. Seymour turned a tiny former horse stable in Los Angeles into an international center of revival. Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, was a major part of the meetings held there, and Seymour led the first organized movement that promoted this experience. At Azusa, blacks, … blacks, whites, Hispanics, and Europeans all met and worshiped together, crossing formerly impossible cultural lines.
“There is no Jew or Gentile, bond or free, in the Azusa Mission,” Seymour said. “No instrument that God can use is rejected on account of color or dress or lack of education. This is why God has built up the work.”
Compiled by Roberts Liardon, author of the bestselling God’s Generals series, The Great Azusa Street Revival features historic accounts, eyewitness testimonies to the power of God, and photos capturing the multicultural, worldwide appeal of Seymour and his ministry. Included are many of Seymour’s stirring sermons and writings, which are still relevant to believers today.
Although the revival was short-lived, it produced and exploded the Pentecostal movement around the world. Today, many denominations attribute their founding to the participants of the Azusa Street church, and countless others are linked to this revival.
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The Great Azusa Street Revival: The Life and Sermons of William Seymour was compiled by Roberts Liardon. I was excited to pick up this book and learn more about the life of William Seymour and hear some of the words he once preached. His ministry was foundational in the establishment of the Pentecostal tradition and reading this book felt like going back and learning about my tradition. It reminded me greatly of my grandfather who preached with such passion and anointing. I loved the format of this book, which first introduces you to William Seymour’s life and the time period of his preachings. This relevant information provides the perfect backdrop for his words. This book is fascinating on a historical, theological basis. But it is also a wonderful collection of powerful messages that can be read again and again for spiritual growth. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
As the wife, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter-in-law of Primitive Baptist Preachers, I wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, I found it to be dry, hard to concentrate on the words on the pages, and otherwise inaccessible except perhaps to someone who experienced a direct family connection with William Seymour or the Azusa Street Revival.
Turning a stable into a revival location connected to me because of how Jesus Christ came into the world in the flesh. I believe this book best suits those with a strong desire to read theological papers rather than the mainstream public. I wanted this book to explore the nuances and experiences of the actual people besides the teachings. I found it lacking in that area. But check this book out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This is a non-fiction book. I had never heard of The Great Azusa Street Revival before and so wondered what the book was going to be about. I soon found out!
This is a well-written book that takes writings of someone from times past and pulls them together by someone the times present. So you still get some of the old fashioned sense of writing but in a more modern way if that makes sense.
This would make a great addition to a church library. The sermons are well written and easy to read. They are from his time period just before and during the revival so they’re passionate and powerful.
I definitely recommend this book as a great one for anyone to pick and read through. It’s not one that I’m going to binge read though. This is one you need to slowly read sermon by sermon or piece by piece so you can mull it over and chew on the meat.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
have not heard of William Seymour before I read this book about his life. Wow. What an incredible inspiration he is. As I followed each step he took I was amazed at the undeniable love of God he had. Stepping out in faith, he spoke in churches that didn’t always accept him for the color of his skin and/or his belief in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. It was easy to step back in time and watch as people prayed hours upon hours and listened to the Word of God through William.
His sermons could be long at times but everyone stayed to listen to what this man had to say. They could feel the stirring of God and wanted to part of it. It reminds me of the revivals I attended as a child. I didn’t understand everything that was going on because I was young and at times it scared me. As I grew older, I became aware of speaking in tongues and what the Bible says about it. Everyone has different views on this subject so I leave it up to readers to choose their own path on this subject.
As we step into the second part of the book, this is where I wanted to linger. I loved his sermons and how he touched on the life of Jesus. He explains that someone who was sinless and without disease died for us. He forgives us and wants a relationship with us. Each sermon has a different topic and I soon realized that I needed to study each one slowly. There is a lot in this book that I enjoyed reading and I’m glad I was introduced to a man who accepted the call on his life.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I found The Great Azusa Street Revival: The Life and Sermons of William Seymour to be an interesting read. William Seymour was an inspiring man of God. I enjoyed getting to know who he was and reading his sermons and views on the scriptures. He sure did offer some power messages, hope and faith for his followers. It seems he continues to do so many years later after his death. It is an easy and quick read that only took me a couple of hours to read. Which was hours well spent.
I am giving The Great Azusa Street Revival: The Life and Sermons of William Seymour four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who are interested in historical theology.
I received The Great Azusa Street Revival: The Life and Sermons of William Seymour from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.