Book Review: The Great Azusa Street Revival by William Seymour
About the Book
Author: William Seymour
Genre: Christian non-fiction
Release Date: October 16, 2020
A fascinating collection of the words and teachings of William Seymour in the years leading up to and including the historic Azusa Street Revival, which began in Los Angeles in 1906 before spreading across the country and creating the modern-day Pentecostal movement. Includes historic accounts, eyewitness testimonies to the power of God, and photos capturing the multicultural, worldwide appeal of Seymour and his ministry, including his stirring sermons, which covered a wide range of topics that are still relevant to believers today. Complied by Roberts Liardon, author of the bestselling God’s Generals series.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts
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.
About the Author
William Seymour (1870–1922) was an African American, holiness preacher who initiated the Azusa Street Revival, an influential event in the rise of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. He was the second of eight children born to emancipated slaves and was raised in extreme poverty in Louisiana. Seymour was a student of early Pentecostal minister Charles Parham, and he adopted Parham’s belief that speaking in tongues was the sign of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. In 1906, Seymour moved to Los Angeles, California, where he preached the Pentecostal message and sparked a revival that drew large crowds of believers as well as increased media scrutiny about the controversial religious practices as well as the racially integrated worship services. Seymour’s leadership of the revival and publication of The Apostolic Faith newspaper launched him into prominence within the young Pentecostal movement. As the revival’s influence extended beyond Los Angeles through evangelism and missionary work, Seymour was in the process of developing the revival into a larger organization called the Apostolic Faith Movement. This process was ultimately defeated by power struggles with other ministers and ultimately damaged the unity of the early Pentecostal movement and led to a decrease in Seymour’s influence. By 1914, the revival was past its peak, but Seymour continued to pastor the Apostolic Faith Mission he founded until his death. The revival acted as a catalyst for the spread of Pentecostal practices, such as speaking in tongues and integrated worship, throughout the world. It also played an important role in the history of most major Pentecostal denominations.
More About William
The participants were criticized by some secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13
Texas Book-aholic, November 14
Inklings and notions, November 15
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 16 (Spotlight)
Artistic Nobody, November 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
For Him and My Family, November 17
deb’s Book Review, November 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 20 (Spotlight)
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 21
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 23
My Devotional Thoughts, November 24 (Spotlight)
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, November 24
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25
Livin’ Lit, November 26
Giveaway
To celebrate this tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1039d/the-great-azusa-street-revival-celebration-tour-giveaway
