Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
July/August 2014 – In a small cemetery near Tyler, Texas, a simple gravestone bears this question: “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” Leonard Ravenhill’s eternity-focused epitaph reveals the heart of a man committed to revival like few others who have ever lived. Ravenhill spent his life not only praying for revival, but also pursuing it.
Twenty-first century evangelist and apologist Alex McFarland echoes Ravenhill’s heart: “The only hope for America’s future is for revival to begin within the church.” McFarland and Ravenhill agree not only on the need for revival and prayer as the role of God’s people for ushering in revival. They also agree on one more critical element of revival.
Ravenhill looked at revival not as an event or a season or a spiritual high, but as the launching pad for believers to embark on a spiritual adventure toward sound doctrine and maturity. He said, “Your doctrine can be as straight as a gun barrel – and just as empty!”
Truth for a New Generation
McFarland would say, “Amen!” For the two decades since Ravenhill’s death, our culture has continued to descend into deeper pits of amoral apathy and downright depravity. However, some Christian leaders believe Ravenhill’s passion for revival is reflected in new sparks of fire in the minds and hearts of evangelicals, including many young Christians.
That’s where McFarland becomes relevant to the issue. He is founder of Truth For A New Generation, an annual conference that meshes apologetics training with an emphasis on revival and cultural impact.
“The keys to revival are prayer and Christian unity,” McFarland said. “At TNG we bring together world-class speakers who are committed to these timeless truths.”
He plans each year’s program with these goals in mind. “Because this is an apologetics event, there will be much content on how to defend the Christian faith,” he said. The September 5-6 conference, with the theme of “Life and Liberty: Given by God,” will be at First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
AFA president Tim Wildmon said, “It’s an amazing line-up. Within a 24-hour period, attendees will be able to hear an all-star line-up of Christian and conservative leaders, including Josh McDowell, David Barton, Joni Eareckson Tada, Eric Metaxas and others.” Wildmon will be on the program as well. Among sponsors are North Greenville University, AFA and the Colson Center for a Christian Worldview.
The 2014 TNG event also features Dr. Ben Carson, along with more than 20 other speakers in workshops and elective classes on a variety of key topics − all designed to unite Christians and prepare the church for a deeper walk and witness.
McFarland returns to Ravenhill’s question: “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” He especially urges students to register at discounted rates.
He said, “The speakers assembling at TNG desire to motivate this generation toward lives that will tangibly count for eternity.” 
Truth for a New Generation Life & Liberty: Given by God
September 5-6 Spartanburg, SC
truthforanewgeneration.com 888-705-0980
Sessions for all ages
▶ Dr. Ben Carson
▶ Eric Metaxas
▶ Joni Eareckson Tada
▶ Josh McDowell
