In the late 70’s, my mother started attending a church service, held at an event center in Dallas, Texas. It was called the Bronco Bowl. The church had a nearby building, but the services had become so popular, that a larger space was needed.
The event center was the logical choice, because the Bronco Bowl was a combination event center with bowling, games, food and an Auditorium for concerts, located in the rear. The church, Beverly Hills Baptist Church was experiencing an unusual move of God. This was what some call the evangelical or the Charismatic Movement.
I now understand this to be a great revival, a unique reformation and a modern day great awakening, that was sweeping the souther part of the country. I speak with the benefit of hindsight, because I was a mere 4-5 years old, at the time.
These are my earliest memories of church. I saw signs, wonders and miracles. Even at that tender age, I could sense a tangible presence of what I have grown to know, as God.
The moving of His Spirit was exhilarating, intoxicating and immense. I had no idea, as a small boy, the magnitude, but I was convinced of its power. I was certain of the potency in the air, this was the work of an authority, that could not be denied or dismissed, as emotionalism.
The environment was rich with praise, worshipping, diverse tongues, words of knowledge, words of wisdom, the interpretations of tongues, prophesy and many miracles of healing. (1 Corinthians 12) In this full manifestation of God’s glory, I was spiritually born.
The church also had a K-12 school. We joined the church and I would also attend the school, Beverly Hills Christian School. I would be both a member of the church and a student there, for the next 6 years.
As a student, we would begin the day at assembly, where all classes met by grade together, in the sanctuary, to pray and read a chapter from the book of proverbs, from there we would go to class. This was an every day thing, except on Wednesday, on Wednesday you had to dress up and we attended a special presentation known as chapel.
I can remember one very powerful moment, that I experienced when a guest speaker came to town. I was either 10 or 11 years old and remember having an experience with Holy Spirit. This time, I was more than a spectator, this holy moment was my own. I actively and consciously accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Why am I telling you all this? I am glad you asked. Over the past few years, I have been questioning somethings, what am I doing, where am I going and why am I doing it. I know that excluding faith and speaking about business or personal development, alone would be more popular. However, I cannot ignore my faith, it is an integral part of who I am. As I am wrestling with these questions, I heard these words, “From that which you were born, you shall soon return.”
I was born spiritually in a place called the Bronco Bowl. I was born surrounded by a magnificent outpouring of God’s grace, mercy and rejuvenating power. I was born in the belly of movement to restore God’s power and his authority on this earth. I was born in the presence of signs, wonder and miracles. I was born in a time and in a moment, when the supernatural and natural met together.
What was seen, experienced and confirmed in your heart years ago is going to return and the revival is in you. A reformation is coming, A revival is coming. A restoration of God’s preeminence in the earth is coming.
From that which you were born, you shall soon return. – Brian Keith
Jeremiah 1:5-8
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
I Might Be a Prophet 