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Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray (1828 - 1917). South African pastor, author, and revivalist born in Graaff-Reinet, Cape Colony, to Dutch Reformed missionary parents. Sent to Scotland at 10, he studied at Aberdeen University and Utrecht, Netherlands, returning ordained in 1848. He pastored in Bloemfontein and Worcester, later moderating the Dutch Reformed Church’s Cape Synod. In 1860, he sparked a revival in the Orange Free State, preaching to thousands across racial lines despite apartheid’s rise. Murray wrote over 240 books, including Abide in Christ (1882) and With Christ in the School of Prayer, translated into dozens of languages. His emphasis on holiness, prayer, and divine healing influenced global Pentecostalism. Married to Emma Rutherford in 1856, they had eight children, four becoming missionaries. He founded theological seminaries and the Huguenot College for women. Despite chronic illness, he traveled to Europe and America, speaking at Keswick Conventions. His devotional works remain widely read, shaping Christian spirituality across denominations.
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Sermon Summary
Andrew Murray emphasizes that a true missionary revival requires more than just temporary enthusiasm or increased interest; it demands a deep, personal devotion to Christ that remains steadfast amidst changes. He argues that the church needs a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to inspire genuine dedication and effectiveness in missionary work. Murray highlights that the call for more missionaries can only be met through a collective spiritual awakening and commitment to the Lord's work, akin to a second Pentecost.
Scriptures
What Is the Nature of a True Missionary Revival?
What must be the nature of a true missionary revival? An increased missionary interest, awakened by intelligence from the field, and stirring appeals, is not enough. It is simply temporary, passing away after a time. We need a devotion and an enthusiasm having its root, its strength, and its permanence through all surrounding changes, in a personal devotion to Christ Jesus, in a life rooted in Christ. In “The History Of The Church Missionary Society” we read: ‘At a time when new missionaries were urgently needed, and the Committee were asking for special prayer that they might be raised up, Ridgeway reminded the Society that what was needed was really another Pentecost. The lack of missionaries is, no doubt, the point of immediate pressure. But that can be met only by increased effectiveness on the part of the whole spiritual body, in more single dedication to the Lord’s work, more holy energy, more true devotion. And how shall this be, except by a new effusion of that Spirit, who is the mover and promoter to all holy action, and the dispenser of all needful gifts and grace?’ (Excerpted from The Coming Revival, by Andrew Murray , pg. 54)
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Andrew Murray (1828 - 1917). South African pastor, author, and revivalist born in Graaff-Reinet, Cape Colony, to Dutch Reformed missionary parents. Sent to Scotland at 10, he studied at Aberdeen University and Utrecht, Netherlands, returning ordained in 1848. He pastored in Bloemfontein and Worcester, later moderating the Dutch Reformed Church’s Cape Synod. In 1860, he sparked a revival in the Orange Free State, preaching to thousands across racial lines despite apartheid’s rise. Murray wrote over 240 books, including Abide in Christ (1882) and With Christ in the School of Prayer, translated into dozens of languages. His emphasis on holiness, prayer, and divine healing influenced global Pentecostalism. Married to Emma Rutherford in 1856, they had eight children, four becoming missionaries. He founded theological seminaries and the Huguenot College for women. Despite chronic illness, he traveled to Europe and America, speaking at Keswick Conventions. His devotional works remain widely read, shaping Christian spirituality across denominations.