Azusa Street

Great book on the history of the spiritual experiences and what preparatory work was necessary in the 1906 pentecostal revival. The work may hurt a few feelings, especially if you are in the Pentecostal denominations, because it does not pull any punches. It says quite clearly that the reason that the Holy Spirit is not moving so strongly now is because of man's usurping God's authority and placing it into a man-made structure [denominational or otherwise]. If you are looking for a book that WILL change your outlook on how you need to approach recieving the Holy Spirit or rekindling your walk, then this is it. I loved it!

Frank Bartleman gives a first hand view of Asuza Street and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. I was greatly encouraged and challenged by the aspect of becoming small enough for God to use. All of Him(Jesus). None of me.

This book is without a doubt one of the best Christian books I have ever read. It is the story of how the gifts of the Holy Spirit were poured out on a little cogregation at the turn of the 20th century.Azusa Street is the eyewitness account of the story of the 1907 outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Azusa Street in Los Angeles, recounted by Frank Bartleman. It is the story of how God searched out vessels who were fit for the Master's use; vessels that had been purified by years of prayer and fasting, as well as a deep repentance of the most secret, and vilest of sins. This book tells the story of how meetings "ran" themselves, whenever the pastor was late, or unable to come. It is the story of sinners begging God for forgiveness of sin and deliverance; it is the story of travail of soul to see more of God, and less of self. I am sincere when I say that after prayerfully reading this book, you will be challenged to jettison your cold-formal religon, and you will be compelled to repent of your backslidden ways. I know that I was. I read this book for the first time about 5 years ago, and I frequently revisit it, and learn anew how I need to decrease, so that Christ may increase. Read this book, and weep!

The author, Frank Bartleman, tells about the first Pentecostal Revivals in the United States. What really encouraged me was all the incidents he told of what went on in the early church's services and how the buildings were filled with immense "shekinah glory." Over and over again Bartleman shows how important it is to "die" to our "self" (fleshly lusts) and totally give ourselves over to God. Only then can He reveal His full glory and power to us. This is one book that, once you've read it, you feel the need to share everything in it with everyone you know. You'll be so blessed by it! I know I was!

Azusa Street not only gives a detailed account of the intensity of the pentecostal revival that occurred from 1906-1909, but gives an excellant background of the events that led up to the revival and the spreading forth of this latter day rain across the United States and throughout the world during and after this time period. The writer, Frank Bartleman, is not just simply a reporter of the events that took place, but is an actual participant of this Holy Spirit revival, thus, giving the reader the benefit of both the facts of the events and the personal effects that the revival had on this person's life and on others that experienced it. The account by Frank Bartleman clearly shows the sacrifices that he and his family made because he was determined to have a deeper and richer relationship with God in his life and to share this personal experience with others that he came across. The reader can easily visualize from the descriptions given, the trials that Frank Bartleman and his family went through, and at the same time, the strength of their faith in God that grew through each trial they encountered. It only makes the Christian today question himself or herself as to whether they have given their complete self to God to truely serve Him. The book brings out that many of the trials that Frank Bartleman and other missionaries of his day encountered were actually with the organized churches of the day and the many evangelists and preachers that confronted them on the spreading forth of this new experience given from above. But yet, it is also revealed how many hungry souls there were who were desperately seeking this pentecostal experience. The book typically shows how Satan fought them on this revival and tried to disrupt and condemn it, not only by the very churches of the day, but by the news media also. Any true Christian who desires to give their entire life to the Lord Jesus Christ would greatly benefit from reading this book which depicts the trials and tribulations and at the same time, the tremendous blessings that these early Christians of the twentieth century endured. This book has been a revelation to me on where we as Christians need to be today. May God Bless all of you who read Azusa Street, whether you be Christian or not.