Could the Next Great Spiritual Revival Happen Among the Homeless?

Homeless Revival?

Welcome, welcome, welcome to another edition of Coffee with Conrad! This is Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, where I strive to pour out "Rocks of Revelation" to you. My deepest passion, my core mission, is for each of you to develop a vibrant, authentic, and truly personal spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus. Today, I want to dive deep into a question that has been stirring in my heart, a question that might challenge some of our preconceived notions and open our eyes to where God might be moving next: Could the next great spiritual revival actually begin in the most unexpected of places – among the homeless community?

It might sound strange at first, especially from our comfortable vantage points, but bear with me. As many of you know, my team and I frequently go out praying for people, and in our journeys, we often encounter a significant number of homeless individuals. We carry "goody bags" – sealed, waterproof bags containing toiletries, food, and gospel tracts. The idea is simple: to show them some love, extend a hand of compassion, and, most importantly, share the love of Jesus and the life-changing message of the Gospel. We wish we could do more, and our hearts are always heavy with the desire to meet every need we see.

However, something profound has emerged from these encounters, particularly here on the Gulf Coast. What I’ve noticed, time and time again, is that a remarkable number of these homeless individuals not only believe in Jesus; they *trust* in Jesus. And I mean trust Him for their very survival, for their next meal, for shelter from the elements. This isn't to say we don't encounter those who use "Christian-ese" – spiritual-sounding phrases to elicit money. With a little discernment, those cases are usually quite clear. But what truly stands out are the many, many genuine souls. They often carry Bibles, and what’s more, many can quote large portions of scripture, often with an astonishing depth of understanding. It's a humbling experience to witness such profound faith amidst such profound hardship.

An Encounter with Lyle: A Divine Appointment on the Gulf Coast

Let me tell you about Lyle. Just recently, my friend Doug and I were in a shopping center in Gulfport. We were doing what we often do: praying for a divine appointment, asking the Lord to lead us to someone we could pray for, someone who needed a touch from Him. No sooner had we lifted our heads than this man rode up on a bicycle. Doug recognized him from a few months prior, and we called out to him. The man pulled over, and what unfolded was nothing short of awesome.

We started talking to Lyle, and almost immediately, I was struck by his knowledge of the Bible. He proudly told us he had large portions of scripture memorized. "Hey man, I've got Acts Chapter 2 memorized!" he exclaimed. Acts Chapter 2! The powerful Pentecostal passage, detailing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Peter's first sermon. I pulled out my phone, eager to see, and he began quoting, word for word, most of Acts Chapter 2. I was genuinely impressed.

Then I noticed the items on his bicycle and in his bag. He had these incredible trinkets made of wire – crosses, angels, and other Christian-themed artwork. I immediately knew I wanted to support him. I confessed that I rarely carry cash, as we typically prefer to give food to the homeless rather than money. But Lyle's deep faith and his dedication to sharing Christ's message stirred something in me. I went to the ATM, pulled out some money, and made sure to buy pieces that featured the word "Jesus" prominently. Here was a homeless man, riding around on a bicycle, sharing profound Christian artwork, memorizing vast passages of scripture, and engaging us in deep conversation about Jesus!

Doug, Lyle, and I sat there for over 30 minutes, delving into truly rich theological discussions. It wasn't just that Lyle had Bible passages memorized; he knew the Greek words and could articulate their meanings. He gave me a beautiful wire butterfly for my wife, Susan, and as he handed it to me, he said, "Tell her it comes from Romans Chapter 12, Verse 2: 'Be transformed.' I made that because the Lord was talking to me about transformation, and the Greek word there is metamorphoo, which is like a larva turning into a butterfly."

My jaw nearly dropped. This man, living on the streets, was not only quoting scripture but breaking down the Greek etymology and connecting it to profound spiritual concepts! I was utterly blown away by his insight and his faith. It wasn't just a divine appointment; it was a profound lesson for me. And it’s not just Lyle; we've met many others like him. We don't just "hit and run" with our prayers; we take time to truly engage, to have long conversations, to reignite or ignite their passion for Jesus, and to encourage them in their callings. Most often, we find people with a deep love for Jesus, many of whom have experienced "church hurt" – a sense of rejection or judgment when trying to enter traditional church buildings because of their appearance or circumstances. They've been treated poorly, causing them to shy away from organized religion, yet their personal faith in Jesus remains strong.

It’s a strange paradox to us who live comfortably in houses, with cars and modern conveniences. While I personally don’t own a TV, most of us are accustomed to a life of abundance. Yet, these individuals, often living on the margins of society, sincerely love Jesus and trust Him for their very survival. They are genuinely excited to talk about the things of God. This reality begs a deeper look at what the Bible truly says about living for Christ.

Biblical Parallels: Great Spiritual Leaders Who Were "Homeless"

When we ponder the concept of homelessness, our modern minds often associate it with failure, brokenness, or even a curse. But let’s look at the biblical narrative. What does the Bible say about Jesus, about the prophets, about the apostles? It might surprise you how many of the great figures of our faith lived lives that, by our contemporary standards, would be considered "homeless."

Jesus: The Son of Man with Nowhere to Lay His Head

Consider our Lord, Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus says, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Think about that. The very Son of God, who came to redeem humanity, did not have a permanent residence. He was itinerant, traveling from town to town, village to village, preaching, healing, and teaching. We see Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, on mountains praying all night, constantly on the move. His earthly life was one of self-denial and absolute reliance on His Heavenly Father, free from the entanglements of property and possessions. This profound truth about Jesus's lifestyle often gets overlooked in our pursuit of comfort and prosperity.

John the Baptist: The Prophetic Voice from the Wilderness

Then there’s John the Baptist, the prophetic forerunner of Jesus. He was raised by his parents, but his ministry began and largely remained in the wilderness. Matthew 3:1-4 describes him: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.”

He didn't live in a mansion or wear fine clothes. He was a man of the wild, surviving on what the wilderness provided, clothed in rough garments. Jesus Himself, in Matthew 11:7-9, bragged about John: “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” John was a powerful prophetic voice, unburdened by worldly comforts, living a life of radical simplicity and devotion to God's call. His effectiveness was perhaps amplified by his detachment from societal norms and expectations.

The Apostle Paul: A Life Without a Certain Dwelling Place

And what about the Apostle Paul, the man who arguably shaped much of early Christianity? Many of us, influenced by certain doctrines, might assume that true blessing equates to material prosperity. But let’s be honest with ourselves and look at Paul's own words regarding his lifestyle. In 1 Corinthians 4:10-13, Paul vividly describes his circumstances:

"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day."

"No certain dwelling place." Paul, the prolific missionary, the profound theologian, lived a life of constant movement, often without a fixed home, enduring hunger, thirst, and exposure. His life was far from the comfortable ideal many of us pursue. Yet, it was through such hardship and self-sacrifice that the Gospel spread so powerfully. This passage deeply challenges the modern prosperity gospel, which often suggests that following Jesus should lead to material wealth. Paul’s life demonstrates that true spiritual richness often comes through self-denial and suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

The Hall of Faith: Destitute, Afflicted, Tormented

Finally, let's turn to the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews Chapter 11, a passage often read for its inspiring accounts of faith heroes. But have you ever truly focused on the latter verses, particularly 37 and 38? Listen closely:

"They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."

These are the champions of faith, commended for their unwavering trust in God, yet they were "destitute, afflicted, tormented," wandering in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves. They didn't have houses; they didn't have permanent addresses. They were, by definition, "homeless." The world was not worthy of them, yet they lived outside the world's comforts. This powerfully illustrates that a life of deep faith, a life that truly moves God, does not necessarily correlate with material possessions or societal status. In fact, sometimes it's the very lack of these things that cultivates a profound reliance on God.

Now, I’m not suggesting we all sell our houses and become homeless! But I do think of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21, whom Jesus told to “sell what you have, give to the poor, and follow Me.” And then Jesus adds, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” This challenges us to consider: does our house, our possessions, own our heart to the point that it violates our conscience with Christ? Are we so consumed by comfort that we miss God's call to radical faith and compassion?

Confronting Our Assumptions: Poverty, Mammon, and the Church's Role

Another common misconception we often harbor is that homeless people are somehow "cursed with the curse of poverty." This idea, though rarely spoken aloud, often subtly influences our attitudes. It's time to confront this. What does Jesus promise us? Does He promise us houses, cars, and endless comfort? Let's revisit a pivotal passage from Matthew 6:24-34:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no anxious thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

 

As you read this, keep the homeless perspective in mind. "They sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns," yet often, their Heavenly Father feeds them. "Why take you thought for raiment?" — Jesus asks. While we in Western culture are constantly laying up treasures for tomorrow, taking thought for our future, and worrying about Mammon (wealth), many homeless individuals live exactly as Jesus describes: day-by-day, relying entirely on God for their daily bread, drink, and clothing. They often embody "sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" out of necessity, not always by choice, but it mirrors a profound biblical truth.

I’m not saying this is an ideal situation, and I know it’s rough. But we need to look at this honestly. We are so often focused on financial success, even within the church, which sometimes functions more like a business concerned with salaries and building maintenance. Yet, we know the scriptures: "You cannot serve God and Mammon." We know that "what you've done to the least of these, you've done to Me" (Matthew 25:40). And how are we, the church, often treating our homeless neighbors?

Consider the church in Smyrna, described in Revelation 2:9. Jesus says, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan.” Here is a church commended by Jesus for being "rich" despite their "poverty" and "tribulation." This is a powerful paradox. They were materially poor but spiritually wealthy. The passage also touches on the "blasphemy of them which are Jews but are not," hinting at those who claim piety but lack true faith, much like the "church hurt" many homeless people experience from hypocritical "Christians" who look down on them. The people in the buildings, with their nice clothes and cars, often "thumb their nose" at the homeless, causing many on the streets to view them as hypocrites, not living according to the Bible's commands. I'm not exempting myself here; I'm still working on this, and we all need to pray about it. This isn't about judgment, but about honest self-reflection.

My aim in sharing these scriptures is to build a bridge from our current Western mindset – steeped in prosperity doctrines and societal pressures for financial success – to a more biblical understanding. We often prioritize comfort and material security above all else, sometimes at the expense of our true calling to love and serve the marginalized. We need to shed contempt for the homeless and, instead, embrace a Good Samaritan attitude. Let's confront the fact that perhaps, in many ways, we've been doing this wrong. We've often prioritized appearance over heart, and possessions over people.

The Spirit of Truth and the Supernatural Call to Transformation

One of the most striking observations Susan and I have made recently is this: many of the homeless people we meet don't have televisions. They don't have the constant stream of secular entertainment and distorted narratives that permeate our culture. Instead, they have Bibles. We often carry Bibles to give them out, only to be told, "No, thank you, I've got my own Bible." What can we learn from that?

I've often spoken about television's pervasive influence, how it can send a "strong delusion" across the Christian church. People sit back, passively absorbing content, often without truly thinking or discerning. When I talk about having a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus, guided by the Spirit of Truth into all truth, I'm telling you, when we are honest with the spirit within us, it rings true with the Spirit of Truth. But when we listen to TV, it often puts us into an alpha brainwave state, almost hypnotizing us into believing what it says. This often directly counters what the Spirit of Truth is saying, and the Spirit of Truth always agrees with the Word of God.

Think about it: the homeless people, free from the constant mental corruption of television, are often abiding in the Word of God in a deeper, more direct way. While I can easily remember the lyrics to secular songs from my past – lyrics that, upon reflection, clearly do not glorify God – these individuals are often immersed in scripture. Their minds aren't being conformed by the spirit of the world but are being renewed by God's Word. This is truly a powerful, almost supernatural dynamic at play.

So, I ask you again, with all of this in mind: Is it possible that the next great spiritual revival will happen in the homeless community? Is it possible that the Lord is preparing a pure, unadulterated vessel among those whom society has overlooked and cast aside? The Hall of Faith, John the Baptist, Jesus Himself, Paul – none of them lived in houses or sought worldly comfort. They were focused on God's mission, not on accumulating possessions.

This is something we absolutely must pay attention to. We need to ask God, earnestly, what our next steps should be under His mission. What is God's mission for the homeless people in your area? What is God's mission for your relationship with the very things that pull your heart away from Him, like the constant barrage of media? As Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation, this metamorphosis like the butterfly Lyle spoke of, is a supernatural process that requires intentionality and a deep commitment to God's Word over the world's influences.

I believe that God is working in unexpected places, drawing a people unto Himself who are unburdened by the very things that weigh us down. The simplicity of faith, the profound trust in divine provision, and the raw honesty found among many in the homeless community could very well be the fertile ground for a truly authentic and powerful spiritual outpouring. This isn't just a charitable cause; it's potentially a prophetic sign of where God is moving next.

Your Call to Action: Pray, Engage, Transform

If this message has touched your heart, if it has resonated with the Spirit of Truth within you, then I urge you to consider a few things. First, please share this blog post with your friends and family. Let's get this conversation going, challenging our perspectives and stirring compassion.

Second, and most importantly, pray about this. Pray about the homeless community in your area. Ask God, with a sincere heart, what His mission is for them where you are. As James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Check with the Spirit of Truth; He will talk to you about it.

Finally, consider how you might engage. Whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply taking the time to truly see and listen to a homeless individual, let's step out in faith. Let’s allow God to transform our minds, our hearts, and our actions, so that we might truly embody the love of Jesus to the "least of these." We are called to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and love one another, and in doing so, we might just be participating in the next great move of God.

God bless you until we meet again. Dig deeper, and go higher!