His Word Today

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What means does God use to bring about a spiritual awakening in an individual, a church, a community, or even a nation? Does the end or goal, in this case a revival, justify the use of any or all means and methods? I echo the words of the Apostle Paul, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, by responding, “By no means!” (Romans 3:6; 6:1, 15; 7:7, 13).

Back to our original question. What biblical means does God use to bring about awakening and revival? Acts 2:42-47 provides the answer.

⁴² “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)

The biblical means God uses to bring awakening and revival begins with God’s Word, the Bible. The church devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching. This is another way of saying biblical truth. A true spiritual awakening and revival must be centered in the Scriptures; the Old and New Testament.

Second, awkening and revival is sourced in godly fellowship with believers in Christ. Christianity is not a “solo” religion or faith. Christians needs one another (I Cor. 12-14; Hebrews 10:24-25). While many churches continue to livestream their services, originally because of the Covid-19 shutdown in 2020, passively watching a worship service from home is not the ideal. If able, we are to make every effort to participate with one another in biblical fellowship.

Thirdly, awakening and revival occurs by regularly observing and participating in the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. Remembering what the Lord Jesus Christ did on the cross in providing a substitutionary atonement on behalf of sinners should spark a renewed sense of commitment and consecration.

Fourthly, ministering to fellow believers. A sure way of reviving one’s desire to live for Christ is serving one another. The blessing we give to others often pales in comparison to the blessing we receive.

Fifthly, God centered worship and praise. This singular focus is not only for the parishioner but also for the pastor. The attention should never be on anyone other than the Lord when we gather to worship and praise Him for He is and what He has done.

“How awakening it is when we come before the Lord through His means with the humble faith and sincere repentance that the gospel calls for. The early church was living proof of the power of the ways of God,” explains Pastor Ray Ortlund.

“The striking thing about the early church here is how simple their pattern of life was, and yet how compelling it was. How do we account for that? To use the language of Jonathan Edwards, these early Christians were laying themselves “in the way of allurement,” that is, they were joyfully placing themselves in the path of Christ’s promised power. No wonder the early church flourished.”

Charles J. Brown (1806-1884), a minister in the Church of Scotland during a season of revival, quoted an eyewitness account of the power of God’s grace in the churches at that time:

“It was a common thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the preliminary services, and just as the reader began”—here, you will observe, it was the simple reading of the Word without preaching. Yet such was the power upon the minds of the people that “it was a common thing, as soon as the Bible was opened, after the preliminary services, and just as the reader began, for great melting to come upon the hearers. The deepest attention was paid to every word as the sacred verses were slowly and solemnly enunciated. Then the silent tear might be seen stealing down the rugged but expressive countenances turned upon the reader. The Word of the Lord was precious in those days.”

What more do we need for awakening and revival. May God awaken and revive your soul today.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What means does God use to bring about a spiritual awakening in an individual, a church, a community, or even a nation? Does the end or goal, in this case a revival, justify the use of any or all means and methods? I echo the words of the Apostle Paul, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, by responding, “By no means!” (Romans 3:6; 6:1, 15; 7:7, 13).

There are many individuals, including leaders within the church, who believe that the ends justify the means. They would argue that the salvation of anyone means that the church should use any and all methods to bring about that conversion. They erroneously use I Corinthians 9:22 to justify any philosophy of ministry. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some.”

The phrase, by all means is used to support any and all activities within the church, and para-church, ministries and worship services. The use of secular music, drama, dance, extreme emotional mosh pits, profanity from the pulpit, and even the pastor entering a worship service by zip lining into the sanctuary immediately prior to his speaking are defended as legitimate means to accomplish revival. What a tragedy.

The phrase by all means (πάντως; pantos) refers to certainty and a strong emphasis. It means undoubtedly. It is not the phrase by all means necessary. Instead, it is an expression of biblical conviction rather than a justification for any type of methodology for revival. Paul, within the bounds of God’s word, would not offend the Jew, Gentile, or those weak in understanding. Rather than changing Scripture or compromising the truth, he would condescend in ways that could lead to salvation. He would do so with great certainty, emphasis and a lack of doubt because he was committed to Scripture.

In an article entitled Restoration of Truth and Revival, Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote the following words in 1887. “The extent to which sheer frivolity and utterly inane amusement have been carried in connection with some places of worship would almost exceed belief. There can be no doubt that all sorts of entertainments, as nearly as possible approximating to stage-plays, have been carried on in connection with places of worship, and are, at this present time in high favour. Can these things promote holiness, or help in communion with God? Can men come away from such things and plead with God for the salvation of sinners, and the sanctification of believers? We loathe to touch the unhallowed subject; it seems so far removed from the walk of faith and the way of heavenly fellowship. In some cases the follies complained of are even beneath the dignity of manhood, and fitter for the region of the imbecile than for thoughtful men.”

As we conclude today’s post, and prior to our examination of the God ordained means of revival when next we meet, consider the words by Pastor John MacArthur.

“The contextualization of the gospel today has infected the church with the spirit of the age. It has opened the church’s doors wide for worldliness, shallowness, and in some cases a crass, party atmosphere. The world now sets the agenda for the church.”

Is there any hope today for a true, biblical and spiritual revival? What are the God ordained means for such an awakening? That is what we will consider tomorrow. I encourage you to read Acts 2:42-47 in preparation. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What are the characteristics of a true, or false, spiritual awakening? Are their ways in discerning if a true awakening from God has occurred? Having examined the characteristics of a false, or the inconclusive signs, that an awakening from God has occurred, what are the characteristics of a true, spiritual awakening from the Lord.

First, the individual has an overwhelming sense of gratitude to the Lord for their salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. This is a gratitude not only for what God has done in the individual’s life in their conversion and sanctification, but also for who God is in His character (Psalm 8; Philippians 1:3-6).

Second, the individual has a renewed sense of the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:1-7; I Peter 1:13-16). “Believers begin to develop a taste and relish for the sweetness of God’s holiness and an equal distaste for and hatred of sin,” explains Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, associate professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss.

Third, a genuine humility develops in the believer’s soul. They begin to esteem God, and others, better than themselves (Phil. 2:1-4). They do not think of themselves more highly than they ought to think (Rom. 12:3-4). There is a realization that God is to preeminent in their lives; and not themselves.

“Such humility can only come from the influence of God’s Spirit as He works new ways of being and living into the heart. Genuine conversion will always be accompanied by humility because, at its heart, it is a rebuke to pride and a ceasing of self-willing: we rest in God through Christ who saves us,” writes Prof. Lucas.

Finally, there is an initial, or renewed, sense of obedience. All of life is viewed in its relationship to obedience to God and His Word (Psalm 1; 19; 119; John 17:17; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Titus 1:1; 2:11-12).

“A church filled with men and women who are delighting in God and His holiness, who are humble before God and others, and who are living out that holy delight in obedience to God’s Word—that is a church that is experiencing genuine revival. Such a church would not only be attractive to those who long for spiritual reality, but it would be a great witness to the incoming kingdom of God. May God grant us such churches and people in this day,” concludes Dr. Lucas.

May a true awakening be seen is us today. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.

What are the characteristics of a true, or false, spiritual awakening? Are their ways in discerning if a true awakening from God has occurred? Let us begin with false, or inconclusive signs, that an awakening is from God.

First, there is the issue of intense emotions. “Simply because someone has powerful impressions of God’s love or overwhelming feelings of sadness over sin doesn’t mean a conversion, or a consecrated re-commitment to Christ, has occurred,” explains Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss.

Individual’s emotions can be heightened by the Super Bowl, or when a supported candidate for a political office wins an election. A young man once said to me that he received the same spiritual high watching a professional football game as he did when he went to church. Amplified emotions do not mean anything spiritual is happening.

Second, an individual’s readiness to speak about their spiritual condition offers little proof of a true awakening. In fact, publicly speaking about one’s faith in God may not mean they have experienced in their soul what they say with their mouth. They may be filled with spiritual pride and ambition. How many celebrities, after professing faith in Christ, are immediately signed to a book deal and placed into the public arena as a spokesperson for biblical Christianity. These who have very little opportunity to grow in their faith instantly become mini-messiah’s that people flock to see; and just as quickly are abandoned for another new Christian celebrity. However, they filled a lot of auditoriums and sold a lot of books.

Thirdly, the ability to quote Scripture. Much too often, spiritual counterfeits quote Scripture at length but ignore the historical, grammatical and cultural context of the Scripture passage they are quoting. By proof texting, they fail to follow the instruction from 2 Timothy 2:15, which says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Fourth, having dreams or visions and attributing these experiences as an awakening from the Lord. An individual sees in a Christlike image in a dream, or at the foot of their bed or in a tortilla, and they sense that God has spoken to them.

“Someone might even experience a sense of deliverance from sin or Satan and yet not truly be converted. There might be a situation where someone has experienced deep spiritual concern about his liability to eternal judgment and is feeling deep despair; perhaps he is experiencing significant spiritual—even demonic—oppression,” states Professor Lucas.

“Then, immediately and seemingly miraculously, he feels delivered all at once, as though the devil has been cast out, the oppression ceases, the addiction comes to an end. This might happen through a dream or vision, perhaps of a person of great beauty with wounds in his hands or side that the individual takes to be a vision of Christ. And yet, even with such an experience, it does not mean that the individual is truly saved. The Bible nowhere teaches that such things provide a solid ground for assurance of conversion or for genuine revival”

Finally, fervent worship does not mean an awkening has occurred.While going to worship services, disciple’s classes, or even events like Winter Jam may elicit excitement and enthusiasm for God, it does not mean a true revival has happened.  

“Simply because there are large crowds in worship services or that people are highly participatory doesn’t mean that revival has come,” concludes Dr. Lucas.

Then what are the characteristics of a true awkening or revival? That is what we’ll examine next time. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more?

A biblical awakening means a stirring, a recognition, realization and a revival in desiring for, and following the truth of, God. The true of God is found in the Scriptures. An awakening is the believer’s initial, or renewed, passion for God: intellectually, emotionally and volitionally.

The individual’s initial awakening the Bible refers to as justification or conversion. Subsequent awakenings that follow conversion the Bible calls sanctification or consecration. All true revivals are a work solely of the Spirit of God.  

“The terms ‘revival’ and ‘awakening’ properly refer to works of the Holy Spirit that cannot be coerced or brought about through emotional manipulation,” explains Dr. Keith A. Mathison. “If you are a Christian, He (God) has awakened you by bringing you out of darkness and into the light.”

A spiritual awakening is at the very heart of the Christian faith, and it is the reason we are believers in Christ. An awakening is the powerful work of our sovereign and gracious God. When God awakens us, He doesn’t simply awaken us from sleep, but from spiritual death (Eph. 2:1-5). He gives sinners new life by grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Rom. 3:21-26; Eph. 1:3-14; 2:8-9). Awakening is the Holy Spirit’s glorious work of regeneration, revival, and reformation.

There have been several false awakenings in church history. One of the most notable would be the revivalism by Charles Finney in early 19^th century America. Finney did not believe in the biblical doctrine of original sin, the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, or justification by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Additionally, Finney invented several manipulative methods and revivalist techniques that are used in churches today. Finney sought to humanly accomplish what only God can do in bringing an awakening of the soul. It marks the difference between a revivalism by man and a true revival by the Lord.

“At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the West is once again in a period of darkness as various forms of secularism have come to the fore, and yet the church continues to advance. We are witnessing massive numbers turning to Christ in Africa, Asia, and South America. According to some estimates, China is on course to have the highest population of Christians anywhere in the next two decades. In 2010, Protestants in China numbered approximately 60 million. By 2030, some estimate there will be 250 million,” states Mathison.

“God sovereignly moves when and where He wills, and just as He brought the light of the gospel into the darkness of pagan Rome, medieval Europe, and communist China, He can bring light into places currently shrouded in darkness. He can bring an awakening to the Islamic world. He can bring an awakening to the secular West. And as He did many times in the Old Testament, He can bring an awakening to unbelieving Jews. If you are a Christian, He has awakened you by bringing you out of darkness and into the light. Pray that by His Spirit He would move mightily to awaken many more.”

How do believers in Christ distinguish between a true or false awakening? That is what will be considered next time. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

During this week, we’ll take a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew and focus on the subject of awakening and revival. In recent months, there has been much discussion concerning what are the characteristics of a true revival? Is it simply about emotion or is there something more involved is a spiritual awakening from the Lord?

“Awakening is at the very heart of the Christian faith, and it is the reason we are Christians. Awakening is the powerful work of our sovereign and gracious God. When He awakens us, He doesn’t simply awaken us from sleep, but from death. Awakening is the glorious work of regeneration, revival, and reformation.” Burk Parsons

The Lord’s awakening of regeneration is when through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God awakens us. He regenerates our hearts, gives us the gift of new birth, and makes us alive. He says to us, “Live!” (Ezekiel 16:1-6; John 3:1-8; Ephesians 2:1-5; Titus 3:1-5).

“The Holy Spirit invades, conquers, and persuades us. He rips out our stubborn, self-trusting hearts of stone and replaces our dead hearts with new, living hearts—hearts that are made willing and able to believe; hearts that are soft and pliable in the hands of our Father, united and lovingly enslaved to Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:22-32; Acts 2),” explains Parsons.

The Lord’s awakening is also the Holy Spirit’s renewal and revitalization of the believer in Christ to the holiness of God  (Psalm 1; Ps. 19; Ps. 51:10; Ps. 119; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthian 4:16-18; Ephesians 4:20-24; Titus 3:5-8). This is what occurred to the Prophet Isaiah (6:1-7).

The Hebrew word renew (had-des) means to repair, reaffirm, rebuild and make like new. It is an improvement and revitalization of what already exists.

In Romans 12:2, the Greek word for renew (ἀνακαίνωσις; anakainosis) means to reestablish something in a like-new and often improved manner. In the context, God renews the believer’s mind and thinking. This is what the Apostle meant in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Ephesians 4:20-24, and Titus 3:5-8.

The Lord’s awakening of reformation extends beyond the revival of a single soul to that of a family, church, community and eventually a nation. Elements of this type of awakening reformation occurred not only in 16^th century Germany but also in 18^th century colonial America. The Lord providentially used individuals, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, to bring reformation awakening.

This awakening of reformation is illustrated by the confirmation of the Mosaic Covenant by Israel in Exodus 24:1-8. An awakening of revival and reformation is also seen in Ezra 10:1-5, and in the spiritual awakening of the City of Nineveh (Jonah (1-4). Under the leadership of Samuel, the people of Israel turned from idols and served the Lord (1 Sam. 7:3–4). The people of Israel briefly turned to the Lord in the wake of Elijah’s defeat of the priests of Baal (1 Kings 18:39). In 2 Chronicles 29–32, there is the beautiful story of the people’s return to the Lord under the reign of King Hezekiah.

“Nevertheless, just as God ordains awakening, He ordains the means of awakening. God not only sovereignly ordains the ends of all things, He ordains the means of all ends as well. And the means that God has ordained to bring about awakening are the ordinary means He has already ordained for our regular weekly worship and daily growth in grace. The Word, prayer, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the ordinary means of grace God has given us. These are the means through which the Holy Spirit works to bring true conversion, true revival, and true reformation. God’s awakening power is not activated by our schemes and tactics, but by His Spirit and His ordinary means of awakening. And we must trust Him to do precisely what He pleases to do according to His sovereign wisdom, resting in the promise that the light of His countenance shines upon us as we live before His face, Coram Deo,” concludes Parsons.

More to come.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁰ “Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. ³¹ And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” ³² And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. ³³ The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.” (Matthew 8:30–34 (ESV)

What follows in this story of Jesus healing two demoniacs has always seemed strange. This is because not only for what Jesus did to the demons but also how the people of Gadara responded to the miracle.

“In the first century, exorcism was not completely unknown, and many Jewish and even some gentile exorcists claimed to be able to liberate people from demonic oppression. The work of these exorcists involved elaborate rituals and incantations often resembling what we would call magic. Jesus’ method of exorcism was much different,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

All Jesus did was command the demons to go. Go where? Matthew includes the information that there were pigs feeding some distance away. The demons begged and implored Jesus to send them in to the herd of swine. The demons recognized Jesus’ authority over them. It was then that Jesus commanded them to enter into pigs. When this happened, the herd of pigs rushed down the steep bank, fell into the waters of the Sea of Galilee and drowned.

“The demons asked permission to enter the herd of pigs, apparently imagining that this would prolong their influence on earth. But their defiling presence drove the disturbed swine into the sea; hastening the spirits consignment to the abyss (Luke 8:31),” comments Dr. Sproul.

The herdsmen fled into the city. They told everyone they met what had happened; especially about the two demon-possessed men. In response, the city at large came to the area and pleaded that Jesus leave their region. Why did they do this? Why weren’t they overjoyed about the deliverance of the two men?

Perhaps, much like the disciples in the boat, they became more afraid of Jesus than the demoniacs. Or, they demonstrated their perverse values in preferring pigs to the rescue of two human beings.

Pigs, and personal property, are valuable. However, people are more valuable. It is striking that the same people who scream for abortion on demand are often the same individuals who scream about saving the whales, the trees and bald eagles. At the basic level, this passages teaches that people are more important than things.

“The region’s citizens should be grateful for this miracle, but the people only see a loss of income from the death of their animals. Seeking material prosperity at the expense of true life, these men implore Jesus to leave (vv. 33–34). Regrettably, Matthew Henry comments, too many “prefer their pigs above their Savior, and so come short of Christ, and salvation through him,” concludes Dr. Sproul.

 Soli deo Gloria!

^28 “And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. ²⁹ And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:28–29 (ESV)

Following the stilling of the storm (Matt. 8:23-27), Jesus and His disciples arrive on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. They arrive to the country of the Gadarenes.

When Jesus and the disciples arrived, two demon-possessed men met the Lord. The men do not seem interest in the disciples; only Jesus. They were singularly focused on the Lord.

“Casting out demons was one of the most frequent acts of healing that Jesus performed during the three years that He ministered before going to the cross. In fact, one cannot walk away from reading the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—without being struck by the flurry of demonic activity that characterized the Holy Land in the first century,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Note that the demoniacs recognized who Jesus was. The text says the demons cried out. The phrase they cried out (κράζω; krazo) means to scream. The implication is that this shout was an unpleasant sound. It was not a cry of joy but of agony.

With an unpleasant scream, the demons said, ““What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Let us examine both statements separately.

“What have you to do with us, O Son of God?” The demons asked a question of Jesus was to why He was at Gadara. They also acknowledged who He was, and is; the Son of God.

“As applied to Jesus, the title reflects Jesus’ unique relation to the Father (Matt. 11:27; 16:16; 21:38). The tri-unity of the one, true God is implied,” states Dr. Sproul.

Their second question was, “Have you come here to torment us before the time?” The demons complained that the Day of Judgment had not yet arrived. They knew such a day was coming but they did not want it to be now.

“Satan and his demons are mentioned throughout the Bible, and we are told to put on the armor of God to battle them successfully (Eph. 6:10–20). We should not be surprised that our Lord’s earthly ministry was the occasion of an increase in demonic activity. After all, 1 John 3:8 explains that “the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” The evil spirits opposed Christ because they knew who He was and that He came to bring about their final defeat (Luke 4:33–34),” concludes Dr. Sproul.

“The Bible teaches that although God cannot do any evil Himself, He is nonetheless in control of evil, and that evil serves to advance His ultimately good purposes. This is good news for us, because it means that every evil we endure will be used by God for a good end. We do not always see how this happens on this side of glory, but we can be sure that God will ultimately bring good out of every evil.”

Soli deo Gloria!