Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "upsurging" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood as a sudden or powerful upward movement or increase. In a biblical context, this concept can be related to spiritual revival, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, or the rise of faith and righteousness among God's people. Biblical Instances and Themes: 1. Spiritual Revival: The idea of upsurging can be seen in the context of spiritual revival, where there is a renewed interest and fervor for God and His commandments. In the Old Testament, such revivals often occurred when the people of Israel turned back to God after periods of apostasy. For example, during the reign of King Josiah, there was a significant spiritual upsurge as the Book of the Law was found and read to the people, leading to widespread repentance and reform (2 Kings 22-23). 2. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: The New Testament describes the upsurging of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Spirit, leading to the rapid spread of the Gospel. Acts 2:17-18 quotes the prophet Joel, saying, "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’" This event marked a significant upsurge in the early Christian church's growth and influence. 3. Rise of Faith and Righteousness: The concept of upsurging can also be applied to the rise of faith and righteousness among individuals and communities. In the book of Acts, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later known as the Apostle Paul) represents a personal upsurge of faith. His transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ is a powerful example of how God's grace can lead to a dramatic increase in faith and righteousness (Acts 9:1-22). 4. Prophetic Imagery: The prophets often used imagery that can be associated with upsurging to describe the coming of God's kingdom and the restoration of Israel. Isaiah 60:1-3 proclaims, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." This passage speaks of a future time when God's glory will rise and draw nations to Himself. 5. Moral and Ethical Renewal: Upsurging can also refer to a moral and ethical renewal among God's people. The teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) call for an upsurge in righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Jesus emphasizes the importance of internal transformation and living according to the spirit of the law rather than mere external compliance. Conclusion: While the term "upsurging" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is evident in various instances of spiritual revival, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the rise of faith and righteousness. These themes highlight the dynamic and transformative power of God's presence and work among His people. Concordance Upsurging (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 1:21 Thesaurus Upsurging (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Upsurging (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 1:21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither ... /u/upsurging.htm - 6k Upstairs (8 Occurrences) Upward (74 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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