Customer Reviews

Azusa Street

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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.

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!

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.

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!

When I sat down to read "Azusa Street" I expected extensive accounts of the Azusa Street revival meetings of 1906-1909. To my surprise, information about Azusa was not the focus of the book. It could have better been titled "The Adventures, Trials, and Opinions of Frank Bartleman." The book is essentially a journal of Bartleman's experiences in the early Pentecostal movement from 1904 to 1910, inclusive of his involvement in the Azusa Street Mission. Vinson Synan's introduction is informative and helpful in setting a framework for the rest of the book.

The book is an opportunity to view the life and mindset of this early 20th Century Pentecostal preacher. His life was not easy but it was greatly dependent upon God. Bartleman is a fascinating character. He is extremely opinionated, often critical and fanatical in his stands. At the same time his passion for the ministry, his simple yet unwavering faith, and his deep hunger for God are inspiring. I was moved by the sacrifice paid by this forerunner and challenged by his teaching on "death to the self-life." I recommend "Azusa Street" to those desiring a look inside early Pentecostalism.

This book is not exactly what I expected, and the title is a little misleading. This book is not exactly a historical account of the the happenings of Azusa Street. Rather, it is more like the "The Memoirs of Frank Bartleman" or maybe better, "I was at the Azusa Street Revival." This book is an eyewitness account of Azusa Street, and the events leading up to the outpouring of the Spirit in Los Angelas.

At times, Bartleman seems to have an axe to grind, as he obviously did not agree with all that transpired at Azusa Street, and all the sects that spung forth from that movement. This book is more of a sermon or testimony than an attempt to be a history book.

While I believe this book to probably be an essential to any library for Pentecostal research, but is probably a poor place to start if you are not already familiar with what occured at Azusa Street.

I only recently heard about the Azusa Street revival in the early 1900s, a similar time to the great Welsh revival. Being drawn to learn as much about revivals as I can, I consumed Bartlemen's book. It provided a good overview with some tremendous insights into how the Spirit moved. The other interesting aspect was how strong Satan moved too at the same time trying to disrupt everything God was doing!

A great introduction into the impact of this revival - gave me a thirst to read more...and one day to visit Azusa St.

Worth a read!

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's 1982 171-page paperback "Azusa Street" reports much of what has hamstrung the work of holiness in modern America. The wonderings, and ramblings, of this itinerant missionary recorded here exemplify the late 19th and early 20th centuries' inability to convert. (Revivalism simply does not work for moderns.)

In his own words, Bartleman (1871-1936) wanders about southern California, the United States, and the world looking to witness divinity. His emergence from 19th century rural America feeds his holiness Pentecostal religious search as well as his opposition to formal education and religious organization. He suggests, again and again, that "religious error" (page 119) results from church organizing. Bartleman believes that spiritual death occurs from systemization (page 136).

He joins and leaves Baptist, Methodist, and Holiness groups. He leads missions, casts out interlopers, and calls for personal spiritual revival. He even, unwittingly, briefly wanders through the origins of Pentecostalism at Azusa Street Mission, in 1905 Los Angeles, (prompting the book's title) becoming one of Azusa founder Seymour's harshest critics. Bartleman's witness to this event will continue to inform church historians.

The best portion of this work is the author's powerful sermon in chapter 6. His unique account, documenting the birth of American Pentecostalism, calls for believers to avoid the "party spirit" required by Christian unity buffs (page 138). His fascinating claim that ecumenicity distracts the Church from God's work demands additional scholarly reflection (a suggestion that Bartleman would reject).

Bartleman was, obviously, a persuasive preacher. No doubt his witness to the Pentecostal nativity has inspired the book's many editions.

Bartleman's is personal diary-novel style writing. He speaks to events and about people as he remembers them. This personal history presents no sourcing or research. It is recommended to all with an interest in the Azusa Street phenomenon, the origins of American Pentecostalism, and early 20th century Holiness Movement primary sources.

For many, this will be one of those life changing books.
If your heart is sensitive to it, you will feel the pain of watching greed and avarice step on, use, and pollute that which is pure.
You will see those who long for the touch of a loving God pursue Him in the midst of persecution and manipulation. You will revel in the Holy Spirit. You will see men struting like swollen roosters brought to their knees in humility before Him. You will see Laban ministries who see God's people as servants for the advancement of their herds. Some will bow before God. Some will sell their souls to keep their titles.
All in the historical context. You MUST KNOW this story.
Men build systems. Systems guarantee conformity. Religious systems require that certain people play certain roles. The Holy Spirit doesn't work this way. He goes where He wills. Men don't like that.
That's why each religious organization has their own assembly-line of ministers. Those who control the systems require the **MARK** of conformity.