When Revival Comes

 

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” - Acts 4:31

Many of us are praying for a genuine spiritual awakening in America. We long for a wide-scale move of God, transforming lives. We are seeking revival among God's people and churches throughout the land. We long for a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing.

This brings up a significant question. How do we know when revival comes? How can we detect such an event?

To be rather honest, there is a major difference between a superficial religious fad and a genuine spiritual awakening. Revival in churches is more than extra meetings or a tent crusade. The outcome of real revival is deep, rich and amazing.

At first glance, the turmoil in America seems to be the wrong atmosphere for revival. Yet as we study the Scriptures, we find that revival often comes during times of persecution and upheaval. In Acts chapter 4, authorities had commanded believers to quit preaching about Jesus. Despite the threats against them, Acts 4:31 states, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” In spite of the threats, the believers prayed for greater boldness in sharing the Good News and God responded in a powerful way.

I believe that we learn several things about revival from this event. When revival comes, five things will be apparent:

1. SUPPLICATION-LED CONSECRATION

First of all, revival will come when God's people unify in prayer. Our text states, “And when they had prayed...” Every revival and spiritual awakening in Biblical and Church history has begun with believers on their knees seeking God.

2. SOVEREIGN-MARKED CHANGE

Secondly, revival will be marked by a mighty move of God. Our text states that when believers prayed, “... the place was shaken where they were assembled together.” There is an unmistakable sense of God's intervention when revival comes. God shook up things when His people prayed. When revival comes, He tends to shake up people!

3. SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTIANS

Next, Christians are filled with the Spirit. The Bible says that when the place was shaken, “... they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” Believers are baptized by the Spirit at conversion, but there should be multiple fillings of the Spirit. Paul wrote, “Be ye filled with the Spirit.” In the Greek, this is actually translated, “Be continually filled with the Spirit.” We need the Spirit's power to fulfill the work of God. When we work in the power of the flesh, we get superficial and unsatisfactory results. When the Spirit fills us, leads us and uses us, amazing things will happen.

4. SCRIPTURE-FILLED CONTENT

Next our text states, “... they spake the word of God with boldness.” Despite the official commands and threats, God's people prayed for boldness … and they received it! Notice that they “... spake the word of God.” They didn't invite people to revival meetings, a church potluck or a religious movie. Instead, Christians boldly proclaimed the Word of God. Such boldness is sorely lacking in our day. When revival comes, God's people will be filled with the Spirit and will boldly share the message of the Gospel everywhere, including the streets, businesses and homes. The Gospel will not be diluted. Instead, it will be declared.

5. SOUL-STIRRING CONVERSIONS

Finally, lives will be changed by the simple, yet powerful message of the Gospel. Throughout the book of Acts, we find courageous believers making the Gospel known. Sure, it brought division, persecution and strife. But the same message changed lives for the glory of God.

Is this the kind of revival you long for? Do you yearn for God to use you in making the Gospel known everywhere you go? Do you long to see revival in your church? Are you passionate to see a mighty spiritual awakening in our land? If so, let's get back to prayer and the Word. Let God stir a fire in your soul.

It may be that the revival we long to see may begin in our own lives today!