THE REALITY OF REVIVAL Acts 4:31-35

·        The word revive means to bring back to life, or to stir up again that which has been alive, but has died down.(Illust—A fire that needs to be stirred.)

·        There are too many Revivals that don’t revive. Often, it is only a series of meetings. I hope and pray that what we are about to experience next week is more than that.

I.                   THE ESSENTIALS OF REVIVAL—They met God’s condition and we must also. We can’t earn Revival, but we can prevent Revival.

A-This Revival was preceded by the Prayers of the People (vs. 31)

            1-They did not preach, or sing, but they PRAYED.

            2-The Prayers will condition the Heart.

            3-Revival is for Us, Not you or me, but you and me.

   Prayer is the most neglected privilege we have. When we

   neglect prayer, we neglect preparation for Revival.

            B-Preceded by the Praise of the People (vs. 24)

                        1-They recognized God as the Greatest

                        2-We’re the only instrument that Can Give God due Praise

            C-Preceded by the Presence of the People (vs. 31)

                        1-The most important thing going on next week is what God

                            is going to be doing here at Calvary Baptist Church.

                        2-Those who are absent miss out even if it can’t be helped

These three things are essential to a Heaven Sent Holy Ghost Revival.

·         A child of God should not have to be begged to come.

·         A church member should not have to be reminded to 

     rearrange their plans in order to come to Revival.

II.                THE EXPECTATIONS OF REVIVAL—What can we expect if we meet God’s conditions? The same thing they experienced.

A-They experienced the Fullness of the Spirit (vs. 31)You can’t have Revival without surrender and total surrender brings fulness.

            1-It was because Peter was full of the Holy Ghost that he

            could now preach.

            2-It was because Stephen was filled, he could die.

            3-It was because Paul was filled, he could rebuke for God.

B-They experienced the Freedom of Speech(vs. 31)

1-Tongue was loosed—Spake the word of God with Boldness

                                2-Wanted to witness—not talk about each other.

            C-They experienced the Fellowship of the Saints (vs. 32)

1-All things common—One did not think themselves above another

2-All had the same motivation—All desired to glorify God.

3-All crucified self. Spirited folks get along. Churches split over the silliest things.

III.             THE EXTENT OF REVIVAL—How much will it effect you and the church? Real Revival lasts more than a week.

A-It will result in greater witness. (vs. 31) They witnessed…

            1-With Boldness

            2-With Great Power

            3-Grace (vs. 33)

B-It will result in greater works. (vs 34)

            1-They gave up their possessions. Sure sign of right living.

            You can usually know a person’s spiritual temperature by

their giving.

2-They gave up the whole price, willingly and sacrificially.

Go home, get somewhere in the closet and PRAY!

Conclusion: If you seriously know that you are in need of Revival then you will realize that Revival time is commitment time. Come to the altar and be the Key that will unlock the door to Revival. 

Ask God what he would have you to do concerning Revival and I am sure he would say….

1-Be in attendance at each Service.

2-Be obedient to the Holy Ghost in Each Service.

3-Eliminate any hinderances or thoughts in your mind and Soul that come between you and your service to God.

4-Pray every morning, noon, and evening for the Revival Services.

5-Witness to everyone that you know concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and this Church.