REVIVAL
Acts 8:1-8
I believe there is a misconception in our day about what revival really is. Webster in his 1828 dictionary defines it this way = “Return or recall to activity from a state of languor; as the revival of spirits. Renewed and more active attention to religion; an awakening of men to their spiritual concerns”. The psalmist ask God in Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
There is a real need for revival in our lives and Churches.
People have a wrong notion about revival. Revival is more than a week of meetings. You can meet for a week or two or three and still not have revival.
The meeting is just the primer for revival it does not stop when the meetings stop.
Revival is not the saving of souls that is the result of revival. Revival is when the church is revived. When we see and react to the need around us. When we are awake to our position in Christ, and realize who we are and what we are.
Revival is a necessity if the church is to prosper. I have seen many Revivals start without the meetings.
The revival in our text was a God sent revival. Revival comes from God. Let’s look at some things about this revival.
A. IT WAS BORN IN ADVERSITY: v.1; 3
B. IT BEGAN WITH ONE PERSON OBEYING GOD: v.5
C. IT BROUGHT THE PEOPLE TOGETHER: v.6
D. IT BLESSED ALL THE PEOPLE: v.8
WHEN A PERSON HAS REAL REVIVAL THEY WILL:
I. STAND MORE COURAGEOUSLY: vss.1-3
A. THE PEOPLE TO STAND MUST BE:
1. Saved - 1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2. SETTLED Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
3. STRONG - Ephesians 6:11-18
B. THE PLACE TO STAND:
In the FAITH, In the FIRE, In the FIGHT.
C. THE PRICE TO STAND: It will cost you something to live for God.
II. SERVE MORE COMPLETELY: v.5
COMPLETELY - Means Able, Effective, Skilled, Satisfactory.
A. PHILIP'S FAITHFULNESS: In chapter 6 he is chosen a deacon, a deacon must be faithful.
B. PHILIP'S FAMILY: Acts 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
C. PHILIP'S FINISH: In every thing recorded about Philip in scripture he is busy serving God, and finished that way.
III. SEE MORE CLEARLY:v.13
A. THE WICKEDNESS OF SIN: People no longer see that sin is against God.
That sin is bad, people often say, “This isn't too bad.” That sin is Bold; “Coming out of the closet” That sin has Bitter consequences.
B. THE WONDER OF THE SAVIOR: Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
C. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT: Acts 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
D. THE WORSHIP OF THE SAINTS: Acts 8:8 And there was great joy in that city.
E. THE WORTH OF SOULS:_ Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.