Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-4; 42-47

Introduction

  • Since February 8th, something unusual has been doing on at Asbury University, then at Cedarville, Lee, Samford, Regent, Oklahoma Baptist, Texas A&M, and other colleges. Many are calling it a revival.

What is revival?

  • To “make alive again” (Latin, vivere-live; re-again). Ezekiel 37:1-14. Divine resuscitation. Ex: Genesis 2 (beginning of humanity), Acts 2 (beginning of new humanity).
  • A firsthand encounter with God’s manifest (vs. his universal) presence. God draws near.
  • Summary: a movement of God’s Spirit by which he breathes fresh life into his people resulting in perceptible changes in their kingdom focus, passion for God, pursuit of holiness, evangelistic zeal and love for others.

Is what is happening true revival?

  • Can’t say definitively at this point. But there are encouraging signs:
  1. It was sovereign not planned.
  2. It is humble not hyped.
  3. There is a demonstrable hunger for God.
  4. It is producing the fruit of righteousness: repentance, worship, prayer, confession of sin, love for one another, the desire to share the experience. Later: will it lead to moral reform, justice and righteousness?
  5. It fits the pattern of how other revivals have started:
    • It came at a dark time.
    • It followed behind-the-scenes prayer.
    • It started suddenly, with someone confessing sin.
    • Revivals have happened many times throughout church history. Some of the more famous recent ones are: Great Awakening 1740s, Second Great Awakening 1800, “New Century” Revival of 1904-5, 1960s-70s Jesus Movement (Asbury Revival of 1970).

How does God want us to respond?

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

– Mark 1:14-15

  • Seek it desperately (Matt 6:33). Seek God with all our hearts. Revivals are forks in road. If we don’t get revived, we harden our hearts.
  • Test the spirits (1 John 4:1; 1 Thess 5:21). 1 Jn 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Be discerning, wise, biblical. The enemy counterfeits it; people let flesh get in. Test via scripture, research and spiritual leaders.
  • Trust the Spirit’s leading (Acts 10:1-48). Be willing to take risks. Don’t get freaked out by weird stuff. Emotions vs. emotionalism. Beware of hucksters.
  • Repent of complacency (Rev 3:1-5). Rev 3:1-3: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” If you are indifferent, God will pass you by. Don’t miss what God is doing!

Questions?

A few recommended resources