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Pastor’s Corner

So often we speak of revival in our churches today. We long to see men and women, boys and girls come to know the renewing power of God and be transformed by His grace. We so often preach about it from our pulpits and exhort others to pray for revival. But what is the Biblical model for revival? And how can we see it today? Come, let us reason together for a moment.

In Acts 2, Dr. Luke gives us the prescription to see revival today. Acts 2:42 reads: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Here we see some things that are the foundation of genuine revival in the Body. First, Christians must commit themselves to rightly dividing the Word of God. God’s word is the ultimate source of truth for the world and as such it must be presented to both those inside and outside of the church. The scriptures are “God-breathed” and have the ability to pierce the heart and turn it to Christ.

Second, Christians must commit themselves to fellowship with each other and reaching out to others in the community. One church cannot accomplish revival alone nor can one contain it. It takes all the Body, working together for the cause of Christ to accomplish that goal. Jesus said that the world would know that Christians are His disciples by their love for one another. True revival comes when the toes move with the feet, the eyes work with the ears, and the arms reach out with the hands.

Third, revival begins and ends with prayer. God never used anyone who did not pray for His will to be accomplished. Through Christ we can do all things and we must begin on our knees. We must remember how much Christ has done for us and bring to mind from what depths we were rescued. When we can rightly divide the Word, truly fellowship together, and pray together as we were intended then the buildings will not be able to contain the flame of revival that will burn like wildfire in our communities. It is then and only then will we see the words of the great hymn realized:

Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love,

Let each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

Hallelujah thine the glory, Hallelujah Amen,

Hallelujah thine the glory, revive us again.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” —Acts 2:42

Revive Us Again—Acts 2:42-47

Date: 9/12/08