Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are

"Preach The Word"

TITLE: THE REALITY OF REVIVAL

TEXT: Acts 4:31-35
INTRO:
(1) Tonight, we begin a series of what we call revival services. The
word revive, means to bring back to life, or to stir up again that which
has been alive, but has died down. This word can be used in reference to a fire (that needs to be stirred) or even a controversy (that is stirred
back up)
(2) 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 this week is more than that. We have a good example of a
true heaven sent revival here in Acts 4. Let's examine a true heaven
sent revival ,we too can have one.

I. THE ESSENTIALS OF REVIVAL. THEY met God's condition and we must also. We can't earn but can prevent revival.

A. This revival was preceded by the prayers of people. V-31
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken.......;"
(l) They didn't preach or sing, but they PRAYED.
(2) The prayers will condition the heart.
(3) Revival is for US! 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 V-24 "And when they heard
that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord,
thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all
that in them is:"
God must be recognized as being the Greatest. V-29 We are only the
instrument.

C. Preceded by the presence of the people V-3 1 "......where they
were assembled together..."
(1) The most important thing going on this week is what God is going to be doing here at Goodes Creek.
(2) Those who are absent mess out even if it can't be helped. (3)The
above three things are absolutely essential to a
heaven sent Holy Ghost revival. A child of God should not have to be
begged to come.

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 V-31
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were
assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost,........."
You can't have revival without surrender and total
surrender and total surrender brings fullness.
(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. It was
because Paul was filled, he could rebuke for God!

B. They experienced the freedom of speech. V-31 "and they spake the
word of God with boldness..."
(1) They were given freedom of speech. Tongue
was loosed. (I didn't say they spoke in tongues, but
with their tongues.
(2) Wanted to witness, not talk about each other.

C. They experienced fellowship of the saints. V-32
"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he
possessed was his own; but they had all things common."
(1) All things in common. (One did not think themselves above
another)
(2. All had same motivation. (All desired to glorify God)
(3) All crucified self. Spirit filled 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 V-31 They witnessed
(1) With boldness: "...and they spake the word of God with
boldness..."
(2) With great power: "And with great power gave the apostles witness
of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus:"
(3) Grace: V-33 " and great grace was upon them all."

B. It will result in greater works. V-34
(1) They gave up their possessions. Sure sign of right living.
You can usually judge a person's spiritual temperature by their giving.
(2) They gave the whole price, willingly and sacrificially.
GO HOME GET SOME WHERE IN THE CLOSET AND PRAY!

CONCLUSION:
Revival time is commitment time. Come and be the Key and bring someone
tonight.

SERMON BY CECIL LOVELACE- GOODE'S CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

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