REVIVAL - Part 7

 REVIVAL ADVANCES THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Acts 1:3, "To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God".

     Just as the Kingdom of God is spiritual, not physical, so is revival. Outpourings of the Spirit advance the Kingdom of God. Revival increases God’s direct rule over individuals. Revival’s primary purpose is to put individuals under God’s rule. Revivals are not about expanding churches. Church growth is a secondary consequence of a spiritual outpouring. This is an outward sign of the growing Kingdom. But the primary purpose of this final revival is to convert and convert people - convert christians  under the yoke of religion - must change their thinking by submitting to the Governor of the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is the Government of Heaven on earth. They must entrust their lives again to Him to be able to experience/enter the Kingdom of God.

     The reason this revival begins in our nation is important because it will break the bridges denominations have built and for once, bring all the saints together in love... and when the world sees the love in the Body of Christ, then and only then, will they enter the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is the Governing influence of the King on the earth, impacting the citizens of Heaven on earth with His culture, morals, codes etc. Our love will preach to the Muslims, Hindus, Scientologists, Atheists, Rastafarians etc. The Holy Spirit brings unity. This revival by the Governor will bring with it, unity among the saints.

    The Kingdom of God is not another denomination, it is the influence of heaven invading the earth. This Revival will advance the Kingdom of Jesus. Don’t pray for revival to save your church denominations! That is not what it is about. Our prayer is the growth of the Kingdom of God. If God chooses to use existing denominations, we will work through them. If not, He will show us new structures to help guide the outpouring. I do not seem to see denominations in the first revival ever in Acts Chapter Two. The growing Body of the King was known by location, e.g. Church in Ephesus, Church in Rome etc. What the Kingdom will look like in terms of denominations and organisations is not for us to know. These are the times and seasons that Jesus said are not our business...Acts 1:7. 

     The Holy Spirit is in control. We are at the gates of the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It will be an unprecedented move. We are going to see the first and the latter rain combine together. It will be the greatest revival the earth has ever seen. I saw the 'Healing the nation of Kenya' crusade a fortnight ago attended by many nations throughout the world. It put together thousands of local pastors from different denominations together. It was such a success. How do I know? The criticism was enormous even from the false fivefold - they sort to be recognized when others sort the mercy and the face of the King. The prophecy that Kenya is the springboard of revival that will overtake the world in readiness to the King's arrival is coming to pass.

    Prayer has always preceded revival. It seems, in a good sence, like there is a breakout of prayer-lifestyle in our nation accompanied by repentance. There are more men and women of God streaming in Kenya for crusades than ever before. Thanks to H. E. The First Lady - she has an apostolic grace. Like I said, the foundation has been laid... others must build on it...1 Corinthians 3:10ff. 

     Jesus isn’t coming for a revived Church. He’s coming for a glorified Church, without spots or wrinkles. The saints must put everything in order. The Church is apostolic... Jesus, the Chief Apostle is coming for an apostolic Church. But in order to enter the glory of God, the Church needs to be revived. Revival is and always has been part of God’s agenda. Revival is personal before it is corporate. For example, if I am not revived as a pastor, I cannot impart revival to my congregation. Therefore, God will first revive you so that you can revive everything you touch. Generally, life is lost when the Holy Spirit, the Governor of God's Kingdom is grieved. This is time to pray fervently.

     Like our nation, the Acts Chapter Two revival began with many days of concerted prayer in the Upper Room. It is unlikely that revival has ever begun in any other way. Maybe you have been praying for revival for a long time alone. If not, start now. Maybe it’s time to invite a few fellow believers to join you in your home to pray for revival. Churches can always increase their prayers. But more than anything else, we need to seek God for ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our country, and our world. The wheels of Christ's return are unstoppable.

     After the Kingdom of God was derailed in Genesis Chapter Three, the King promised to restore it...Genesis 3:15. This is the first time we see Chrismas mentioned indirectly. At the right time, the King came to the earth territory... Galatians 4:4. He came at a time when Rome was ruling God's people and said, "Change the way you think [repent], for My Kingdom/Government has arrived on earth"... My Emphasis. But because of noise [perception at the time... they were oppressed by the Romans] they misunderstood Him and in several occasions, they tried to make Him King. The One who was going to sustain that Kingdom was still lodged inside Him without measure. But, for Him to be released, the vessels had to be cleansed first through calvary.

     After the cleansing, the work of releasing the Kingdom of Heaven's representative, the Holy Spirit was announced, "It is finished"!  Fifty days later, the Governor of the Kingdom of God was released. He came over a hundred and twenty people gathered in one place. The combination of the former and latter rain will be poured over all flesh. This is why the end time revival is importantant. From the first Revival ever of Acts 2, we see and learn what an authentic revival entails.

Twelve [12] Signs of Revival

The revival of Acts 2:36-47 illustrates 11 consistent signs of revival that have characterized spiritual renewal over the course of Church history:

1. Emphasis on King Jesus ...Acts 2:36, "Therefore let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ (the Messiah)–this Jesus Whom you crucified". 

The King is Lord because He owns earth and everything in it, "The earth is the Lord's...". In Acts 2, Peter preached to an international audience about Jesus Christ, crucified, dead, buried, and raised from the dead as Lord and Messiah. When revival comes, Jesus our King becomes the top priority for the citizens.

2. Repentance ...Acts 2:37-38, "Now when they heard this they were stung (cut) to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles (special messengers), Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter answered them, Repent [change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it] and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". 

In revival, people experience conviction for their sins and repent and change their lifestyles. They not only walk away from patterns of sin, but they turn their attention away from petty entertainments to spend more time in pursuit of the King. Revival is for the Body of Christ and she needs to repent from religion and rituals to experience the Kingdom lifestyle. 

3. A passion for prayer ...Acts 2:42, "And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers". 

Revival creates in people a new desire to pray, worship, and meditate on God. Sometimes, even in sleep, the prayers continue as God clears away our distractions and speaks to us in dreams.

4. Hunger for the Word ...Acts 2:42, "devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles" means that the New testament had not been written. But the apostles had been with the Lord for three and a half years. They had the firsthand information about what He taught about His Kingdom. When revival comes, people want more of the Scriptures, more personal reading and study, and more exposure to preaching and teaching.

5. A burden for the lost ...Acts 2:40, "And [Peter] solemnly and earnestly witnessed (testified) and admonished (exhorted) with much more continuous speaking and warned (reproved, advised, encouraged) them, saying, Be saved from this crooked (perverse, wicked, unjust) generation". 

Because of the conviction of sin that comes with revival, people realize that others are lost because they are more aware of their own sin and their lostness without Jesus. The 8 plus billion people on earth today were born to be born again and more than half are living in poverty of every kind. In revivals like the one we expect, we can no longer be content to let people live without being confronted with the love of the King. As His subject, He wants to do something about it for His own Name's sake.

6. Many enter God's Kingdom. ...Acts 2:41, "Therefore those who accepted and welcomed his message were baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000 souls]". 

Along with the new burden for souls comes a marked increase in salvations and new converts.

7. A surge in callings to ministry and missions ...Acts 4:20, "But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard". 

During revival, people sense God’s calling to Gospel service, whether in vocational ministry or in greater consecration of their daily work life in what others would see as secular settings. It is at this time the message of the Kingdom will be restored... Matthew 24:14.

8. The manifest presence of the King ...Acts 2:40,43, "And a sense of awe (reverential fear) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles (the special messengers)". 

God is always present, but in revival, God’s presence becomes obvious — whether in conviction of sin, healings and signs and wonders, or reception of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

9. Greater generosity toward the work of God ...Acts 2:45, "And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need". 

Church offerings and other manifestations of personal giving to the work of God greatly increase fellowship among... Acts 2:46. 

10. Increased fellowship and gatherings for worship,  prayer and the Word ...Acts 2:46, "And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes they broke bread [including the Lord's Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts". 

Not only do the number of church activities increase, but the saints begin to meet in homes and at restaurants and other venues to spend time together to share how God is working in their lives. In revival, God’s people experience greater love for one another that draws them together frequently and attracts unbelievers to their meetings.

11. Favor with the community ..Acts 2:47, "Constantly praising God and being in favor and goodwill with all the people; and the Lord kept adding [to their number] daily those who were being saved [from spiritual death]". 

Revivals are the Governor's [Holy Spirit] ministry. While the early saints saw favor with 'all the people', it did not include the Sanhedrin and the Jewish leaders, who immediately began to persecute them ...Acts 4:1. Both favor and opposition arise when revival begins. Mockers will always arise when revival occurs, and opposition from people in power also increases. But the joy of God’s favor trumps any form of persecution or opposition.

12. Extreme Joy in fulfiling Purpose. This is a bonus. Before entering into my personal revival, the Lord promised two days before that I would experience added joy. People who have experienced revival in their spirit experience greater joy in their personal lives and work.

They find they have a song in their hearts during their work time, as all of life becomes the temple of their worship and prayer. Their work ethic soars and their prosperity increases, further fueling the greater generosity. Revival in the Kingdom is the best thing that can happen to an economy in recession!

     Jesus, Thy Kingdom come!