“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had … all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” Acts 2:41-46, 47, NLT
A. FIRST CHURCH BEGAN WITH REVIVAL
1. What is revival? “I will pour out My Spirit upon all people” (Joel 2:28, NLT).
2. Preparation. “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised” (1:4, NLT). “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer” (Acts 1:14, NLT).
3. Unity. “All the believers were meeting together in one place” (Acts 2:1, NLT).
4. Three signs: (1) Wind, “Suddenly, a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm” (Acts 1:2, NLT). A symbol of power, life, and movement. (2) Fire, “What looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and sat on each of them” (Acts 2:3, NLT). A symbol of purity, (3) Tongues. “Everyone … began speaking in other languages” (Acts 2:4, NLT). Symbol of unity.
5. Power. “Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4, NLT). Baptized of Holy Spirit.
6. Description of Revival. “God pouring His presence on His people.” (1) Old Testament illustration, Shekinah glory filling the temple. (2) Servants, Joshua (Numbers 27:18), Othniel (Judges 3:16), Gideon (Judges 6:24).
7. Today’s definition of revival: (1) An extraordinary pouring out of God. (2) The sense of God’s presence is experienced. (3) Believers give themselves to prayer, extended fellowship, testifying, and worship. (4) Significant ministry in the local church and evangelistic outreach. (5) Believers make personal sacrifices and yielding to spiritual growth. (6) New directions of ministry and church growth in numbers and ministry.
8. Produces. (1) Effective believers and (2) expanding churches.
B. RESULTS OF REVIVAL
1. Great conviction of sin. “Peter’s word pierced their hearts” (Acts 2:31, NLT).
2. Growing results. “Added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all” (Acts 2:41, NLT).
3. Effective testimony. “All the people had regard for them ... more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women” (Acts 5:13-14, NLT).
4. Harmony/unity of believers. “All believers met together ... shared everything ... shared their money with those in need. They worshiped together ... shared their meals . . . enjoying the good will of all” (Acts 2:44-47, NLT).
5. Expanding influence. “Many … heard ... believed … about five thousand” (Acts 4:4, KJV).
6. Positive response. “They departed from the presence of the council rejoicing they were counted worthy to suffer” (Acts 5:41, KJV).
C. BIBLICAL ATTENDANCE RECORDS
1. Pentecost. “Those who believed … were baptized and added to the church that day – about 3,000 in all” (Acts 2:41, NLT).
2. Families Added. “But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000” (Acts 4:4, NLT).
3. Saturation evangelism, reaching every available person. “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” (Acts 5:28, NLT).
4. More than could be counted. “So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too” (Acts 6:7, NLT).
5. Churches multiply. “The churches … were walking in the fear of the LORD, and … were multiplied” (Acts 9:31, KJV).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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