The Awakening Church

THE AWAKENING CHURCH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 4:31-33

Supporting Texts: Romans 13:11, Ephesians 5:14, Isaiah 52:1-2, Joel 2:28, Revelation 3:1-3

INTRODUCTION:

The early Church in the book of Acts was a spiritually alert, power-driven and unified body of believers. They were not a sleepy congregation but a bold, Spirit-filled movement that turned the world upside down. After they prayed, the place was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, boldly speaking the Word of God. This is a portrait of the awakened church—a church alive, active, and advancing the Kingdom of God.

Many churches today are in need of a fresh awakening. Too many have become lukewarm, complacent, and passive in the face of moral decay, spiritual apathy, and growing wickedness. Just like Paul urged the Romans to “wake up from your slumber” because our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11), we too are called to arise from spiritual sleep and embrace a season of revival and fervency.

The world is crying out for truth and transformation. God is calling the Church to arise, awaken, and become a living witness of His power, grace, and truth. We must shake off the dust of dormancy and respond to this call as the early Church did—with prayer, unity, power, and great grace.

1. THE AWAKENING CHURCH IS A PRAYING CHURCH

Prayer is the heartbeat of an awakened church. The early Church did not respond to persecution or fear with retreat, but with united, fervent prayer that moved heaven and shook the earth.

a) They lifted up their voices in one accord (Acts 4:24): They prayed corporately, recognising that unity in prayer is a key to power.

b) They prayed with Scripture-based faith (Acts 4:25-26): Their prayers were rooted in the Word, declaring God's sovereignty over all.

c) They prayed for boldness, not escape (Acts 4:29): Instead of asking for deliverance, they asked for courage to fulfil their mission.

d) Their prayers triggered supernatural response (Acts 4:31): God answered with a physical shaking and fresh infilling of the Spirit.

Biblical Example: In Acts 12, the Church prayed earnestly for Peter, and an angel of the Lord broke his chains and brought him out of prison.

2. THE AWAKENING CHURCH IS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The presence and power of the Holy Spirit are the marks of a church that is awake. Without the Holy Spirit, the Church is powerless and directionless.

a) They were all filled afresh (Acts 4:31): A constant infilling of the Holy Ghost is vital for sustained awakening.

b) The Holy Spirit produces boldness (Acts 4:31b): Timidity dies where the Spirit thrives. They spoke with courage and clarity.

c) The Spirit empowers supernatural witness (Acts 1:8): Our testimony becomes potent when backed by the Spirit.

d) The Spirit unifies and sanctifies the Church (Ephesians 4:3-4): Unity and holiness are fruits of a Spirit-filled community.

Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to preach powerfully, leading to 3,000 conversions (Acts 2:1-4, 41).

3. THE AWAKENING CHURCH BOLDLY DECLARES THE WORD

An awakened church does not compromise or water down the truth. It boldly proclaims the unchanging Word of God in a decaying world.

a) The Word was declared with boldness (Acts 4:31c): They did not preach to please men but to honour God.

b) The Word became their primary tool for transformation (Hebrews 4:12): It is alive and powerful, penetrating hearts.

c) They were not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16): Boldness arises when we are fully convinced of the truth.

d) The Word was confirmed with signs and wonders (Mark 16:20): God backed their message with undeniable power.

Biblical Example: Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, boldly declared God’s Word even in the face of death (Acts 7:51-60).

4. THE AWAKENING CHURCH IS UNITED IN HEART AND PURPOSE

Revival flows in an atmosphere of unity. The early Church shared one heart and one soul, which allowed God to move among them unhindered.

a) They were of one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32): There was no room for division, envy, or selfish ambition.

b) They shared resources freely (Acts 4:32b): Unity produced generosity and compassion among believers.

c) They focused on the mission, not personal gain (Philippians 2:2-4): A common vision keeps the church alive and focused.

d) Unity invites the blessing of God (Psalm 133:1-3): Where brethren dwell in unity, God commands His blessing.

Biblical Example: In Acts 2:42-47, the early believers continued daily with one accord, and the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.

5. THE AWAKENING CHURCH OPERATES WITH GREAT POWER AND GRACE

An awakened church carries tangible authority and operates in God’s enabling grace to fulfil its divine assignment.

a) Great power was upon the apostles (Acts 4:33): The power of God manifested through healing, deliverance, and miracles.