Title: Give me the fire of revival
Contents
Give me the fire of revival (Acts 2:37-47)
This year, many churches and organizations yearn for the revival of this land once again and are holding various crusades to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Pyongyang revival. However, revival is not achieved by holding slogans or commemorative gatherings. Many people think that revival increases the number of members, increases the finances of the church, and increases the building of the church. But this is only the result of the revival, not the revival itself. Revival is the resurrection of dead souls by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the revival of parched hearts. Revival is experiencing the presence of God. It is to experience the kingdom of God. It means living a life changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, revival is the work of the Holy Spirit. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, no revival can happen (Acts 2:1-4).
I. Started to witness the gospel.
Before receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter hid for fear of the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman army, and was a man who denied Jesus three years for fear of death. The other disciples also deserted Jesus on the day he was arrested and all ran away. But after receiving the Holy Spirit, they boldly began to bear witness to the gospel. It was not in the outskirts, but in the middle of Jerusalem, and they began to boldly proclaim the gospel, saying, “Listen to my words.” In this way, the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is revealed as the evidence of the gospel. When we receive the filling of the Holy Spirit, we are supposed to preach the gospel in any way.
Ⅱ. The work of repentance took place (verse 37).
Whether you look at the Bible or the history of Christianity, the great revival always started with repentance. It began with being pierced and repenting. Since the Holy Spirit is a holy spirit, it cannot work without restoring holiness. There is no revival without repentance. When we repent, the Holy Spirit partes the heavens and comes upon us. Repentance is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a privilege that can be enjoyed by those who become children of God. Even if we do not confess our sins, the Lord knows all our sins and transgressions. But why does the Lord want us to confess our sins? To give us freedom, to stop Satan's accusations, and to set us free from guilt and condemnation. Therefore, those who do not repent of their sins and live with them are the most foolish. This great spiritual awakening that began in Pyongyang did not end with simple repentance. It did not end with a temporary repentance. led to the reform movement. The saints who received the fire of the Holy Spirit began to correct their wrong conduct.
Ⅲ. The number of disciples increased by 3,000 (verse 41).
See also text. Three thousand people a day repented and returned to be baptized. How difficult is it to lead a soul to the Lord? But 3,000 people came back after hearing one sermon. Is this something humans can do? That's what the Holy Spirit does. Therefore, have the power of the Holy Spirit. When the fire of the Holy Spirit comes on, people do not stand still. Go ahead and preach the gospel. That is why the number of people who are being saved every day in the church is bound to increase. What kind of church is a healthy church? It is a church with a large number of people being saved every day.
Ⅳ. Wonders and signs took place (verse 43).
The final step in the discipleship of Jesus is to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived and taught them for three years. But Jesus did not end it with that, but wanted to be finally clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes. The end of discipleship training is to put on the power of the Holy Spirit. Saints! The wonders and signs are not the essence of the gospel. The essence of the gospel is the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus' death and resurrection. However, wonders and signs serve to open the door to many people's hearts and allow them to receive the Gospel. Therefore, wherever there is a history of great revival, miracles and signs always occur.
V. Values have changed (44, 45).
The believers who received the power of the Holy Spirit changed their values. Look at Zacchaeus in the Bible. He was a man who lived his life only for material things, even though he was called Sujeon-no and Mae-guk-no, even today, he was bullied by the people. But how did he change after meeting the Lord? (Luke 19:8)
When the fire of the Holy Spirit comes on, when you meet the Lord, your values change like this. priority is changed. Realize what is most important. It changes from a life of holding onto a life of giving. What has changed since you believed in Jesus? What has changed? Check your priorities. When we meet Jesus personally, when the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon us, our values of life change like this. Revival is not a slogan. It starts with true repentance. It is a time for repentance of the heart, not the repentance of the head. Let us repent of not loving the soul, not loving the church, not praying, not being faithful, not being honest, and living a life of lies. Confessing my past and failures and the causes of those failures can be very painful and shameful. But repentance is the only way for me to live, for the church to live, and for this nation to live. When one person repents, the Holy Spirit comes to heaven. Real revival occurs when the Holy Spirit comes with power. Let's all yearn for revival. And pray for revival.