WHAT DOES A REVIVED CHURCH LOOK LIKE?

If the word revival means to “live again” or “to restore to original liveliness” then we need look no further than the original church in the book of Acts for a model.

Acts 4:32-35 KJV

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.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

1.     A revived church is of one heart and one soul (v.32) They are not divided in purpose or program. Their pet church programs are not strengthened by raiding the energy and resources of another program. The Sunday school does not suffer because the music program has a need. The youth program does not suffer because the missionary program has a need. There is no schism in the body. One heart [kardia] or feelings and emotions. They were of one soul [psuche] Psyche or mind; way of thinking. Opinion!

1 Cor 12:25 KJV

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

2.     A revived church knows how to share and stretch resources! (v.32)

Because they had one heart and one mind it was not hard to develop one pocket! Nobody felt that any of his things belonged to him alone. (v.33) Those things that they held in common they treated with respect. They looked on church property not as if it was their own possession but as something that was borrowed and must be returned in good condition.

(v.33) This is the kind of church the Lord can easily bless. They were able to witness with great power because there were no divisions in the body and no competition between various programs. Great grace was upon them all.

(v.34) There was no lack anywhere! You can not make a hole in a bucket of sand by thrusting in your fist. The moment you remove your hand the hole is immediately filled as every grain of sand in the bucket rushes to make his contribution. So it is with the revived church. Each member rushes to the relief of the one in need.

Revival in the modern church has such a practical application that perhaps we miss it by over spiritualizing it. All Spiritual truth has a simple and practical application.

Dear Lord, Revive me to such a degree that I become willing to share. Make me respectful of church property. Let me not think that my program is more important than any other. When there is a hole let me rush to fill it. AMEN