Here’s the condition of the early church after Jesus ascended to the Father and the day of Pentecost. They never let that go. It’s still here today. If you don’t experience it, it is not God’s fault. As Christians we live far below our “means.” The resources are there. All of heaven is there and we need to ask for it and get down to business with the Lord.
Acts 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 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.
The church started out not being in favor of the powers of the world. It was largely in darkness. That’s why we’re called to pray for our leaders. Those in power didn’t realize there was a greater power–God Almighty and his Son. The land of Israel had experienced the presence of God’s Son. Jesus came for everyone, the righteous, the self-righteous, the lowest sinner, the backslidden as well as the demon possessed. Jesus turned no one away though many turned him away. Pilate could have decided not to do what he did. Judas could have changed his mind and not betrayed Jesus. The same goes with revival. It is dependent on each of us. God is always ready to revive his people. He was just waiting to do it for the early church.
Peter and John had been released after having been arrested for preaching and healing in Jesus’ name. They gave all the glory to Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This is what’s important today. God is standing ready. Peter and John didn’t break because they had been with Jesus. They experienced the ascension and it was only a few days until Pentecost and the Holy Spirit came down. All heaven was shaking at the return of Jesus to heaven to take his seat at the right hand of the Father. In the interim of time before the Holy Spirit came down they didn’t have to worry. God took care of his children. God is caring for us far more than we recognize or deserve. The church gathered in the Upper Room, not in a basement. They weren’t ashamed. They waited and the Holy Spirit came down and filled everyone in the room. He didn’t leave them. For three years they experienced God visibly through Jesus Christ. They had been at arm’s length of Jesus. They believed him and because of what he did on the cross they were saved. We can be so close to Jesus that he’s not at arm’s length but in us. The Holy Spirit is in us for us to do great things. Jesus has the ability to be in the heart of every believer because of the Holy Spirit. We need to get back to making whatever adjustments we need so we can feel God’s presence once more.
The people were scared and burdened when Peter and John were arrested. A lot threatens us. Satan knows we are having revival this week. He knows what opposition we have. The early church held fast in spite of it all. The devil will threaten with everything to keep us from having revival. He’ll fill us with excuses. Your lumbago, whatever that is, will act up. He’ll tell you “why, you don’t need revival. You’re doing good. You already tickle the Lord’s fancy.” There’s always room to get closer to God. They took the threats to the Lord. Let’s let HIM prevail. Let nothing come between you and God. We all want revival like the good old days. It didn’t come cheap. People got personal. Don’t tell others how bad they are. We must measure the distance we are personally from the Holy Spirit. Are we as near as we used to be? Or do we just think we are? In days gone by people got down to business and revival happened. Before he can shake the church house he has to shake the hearts of the people of the church.
The early church didn’t falter. It was a time to be concerned. They held fast and didn’t let the very real and sinister threats back them down. They stayed put. Have you been standing your ground or backing up or down? Do we need to call God’s 911 ahd have the angels bring an ambulance and take us to God’s hospital? Do we need a rescue? When people need help and it comes they don’t fight the doctors and nurses, they lay there and let them help. Let God treat you. The Holy Spirit is still the Holy Spirit. The Bible is still the Bible. Quit blaming others. We all need a good shot, a good dose of the Holy Spirit. The church rallied that day. They didn’t fight but came together closer than ever. Christians ought to be as one, in one accord. The devil pulls and pushes and he’s doing it today. God shook the house they were in when they came together. That’s what it will take, a united effort in the hearts of everyone to pray. Verse 24 says hey lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is. They began to pray. The knew the high priests and Pilate were not in charge. It was God and they held tight for more. They didn’t pray for those enemies to be killed. They asked for boldness. We have to pray for the right things. It’s not about having a good, old time. If you want to survive you have to get hold of the Lord. What God gives in revival is what we need.
They wanted to be bold to stand and profess Christ as never before. Let’s be more dedicated, more surrendered, be less judgmental of others and depend and trust God daily to be a stronger Christian. When the people prayed the place was shaken. When is the last time the church was shaking and I’m not talking about the earthquake a few years ago. The church house doesn’t need to be shaken; this is just a building. This house–our hearts–needs to be shaken. It will let us be a channel to shake the house of the lost. We have a great opportunity before us: revival. Pray with all your heart and God will shake us and everyone we know. It begins in you and me. Does your place need to be shaken?
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 