Online Reporter
Rev Moses Matimba
Revival is more than a season of excitement or emotional gatherings. It is a powerful move of God that awakens His people to salvation, prayer, holiness, sacrifice and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts provides a clear picture of true revival, and its lessons remain as relevant today as they were in the early Church.
It is revival time when people are pointed to salvation in Jesus.
In Ephesus, some disciples knew only the baptism of John and had not yet fully understood the message of Christ. Paul taught them the truth, directing them to Jesus.
“John baptised with the baptism of repentance,” Paul told them, pointing them to Christ. Whenever preaching brings people back to the cross and leads them to salvation, revival has begun. (Acts 19:4)
It is revival time when people are baptised in the Holy Spirit. After teaching the believers, Paul laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and experiencing God’s power.
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is a defining mark of revival. The Church cannot sustain God’s work through human effort alone. It must be filled and refreshed by the Spirit. (Acts 19:6)
It is revival time when people praise God despite their chains.
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten, imprisoned and placed in chains. Yet at midnight they prayed and sang praises to God.
Their worship shook the prison, opened the doors and broke the chains.
Revival is seen when believers choose praise in the middle of pain and trust God in the midst of difficult circumstances. (Acts 16:25-26) It is revival time when custodians of the gospel declare the full counsel of God.
Paul reminded the Ephesian believers that he had faithfully preached the whole purpose of God. He taught publicly and from house to house, ensuring that believers were firmly grounded in Scripture.
Revival is sustained by biblical truth, not popularity or catchy slogans. God’s people need the whole counsel of His Word if they are to stand firm in a changing world. (Acts 20:27) It is revival time when any place becomes a place of prayer.
Before leaving Ephesus, Paul knelt with the elders and prayed.
It was not the building that made the moment significant. It was the desire to seek God.
