Acts 2

  Ok so I'm going to start with something I forgot mention in the last blog.  I was going through my notes in my journal and I apparently missed a big point!

Acts 1:12-14 (NIV84)

"12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

Another key point in revival is prayer.  We just finished a week of 'Unceasing' prayer at our church and it was epic.  Prayer is often something take for granted but it's vital that we pray constantly.  How are we going to know what God's plan is if we don't talk to Him?  I could write a whole blog on the importance of prayer (which isn't a bad idea actually). In fact I might write a blog for each key point of revival....hmm...

ok so now for the Acts 2 stuff

Acts 2:1-4 (NIV84)

"1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This brings me to another key point in revival.  Unity. It is incredibly important that we are united.  Revival isn't something that one person can do on their own.  Revival is a team effort and the team is a team of Christ followers.  If we are going to see revival in this generation than we have to be willing to drop all of our disagreements and stand with each other.

So, there  are three things the disciples brought that were essential to starting a revival.
1. Obedience
2. Prayer
3. Unity

Now lets take a look at what they got.

1. They received boldness.
Acts 2:14(NIV84)

"14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say."'

Peter was the one who denied Jesus 3 times after he was arrested.  Peter was constantly putting his foot in his mouth yet during his whole speech he is able to speak with boldness and confidence.  There is even more evidence of this later on when the early Christians start being persecuted.

2. They received a response

Acts 2:37-41 (NIV84)

"37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all who the Lord our God will call. 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

There was a response from the crowd that Peter spoke to.  In this case it was positive, but that wasn't always the case later on.  With boldness comes response.  The world reacts to boldness.  The world isn't changed by shy or timid people (wow do I need to hear that).   Bold people yield bold responses.

3. They received provision.

Acts 2:44-47

"44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

The people began providing for each other's needs.  Now people weren't receiving mass amounts of treasure but they were receiving everything that they needed.  Provision is different than prosperity. Later on there are places where the only things the people received were literally the things they needed. However, we can be confident that we will receive everything we need.

So in summary, the disciples were obedient to God's command, they prayed constantly and they did it all together in unity.

Obedience+Prayer+Unity=Boldness+Response+Provision.

Well, that's it tonight, Good night and thanks for reading,  and if you haven't all ready, read my Acts 1 blog.

Thanks for reading all of this, Good night.

-JDWayt