As we have looked at in the previous posts, the day of Pentecost was a very special divinely appointed day. Because on that day the Holy Spirit appeared with sounds of a rushing wind and the appearance of fire like flames hovering over the believers. (Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit did not at this time appear as a Dove as when He alighted upon Jesus at His baptism. Nor did He present Himself with an earthquake as later in chapter 16 of Acts when the Holy Spirit freed Peter from prison. Although He caused the face of Stephen to shine like that of an angel while being stoned, His appearance at Pentecost was unique. We must not limit the powerful manifestations or remarkable communication of the Holy Spirit. Particularly we cannot deny the necessity of an extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Revival.
Throughout history, both in the Old and New Testament, it has been moments of remarkable communication by the Holy Spirit that led stubborn, hard-hearted men and women to turn to God, forsaking their selfish plans. As demonstrated in the past, therefore, all hopes of revival lie dependent upon these moments of remarkable communication of the Holy Spirit, an extraordinary outpouring. On the day of Pentecost, the church in its infancy received such an extraordinary outpouring. Everyone nearby heard the peoples praising worship sounds in their own language despite many languages being spoken. No translators were necessary because the Holy Spirit translated and caused every ear to hear in their own native tongue. God works in mysterious ways at times. We pray for revival; but, are we truly with all our hearts prepared to surrender everything to the power of the Holy Spirit for this?
Remarkable Communication of the Holy Spirit in Revival
Are we truly believing in and desiring such remarkable communication from the Holy Spirit as is necessary for such revival? Is there within our hearts the true desire for harvest needed to pray fervently for an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit? At work? At School? Or any other place? Do you and I really have such a burden for the lost?
- Dwight L. Moody had a large church in Chicago. He feared that his words were like that of sounding brass. Although initially irritated by the group of women who prayed fervently that he receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he later met with them each Friday to pray. Then, the church and his home burned down in the Chicago fire. After this, He went to New York to seek financial assistance in rebuilding the church. Throughout, he was a man seeking to do God’s work. Yet, all seemed fruitless at times. This is what he said about one special day as he was in New York.
One day, in the city of New York—oh, what a day!—I cannot describe it, I seldom refer to it; it is almost too sacred an experience to name . . . I can only say that God revealed himself to me, and I had such an experience of his love that I had to ask him to stay his hand. I went to preaching again. The sermons were not different; I did not present any new truths, and yet hundreds were converted. I would not now be placed back where I was before that blessed experience if you should give me all the world—it would be small dust in the balance. (W. R. Moody, The Life of D. L. Moody, New York: 1900, p. 149)
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Certainly, our nation is in desperate need of a revival. All around us, we see the discord throughout, the desperation, foolish people searching without hope. Men and women seeking all forms of counterfeit joy with no evidence of the true joy of knowing God. Yes, the world is in desperate need of an extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Revival. However we march on focused on our own life rather than the kingdom. Yet, I daresay that my heart also needs the remarkable communication of the Holy Spirit to awaken my heart to truly love the souls of others with extraordinary desire. I need the Holy Spirit to shine brightly the love of God and His Glory such that I cannot be quiet or sit still while others march head-on to an eternity without Him. What about you?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written, click on this link to discover my Book Resources.
Another option is going to Amazon.com. There you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba. Or click this link to be taken there
Furthermore for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
Is Being Filled with the Spirit a Different Experience?
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CREDITS
Photo from Hagler Link on Unsplash