Posted on May 2, 2016 by Steven Richichi

During times of revival the supernatural is more frequent and apparent than during “ordinary” times.

Acts 4:32-35 (ESV) Many people ask how come the church today isn’t like the Book of Acts.  No, we are not – there is a reason for it.  We have to look at the context.

While we believe without question that the occurrences in the Book of Acts are possible today (because God hasn’t changed), we must also be aware that the entire span of the book was during a time of revival (“Great grace”). During times of revival the supernatural is more frequent and apparent than during “ordinary” times.  Revival started when Christ came.  Grace equals transformational power.

Acts 4:32 (ESV)  Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul…they had everything in common.  This is a clear evidence of being in a season of revival. Revival is an act of God, not of man!  John 3:27 (ESV)

This was not the result of methodology, but rather the sovereign work of God. Charles Finney (who preached during a season of revival) wrongly supposed (as some do today) that the secret of revival was in “means” (methods).   He felt there were ways to “make God move”.   Needless to say Finney was an Arminian who believed in the sovereignty of man.  Later, after laboring with limited success during a period of “non revival,”  Finney recanted of his previous opinion.

In non-revival times teaching is required to motivate what the Spirit of God does inwardly during revival. Teaching is necessary when knowledge or acting on knowledge isn’t.  Phil.  2:1-4 (ESV) We are to be of the same mind as during revival.

Acts 4:33  Great power was the result of great grace! It was not the result of any method or scheme of man.

Acts 4:34-35  Although there were needs due to persecution, none lacked. There is always an adequate supply in the Body of Christ. Great grace enabled them to share it willingly.  2 Corinthians 8:8-15 (ESV)

Acts 4:36 – 5:11 (ESV) Mercy and judgment are parallel truths; when one abounds so will the other.  Great grace brought great fear!

Supernatural judgement is a characteristic during times of spiritual outpouring.

Acts 12:20-24 (ESV)

Acts 13:6-12 (ESV)

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (ESV)  The ease of repentance (which comes from God) determines the severity of judgement if repentance is refused.

Supernatural grace (during this time of revival) caused the fear of the Lord to come upon all.  Acts 5:12-16 (ESV)

Psalms 85:4-7 (ESV) Our prayer: REVIVE US O LORD!