Back to Normal

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

Acts 2:1-4

Revival – the foundation of the Church, Heaven on earth, the heart of man surrendered to his Creator, the move of God, the very life of Jesus. The Book of Acts describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the overwhelming presence of God upon a group of people, who were changed individually, then impacted their whole city and carried the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

In these times, it seems we live life forward, but we understand it backwards. In regards to the last few years of humanity – with a global pandemic, worldwide economic instability, and the rise of moral darkness – many are looking back to remember easier times, times that remind us of some “normality.” There is nothing wrong with looking back. In fact, when we lose something, we are encouraged to look back and trace our steps until we find that which we lost. However, for us, the Church of Jesus Christ, looking back to our beginnings is, more than yearning for easier times, finding our normal.
Back in the early Church, revival was normal and it remains to be the cry and hope of everything created – the manifestation and revelation of the sons and daughters of God (Rom. 8:19).
Vance Havner said it best: “What we call revival is simply New Testament Christianity, the saints going back to normal.”

The heart of God has not changed. By grace through faith, we now have access to a life in Christ – enabling us to do what only He can do. My Pastor says the difference between having a revival or not having it, is a little bit of boldness. The filling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit make everything that seems impossible, possible to every believer. It started in Pentecost and that encounter changed the course of humanity. 

We all want to go back to normal. Why should we expect anything less than revival?