Revival is about The Elect; Not the Elections
Acts 6:1-7 is a great picture and a model of a revived church. Doctor Luke records that in this early church period, church leaders were given to the priority of prayer and the ministry of the word, the church was producing fully devoted followers of Jesus (filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and faith), and as a result the church was multiplying disciples and the gospel was spreading throughout the Roman Empire.
It’s important to emphasize here that the church was experiencing the fruits of revival not in a time of prosperity, but in a time of persecution.
The opening line of Acts chapter six reads, “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number…” Acts 6:1a
When Luke wrote, “in these days” he was referring to the revival that was occurring in the church as disciples were increasing in number. But it’s important to note that “in these days” the church was not only experiencing the fruits of revival; the church was also facing fierce opposition.
Since coming to saving faith in Christ, I’ve heard many messages on the need for revival and also calls to pray for revival. I’ve also read a lot on the history of revival throughout the church age. And I believe that the call to pray for revival is a good and necessary thing. However, it’s vitally important that we understand exactly what we are praying for when we are seeking God for revival, especially in an election year.
Revival is more about the "elect" than it is the elections. It’s more about the believers surrendering fully to Christ and going all out for Him than it is the outcome of the elections.
Our hope is not found in the results of an election. Our hope is found in an empty tomb, in the good news of Jesus which is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. (Romans 1:16)
Revival doesn't equal living in a prosperous nation as Christians and enjoying the favor of the government. Throughout most of church history Christians lived under oppressive governments and faced intense persecution. And millions of Christians still do today.
Revival can actually lead to increased persecution. As Nik Ripken, observed:
Whether in prosperity or persecution, the revived church lives to advance God's kingdom even at great cost and comprehends that they are pilgrims in this temporary world with an assignment to represent the kingdom of God. As the author of Hebrews explained:
In an article titled, Praying for the Elect not just the Elections, Daniel Henderson wrote:
I would love to see America fully embracing it’s Judeo-Christian roots. I pray for an awakening in this country where the majority of Americans fear God and confess Jesus as Lord. We should pray for government leaders to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. But revival doesn’t depend on what political party has the majority or whether your candidate for president gets elected in November.
Like Daniel and His three friends, who were living in exile under pagan rulers, the church is called to shine for Christ in Babylon. Because God is Sovereign and because where man rules God overrules, we can trust that God’s redemptive plans are being fulfilled through His faithful servants no matter who’s in power.
As Americans, we are living in Babylon. In the scriptures, Babylon not only speaks of a geographical location, (modern day Iraq), it is also used metaphorically to represent a world system in rebellion against God. In a recent message, Pastor Willy Rice put it this way:
So, what is a revived church? A revived church is a church that is growing the roots of revival, and as a result, is bearing the fruits of revival. The fruit of revival, as we see demonstrated in Acts 6:1-7, is multiplying disciples who know the love of Jesus and live to spread His fame no matter the cost.
We must stay devoted to being Acts 6:4 leaders (prioritizing prayer and the ministry of the word), building Acts 6:3 disciples (fully devoted followers of Jesus), and believing for an Acts 6:7 awakening.
In his article, Daniel Henderson also wrote:
Let’s do our civic duty. Let’s strive to be honorable citizens and serve our country well by doing good and being just. Let’s pray for our government leaders and cast our informed vote in the the ballot box. But let’s not lose sight of where our hope is found.
This world is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven. Let’s live in a way that demonstrates where our true allegiance is found, namely in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And no matter what happens come November, let’s give ourselves to growing the roots of revival as outlined in Acts 6 so that we might see the fruit of revival for the eternal good of others and to the glory of King Jesus.
In His service,
Pastor Marco
It’s important to emphasize here that the church was experiencing the fruits of revival not in a time of prosperity, but in a time of persecution.
The opening line of Acts chapter six reads, “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number…” Acts 6:1a
When Luke wrote, “in these days” he was referring to the revival that was occurring in the church as disciples were increasing in number. But it’s important to note that “in these days” the church was not only experiencing the fruits of revival; the church was also facing fierce opposition.
Since coming to saving faith in Christ, I’ve heard many messages on the need for revival and also calls to pray for revival. I’ve also read a lot on the history of revival throughout the church age. And I believe that the call to pray for revival is a good and necessary thing. However, it’s vitally important that we understand exactly what we are praying for when we are seeking God for revival, especially in an election year.
Revival is more about the "elect" than it is the elections. It’s more about the believers surrendering fully to Christ and going all out for Him than it is the outcome of the elections.
Our hope is not found in the results of an election. Our hope is found in an empty tomb, in the good news of Jesus which is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. (Romans 1:16)
Revival doesn't equal living in a prosperous nation as Christians and enjoying the favor of the government. Throughout most of church history Christians lived under oppressive governments and faced intense persecution. And millions of Christians still do today.
Revival can actually lead to increased persecution. As Nik Ripken, observed:
“The primary cause of “religious persecution” in the world today is people surrendering their hearts and lives to Jesus.” He also noted, Ruth (wife) and I have seldom encountered a mature believer living in persecution who asked us to pray that their persecution would cease. We have never heard that request. Rather, believers in persecution ask us to pray that 'they would be faithful and obedient through their persecution and suffering.” Nik Ripken, The Insanity of God (A True Story of Faith Resurrected)
Whether in prosperity or persecution, the revived church lives to advance God's kingdom even at great cost and comprehends that they are pilgrims in this temporary world with an assignment to represent the kingdom of God. As the author of Hebrews explained:
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15
In an article titled, Praying for the Elect not just the Elections, Daniel Henderson wrote:
“Because Americans desire (and think they deserve) a comfortable life and the promise of a prosperous future, even Christians in our nation long for things to go “our way.” Of course, I too, would love to see a government that is pro-life, pro-family, and financially prosperous. Yet, I have to remember that the goal of our lives on this earth is the demonstration and declaration of the Gospel, not a better GDP or faith-friendly laws.
We would do well to remember that the Gospel has often flourished most powerfully under oppressive governments and in the face of extreme persecution. I am not wishing for this but I do long for the American church to be awakened from its spiritual slumber and revived with passion for Christ, expressing supernatural witness in His name. Whatever it takes for this to happen, hard as it may be, is the ultimate answer to our prayers for the advancement of the Gospel and for His glory.”
I would love to see America fully embracing it’s Judeo-Christian roots. I pray for an awakening in this country where the majority of Americans fear God and confess Jesus as Lord. We should pray for government leaders to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. But revival doesn’t depend on what political party has the majority or whether your candidate for president gets elected in November.
Like Daniel and His three friends, who were living in exile under pagan rulers, the church is called to shine for Christ in Babylon. Because God is Sovereign and because where man rules God overrules, we can trust that God’s redemptive plans are being fulfilled through His faithful servants no matter who’s in power.
As Americans, we are living in Babylon. In the scriptures, Babylon not only speaks of a geographical location, (modern day Iraq), it is also used metaphorically to represent a world system in rebellion against God. In a recent message, Pastor Willy Rice put it this way:
"Babylon is wherever a world system is built on money, sex, and power. We are not in the majority. Our movement has always been on the wrong side of the tracks. God does not need a majority to do His work. God has work for us to do in Babylon."
So, what is a revived church? A revived church is a church that is growing the roots of revival, and as a result, is bearing the fruits of revival. The fruit of revival, as we see demonstrated in Acts 6:1-7, is multiplying disciples who know the love of Jesus and live to spread His fame no matter the cost.
We must stay devoted to being Acts 6:4 leaders (prioritizing prayer and the ministry of the word), building Acts 6:3 disciples (fully devoted followers of Jesus), and believing for an Acts 6:7 awakening.
In his article, Daniel Henderson also wrote:
“Tolstoy said, "Everyone dreams of changing the world but no one dreams of changing himself." The truth remains that the darkness exists and grows because of a failure of the light. We have to take a long look into our individual and collective mirror and focus our prayers on our own apathy, toleration of sin, and waning passion for Jesus Christ.
I hope we will all pray, as the Lord leads, preceding this consequential election. However, I long that we will fast and pray enduringly for the “elect.” We need to “hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” God’s people need a supernatural work of grace leading to deep repentance, extraordinary faith, holy living, and bold witness. America needs a spiritual awakening. Politicians and laws will come and go. Until we experience revival, [churches] will continue to drift, hearts will remain dark, and our ultimate calling in this life will be overshadowed by good, but lesser things.”
Let’s do our civic duty. Let’s strive to be honorable citizens and serve our country well by doing good and being just. Let’s pray for our government leaders and cast our informed vote in the the ballot box. But let’s not lose sight of where our hope is found.
This world is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven. Let’s live in a way that demonstrates where our true allegiance is found, namely in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And no matter what happens come November, let’s give ourselves to growing the roots of revival as outlined in Acts 6 so that we might see the fruit of revival for the eternal good of others and to the glory of King Jesus.
In His service,
Pastor Marco