Chapter ten

How can we revive the church?

Studying the book of Acts, the history of the early church, and modern-day churches, and summarizing my observations, one identifying mark of the church's growth was evidence of God’s power and miracles. The miracles, signs, and wonders of Christ Jesus and the church attracted more people into the kingdom of God. If we are going to revive the church, we should focus more on these keys.

 

1. We must exhibit the power of God

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:41-47

One thing that separates the church from the world is the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. For the church to grow, we must exercise the power of the Holy Spirit. The early church performed extraordinary miracles and attracted thousands of people. A powerless church cannot attract people. We need more miracles, deliverance, signs, and wonders in the church.

Through miracles, the church will grow. Miracles emanate from the Holy Spirit; therefore, we must constantly commune and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. We must depend on the Holy Spirit, not on worldly wisdom. The Holy Spirit is our guide. We must allow the Holy Spirit to operate in the church so the church will not die. We must pave the way for the Holy Spirit to control our services. When the Holy Spirit takes control of the church, miracles will manifest, making the church recognizable.

 

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

Matthew 4:23-25

Christ Jesus not only taught the word of God. He healed the sick and delivered people suffering from demonic possession and oppression. Because of these supernatural signs and wonders, thousands of people followed Christ Jesus.

 

After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

John 6:1-2

If you read John chapter six, you will realize that Christ Jesus fed thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. Christ Jesus blessed the loaves and fish, and they could feed a large crowd. A great multitude followed Christ Jesus because He performed extraordinary miracles.

 

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 5:12-14

More people joined the church because of the signs and wonders that manifested there. In Acts 9:34-35, we see why people joined the church.

 

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Acts 9:34-35

Imagine a whole city turning to Christ Jesus because of a divine healing. A paralytic man called Aeneas received divine healing when Apostle Peter ministered. After the divine healing, the citizens in Lydda and Saron gave their lives to Christ Jesus!

 

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Acts 9:36-43

Dorcas died, and the church requested Apostle Peter to come because Dorcas was a generous woman and full of good works. When Apostle Peter raised Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, from the dead, numerous people joined the church!

 

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Luke 5:1-11

What can make three men forsake a work that feeds them and their families to join Christ Jesus? This can happen through miracles! One reason Peter, John, and James forsook their business and decided to enter full-time ministry was because of miracles! Christ Jesus carried a unique atmosphere, and this presence ignited signs and wonders. For the church to attract the rich, poor, educated, uneducated, illiterate, depressed, and lost, we must activate the hands of God (John 4:46-54).

Miracles have a way of growing the church. If we want the church to grow daily, we must exercise the power of the Holy Spirit just like Christ Jesus and the early church did. Meditate on these Holy Scriptures for more wisdom keys.

 

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

1 Corinthians 4:20

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13

 

2. We should return to the foundation

The word of God is our foundation. When we preach and teach the true word of God, it builds the church spiritually and mentally.

 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

When the church is full of God’s word, no one can deceive us. Most Christians cannot defend the faith because they don’t study the word of God. We must enter deeply into the Holy Scriptures. We must study historical, philosophical, scientific, ethical, practical, and presuppositional apologetics, not forgetting every branch of theology.

The early church knew the power of God’s word, so they fed daily on the Holy Bible. The time is now. Pastors and teachers of the word must preach the truth and repent from creating doctrines from experiences, visions, and dreams that have no foundation in the Holy Bible. The word of God will forever stand; therefore, let us not depend on experiences, visions, and dreams only. It is God’s word that will guide, nourish, and lighten our path. Meditate on these Holy Scriptures for more wisdom keys.

 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalms 119:105

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Acts 20:32

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

 

3. Restore the love of God

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34–35

It’s time the church exhibits the unconditional love of God. The church survives in the atmosphere of love. Loving one another paves the way for the Holy Spirit to build the church. Love is a seed. When we plant it in the church, it produces joy, peace, faith, unity, and power. Let’s return to the first love so the church can grow. No more partiality. Whether rich or poor, we must show love. Meditate on this Holy Scripture.

 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

1 Corinthians 13:1–8

 

4. Learn from the early church

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:42–47

We can learn many things from the early church. They prayed, fellowshipped, broke bread, and shared their assets. The church can revive if we teach the same thing. The church will revive if we practice what the early church did, when we stop opposing one another and live in harmony.

 

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 4:31–33

 

5. Balance technology with biblical fellowship

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

Technology is a tool. We can use it to enhance our service. However, it should not replace our meetings. We must occasionally meet as a family to enhance our fellowship and relationship.

 

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Acts 2:46

The early church continued daily in the temple. They moved from house to house and ate together. This is the culture we can adopt as a Church. Staying in your house will not grow the church. We must come out of our homes and share. People need encouragement. We must care for one another. We must check up to see how others are feeling. When we join as a family, it strengthens the church.

 

6. Build the inner church before the outer church

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

We must first build the inner temple before concentrating on the outer temple. When the church keeps praying for a clean heart, the jealousies, hatred, bitterness, anger, pride, and divisions will stop, empowering the church to stand, unite, and grow. When the inner temple is pure and solid, the arrows of the enemy will not destroy the church.

 

…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33

When our mind and heart are focused on building the house of God, the church will stand. When we pursue the kingdom righteousness, the church will stand. When we build a godly character and live in holiness, the church will stand. People will become attracted to the church when they see Christ Jesus in our character. When we start helping the communities, they will join the church. Meditate on this Holy Scripture.

 

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:22–24

 

7. Radical evangelism and follow-up

Bishop Dag Heward Mills once said, “If the church does not send missionaries, the church will die.” I encourage you to read his book, Losing, Suffering, Sacrificing, and Dying for a more profound revelation. If we are going to stand as a Church, we must be ready to go out to preach the gospel. We must not only preach the gospel but also follow up on them, pray for them, and disciple them.

 

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

The church needs more people in the house. To fill the house, we must be ready to sacrifice to win more people into the kingdom. It is then that the church will rise. We cannot leave the work of evangelism to a few groups of people in the church called the evangelism team. The entire church must evangelize and follow up with new converts. Evangelism is a mandate of every believer in Christ Jesus. Meditate on this Holy Scripture.

 

…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mark 16:15-16

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15:4–7

 

8. Wage war against darkness

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:10-18

The kingdom of darkness desires the downfall of the church. We cannot remain silent while the dark kingdom destroys the church. We must exercise authority over the devil and his cohorts. Through fasting and prayers, we dominate the works of the enemy. Christ Jesus has given the church spiritual power and authority over Satan and his minions. We must wage war in the spirit if we want the church to stand. Meditate on these Holy Scriptures.

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Luke 10:19

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:10-18

 

9. Raise leaders by calling, not status

…the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

We must not elect and appoint leaders within the body based on appearance. Rather, we must appoint leaders as the Holy Spirit directs. When it comes to church leadership, it’s not about our educational status or wealth. We choose Christian leaders by calling. Secondly, we choose Christian leaders based on the word of God.

 

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

The church needs faithful men who are willing to sacrifice for the flock. When the Holy Spirit agrees with the church leadership, the church will stand. Choosing an educated and wealthy person who has no calling and desire for the work of God is a disaster for the church. The Holy Spirit works with called and chosen vessels, not educated and wealthy people. The rich and educated have a role to play. They must not occupy the role of the called and chosen leaders (See Acts 6:1-8, Acts 1:23-26).

 

10. Promote unity in the Body of Christ

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:3-6

For the church to grow, we must focus on Christ Jesus, not on denominations. We are one body. Let’s stop the division and preach Christ Jesus to the world. When we stop fighting one another and focus on building the church according to the standards of the Holy Scriptures, we will stand as a family.

 

11. Investment in the body of Christ

One key that transformed the early church was that the wealthy members gave from the heart. They invested in the church. Nobody lacked in the church. Those who were jobless found employment because wealthy members of the church found them jobs. The wealthy members also invested much in the church projects. If the church is growing, the wealthy members must give from their hearts. The church, as a family, must be ready to give to help build church projects and support those who need jobs and basic necessities.

 

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:44-47

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Acts 4:31-32

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 4:34-37

When the church recognizes that our generosity accumulates rewards in Heaven and that building the church attracts those rewards, we will build the house of God. If the church recognizes that this world is not our home, however, our eternal home is the new earth, we will be ready to sacrifice all that we have to save the church. When the church recognizes this truth, we grow and flourish.

God richly bless you for reading the book. I hope the Holy Spirit has spoken to you. Kindly leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, social media channels, or any site the Lord leads you to encourage others to engage with the book. Lastly, kindly recommend this book to others to bless a life. God bless you.