It is accurate to say that the Book of Acts is the book of the Holy Spirit moving through the believers and the early church on fire for Christ.

Today’s sharing comes from Acts 12-15. Snapshots of what can be taken from these passages leads us to beware and prepare.

The purpose of this message is to prepare us for the speed bumps the enemy will send against a church that is on fire and on the move for God, that the fire of revival may continue to be be spread beyond a short period of time.

1. Beware of persecution and populists oppression.

The Gospel is offensive in that there’s only one way to salvation, which is Jesus. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) Herod’s prideful persecution was eventually punished by God. Leave the things that trouble us in our nation in the hands of God. The fastest growing churches face the most persecution. The move of God when we preach the Gospel (Matthew 24:14) will inevitably lead to the enemy sending resistance to the move of God.

We must count the cost of following Jesus, having spiritual contingencies and support for one another. Peter when he was arrested had immediate prayer support from the church.

We have to well versed in the Word, being prepared for opportunistic moments where we preach before key leaders and influencers. (Acts 13:12) We are asked to be believers, ready in season and out, giving an account for what we believe.

2. Beware of incomplete teaching & nurturing.

Revivals leads to a great harvest of souls and salvations. After the the initial excitement of the revival, the revivals die out due to the challenges of life. (Luke 18: 11- 15)

Maintaining a revival fire requires diligence, nurturing and follow ups with those who come to salvation. (Acts 14: 23)

Every planted church had a complete structure in place to be sustainable, with strengthening and encouraging them.

Select sound leaders and pray for them for proper discipling in partnership with the Holy Spirit

Plan a systematic programme and support to continue the move of revival and proper discipleship. Do not assume the enemy is celebrating when we are celebrating. Do not assume the enemy is not at work. Lead the people to salvation and anchor them in cell groups. The fruit of any young convert can be lost in an instance without diligence. We are responsible for our spiritual development and growth as well as the growth of others.

3. Beware of internal descensions & divisions.

In any move of God, we must beware of descensions and divisions that will arise when we are involved people who are not perfect. It can happen in any church, especially when things are going smoothly in revival.

Some churches fall apart because of the failure to recognize petty undercurrents that cause divisions.

Keep the main thing the main thing, which is the Great Commission. Even if there is a slight disagreements that don’t dilute the Gospel, submit to one another in humble reverence. We need to pray for a mutual spirit of humility and meekness in the face of difficulties. Being without offense and bringing our emotions to God.

In a cross cultural and diverse community, we must avoid bringing personal preferences into situations that may infringe upon another person, being humble towards one another.

We are a fellowship of imperfect and incomplete people who only can receive the in filling of the Holy Spirit by the grace of God.

Let us be diligent to prepare to ride over the speed bumps the enemy will send and prepare for the revival to come.