Revival Through Returning to the Roots: The Modern Church’s Path to Spiritual Renewal

Often compared to the Laodicean church described in Revelation 3:14–22, the modern church faces numerous spiritual ailments.

The first-century church, known as the early church, offers a strong blueprint for revival. It flourished by seeking God’s presence and praying in the Spirit, primarily through the gift of tongues.

By examining key scriptures, we can uncover the biblical remedies for the modern church’s ailments and chart a path back to spiritual vitality.

The Modern Church’s Ailments

1. Spiritual apathy is prevalent in the modern church, where passion and devotion to God are often lacking. God disapproved of the Laodicean church because it lacked intensity, being neither hot nor cold but lukewarm (Revelation 3:15–16). This tepid spiritual state results in complacency and a diminished witness to the world.
2. Lack of power: The early church was characterized by solid manifestations of the Holy Spirit, frequently missing in the church today. This lack of spiritual power hampers the church’s ability to impact lives and fulfill its mission.
3. Neglect of Spiritual Gifts: Many contemporary churches have neglected or misunderstood the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues. This neglect results in a weakened spiritual experience and a lack of deep communion with God.

Biblical Remedies for Spiritual Ailments

1. Praying in the Spirit (Tongues): A key to the early church’s power was praying in the Spirit, mainly through speaking in tongues. This practice is crucial for spiritual uplift and communion with God.
   • Romans 8:26–27: “Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people by the will of God.” This passage highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in prayer. When the church embraces praying in the Spirit, it aligns with God’s will and experiences His power in new and profound ways.

1 Corinthians 14:2, 4: “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.

• Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” Speaking in tongues builds the individual believer, enhancing their spiritual strength and intimacy with God.
• June 20: “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” Praying in the Holy Spirit strengthens one’s faith, a crucial remedy for spiritual weakness.

1. Reclaiming the Power of the Holy Spirit: The early church’s success was due to the active presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
   • Acts 10:44–46: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” This event demonstrates the inclusivity and power of the Holy Spirit’s work, which the modern church must seek and welcome.
   • Acts 19:1-6: “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. He found some disciples there and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ Hearing this, the believers received water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” This passage underscores the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit and the accompanying signs of speaking in tongues.
2. Guidance by the Holy Spirit: The church must seek advice in all its endeavors.
   • John 16:13: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak alone, only what he hears and tell you what is yet to come.” The Holy Spirit provides divine guidance and wisdom, essential for the church to navigate contemporary challenges.

A Call to Repentance and Revival

To address its spiritual ailments, the modern church must repent and return to the genuine practices of the early church. Repentance involves:

1. Repentance: Acknowledge the state of lukewarmness and complacency and seek God’s forgiveness and cleansing.
   • Revelation 3:19: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” Repentance is the first step towards spiritual renewal.
2. Embracing Spiritual Gifts: Encourage and teach the practice of praying in the Spirit and speaking in tongues, as these are keys to unlocking God’s power and presence.
   • 1 Corinthians 14:18: “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.” Paul’s example highlights the importance of this practice for spiritual enlightenment.
3. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s Power: Actively seek and welcome the Holy Spirit’s work within the church.
   • Mark 16:17: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” The church should expect and seek these signs as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Returning to these roots and embracing the practices of the first-century church, the modern church can experience a mighty revival. Praying in the Spirit, seeking the Holy Spirit’s power, and following divine guidance are crucial steps toward overcoming spiritual ailments and fulfilling the church’s mission today. The church can recover its vitality and become a dynamic force for God’s kingdom through repentance and a renewed focus on these biblical principles.