Paul and Barnabas go to Lystra to preach...

    ... the gospel and to hopefully see revival. There is a message here especially for those of us who believe in the supernatural. Lystra was a pagan city where the people worshipped a host of false gods. When Paul and Barnabas show up, things get real in a hurry. A crippled man is healed and the people want to make them into gods…Zeus and Hermes. A revival of the wrong kind.

1. Going from Normal to Supernatural Will Require us to Glorify God. What kind of revival could Lystra been blessed with if they had not tried to make Paul and Barnabas into gods? People tend to want gods to follow with flesh on them. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

2. Going from Normal to Supernatural Will Require Us to be Contrite. Listen to what Michael Amico says in this message Beware of Revival. Revival has a price. He says… “There is nothing soothing about revival. Revival is not a season to be jolly. It’s not celebration or festivity. The church in revival is faced with the anguish of unforgiven sin. Like Isaiah of old the church cries out “Undone”.  Revival often takes the church in its grasp and refuses to let go until every last ounce of sin and self has been squeezed out. There is nothing soothing about revival. Revival often scorches before it soothes! Revival burns before it blesses! Revival eliminates before it edifies! Revival hurts before it heals! Revival empties before it fills! Revival breaks before it builds! Revival breaks everything in its path. Revival breaks pride, programs, prejudices, and platforms. Revival makes demands, real demands. Revival demands painful repentance! Revival demands painful sacrifice! Revival demands painful commitment! Revival demands ambitious evangelism! Beware of revival!  Revival is not all preachers and teachers have made it out to be.  Let me suggest that the next time you pray for revival, you first of all count the cost.” Paul decided to be contrite. What did their humility get him? Suffering with and for Christ. He was stoned and left for dead.

3. Going from Normal to Supernatural Will Bring Resurrection Power. Acts 14:20 (NIV) “But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.” I am sure they gathered around Paul and prayed. What happened? He got up and went back into the city! Surprise! We see normal going to supernatural. God raised up Paul with resurrection power. You don’t get stoned and get back up (the same day) and go preach unless you have experienced the supernatural. Revival may cost us more than we think!