Spirit and Truth Ministries

Previously I pointed out that the three-quarters of a million people who've traveled to Toronto, Canada, didn't do so just to hear great preaching. They are attracted, among other things, by the rather amazing physical manifestations that accompany the services. Conversely, many others avoid the meetings in Toronto because they are fearful of, or turned off by, such strange behavior. Now that I've been involved with this worldwide renewal for nearly a half year, and have had many opportunities to witness the manifestations, I'd like to venture a few observations.

First of all, we need to begin at the beginning, Pentecost. In keeping with our Savior's promise, the Holy Spirit began his dispensation by coming upon the faithful followers waiting in an upper room. The first indication of a divine invasion was the sound of a mighty wind sweeping across Jerusalem. That must have attracted a great deal of attention. Next an awe-inspiring ball of fire suddenly appeared in the upper room, and then divided into single tongues resting on each head. As a result of this heavenly visitation the disciples began to speak in tongues, which they then took to the streets. There the Spirit's presence was manifested by behavior so strange that many observers decided the disciples were suffering from an alcoholic binge. I know many will deny this interpretation of what took place at Pentecost, but I believe they may be wresting the Scriptures to fit some previously held tradition.

The unusual manifestations of Pentecost drew such a large crowd, that Peter could preach the gospel and see 3,000 baptized in a single day! As the disciples continued sharing the message about Christ with holy boldness, signs and wonders followed in their wake. The discerning Bible student will note a definite pattern in the Book of Acts; manifestations forced the people to pay attention to the messages that then resulted in conversion. This was God's chosen manner of working through his disciples, even as it had been with the ministry of his Son. Peter reminded his listeners:

O men of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing tremendous miracles through him, as you well know. Acts 2:22

Are we so sharp and powerful today that we need no special manifestations to accompany our efforts? If this is the way God worked during the "early rain," should we not anticipate he will work the same way during the "latter rain" only with much greater power? No Christian should automatically discount spiritual manifestations, especially those Christians who think the coming of our Lord is near. Instead we need to test the spirits according to our Lord's command.

GOD, THE FLESH, OR THE DEVIL?

It was in obedience to God's command that I traveled to Toronto; I wanted to see for myself what was taking place. The renewal was too big to ignore; nothing of this scope had occurred in history since Pentecost itself. If it was of the devil, I wanted to come home and denounce it. If it was of God, I wanted be a part of it.

Almost immediately I could see that what was transpiring had a strong element of the supernatural. For this reason I first considered the possibility of large-scale demonic activity. Before the first meeting ended I was able to rule that out. The overall fruitage obviously was good, and since that time I've had opportunity to see firsthand the remarkable fruit produced in the lives of friends and loved ones who also have gone to Toronto. Or experienced the renewal in their own area.

Does anyone with a demonic problem ever attend a renewal meeting? Of course. It happens occasionally, but there is a good chance that such a person will be delivered from their oppression. The movement of demons in the renewal is outward, not inward. Instead of being terrified of demons, the Body today should be engaged in casting out evil spirits; something Jesus did with much regularity. I trust no one claims that in our own day we have no problem with the forces of evil. We might also keep in mind that a demon is much more likely to manifest in a Spirit-filled renewal meeting than in a somnambulant, dry-bones church service.

THE FLESH

Since the flesh can be seen in any congregation in the world, we would have to expect it to be in evidence in a Spirit-filled renewal meeting. Or particularly so. One must judge with care, but I believe I have seen the flesh in action. That is unfortunate, as it certainly doesn't enhance what God is doing. The problem, it seems to me, most often appears with those who have low self esteem and need to draw attention to themselves. Sometimes this kind of behavior is not too difficult to discern; those experienced in renewal find it relatively easy to overlook. When there is doubt, then it is best to withhold judgment.

I have pointed out that manifestations of the flesh can bring reproach on the movement of the Holy Spirit, and a concerned pastor may have to talk privately with such an individual. That is a delicate task, and much more difficult than the critical bystander realizes. Accurate discernment is a challenge, and a good shepherd also will avoid holding back the move of the Spirit in a person's life.

Mike Bickle has put it well:

" The true fire of the Spirit will always be attended by a measure of 'wildfire' introduced by the fleshy elements still resident within imperfect believers."

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Perhaps I should close by relating my personal experience. It has been observed that about one third of the people coming to renewal receive and manifest very easily, another third occupy middle ground, while the final third do not manifest much at all. I believe that how a particular individual manifests, or does not manifest, has to do with several factors. A person's basic personality must play a role, as well as their background. An individual raised in an uptight denomination that considers any move of the Holy Spirit to be demonic, might well be much inhibited.

By the end of my second night in Toronto it seemed that everyone else was "receiving" but me, and I went to my hotel room discouraged. I felt left out and perhaps defective in character. Then God gave me a gentle reprimand. He said, "Donald, I gave you the gift of knowledge-teaching, and through that gift you have been able to influence the lives of millions of people for me. Isn't my gift good enough for you?" That was a like a knife to my soul, and I wept. I told the Lord, "Yes, God, your gift is much more than I deserve. If I have to choose between jerking and reaching multitudes with my writing, I'll take the latter." I went back the next day with a restful spirit, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Since that time I have manifested physical behavior that I know was not self-induced, and it is awesome to realize that the great God of the universe has reached down and touched me personally. I'm open to what ever he has for me, but I am also at ease.

Because of my basic personality, I doubt I will ever manifest heavily. So be it. As I have matured in the renewal my focus has turned to the development of the fruit of the Spirit in my life--character development through the process of sanctification--and ministry through the gifts he has given me. In addition, I regularly attend local renewal meetings so the Spirit can continue to empower me for that ministry.

My advice to others is to honestly and rigorously follow the admonition of Paul:

Do not put out the Spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thess. 5:19-22.