What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Culture?
 

Within our Pentecostal subculture we have a lot of terminology and concepts that are derived more from our Pentecostal culture rather than Biblical precident. The list is long but one I'm curious about is the idea of a "move of God". The Bible doesn't use that phrase anywhere that I'm aware of. I don't know of where the NT Church ever said, "We had a move of God!" And then some of the things we attribute to a "move of God" like passing out, screaming, goosebumps, running, rolling, wild seizure like dancing, etc are things not found in Scripture.

Do you think these things are legit, do you think they are wrong, do you think they are of God or do you think they are man-made, cultural issues?

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

I don't know for sure but in the OT the spirit of God moved upon the waters and the sea parted. So, can you put a label on what will happen when God determines to touch something or his spirit comes upon something.
Most of the old time pentecostal sayings were created by some portion of scripture.
The spirit of God came upon Samson and he with the jaw bone of a wild donkey, killed 9,000 Philistines. Wouldn't someone think that was strange today.
The spirit of the Lord came upon King David and he took off his clothing and danced before the ark of the covenant, wow, that don't fit into modern day thinking.
Any how, God is God all by himself, he'll do whatever he wishes and in response, don't be ever surprised how it all comes out..

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

A "move of God" is the presence of God active in amongst the church. God or the Spirit of God moved many times in the NT. Whenever there was a miracle, a healing, a soul converted, hearts healed, believers renewed in the Spirit, souls baptized in the Spirit, etc... I don't consider the things you spoke of as a move of God.

Agreed.

I believe the phrase "move of God" is loosely used to denote a sovereign move of God's Spirit such as in what we see in Scripture on the day of Pentecost and among the Gentiles in Acts 10.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

A move of God - n. A situation wherein the presence of God is manifested in such a way through prayer, dedicaton, consecration, and total submission that repentance and faith is strengthened, and the people who experience it walk out of the place of worship with a definite change that effects their entire life and lifestyle.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Agreed, and I have been in other denominational churches where this has happened. That does not mean that we shouldn't shout or dance with joy, as a response to glorify God.

Think about the theological implications of your definition.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

.no such thing as a move of God. God doesn't change or budge (not much) He moves waters, planets, people, stars attitudes, tumors. But He doesn't move. But I understand the expression.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

I think the fact that in just a few posts we have very arbitrary definitions underscores the fact that this terminology and concept isn't really defined in Scripture. Like a lot of things in Pentecostalism, something becomes commonly accepted, the cliches become a part of the vocabulary and then we end up with a lot of bad doctrine and theology.

I find too often we as a movement grasp after what we perceive as "deeper" spirituality but ultimately turns into "sign seeking". Whether conservative or liberal there is a lot of "faux-spirituality" that opens the door to all sorts of craziness 7tI Cor. 14). Too often the power of the simplicity that is in Christ is ignored for something else. Is there anything deeper than grace? The Cross? Redemption? Faith?I've been guilty of it and I've seen it happen wasy too often that we don't feel validated unless we have a manifestation of power, a miracle or some supernatural event to point to.

I say let's celebrate and rejoice in the Cross, let's believe like never before and let's find peace and assurance in God's grace. Let's leave the miraculous up to Him when where and how He chooses.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost per 1 Peter 1:21

The Spirit of the Lord moved on Samson in Judges 13:25

The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters (or fluid face of the earth) in Genesis 1:2 bringing order out of chaos and light into darkness.

We use the term of the Spirit "moving" to describe His working on people or things or His working through people, or His activating or influencing people, things, situations, circumstances, etc.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

I had mentioned that the above post had some theological implications that I feel are incorrect. I wanted to bring them up here, because surely his view is also held by others. For the most part... it sounds deeply spiritual and devotional. However, there is a subtle problem that turns the concept of a "move of God" upside down. I'll try to show why I think this. I love you bro, not pickin' on ya. Just offering this as "food for thought".

The first thing said in this post is...

Notice that this statement does something. It sets "conditions" with regards to God being able to move. Those conditions are listed:

-Prayer
-Dedication
-Consecration
-Total Submission

The implication is that God will not move unless these requirements are met. Now, here's where this will get sticky. If there are indeed conditions for a "move of God" they must be adequately defined. One brother might disagree and add "fasting" to the list. Another might mention various standards of outward "holiness" as being necessary. While all these conditions that might be considered sound noble... we have to notice something. We've moved from the objective reality of a sovereign almighty God choosing to move among His people to a subjective reality setting conditions in which God will move according to our "opinions". Now were in the realm of emotion, feeling, and opinion. Therefore the implications of the above definition not only limit God, but make reality subjective. The feelings and opinions of the individual become issue for debate. We need objective truth that we can stand upon. Not opinions or feelings regarding conditions that must be met for God to move.

The issue for me, is that I believe that God is a living being, who is sovereign. Therefore He will move when He chooses to move... no conditions necessary. Or else, how do we define those "moves of God" wherein these conditions aren't entirely met??? Those things listed as conditions for God to move are actually the results after a true move of God. When God's Spirit moves, the very presence and power of the Holy breaks the human will, softens the heart, and brings increased desire for prayer, dedication, consecration, and submission. The post above got this concept right when it was worded as follows,

The issue with regards to the posts logic are that... to have a move of God we need steadfast prayer, dedication, consecration, and submission... and the results of a move of God will be... strengthened repentance, faith, and lifestyle change (i.e. increased prayer, dedication, consecration, and submission). If these things were necessary to bring the move of God... the move of God truly benefited nothing. However, if God moves sovereignly in spite of our carnality... that true move of God will awaken the human spirit, convict the soul, and bring total change in all areas listed. This is known as... "revival".

Those are my issues with the post on a theological level. I'm not trying to be mean or contradictory. Just trying to share my thoughts.

Love y'all. God bless.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

and they are good thoughts.

I do not believe God is capricious.
Some times He just moves sovereignly.
Other times He moves in response to our cries to Him.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

so we need to just stand still, not pray,not dance, not fast, not devote ourselves in anyway, just be passive recipients . . .

2 Chr 5:11 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: 12Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets 13It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

Acts 4:31 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.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

:thumbsup Amen.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Wow. I'm learning that few people around here know what "sovereign" means. lol

Everyone is convinced God acts because we do things. I know I've been attending a Baptist church for several months now... but I'm starting to see some glaring issues.

First, God does often move in response to our prayers.
Second, sometimes God moves sovereignly.

It's all divine prerogative as to when to do what. God isn't a machine predicated upon an "input-output" paradigm.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

The most sovereign move of God I've read about happened at a Baptist Bible college. Their little chapel service was closing as it typically does. However, one young man felt deep conviction from the Holy Spirit for His sins. The young man was overcome by the Spirit's conviction and he stood up weeping. He began to confess his sins openly, his hidden struggles, his hidden life. Weeping he pleaded for God to forgive him and change him. He apologized to staff and students for things he'd done and for bringing shame on Jesus Christ. As he weepingly confessed the staff and students began crying. When he was done confessing and lay crying on the floor, another student stood up and began confessing. Soon entire groups of students began confessing their sins and weeping together. Staff began confessing sin and weeping. Soon, nearly the entire gathering was on their faces weeping before God in sincere heartfelt repentance. The weeping and prayer continued for hours. The college decided to keep the chapel open for prayer instead of closing it, seeing that few had left the gathering. The move of God was so powerful they had to close the school and cancel classes. After several days, the local paper got wind of the issue and sent reporters. Once on the seen, they discovered that inside there were students and staff crying and praying for transformation, laying scattered on the ground... who hadn't left since the move of God began. Several reporters were even moved to repentance and accepting Jesus Christ.

This was a sovereign move of God. It was a tired ol' baptist chapel service. No fancy pants evangelist rolling in with a scheduled revival with a two to three week time frame. This was the real deal. A sovereign move of the Almighty God among Bible believers. A move that broke and humbled the staff and student body of a baptist Bible college.

Now, that's a sovereign move of God.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

But...
I wonder if there wasn't an individual, or a group of people who had been praying for "revival" or "a move of God" or an "awakening" for some time before this seemed to "break out." I'm not arguing or making a statement, just wondering--just wondering if this was an answer to somebody's prayers.

Could have been. But it was claimed to be a sovereign move of God. God will move when He desires, someone praying or not.

Isaiah 43:13
Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NKJV)

The boldened parts are mine emphasis added. This is how God has ordained the move of God to be.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

We're getting clean off the subject. Of course God is always moving, the bible states that all things consist in Him.

People can cause the spirit of the Lord to manifest itself among people either in a community, world, or in a small church. The bible states that the Spirit of the Lord inhabits the praise of his people.

If we as believers want to see a move of God among people then we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting and God will hear from heaven and pour out a blessing. I would call that moving.

It just seems there are numerous people who don't like certain terminologies among what is recognized as fanatical believers. Never the less these things are so and they do exists and have existed for centuries and will continue to be in operation whether we agree or disagree on how they are to be what they are.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

So in our thirst for a sovereign move of God, we cast away the idea that a sovereign move of God can and often does involve rejoicing, praising, and worshipping?


A "move of God" can include rejoicing, praising, and dancing.

A "move of God" can include manifest brokeness and contrition.


The giving of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 was a move of God.


The Day of Pentecost and subsequent sermon was a move of God. The addition of the 3,000 believers after that same sermon was a move of God.

The repentance of the Phillipian jailer was a move of God.

The signs that Simon the sorcerer saw when the new Christian believers were being filled with the Holy Spirit were the "moves of God."

The calling out of Simon the sorcerer was a move of God.



Why does there seem to be a push by some on this forum to reject demonstrative and emotional praise and worship as something that is other than of God?

Why would we want to forsake such an awesome and biblical privilege-- experiencing the moving of God in and through our praise and worship?

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

I'm so beside myself. Over six months with the Baptists and I'm discovering so much about Apostolics that I didn't see when I was strictly associating with those in the Apostolic movement.

Look guys... God is sovereign. That means that God can choose to move anytime He wishes. Yes, God may require repentance in a given context. In another, He might simply move without an invitation.

Why can't y'all get that one??? It's like you guys see God in categorical classifications that characterize Him as static and only doing things one way or another. One DEMANDS we have a list of things we must do for a move. Another states we must not do anything.

Truth is... God is a living and sovereign God. He can require anything He desires for a given move... or He can choose to move in spite of us. Sovereign means He can do as He chooses.

Don't you guys know Him???

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Think of it this way too... you could confess and repent of all known sin.... jump up and down with all your might screaming praise choruses.... wear whatever extreme in modesty you feel you must.... and God still now show.

God isn't at our beck and call. God is... God. He does as He desires.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

excerpts from Isaiah 43 in my LXX

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

My idea of a move of God, is an event commonly recognized by a whole body of believers as an act of God in their midst.. it may begin with one person ans spread through a whole congregation and beyond....




this is a move of God..:chat:



:lol

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

The BIG problem with "God Moving" in emotionally based Faith; EMOTION. The Apostolic Movement has attracted the emotionally distraught and even downright crazy people, and this has led to false and completely bogus claims of God's Spirit "Moving".

Just look at speaking in tongues. We claim, after severe pressure, over-bearing music, back rubbing, and even extreme fits (rolling on the floor, shaking, jerking), that someone had God "Move on them" after uttering a few indiscernible words.

My son-in-law is home sick with gout in his leg and foot. Some people from an Apostolic Church stopped by to pray for him last night. They came into the house and began praying for him, everyone blowing air on his foot. Then, they demanded he get up and walk on it, 3 times, and reluctantly he did. (He is still home sick, today)

When will this nonsense stop? We are manipulating people by declaring that God is moving in these Religious incantations that rouse superstition, fear, and doubt.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

That is a broad term when you state apostolics attract only crazy people and such and is a false message to those who come in. I guess we could go back and take a good look at the founders of the true church, people such as ruff and tuff Simon Peter who was so emontional he cut the ear off of a soldier. They would put us in prison for that today.
Or we could view Paul who consented to the deaths of women, men, and children in the name of God without any emontion.
Or better yet, lets look at Jesus. He went into the temple, or I should say, Holy Temple, and threw a fit. He upset the tables, knocked over stands, and beat people with a wip made out of platted rope. That kind of behavior just would not be tolerated today, and who, would go to a church with a pastor like that?
As long as mankind has a soul area within him there will always be emontions. God does move through people, I have seen it in my own life toward the lives of others.
Years ago a three year old boy was run over by a motor vehicle. The car stopped right on top of him. By the time rescue got there and moved the vehicle, the child had third degree burns all over his back and shoulders. The child belonged to a friend of mine, someone who just gave his life to the Lord Jesus just weeks before.
I was disturbed that such a thing could have happen. Moved with compassion for this family, I went before the Lord Jesus in prayer. Durng that time he spoke to me and told me to go to the hospital and that's all he said.
I went and there was the parents and friends. They were happy to see me but they were in deep dispair. I didn't know what to do or say outside of the general things that we would normally say.
I asked if I could see the child and they said yes. They called the nurse to make sure it was ok. The nurse came and said I'll go with him. Once in the darkened room the spirit of the Lord move upon me and the lord said, tell the nurse to leave. I turned and asked, May I pray for the child alone? She said of course.
The next day the doctor could not figure out what had happened. He said the child's recovery and healing of the tissue was remarkable and didn't make any senese to him. Two days later the child was released and never even showed any signs or scars.
Jesus does move in the person of the Holy Ghost and I hope no one puts him to the test because of unbelief.
And if a man could tear out his soul then he would rid himself of that emontion.
To be human is to fail in the eyes of others, even when we think we are at our best in the Lord.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

i like your post Austin :)

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Didn't say, "Only Crazy People". Are you crazy?:mal:woot:mal:woot :hanky

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

I have lost myself for the sake of Christ my Redeemer:clap:clap:bliss:woot:amen

You said, The emontionally distraught and crazy people!!

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Thank you very much. it's true I'm crazy in this faith of my Lord. Iam one of those who believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
If people might think that now I have lost it, I always tell them, You should have seen me when I served the devil.:laffatu

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

What is a move from God?

This verse comes to mind when I hear that question:
"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

THAT is a move from God.

Re: What is a "Move of God"? Is it Bible or Cultur
 

Amen to that! And that is exactly what we need right now in this nation before more things begin to happen within the structure of our economy, government, weather, and social reams. I sense some bad things are going to happen before long.