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

deacon blues · #1 07-31-2011, 06:11 PM

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?

Austin · #2 07-31-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deacon blues

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?

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..

mizpeh · #3 07-31-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deacon blues

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?

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.

Cindy · #4 07-31-2011, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

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, 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.

Jason B · #5 07-31-2011, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I don't consider the things you spoke of as a move of God.

Agreed.

Aquila · #6 07-31-2011, 07:17 PM

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.

UnTraditional · #7 07-31-2011, 07:26 PM

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.

Aquila · #8 08-01-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnTraditional

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.

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...

Quote:

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

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,

Quote:

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.

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.

Sam · #9 08-01-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

...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.

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.

Aquila · #10 08-01-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

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.

Amen.