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

[Aquila]

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...

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,

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.