Discerning True Move of God

DISCERNING A TRUE MOVE OF GOD

Jesus warned that in the last days there would be great deception rampant in the world when he said in Matthew 24:4-5, 11, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

One can best guard against deception and false teaching by knowing the true and genuine and not by focusing upon false and deceiving error. Jesus said in John 8:32, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life". And again according to Jesus' priestly prayer in John 17:17, Jesus prayed, "Father, sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth". Thus according to Scripture, truth is a Person and His Word.

In order to discern what God is doing in these last days, one must know both Jesus and His Word. Paul expressed this passion for knowing the person of Jesus in Philippians 3:10, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death:"

In Colossians 3:16, Paul said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;" And again in II Timothy 2:15, Paul admonished Timothy to, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And again Paul says according to II Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." Jesus underscored this truth in John 6:63, "It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."

What is the Biblical understanding of "a true move or visitation of God"? In the Old Testament, the word revive, from which we derive the word "revival", is often used to describe "a move or visitation of God". However, it is worth noting that the word "revival" is not used in the Old Testament Scripture. In the Hebrew, the word that is used is revive, chayah, and is defined as to live again, bring to life again, make alive, to cause to live, keep alive, preserve alive, quicken, recover, repair.

In Psalms 85:6 it states, "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" Habakkuk 3:2 says, "O, Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy." Again in Isaiah 57:15, "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

The word "revival" is not found in the New Testament and the only use of the word "revive" in the New Testament, (Greek word, anazao meaning to live again) is found in Romans 7:9 and Romans 14:9 respectively as "When the commandment came, sin revived." and "Christ both died, and rose and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living."

Since the words "revival" and "revive" are not found in the New Testament Scriptures in the context of the understanding of the present day church, it should then cause one to question the emphasis that the church today places upon "Revivals". For in reality, our need today is not to revive something that is not God's ultimate purpose and design for His Church. For to do so, it is like putting life-support on something that is terminally ill and trying to resuscitate it again and again. If "revival" is not the ultimate answer, then what is?

In the New Testament, "a move of God" or "a visitation from God," is most often described by such words as restore, restoration, restitution, refreshing and regeneration. These words in the Greek are defined as follows:

restore, restoration – apokathistemi meaning to place down again; as a workman making good the breaking of a stone by substituting another; as in reclamation of land. The word restore is used in the following passages: 1) Matthew 17:11 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things." 2) Mark 9:12 "And Jesus answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things;" 3) Acts 1:6 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"

refreshing - anapsu meaning cooling or refreshing again, as in Acts 3:19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:"

restitution – apokatastaseos meaning putting down again, set in order again, to bring back to former condition or state of being, to recreate, remake or renew all over again. The word restitution is used in Acts 3:21 "Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

regeneration – palingenesia comes from the combination of the two words palin, meaning again and genesis, meaning birth; a re-creation; communication of a new life; used in the wider sense as the restoration of all things as recorded in Matthew 19:28 "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Now, let us see from the New Testament perspective, that "a true move or visitation of God", can only be understood in light of God's ultimate and eternal purposes as described in the following passages:

1. I Corinthians 15:24-28 "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."

2. Ephesians 1:9-12 " Having made known unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory!"

3. Ephesians 1:17-23 "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."

4. Ephesians 4:7-16 "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, where by they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love."

5. Ephesians 5:25-27 "Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

6. Ephesians 3:17-21 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church By Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end. Amen."

7. Philippians 2:9-11 "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

8. Colossians 1:16-19 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

In studying church history about "a true move or visitation of God", one cannot help but notice the difference between the simplicity and power of the ekklesia as seen on the Day of Pentecost compared to the Church as we know it today. This difference of the biblical ekklesia was especially effected by the Roman Emperor Constantine who influenced non-biblical changes from which we have yet to completely recover. A "true move or visitation of God" will direct us back to Jesus and His Word to be a part of the continued building of the ekklesia of which Jesus is both the Foundation and Builder.

Jesus came to fulfill the Old Covenant and establish the New Covenant in His blood. But Judaism rejected the "new wine", which was Jesus and His Word, and the "new wine skin", which was the ekklesia Jesus was building. What has happened since Constantine's corruption of the church, is that over the past two thousand years it has continued to stray from the original design and purpose of the Builder, Jesus Christ. During the Reformation, great doctrinal truths began to be restored such as: "The just shall live by faith", "Sola Scriptura" and the "Priesthood of every believer"; however, the simplicity and life of the ekklesia that Jesus was building was not restored as he had declared in Matthew 16:18 "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". A second Reformation is needed today: the restoration of the "new wine skin" as well as the "new wine".

With this back drop of His Word describing His eternal purposes, the following truths in Scripture will help in discerning a "true move or visitation of God." One can see these Biblical truths, in part or in combination, to be evident beginning with Pentecost, continuing to the Protestant Reformation, to the Great Awakenings of the 1700's and 1800's on through the Twentieth Century including the Welsh Revival, Asuza Street Revival, the Korean Pentecost, the Manchurian Revival and the Mizo Outpouring unto the present time.

God's Sovereign and Eternal Purposes -
Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come..."

Galatians 4:4 "When the fullness of time was come..."

Hebrews 1:1-3 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds: Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"

Begins with God's People -
Hebrews 12:25-29 "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire."

I Peter 4:17-18 "For the time is coming that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

Intercessory Prayer!
Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication..."

Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers..."

Acts 4:23f "And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord..."

Pre-eminence of Jesus!
Colossians 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

Centrality of the Cross!
I Corinthians 1:17-18 "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

Galatians 6:14 "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

Emphasis on the Word of God!
Mark 16:20 "And they went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."

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."

II Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Genuine Repentance!
II Corinthians 7:9-10 "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, ye what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."

II Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Crucified Life!
Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Galatians 6:14 "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I to the world."

Total Death to Self!
Romans 6:11-13 "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

Complete Brokenness!
Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Psalms 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise."

Isaiah 61:1-2 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn."

Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

Deep Sense of Humility!
James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

I Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"

Power of Resurrection Life!
Philippians 3:10 "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death:"

Follow Jesus' Example!
Luke 3:21-22, 4:1, 14, 18-19 1) Baptized in water - "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened." 2) Filled with the Spirit - "And being full of th Holy Ghost." 3) Led of the Spirit - "Returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness." 4) Walked in the Power of the Spirit – "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee." 5) "Anointed by the Spirit of the Lord to preach the gospel to the poor" 6) "Sent to heal the brokenhearted" 7) "Preached deliverance to the captives" 8) "Recovered the sight to the blind" 9) "To set at liberty them that are bruised" 10) "Preached the acceptable year of the Lord".

Follow Apostle's Example!
Matthew 10:1, 7-8; Mark 3:14-15; Acts 2:16-21, 5:15-16, 19:11-13 1) "Power over unclean spirits" 2) "Power against unclean spirits, to cast them out" 3) "Heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." "4) "As they went they preached, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" 5) "Healed the sick" 6) "Cleansed the lepers" 7) "Raised the dead" 8) "Cast out demons...freely ye have received, freely give" 9) "Sent forth to preach" 10) "To have power to heal sicknesses" 11) "To cast out demons" 12) " Preaching everywhere" 13) "The Lord working with them confirming the Word with signs following" 14) "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (2:28-32) 15) "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith, God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh" 16) "And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" 17) "And your young men shall see visions" 18) "And your old men shall dream dreams" 19) "And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days my Spirit and they shall prophesy" 20) "And I will shew wonders in heaven above" 21) "And signs in the earth beneath" 22) "Blood" 23) "Fire" 24) "Vapor of smoke" 25) "The sun shall be turned into darkness" 26) "Moon into blood before that great and notable day of the Lord come" 27) "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" 28) "In so much that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them" 29) "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits and they were healed every one" 30) "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul, so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and evil spirits went out of them"

Radical Change Manifest in Lives and Surroundings!
Acts 2:41-47 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

True Holiness!
Romans 6:22 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

I Peter 1:15-16 "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Boldness Exemplified!
Acts 4:13, 29, 31 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And now Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of they holy servant Jesus."

Renewed Commitment to Christ's Commission!
Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Mark 16:15-20 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."

Luke 24:45-53 "Then opened he their understanding, that thy might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.

John 20:21-23 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained."

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Known by Fruit Borne of the Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-23 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Philippians 1:11 "Being filled with fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

Gifts of the Spirit Manifest as they assembled and as they went unto the uttermost!

John 3:34 "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him."

Romans 11:29 "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."

Romans 12:3-8 ""For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that shewest mercy, with cheerfulness."

I Corinthians 12:4-12 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healings by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh the one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

Ephesians 4:1-16 "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gifts of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things). And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers: for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

II Timothy 1:6 "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."

I Peter 4:10-11 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever."

21. New Wine and New Wine Skin!

Matthew 9:16-17 "No man putteth a piece of cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old skins: else the skins break, and the wine runneth out, and the skins perish: but they put new wine into new wine skins, and both are preserved."

Mark 2:21-22 "No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old skins: else the new wine doth burst the skins, and the wine is spilled, and the skins will be marred: but new wine must be put into new skins."

Mark 7:5-9, 13 "Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."

Luke 5:36-39 "And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old skins: else the new wine will burst the skins, and be spilled, and the skins shall perish. But new wine must be put into new skins: and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straight way desireth new: for he saith, The old is better."

Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

22. Restoring the Biblical Ekklesia!

Matthew 16:18 "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Romans 12:3-8 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same function; So we, being many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."

I Corinthians 12:4f "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healings by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretaion of tongues: But all these worketh that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been made to drink into one Spiritt. For the body is not one member, but many...But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him...But now are they many members, yet but one body... But God hath tempered the body together...Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues..."

Ephesians 1:22-23 "He hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."

Ephesians 1:16-22 "And that he might reconcile both(Jew/Gentile)unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

Ephesians 4:1-16 "Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Ephesians 5:23-32 "Christ is the head of the church and he is the savior of the body...Therefore the church is subject unto Christ... Christ loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such things; but that it should be holy and without blemish...But nourish and cherish it even as the Lord the church; For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones...This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

Colossians 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firsborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

Colossians 1:24-29 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill yup that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; Even they mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"

Colossians 2:9-10 "For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the God head bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"

Colossians 3:15-17 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

I Peter 2:4-9 "To whom coming, as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nations, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

I Peter 4:10-11 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever."

23. A Kingdom view!

Matthew 6:10, 13, 33 "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven"..."For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever"..."But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 9:35 "But Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."

Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come"

Luke 22:29-30 "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Acts 1:3 "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:"

I Corinthians 4:20 "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."

I Corinthians 15:24-28 "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom of God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all thing under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."

Revelation 11:15 "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."

May the above Scriptural truths help us to recognize and discern a "true move and visitation of God" and to always understand what God is doing in light of His eternal kingdom purposes. So, as we face the closing of the age and the coming onslaught of increasing deception, may the Lord grant us His discernment, wisdom, grace and power to walk in victory as over-comers for his glory and honor!

Note: See other related subjects, i.e., Church History Dates, Ekklesia, Gifts of the Spirit, Angels, Miracles, Signs & Wonders, etc. on the website: http://www.churchrestoration.org