Discerning Manifestations

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Concerning Manifestations

There are many biblical accounts of God's Spirit manifesting itself in a way contrary to human reasoning. Jesus told his disciple they had to drink his flesh and eat his blood. He new it would offend many and almost all left except the twelve. God has a way of offending us to see if we truly want to be or choose to be real with him. I do not believe in endorsing, or preaching manifestations. Were there is confusion there must be correction and discipleship. So in an attitude of love I approach this with caution. This is a Jonathan Edwards said there No doctrine in scripture implicitly teaching or instructing about any manifestations as a sign of a move of God, or explicitly saying that it is to be restricted. So I don't use these scripture to start a new doctrine but to show that God does something when we ask him to move. Howbeit that he moves is up to him and to His own glory. It is not for me to now why or judge only God knows. The signs do not prove a work of God, or deny it. Manifestations happen in response to sincere fervent prayer. Scripture clearly tells us that if we ask God for the Holy Spirit we will not get a devil, a snake, or a scorpion. God is sovereign we can not receive a false spirit if we ask for God's Spirit. Is he sovereign of not. Satan cannot lift up Jesus like he is being lifted up in these revival, and renewals continuing all over the earth. Most importantly Satan cannot save that many souls. 125,000 at Brownsville, 25,000 at Toronto, 20,000 at Grand Rapids Michigan First AOG. In the second Great Awakening, Finney's Revivals and the ensuing revivals that followed over those ten-fifteen years or so 150,000 souls were saved. At this point a minimum of almost 170,000 souls have been saved this will go down in the history books as an awakening. You need to hope on the train if you are doubting. Taste the fruit. Check the fruit. Test the fruit. It is good.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 shows us there are a diversity of manifestations of and reactions, to the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians is not a full list of scriptural manifestations or reactions to the spirit of God it is however an over view of the ones used most powerfully for the advancement of Gods kingdom. Manifestations and reactions to Gods' spirit should therefore be judge by whether it exalts Jesus. Is Jesus lifted up? (12:3; 1 John 3-5; Mark 9:38-41). Does it bear Jesus' fruit? Does it produce godly character? Does it produce a greater hunger for God? Does it bring a deeper spiritual depth? Is there a practical biblical and experiential change in the heart when the manifest presence of God comes upon the person? Are they being changed in the presence of a holy God? (Gal 5:22; 1 Cor 13; John 15:11-13) Does it line up with Jesus Words? (1 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:19-21; John 15:11,12; 14:15). Is it causing people to love God more? Does it cause them to love their fellow brothers and the lost more? (Mark 12:29-31; John 14:15; 15:9-17). You must also test the spirits, and the fruit (1 John 3-5; Matt 7:15-20; 1 Cor 12:10). How do you discern spirits you may ask? First point I would like to make is Testing the spirits is a command not a suggestion 1 John 4:1. Discernment is the ability to see into the supernatural realm by the power of God, with His supernaturally enabled wisdom and direction to judge whether a prophetic word is true or false. Why judge or test the spirits because there are many false prophets, deceivers, and anti-christs' on the earth that Jesus prophesied would come. 1 John 4:1 "By this, you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus is the Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus is the Christ is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is already now in the world." (1 John 4:2,3; 1 Cor 13:1). You must know Jesus and the Spirit of God Matt 7:21-23. Knowing Holy Spirit, who teaches, guides, directs, reveals, is a constant imperative necessity in the discerning of spirits John 16:8-13; 1 John 2:20,27; 3:24-4:7; 5:4.

Discerning of Spirits is not a fleshly thing that we say it not God because it looks weird, discerning our opinion or whether if it does or does not fit into out doctrine, it asking God through His holy writ and by the anointing of His spirit to reveal what is of God, the flesh, the world, or the devil. No it is a supernatural insight given by the Holy Spirit through His word, by His spirit with a supernatural enabling to enact complete deliverance. The Holy Spirit will not give you discernment to discuss, write negative books on, attack; rather on the contrary He will give you His supernatural enabling to set the captives free, guidance, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, prophecy, counsel, insight, helps, working of miracles, etc….. to destroy the works of darkness. It may not be in the context of your traditional theology. Learn to hear Gods still small voice. There are four major areas to discern what spirit is at work: the spirit of God, the spirit of man, the spirit of the world and/or the spirit of the devil. Who is at work is the question which one of the above. Elisha saw the spirit world, and prayed that his servant might see also 2 Kings 6:15-17. Paul the Apostle discerned the spirit of the enemy, and commanded it to leave Acts 16:16-19. Acts 12:21-41 shows us mans spirit exalting himself. 1 Cor 3:1-3 shows us the human spirit, the carnal nature, the flesh at work in the church. The spirit of God is what we want to move. The flesh is what we strive to purge out everyday Rom 3,6-8; Gal 2,3; Heb 3:12,13. The spirit of the world is satan but not all worldly things are of the devil some are carnal in nature, some are cultural. The demonic is what Jesus was sent into the world to destroy Acts 10:38. As His ambassadors with His Spirit we are to set the oppressed free in His name. The signs of demonic activity that we need to pray for deliverance, or expel the demons in these instances if this becomes the case are laid out in their proceeding stages are listed here..

Demonic attacks begin with and progress to: regression (drawing back; backsliding), suppression (Unable to express emotion, isolated, lacking joy), anxiety (anxiety attacks, frantic, panic), depression (Spirit becomes broken, gives up), oppression (A person becomes oppressed weighed down, smothered, bound by past guilt, sins, failures, inadequacies, etc…), obsession (impulsive behavior; person becomes preoccupied with an idea, emotion, hurt, anger, order, control, etc…..), and finally possession (this is a total lose of control to the enemy). Regression, suppression, anxiety, depression, oppression, and obsession are mental, but possession is spiritual. If the first stages are not dealt with the demon will and can seize control of their spirit. The good news the power of the cross, and Jesus blood applied at any point can and will effect total deliverance if we call on His name and put faith in His completely free and atoning blood. Eph 6:12; 2 Cor 10:4-6, We do not battle against flesh and blood. Rather the weapons of our warfare are mighty in God for pulling down spiritual strongholds. Discernment allows us to see into the spiritual world and see what is happening receiving God's guidance and direction for deliverance. Prayer, knowing Jesus, bible study, being grounded, rooted in the word of God, and knowing who you are in Jesus are some very important keys to discernment and deliverance. The word gives discernment Ezekiel 44:23. Prayer reveals thing you do not know John 16:12-14. Understanding who you are in Jesus gives you the open door to receive the authority Jesus has already given you Mark 16:15-20. Prayer moves you from the flesh to the spiritual. Praise is a powerful method to open the heavens thus effecting a deliverance Psa 22:4; 149:6-9; Ex 15:10-11. Our confession of faith, affects our spiritual attitude, and changes the spiritual climate we live in Rev 12:10.

Too many people judge a manifestation of God's spirit on whether it embarrasses your flesh or not. If God tells them to roar like a lion they usually would argue that is not of GOD. When God Himself roared like a lion Amos 1:2; 3:7-8. Are we greater than GOD that we can say that we are to good to roar like a lion? NO, far be it for me to say I am greater than GOD, that is pride that stops us from receiving Gods will for out lives James 4:6-10. We forget that if we ask for The Holy Spirit God loves us to much to deceive us, He cannot deny Himself Luke 11:13. Who is stronger God or satan, so if you ask God to move, who is stronger, and who is going to respond to your prayer? I think our problem is not in God but in our view of Him. We think of Him as too wimpy to beat up the little ole' devil. God is Omni-potent, Omniscient, Omni-present, and Immutable. He can not and will not change Himself. Too many people are worried about what a work of God looks like and not the fruit. Jesus told us not to Judge lest we be judge, but that we would know all men by their fruit Matt 7:1,15-20; Gal 5:22; 6:7. Note. Manifestations do not prove a work of God or deny it. Daniel shook in the presence of an angel, and demons shook people when Jesus cast them out Daniel 10:10-19; Mark 9:20:26. This is were we must learn to discern which is of God and which is not. Pray, read the bible, test the spirits, and then do something beneficial for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Don't do things to advancement of the kingdom of your mouth, pride, or ministry but rather do things for the advancement of the kingdom of Jesus.

Do not judge a move of God by a manifestation do what Christ said judge it by the fruit of the spirit Matt 7:15-23; Gal 5:22. I cannot stop God. If this is of God you can't stop it, if it is not of God it will come to not. I can resist him in my own life but that brings separation and sin. God will use another vessel if I deny him the chance to use me. First, Lets start talking about manifestations with Falling out according to scripture Acts 9:34, Acts 26:14, Revelation 1:10-17, John 18:4-6, Matthew 17:6, Ezekiel 1:28; 3:23; 43:3; 44:4, Daniel 8:17-18; 10:7-9, Judges 13:20, Leviticus 9:23-24; Numbers 22:31; 24:4,16; Deuteronomy 9:25; II Chronicles 5:12-13; 20:18; John 4:1, Acts 17:11, and I Thessalonians 5:21. In some of these verses the persons involved fell to there face before God. It doesn't say how they feel. If it was on there own or by the spirit of God. Scriptures say none can come unto the father unless the spirit draws them. So, the Spirit of God was involved and they feel on there faces before God. In Acts 9:34 Aeneas was Healed without falling, Acts 26:14 it says only they fell to the earth not how they fell. Falling is not a prerequisite it is just one manifestation God uses in changing and moving people in his sovereign will. Not everyone fall's. So why focus on the manifestation? Instead do what Christ said test the fruit Does it bear fruit Matt 7:15-23; Gal 5:22; John 15:1-8, does it exalt Jesus as lord and savior 1 Cor 12:3: 1 John 4:1-6: Mark 9:38-41, does it line up with God's word 1 Pet 1:19-21: 2 Tim 3:16-17. Revelation 1:17 says that John fell. He might of fell backwards or forward. scripture does not denote either way. It is certain though John wasn't in control because it says he fell as though dead. Numbers 24:4, 24:16 they fell into a trance. Deuteronomy 9:25 it does not say which way they fell, but it says they fell. II Chronicles 5:12-13 again it does not say which way they fell. It also says they could not move but it also says that the cloud of God was there and could be seen. Falling is scriptural which direction you fall is not always noted in scripture because it wasn't meant to be a doctrine. Let God move don't despise prophecy 1 Thes 5:18. The simple fact is when God gets a hold of you, you will either want to fall on you face and plead his grace and mercies or you fall on your back or he will put you on you back and he will administer his grace and mercies. Falling can be you just giving God a courtesy dip or allowing him taking you down, or you choosing to fall on you face and call on the name of The Lord.

Historically, Manifestation have occurred with regularity throughout the history of revivals; i.e. Azusa Street (shaking, rolling, laughing, falling), Wales in 1904 (shaking, falling, rolling, barking), Wesley and Whitfield Revivals (shaking, falling, laughing, barking, grunts), Cane Ridge (shaking, falling, barking), Kentucky, etc.

Secondly lets look at being drunk in the Spirit. This again is a term, not in the Bible, used to describe a spiritual phenomenon. In Jeremiah it describe him as being drunk Jer. 23:9. In Daniel verse 10 Daniel looked drunk. In Ezekiel 6;8 Ezekiel acted drunk. 1 Sam 10:6-11; 19:18-24 Saul acted drunk. Act 2 they looked drunk to the onlookers. Scripture tells us not to be drunk with wine but be filled with The Spirit, and to sing hymn, songs, and spiritual hymns to encourage one another. When people are drunk they usually sing songs to one another. The bible admonishes us not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with God. It is apparent when God show up our spirit may feel overwhelmed, inebriated for lack of a better word to use. In these instance if we are not changed in the presence of a Holy God we need to examine ourselves. O.T prophets acted abnormally when God came on them. God is the same yesterday today and forever. The O.T is the example of what should happen in the N.T. If that is the case. Every Christian being a priest, a king, and a prophet should experience some form of this manifestation. Manifestations aren't a requirement I am speaking figuratively in the above priest, king and prophet example to make a case and point.

Thirdly, uncontrollable shaking is in the bible. The following Scriptures for consideration: Daniel 10:7, Ezekiel 12:18; 38:19-20; Hebrews 12:21; Habakkuk 3:16; Jeremiah 23:9; 33:9, Psalm 99:1; 114:7; Isaiah 66:5; Hosea 11:10-11; Mark 16:8; Acts 7:32; Acts 9:6. The manifestations are the least important things that occur in any Revival. They always cause the biggest stir. Repentance, salvation, change, a living and growing personal relationship with Jesus, Passion for the lost, a renewed intimacy with God, Inner healing, and holy living are the focus of this revival. Someone falling down, shaking, or staggering mean absolutely nothing except a physical response to a work God may be doing in a person’s life. There is always falling away with a little falling out in the spirit of God. You always have people with critical spirits they just seem to come out more when God moves because it is not in their order of things. Though It seems to be in God's order of things. If the individual’s life is not changed by a manifestation, then all that has occurred is a person fell down, or shook, or staggered. Sometimes people shake and act like a fool to get attention, or to acct spiritual. In those situations you disciple in love. We as christians should not major on manifestations, we shouldn't promote or demote them, we shouldn't prohibit them: what don't prohibit. If it is God bless what God is doing. If it is not God instruct and disciple in love if it is the flesh. If it is the satan cast him out. Use your authority in Jesus name for something other than being a pew warmer and a slanderer.

If it is God you can't stop it. 1 Cor 14:39-40. If they happen, they happen. We, too, exercise real Scriptural concerns in that when and if something violates Scripture, it shall and should be stopped. In conclusion, let me encourage you to visit a church experiencing biblically based revival. Usually these manifestations happen in response to a prayer of faith that God while come by his spirit and do his work. following the biblical pattern of praying and laying hands on Mark 16:16-18; James 5:16. During this prayer time asking God to show up he does so according to scripture. Then something extraordinary happens their flesh responds to the spirit of God in a way we are not used to. If it does not line up with the full gospel from cover to cover it is not of God. God is not going to bring in a new revelation. He will not change what is already established. He will remind us of what is main in plain, and already clearly laid out in scripture. There is nothing new under the sun. You can judge a tree by the fruit it bears and the fruit is in this revival. Brownsville AOG for example has had decision cards on more than 300,000 souls who have committed their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ, many more could have made decision without filling out the cards. Drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, etc. have been saved and delivered. Satan does not do these kinds of things and can't. May I remind you a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Only God can.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-22 "Pray without ceasing, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying. Test all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil."

1 Cor 14:39 "Therefore my brothers, be eager to prophecy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues."

1 Cor 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

1 Cor 12:31 "Eagerly desire the greater gifts."

1 Cor 12:1 "Concerning spirituals I do not want you to be ignorant."

seek the truth and the truth will set you free.

Fourthly, Biblical expressions of animal manifestations prophetic mime in worship and intercession, judgment, and intercession. I don't endorse them. I don't know if they all are of God but there are some biblical accounts that prove them to a viable expression of God in our lives. Micah 1:8 "Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the Jackals (dogs), and mourning as the owls." Scripture Indicates Micah's willingness to utter animal sounds such as "howling", "wailing like dogs" and bird sounds (owls) in intercession for lost people. Jesus is the lion of the tribe of Judah. Angelic creature likened to lions Eze 1:11; 10:14; Dan 7:4; Rev 4:7. We are a little lower than angels if we are a little lower than angels and they are referred to majestic animals such as lions. How much less of a problem should it be for us. Dog sound usually seem to denote and indignation at the lost backslidden state of the church as a whole. Lions are a sign of victory according to scripture. Lions that praise God constantly. God caused a king in the O.T to roam around on his hands and knees and eat grass for years to humble him. Animal manifestations make you humble your flesh to obey God. It is not something easy to do you don't want to be made a fool of. If you have pride God may have to do it to humble you. Remember God resist's the proud. God is not happy with proud people James 4:6-8. God needs to humble our flesh when we are to proud to humble ourselves. Scripture also says that our strength is to be renewed like majestic eagles PS 103:5; Isa 40:31. Angels again are likened to eagles Eze 1:10; Rev 4:7; 12:14. They too are in heaven praising God. It is biblical for the spirit of God to cause you to mount up like an eagle, to cause a man to act like a lion, for animal like angels to praise God, for a prophet to howl and hoot, and for God to roar like a lion. If God roars like a lion from heaven are we some how better than God that if he causes us to roar like a lion that we should disobey God I think not. Pray, read the word, and seek God's advice. Let God be true and every man be a liar. I have not experienced all of these manifestations, I have been drunk in the spirit but my mind was clean and sober. My senses were overwhelmed but my mind was always cognizant. I could reason and ask God questions. I do not believe in casting your cares to the wind. God says let us reason together. Just because you body is under the influence of God's spirit doesn't mean you are out of control. God is a gentleman you can stop the experience at anytime. You can't always have an experience when you want one but when God show's, however you have a choice, to receive or reject it. To let him move or to resist. I have spoke in tongues, prophesies, fallen, shook, laughed, hooted, howled, groaned, interceded, cried, bent at the waste, felt burning inn my body, felt like my whole body was covered in anointing oil, moaned, pleaded, I've been in trances, I've seen visions on different level's and many other manifestation's. I do not say this to brag because if I did I would loose my reward in heaven. I say this so you know that I am talking from experience, and that I know it is God. I was raised Jehovah's Witness and God has saved me from that by the power of his spirit. I have heard a few encouraging testimonies of other J.W's feeling the power of God and becoming Christians. When confronted by critics respond as briefly as possible and be direct and to the point. Ask them if you can pray for them and ask God for his guidance.

Appendix II

Concerning Manifestations

Cult Manipulation