Characteristics of an Outpouring
There has been much talk of a great outpouring of God. How do we recognize if something is a move of the Holy Spirit or a counterfeit of the devil?
It lines up with God’s Word. All moves of God are based on His Word. The book of Acts is a good example of how God moved in the early church. We can look to it and other scripture as a guide. We can even look at moves of the Spirit throughout church history right up until the rapture. And did you know that God will even move during the 7-year tribulation period?
It exalts Jesus. All moves of God exalt and lift up Jesus. It points to Who He is, what He has done at the cross, and what He is doing now. If it does not glorify Jesus, it is not of God (John 3:14-15).
It changes us and ministers to us- and others. A move of God will change a sinner’s heart and draw believers closer to the Lord. It will cause us to desire more of Jesus and will deposit in our hearts a love so powerful that we even love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-45).
God is revealed and manifested. We will come to know God with a heart knowledge and not just head knowledge. We will experience His person, presence, power and promises (Romans 10). God will manifest Himself, filling us with joy, laughter, and praise. Miracles, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and other supernatural encounters will take place.
People are saved. Every move of God results in people receiving Jesus as their Savior. Entire cities will be affected by the preaching of the Gospel. People will be delivered from devils, diseases, etc, and great joy will hit our cities. Crime and chaos will end (Acts 8:5-8)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are in operation. God’s works will be displayed through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The supernatural will flow as things will be revealed through prophecy, words of knowledge and words of wisdom. Supernatural utterances will come forth through tongues and interpretation of tongues, and the discerning of spirits will occur. The gift of faith will be functioning resulting in healing and working of miracles (I Corinthians 12)
We are at the start of a world-wide move of the Spirit. As this third Great Awakening takes place, all of these things will be involved so you will easily recognize it.
