Canals In Place of the River
September 28th, 2005 by Carl Thomas.€œEven so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.€ (1 Corinthians 14:12 NKJV).
€œLet all things be done for edification.€ (1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV)
I have been in conversation with some people regarding the river of God and the coming revival.
The analogy of the river is an interesting one. The river both moves cargo and floods cities. Both the playful child and the drowning man are “in the river.” To the novice they seem to be doing the same thing but one is dying and the other is being refreshed.
So questioning how an outpouring is benefiting the group is a valid one. I know of a church that claims to be in the river and reports that the presence of God is often so heavy that the pastor regularly does not preach. Once and while I understand but regularly? That does not tell me that God is present in that ministry, it tells me that when God is around He does not want to hear that pastor preach. Among Jesus’ last words was an order to preach.
Mar 16:20 “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. “
My point? Much of the so-called outpourings are not. Their fruit does not match scripture. Jesus never said, “Test the manifestation.” He said, “Test the fruit.”
Revival does not produce sectarianism, elitism, denominationalism, nor a new priestly class. When the presence of God comes it produces a fear of the Lord and a love for His people. Man-made structures fall as we realize that we are all children of God.
As the great commandment is realized the great commission can then be fulfilled.
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