8. GOD'S MOVE IS MARKED BY SPECIFIC FEATURES

Alpha, quotes John Wimber. June 1995 news, page 45: "Our meetings ought to be characterised by messages that are Christ-centered and altar calls that are Christ-centered - as against phenomena-centered," says Wimber. "In my opinion it is not valid to invite people forward to simply shake, fall, laugh or cry. The phenomena are not an issue. The issue is the impact of the presence of God on the individual's life, and growth of godly character in the aftermath."

We should be expectant that any move of God will have the following Scriptural hallmarks:

Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek ." (KJV)

The move of God makes His people confident that there is no place too pagan, hard, or sophisticated for the preaching of the gospel. The power of the message is demonstrated in that it saves everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. When God moves by His Spirit in manifestations of His Person and power, His people are endued with holy boldness, so that they share their knowledge of full salvation with everyone, irrespective of culture, condition or status. The move of God invariably causes His people to take up his commission as their mission (Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21; Mark 16:15-16 ). When renewed power and confidence in ministering the gospel is missing, and instead there is a pride in presuming spirituality, and an exclusiveness arising out of inward looking and neglect of reaching out to the lost, it may be concluded that such groups are not moving with the move of God, because the heart of the Lord is for seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10 ).

The sanhedrin was affected by the Christ-likeness of Peter and John.

Acts 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." (NKJV)

Because these religious leaders saw that Peter and John were not trained in their schools, nor did they hold any credentials by them, they regarded them as unschooled and ordinary men. As witnessed today, certain attitudes and assessments remain unchanged in some religious circles. But there was a boldness about these men that the sanhedrin could only attribute to their having been with Jesus. Like Jesus, Peter and John were self-controlled and had a fearlessness that faced and addressed the issues with no concern for their own safety. These religious leaders were right to link Christ-likeness to having been with Jesus - but what they did not understand was that the Christlike bearing, authority, boldness and courage was because of a Holy Spirit baptism and the anointing of the Spirit that was upon them. When God moves by His Spirit there comes forth an active Christ-likeness that is recognisable even to those who oppose the gospel. As a result of the move of God at Antioch, the believers there were the first to be given the name "Christians".

Acts 11:26 "... And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (KJV)

Some of the scattered disciples after Stephen's death were the instruments used in the beginning of a move of God at Antioch (Acts 11:19-21 ). They so learned Christ, that their witnessing and sharing of the Word produced the foundation of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Antioch. When Barnabas arrived he was delighted to see the favour of God on them (Acts 11:23a ). He encouraged them to be resolute, steadfast and devoted to the Lord (Acts 11:23 ). Barnabas carried out a search for Saul knowing that his ministry was much needed at Antioch (Acts 11:25 ). For an entire year the people were taught (Acts 11:26 ).

In a move of God, teaching is an essential element that produces positive results. At Antioch the believers so lived out the truth taught them, they earned the name "Christians", that is, the Christ people. Any move of God will be marked by its bringing forth recognisable Christ-likeness. The Holy Spirit not only works to present Jesus Christ as the guide and pattern for our lives, He strengthens and energizes us that we may turn our lives over to Jesus unreservedly, so that we responsibly allow Him to live His life in and through us.

1 John 2:6 "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (KJV)

Where there is open response to the moving of the Holy Spirit, there you find those who are transformed into Jesus people (2 Corinthians 3:18 ).

In a Holy Spirit move, the Lord's people experience a resurgence of prevailing prayer.

Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (KJV)

When there is a move of God by His Spirit on His gathered people, they are caused to take up warfare against the very battle lines of demonic forces and the authorities and rulers of Satan's network. They no longer look on human opponents as though they were the real enemy. The Holy Spirit not only draws their attention to the divine armour that is available, but urges them in obedience to put it on (Ephesians 6:11 ), and having done so, to stand against all the strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, ..." (KJV)

The routing of the enemy is by Holy Spirit prayer and the using, in prayer, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17 ). God fills the mouths of the Lord's people with His Word that is devastating to the rulers and powers in heavenly places, and overwhelming victory is achieved. Each move of God is accompanied by a new surge of energized, mighty prayer, that affects families and cities for their highest good, and for the advancement of the Lord's kingdom.