I had the privilege of taking part in a Conference of Pastors numbering in the thousands from around the world. It was held in the old Georgia Dome which since has been imploded to make room for a newer, more modern stadium. During this conference a Communion Service was held. I was amazed at how efficiently a stadium filled with pastors could be served communion in a matter of minutes. Then, I vividly remember receiving the elements of the Lord's Supper. There was such a powerful manifestation of the Lord's Presence that we all began to bow at first and then stretch out as best we could on the floor. There was a uniform experience of humility and awe as we all sensed God's Holy Presence. I believe it was God's favor on unity. This meeting was not a single denominational gathering but rather churches represented from all the major groups. We were not worshipping in any earthly liturgy but purely from an instinctual response to God's obvious Presence. I glanced up at one point and really thought I saw smoke or a thin cloud above the congregation. My reaction was to get back on the floor again!
The Book of Acts is filled with expressions of God's power and presence among his people following Pentecost. The progression of these events is important to see. There is usually a seeking of God by man. There is some expression of looking to God for help or wanting God's direction in some life event. Humility seems to prick heaven and the answer comes! Man responds with humility, thankfulness and obedience. Man has looked to God as his source, God has lovingly responded to man's approach to heaven and man moves in obedience to God's provision or direction. A charlatan is defined as one who claims to have special powers or abilities. He bypasses the Biblical pattern of the relationship between God and man. He might orchestrate events or apparent experiences to make the people believe God is doing supernatural things among them. These acts are very deliberate efforts at deceiving God's people for personal gain. Then there can be another type of deceiving not intentional at all. It can be something as simple as in an instant of human excitement declaring that God is about to heal a person. Certainly God can give a word to someone that healing is about to happen and the healing flows. Yet, what about when in human zeal healing is declared and no healing follows? This is a kind of charlatanry that seems innocent enough but charlatanry none the less. It is wanting to see God work without the relational aspect between God and His people. There is no faith, no relationship and certainly no humility. It is like Simon the magician who wanted the power Peter represented and offered to buy such power. Peter made it clear that Satan was behind such a desire for artificial anointing. I once told a minister that I didn't want to see "wild fire" in the church to which he said, "I'd rather have wild fire than no fire at all!" Wild fire, strange fire or artificial anointing confuses the people of God. When the genuine anointing comes it won't be appreciated and possibly not even recognized. In the church we need to be very careful in our zeal and efforts to fill the house with people, that we are preaching Jesus and not promoting hype. That we are standing strictly upon the Word of God and not upon what we would like it to say. Once we align ourselves as individuals and as the Church in humility and awe at His goodness and grace, the real anointing will come and it will break the powers of darkness. The house will be filled with the true restoration Glory and with those seeking a relationship with Him.
