There is something that the Old and New Testament believers possessed that I’m convinced is missing in many believers of today. It’s living and moving in the Holy Spirit. In fact, living and moving in the Holy Spirit is referred to over 270 times in the Bible. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit does not seem very important today, even in charismatic circles. This understanding was foundational to the early church: Acts 17:28 (ESV)
“ for “‘In him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Living under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit was so important in the first century church, those that violated such a commitment were severely dealt with by the Holy Spirit. Ananias and Sapphira found this out the hard way as they were both killed by the Holy Spirit by lying to Him and the body about their financial contributions. (Acts 5:1-11)
In most North American Protestantism of today, Christianity has devolved into a belief in theology/doctrine or the following of biblical principles to have a successful Christian life. Success seems to be based upon the size of congregations or bank account. There seems to be an absence of biblical Christianity especially when it involves the Holy Spirit. Even in the charismatic movement, the emphasis is on gifts and anointings and not about the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit or His daily leading and guiding. In my humble opinion, I believe this has been a direct result of institutional Christianity which began back in Rome centuries ago.
I was reminded last week from our dear friend, Marine Major Eric Kaltrider that October 31st was the 505th anniversary of the birth of the “Protestant Reformation” when Martin Luther nailed the 95 revolutionary opinions on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The main premise of that document was that “the just were saved by faith.” However, as much as the Protestant church began to change and develop an evangelical doctrine, the institutionalization of the church remained largely unchanged. The hierarchy of this new movement went from Popes, Cardinals, Bishops and Priests to Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, and Pastors/Teachers. What seems to remain unchanged is that the ministry of the church seems to be practiced by professionals that compete for souls to make their churches successful instead of teaching the masses how to walk live move in the spirit of God. I believe Jesus called this the Nicolaitan spirit which he hated: Revelation 2:6 (ESV)
“Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
Νικολαΐτης, a follower of Nicolaus, a Nicolaitan: plural, Revelation 2:6, 15 — a name which, it can scarcely be doubted, refers symbolically to the same persons who in Revelation 2:14 are charged with holding τήν Διδαχήν
Βαλαάμ, i. e. after the example of Balaam, casting a stumbling block before the church of God (Numbers 24:1-3) by upholding the liberty of eating things sacrificed unto idols as well as of committing fornication; for the Greek name Νικόλαος coincides with the Hebrew בִּלְעָם according to the interpretation of the latter which regards it as signifying destruction of the people. See in Βαλαάμ; (cf. BB. DD., under the words Nicolaitans, Nicolas; also commentaries on Revelation, at the passages cited). (From Bible Hub)
Besides the historical aspect, Niclatitan is also a very interesting Greek word. It is a compound word from the Greek words nikos and laos. “NIKOS” means “VICTORY” in English. We get the word “NIKE” from it. So when you’re wearing your “Nike” shoes, you’re demonstrating that you are a victor. “LAOS” means “PEOPLE” in English. It’s where we get the term “LAITY” from. Putting the two words together, you get “NIKOS-LAOS” or “NICOLAITAN” which means “victory over or conquering the people” It is the total opposite of what Jesus wanted for the church as defined in Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”
In the charismatic movement the emphasis is on anointing and building a ministry from that anointing instead of learning to lay down one's own life so that Christ may dwell fully in the person.
We even seek the glory to bask in it instead of using it to destroy the works of darkness.
Thus, I believe another awakening/ reformation is needed in the church. One that would shake its foundations as much as Martin Luther’s reformation did. in fact, I believe this is absolutely imperative if we are to see this age end as Christ intended. Jesus himself said in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel of the Kingdom had to be revealed in every nation and then the end would come; 1
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
One might argue that this verse is speaking of end of the Millennial age, however the context of the passage is clear that Jesus is answering the question of His return which happens before the Millennial Kingdom begins.
So how do we prepare for such an event? I believe the first step is consecration. in scripture whenever God was about to move or to reveal himself, the people were called to consecration. There had to be confession and repentance to prepare themselves for the appearance of God. the apostle Paul appeals to the Roman church calling them to present themselves as living sacrifices, wholly and acceptable unto God. (Rom 12:1).
The second step must be transformation. Transformation can only happen by exposure to the presence of God. The apostle Paul again in Romans 12:2 exhorts his readers to not continue their lives not conformed to worldly ideals but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. The renewing of your mind comes from saturation from the Word of God and revelation from the spirit of God. Since this is a spiritual discipline, we must begin to exercise our spirits in the realm of the Holy Spirit. Living and moving in this Holy Spirit will be paramount in this season. The focus of Christianity will once again be on relationship and communion with the Holy Spirit who is Jesus in the spirit, not simply following scriptural principles to gain is successful life. The focus will move from an egocentric position to a Christ centered lifestyle. A godly fear of the Lord will be the impetus and motivation in our lives. We will serve him because we truly love and honor him with our lives. Can you imagine a generation of laid down lovers who will willingly give their lives for Christ and for one another. I believe this is what's coming, this is the opportunity that is before us. Will you join us as we await His visitation? it will be glorious! God bless!