Biblical Weekly Sabbath Church Gatherings and Other Gathering Types

ByPeter Skov
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(Acts 17:11: Please learn to do your own Bible Studies like this one – here)

YouTube: Coming!

The ideal weekly larger gathering of the called-out saints as well as yearly larger country-wide / global gatherings

Other Bible studies to consider in “the foundational mix” to receive the thoughts here

  1. Are All The Gifts of The Holy Spirit For All – or Just For Some?
    1. Are All the Gifts of the Holy Spirit for Everyone?
  2. Homes of Discipleship – Miracles and Outreach (HDMO)
    1. This is a “Shape of Revival” – a Biblical Idea And Structure For Acts 2:42-47 “From Home to Home” Fellowships Displaying the Fullness of Christ
    2. Homes of Discipleship, Miracles, and Outreach

Greek Word Definition

Church – https://biblehub.com/greek/1577.htm

Ekklēsía (from 1537 /ek, “out from and to” and 2564 /kaléō, “to call”) – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom.

Acts 5:11; Acts 8:3; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:4; Philippians 4:15; 3 John 1:6

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1577: ἐκκλησία (Ekklēsía)

ἐκκλησία, ἐκκλεσιας, ἡ (from ἔκκλητος called out or forth, and this from ἐκκαλέω); properly, a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly; so used

  1. among the Greeks from Thucydides (cf. Herodotus 3, 142) down, an assembly of the people convened at the public place of council for the purpose of deliberating: Acts 19:39.
  2. in the Sept. often equivalent to קָהָל, the assembly of the Israelites, Judges 21:8; 1 Chronicles 29:1, etc., especially when gathered for sacred purposes, Deuteronomy 31:30 (Deuteronomy 32:1); Joshua 8:35 (Joshua 9:8), etc.; in the N. T. thus in Acts 7:38; Hebrews 2:12.

Main Scriptures

In reality: All the New Testament and the Old Testament (in light of Jesus and the New)!

Specifically, these give hints to actual structure and content in a church service

  1. 1 Cor 12-14 (all 3 chapters)
  2. Ephesians 4:1-14 The 5-fold gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher are there to bring in the fullness of Christ, maturity, health, patience, and unity.
  3. 1 Corinthians 3:16 You are the temple of God in Christ. The Holy Spirit lives in you.
    1. 1 Cor 6:19, 1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:19-22
  4. All of the book of Acts of the Disciples and the Holy Spirit.

Top insight to begin with

We, The Believers, Are The Church

Therefore, the theme would be – to be with Him – daily – 24/7. We are church with Him and each other 24/7. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit – where God now lives! Jesus lives in us, and the Father as well – by the Holy Spirit – through Faith!

Do We Even Have To Meet Weekly In a Large Gathering of Many Homes?

Due to the true gift of free will – Jesus will never force you to choose to do anything. He will command us to do things that are good for us. But we are free to disobey. If hurt is causing you to not want to – you can stay away. But is it in the will of God to meet up with many believers weekly? Jesus never criticized His fellow Jews for meeting up weekly on the Sabbath. On the contrary – He criticized many things about His culture and said many things about what was wrong with their gatherings – but He did not command them to stop the weekly larger assembly of believers coming together from many homes. But it was never meant to just be a weekly sabbath gathering – but a 24/7 continual friendship with God – where we also meet up in homes (Jesus often invited people home to Him and invited Himself into the homes of people of peace) – and we daily have fellowship with God – and each other. It is the very meaning of life to have 24/7 fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So, we should meet up with and live in and breathe in – and have intimate fellowship with God – and with each other regularly – for we are all family. Look up Scripture like these: Hebrews 10:19-27, Acts 20:20, Acts 2:42-47, John 1:39-41, Luke 19:1-10.

https://ourdailybread.org/resources/the-miracles-of-god-in-acts/

How to keep a healthy “balance” in our understanding of church and all things discipleship

All that Jesus both did and taught (doing is actual evidence of heart and faith – therefore it is first). The fullness of Christ in action, for it is in the heart!

CONTENTS OF A WEEKLY GATHERING OF BELIEVERS

The purpose and vision is to bring as many as possible to faith – and then to maturity in Christ by all becoming best friends with the Friend of Friends – our Daddyo.

WHAT IS THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST?

A general balance of content, time, and focus according to the 5-fold ministry gifts. Teaches all the saints to do all these things.

  1. The fullness of the apostolic. Blueprints. Direction. Guarders of fullness.
  2. The fullness of the prophetic. Hear directly from God.
  3. The fullness of the evangelistic. Lead people to faith who do not believe yet.
  4. The fullness of the pastoral. Love people. Disciple and discipline people.
  5. The fullness of the teaching. Love and understand the Word of God.

The 5-fold ministry team trains, and equips, and demonstrates the power of God and as ministry gifts they give themselves to serve the believers with what they have from God – so all believers are trained up to do prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, teaching ministry.

So, a good rule of thumb to have the fullness of Christ represented – at least in the general church meeting structure

Always including these specific elements for public large gatherings

All 5 100% weigh in on and have influence on each element but in some one is more prevalent

  1. Prophetic: Worship songs
  2. Pastoral: Family life and fun atmosphere
  3. Pastoral: Ingathering of tithes and gifts
  4. Apostolic & Prophetic if needed: Commissioning
  5. Apostolic: Strategic information
  6. Pastoral if needed: Church discipline – Matthew 18:15-20 etc. is done
  7. Teaching: Reading of the Word and preaching from that
  8. Evangelistic: Learn clear invitation for salvation and coming back to first love
  9. Prophetic: Prayers and demonstration of power ministry

Each part of the gathering should be “salted” with / influenced by an attitude and a heart of each of the 5 – so the fullness of:

  1. Teaching: Looking like Jesus and then after that – the first disciples. All salted with the Word of God – the Bible
  2. Pastoral: All done in a serving, loving way
  3. Evangelistic: Using a language and illustrations all can understand
  4. Prophetic: The leading of the Holy Spirit power of God every second
  5. Apostolic: In order and balance of mutually serving submission

The theological foundation for the below service structure is this view on the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

Are All The Gifts of The Holy Spirit For All – or Just Some Gifts For Some?

Article: Are All the Gifts of the Holy Spirit for Everyone?

YouTube: https://youtu.be/BZ44F06V_Ow

How could a run-sheet look like for a “fullness of Christ” public church service?

Imagine all the best from a standard Hillsong service. With some important upgrade additions and a few changes.

Basic philosophy is to simply: Say & do, what Jesus said and did. He’s the same, saying the same. Train all the same way. Be friends with the Father and each other. Teach like Jesus taught.

We go for both the fullness of the power of the Spirit and the fullness of relevance to both insiders and outsiders in terms of understanding. Not either or.

In the public as opposed to the homes it is the seasoned ministers – the overseers and mature 5-fold and mature saints who lead. Jesus did not put untrained people on display at big meetings.

Goal: For all to be Friends of God and be trained and be doing all that Jesus trained His disciples to be and do. This, on top of what most Charismatic and Hillsong churches do, includes: Practical training in spending quality one-on-one time with the Father, personally receiving, and watching leaders do, and doing and then training others to do deliverance, healing, witnessing, baptizing people in the Holy Spirit & water, raising the dead, repentance, for all to lead a group (very few cannot) etc.

15 min. before service – PPT with “what to expect” & good lead-up music / presentation

  1. * 25 min. or more as the Holy Spirit leads – Worship
  2. 5 min. – Prayer / Prophecy – 2-3 prophets / seasoned prophetic people or via MC bring a 1 min. prophetic encouragement – word of wisdom for individuals etc. (1 Cor 14:29). The prophetic words should come from people who have taken time to seek God for it – seasoned prophets, testimonies and healings shared by good team – including ministry for those people in the view of all.
  3. 3 min. – A testimony of what God just did now? Or what has happened supernaturally recently.
  4. ** 3 min. – General declaration of healing and freedom (commands of healing and bad spirits to go) over the congregation. All who need healing – lift their hands. All laying hands on all.
  5. 3 min. – Bring tithe and Give offering. Short speak: With joy, clarity, humility, freedom, & faith.
  6. 3 min. – Welcome – Welcome among the people. All say hi – 2 min on the clock.
  7. 3 min. – Info about what’s coming up
  8. 30 min. – Teaching & Scripture reading
  9. 8 min. – Call for 3-fold decisions:
    1. Salvation &
    2. Repentance from all sinful acts &
    3. Coming back & fiery first love and complete Lordship of Jesus discipleship life
  10. *** 3 min. – Call with passion & faith & fresh testimonies of healing, freedom, prophecy etc. for people to come for supernatural prayer
    1. CREATE 8 groups of ministry teams for prayer incl. one just for conversations (any questions)
      1. Just made the decision to believe or come back to faith or come back to their first fiery love (they get Bible and assigned into 1-1 discipleship and a home fellowship).
      2. Prophetic ministry
      1. Physical healing
      2. Spiritual freedom and inner healing
        1. Filling of the Holy Spirit – speaking in tongues
      3. For what the sermon was about
      4. For sign up for Home Fellowships or joining a volunteer team
      5. Any questions and conversations – ask a church leader
  11. 1 min. blessing to go – dismissal – have a great week, but come for prayer now

Sum: 1 h 27 min.

  1. 30 min.+? Prayer ministry time – however long it takes (put on worship music)

Hopefully weekly – maybe even daily – baptism in water with full commitment, repentance, baptism in Holy Spirit, prophecy, deliverance etc. And baptism in Connect Groups, and spontaneous daily as people lead people to faith.

Results: Word, Worship, Miracles, Salvations, Healings, Deliverances, Prophecies, Dead raisings, Radical lifestyles, people baptized in the Holy Spirit, people baptized in water, People repenting from sin – getting set truly free, Inner healing.

Concrete examples of what to say & do

* Worship. So much can be said & done here. Healings, deliverances, salvations & Holy Spirit baptisms can happen here

** If this is Holy Spirit led in faith – as you call out healings, deliverances, words of knowledge, prophecies – so much can happen here. Say things in faith and as much as possible by the Holy Spirit like: “I see a back-pain getting healed, blind eyes see, a dark cloud lifting, then command it to happen: I command you: back be healed, eyes see, now test & do what you could not do before.” etc.

*** Mention a specific testimony of what we have seen and what we believe in (faith comes by hearing & we overcome the enemy through the word of our testimony). And then passionately and with full confidence say: “We see healings from infirmities and pains, freedoms from bad habits, dark clouds, and fears. People touched by and filled with God’s Holy Spirit. We see encouraging words of destiny released. So come and get blessed if you’d like.“

During the week

  1. Full blown original discipleship – teaching on the Kingdom of God AND including all the leaders demonstrating deliverance, healing, prophecy, raising the dead, that resembles Jesus & disciples as in Matt & Luke 10 and so many places in the Bible.
    1. Training and personal devo time / prophetic / healing / HS baptism / deliverance / evangelism inner healing activation
  2. Prayer meetings like in Acts 4:23-37 – and then going out to do it.
    1. Going out anywhere / everywhere – doing Matt & Luke 10 – practical supernatural ministry in streets, homes, meetings.
  3. Home groups – which are about full blown discipleship. Raw Bible study and application. Where, as Paul writes – each one brings a song, a word, a teaching – and some food.
  4. Bible & discipleship evening school that includes all the Bible and full blown inner healing & deliverance for all + teaching people how and sending them out to do it.
  5. Train all to lead 12 who lead 12 and more and so on.

Result: Revival Sustained and multiplied – truly.

Should deliverance be allowed to take place openly for all to see?

Great question! First question to ask is always the best place to go, so we do not let fear of man rule over the “fear” of God. Whose opinion on any subject should we ask first – people or God? A test we must pass is this one in Luke 10:21 – NASB95 – At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from [the] wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. I used to not pass it. Do you? Are you so “wise” and “intelligent” – that you do not do deliverance as much as Jesus?

Another great test is: Did Jesus do it publicly on open display for all to see? Did He bring along a tent for deliverance – or ask people to go behind a hill or some bushes when doing it? Jesus did it wherever He met people. He hid nothing. He did it where people were. And at times He even sought out people to deliver them (Luke 8:22-39). In church services in synagogues (Luke 13:10-13), in open spaces among crowds (Matt 17:14), in graveyards (Matthew 8:28), in homes (Mark 1:30-34). So did the disciples (Acts 16:18 & Acts 8:6-8).

But why – what if it scares people? What if people leave and think we are insane (1 Corinthians 14:23)? What if we as Christians are to be like Western Europeans and not go for the supernatural (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)?

Jesus didn’t seem to be bothered at all that demonic manifestations happened during public meetings. In Luke 8:28 – it says: Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice. So, we have both

  1. Strong bodily movement – and
  2. General crying out – and
  3. Speaking in a loud voice.

Jesus didn’t stop him – but dealt with the situation – by entering into dialogue and by striking a deal with the demons… And by the way – Jesus had already commanded the demons to come out – and it did not work!! Please see Luke 8:29-33 –

For He had already commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. … 30 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; … they were begging Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.

32 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding there on the mountain; and the demons begged Him to permit them to enter the pigs. And He gave them permission. 33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

There are so many things I do not fully understand in what is happening here. What I can say is: We are to be like Jesus. And Jesus’ first command (the Almighty God in the flesh), was not obeyed! Then Jesus entered into dialogue and the demons asked to not be cast into the abyss but into the pigs – and He agreed to the terms of the demons… – and the demons obeyed their own plan.

In Denmark we have had evangelists and deliverance ministries – and we have had local church pastors who limited and locked them down – also due to problematic behavior and attitudes in the evangelists. That really tore apart Christians and churches through pride, hurt and retaliation, misunderstandings, jealousy, and zeal without understanding (Romans 10:1-3 – as well as religious Pharisaicalism – it can all be one big mix. We have also had churches full of people speaking in tongues – and people who left Christian meetings for they, like Paul states, thought people there were mad. Then Hillsong came – and I jumped in – and I internally and by choice pretty much killed the expression of the supernatural throwing out the baby (of signs and wonders) with the bathwater of the true miraculous and revival bringing power of God to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, fill people with the Holy Spirit, and prophesy etc.

What is the solution to have the power of God and not scare people – and not only that – how do we allow God to use the supernatural to create a mighty revival?

Imagine if the Bible has the key to not “forbid” the supernatural (do not forbid speaking in tongues – (1 Corinthians 14:39)) but to strongly encourage it in a healthy way (1 Corinthians 14:1, & 12), What is the wisdom of the Word?

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

1 And when I came to you, brothers, and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God.

Our faith rests on the wisdom of man, many times – but it should rest on the power of God as well as the truths of the Word of God, as well as the power of the cross.

Why should we even have mighty signs and wonders? Because many believe when they see the supernatural power of God!

John 6:2 – A great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.

John 12:9-11 – 9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not on account of Jesus only, but so that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.

John 14:10-14 – 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Matt 15:30-31 – Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Many places in the book of Acts many believe in Jesus – because they see the miraculous signs through the disciples: Acts 3:1-10, Acts 3:16 & Acts 4:4, Acts 5:12-16, Acts 8:4-8, etc.

And Jesus clearly sent out both the 12 and the 70 saying to “find the person of peace” (the one ready to receive the message – Luke 10:5-7, Matt 10:11-13) and “heal the sick in that house and town” (Luke 10:9). So, healings, miracles, deliverances, people raised from the dead, people filled with the Holy Spirit, and other signs and wonders are a natural way to confirm to pre-believers – and believers alike – that God is alive and with the believers.

Biblical Solutions to Have the Supernatural And Not Scare People Away – But to Use the Miracles as a Foundation for Preaching Boldly

  1. Foundation: All the leaders (from all practicing Matt & Luke 10 and doing many private deliverance and healing sessions) know how and actually practice it all before the people in a way that encourages all to step into it and do it. We leaders, like Jesus and the disciples, must lead this by example. We have to stop being Greeks who separate words from deeds. Jewish disciples did not do so – neither did Jesus and His disciples. Doing it openly before others is the undeniable expression of faith. If we do not do it ourselves – we are not leading others to do it. So, the challenge is on the leadership first – but also on each individual who is not in leadership. You, I, all of us can and are called and commanded to do this – directly under Jesus, now.

Acts 2:1-16 – When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? … 11 … we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

  1. 3000 people are saved!
  1. The same story here: Acts 3 & 4, Acts 5:12-16, and so many other places.
  1. How did Philip see many demons come out of people with loud screams (Acts 8:7) – and many come to faith at the same time in Samaria? Please read Acts 8:4-8. It must be by using the same principles as what I will outline here.
  2. Conclusions I suggest
    1. The church meeting leadership must own their responsibility to explain accurately with boldness and authority into the culture and with confidence what is going on to those who do not know – just like Peter did here. And turn the miracles into bold preaching points.
  1. 1 Cor 14:12 (ESV) – Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
    1. Conclusions I suggest
      1. Prioritize going for the gifts of the Spirit that are to the greatest advantage to those who are there at the time.
      1. This also busts the myth that we cannot use our brains to figure that out – but simply “follow the leading of the Spirit” – Paul also says in verse 32: the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
      1. So – if people there need healing: Heal. If deliverance: Deliver. If dead-raising: Raise. If prophesy: Prophesy. If filling of the Holy Spirit: Fill. If inner healing: Heal. If salvation: Save. If a word of wisdom: Enwisen.
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 – 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So, they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
    1. Conclusions I suggest
      1. That many were ready to think correctly (repent) – and believe in Jesus is – exactly what happened at Pentecost after a strong and ridiculed and (out of your mind) outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
  3. 1 Cor 14:29 (ESV) – Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.
    1. Conclusions I suggest
      1. There should also be a clear judging of what is said at a Sunday service in order to get the fullness of Christ clearly displayed – and not limited. If erroneous contradictions – false dichotomies, false either / or statements or incomplete lists of what disciples can and should do are given – this should be addressed immediately – so the lies are not perpetuated and acted out.
  4. 1 Cor 14:39-40 (ESV) – So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues – all things should be done decently and in order.
    1. Conclusions I suggest
      1. Was Pentecost “decently and in order” according to our definitions? Was the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius’ household and people speaking in tongues (Acts 10:44-46) “decently and in order” according to our definitions? No. But Peter stood up, and spoke on both occasions, clarifying what was going on by the Spirit and mighty revivals ensued – many believed, repented, and were immediately baptized!
  5. Acts 8:7 – Demons “came out many with loud screams” – AND “there was great joy in that city”.
    1. Conclusions I suggest
      1. How did Philip see many demons come out of people with loud screams – and many come to faith at the same time in Samaria? Please read Acts 8:4-8. It must be by using the same principles as what I outline here – as Peter did at Pentecost and that Paul used everywhere!

Overall Practical Conclusion

  1. Training of the platform team to use manifestations of the Holy Spirit as foundation (God’s sermon illustration – the most powerful one possible) for a strong sermon leading people to repentance and faith
    1. Have a team of platform ministers and teachers who are ready to explain clearly what is going on – just like Peter did on Pentecost – and never presume in a public gathering – that everyone knows what is going on.
      1. The ones responsible are responsible to explain what is going on out of love for Jesus and the people. This will help:
        1. Those who do not understand, understand what is going on.
        2. Will take away they scary and mystery – the incomprehensible.
        3. It will relax people and convert the power and presence of the Holy Spirit into fruitfulness on all levels – as He so desires.
        4. It will take the accusations of being “out of their mind” and turn them into building blocks of a great sermon.
      2. The leadership should not just understand what is going on – but use the supernatural manifestations – like Peter did – to explain the good news of Jesus and call people to repentance and faith in Jesus.
  2. Make a PPT slide explaining what can and has and will likely happen at the service. This also, actually, creates faith which is expectation in action for it among the assembly. This slide can roll before the meeting – as well as after.

Keeping it relevant – we must fully own the explanation

How do we explain these things – so people in our culture are not scared away – but embrace it as real – and then come to faith due to the power and the love evidence of the reality of God as in Acts? How do we fulfill this Scripture – to “win as many as we can”:

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 – 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

But the above Scripture has been misused to deny the power of God. To diminish Holy Spirit – deny Him His freedom to move – to grieve Holy Spirit. It has been turned into an either – or – not a: fullness of the Spirit first – then explain – then lead to faith, repentance, and obedience.

Intro – and important pre-condition

This will only work well if the leader leading the meeting and responsible for it feels very well at home with all the supernatural expressions of the Holy Spirit – including deliverance, healing, prophecy, spiritual ecstasy, speaking in tongues, raising the dead, etc. And if they are able to powerfully yet gently lead and preach the good message and explain what is going on first – and to articulate it efficiently into the culture of the people who are there. Then the supernatural – and the communication – will lead to fruit like we see in Acts of the Disciples and the Holy Spirit in the Bible.

So do you, the reader flow fully and effortlessly in the gifts of the Spirit of:

  1. Discernment of spirits and deliverance
  2. Prophecy, words of knowledge, words of wisdom
  3. Raising the dead
  4. Salvation – getting people born again and baptized in water
  5. Baptizing people in the Holy Spirit – helping them speak in tongues
  6. Healing the sick

Do you feel really at home in all of this – so you can move in it and discern of what is happening is demonic or angelic – and discern what is going in in and with a certain person in a meeting?

If not, you will feel at a loss when strong spiritual manifestations start to occur – especially in a public meeting and honestly, to not loose face, you might have a tendency to shut it down – rather than manage it well and see the supernatural flow – and leverage it for revival, repentance, and salvation like Jesus and His followers did. Ig you are not trained in all these things, you could feel like a failure and to prevent looking bad – it can feel better for your reputation to hide the supernatural away, maybe even shame it away – and not, like Peter on Pentecost or Philip in Samaria – use it as a proof that God is here.

The solution: To learn, to grow, to understand, to practice, to step into all that the Holy Spirit has already given you. To understand and be a part of deliverances etc.

How do we do this well? Biblically? Expressing and Embracing the Fullness of this?

How to go fully for the fullness of the expression of the Holy Spirit – and seeing this happen – not grieving the Holy Spirit – and also not losing / trampling on / forgetting / being unloving towards outsiders?

A great test question to test whether we are doing this right, is: Are we ever at a point where we need to stand up like Peter – and explain that “these people are not drunk as you suppose” – but this is that which the prophet Joel said or or “this is not by the power of demons – but by the finger of God”? Or similar. If not – we need to repent, change our ways, increase our faith, humble ourselves and learn from those who do.

Another great test question is: If we do see the manifestations of drunkenness, deliverance, joy and laughter, healing, and prophecy, speaking in tongues, raising the dead etc. – does it lead thousands to salvation – like it did on Pentecost – because we “use” the powerful evidence and proof of the power of God to lead people to the love of God? Or do outsiders simply run away because they think it is a madhouse – because we did not explain it well enough?

How to be like Peter and Paul and Jesus and Philip when the Holy Spirit truly comes and does the supernatural through us – so outsiders in terms of understanding are convinced this is the power of God and change from accusation / misunderstanding / confusion / fear / distrust to faith?

Peter at Pentecost – stood up! Took responsibility! Peter addressed the accusation. Argued against it. Explained what was actually going on using culturally ans Scripturally relevant arguments. And therefore, called all who saw it and heard him to believe in Jesus Christ.

He thereby, turned cringe and shame and weird into true REVIVAL for thousands who came to faith.

Paul said the same. 1 Cor 14:23 – (AMP)

So then, if the whole church gathers together and all of you speak in [unknown] tongues, and outsiders or those who are not gifted [in spiritual matters] or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

Consequences For Public Church Services In The West

  1. Make amazing intro online videos with supernatural manifestations with a clear explanation of what is happening – maybe even have a link to: Struggling to understand what is going on? Click here / go to QR code – this website – XYZ.
  2. Have a PPT / CYC / slide with a clear explanation of the supernatural as a natural part of Christian faith in the beginning and end of each service.

For example, it could sound like this:

(This slide will even increase the faith and expectancy for it in the room!!) However it needs to be shortened – made more precise and concise.

During this service personal supernatural experiences often occur. This is normal and natural to us. It is sought after, and expected since Christianity is all about intimate true experienced felt and touches of supernatural spiritual friendship with Father God, Daddy, our brother, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator – and is big enough to touch us. The Bible is full of such healing, freeing, loving, and good supernatural God encounters – also including freedom from bad spirits. You are welcome to come and ask us any questions about what you see and experience here. Go to the people with lanyards as they represent our church. We commit to doing our best to explain what happens and pray you also encounter the very real presence and honor of God with us in an ever-deeper heart to heart friendship way.

Yes. This will even increase the faith and expectancy for it in the room!! And when expectancy and faith are there – it is even more likely to happen!!

(Maybe use ChatGPT to effective shorten this?)

Practical suggestions – what the leadership can do and say with wisdom to help people navigate the supernatural at meetings where there are people present who do not understand what is going on:

  1. PPT slide – text suggestion. Some are definitely better at this than me, but here goes:
    1. The Supernatural at X Church
    2. During our meetings and in our everyday lives as followers of Jesus we often experience people being healed, set free, filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and get beautiful words of affirmation and calling from God to people. We are used to this and are experienced in handling when this happens. People being touched might experience heat, strong emotions, and relief as the frame of their body, soul and spirit is supernaturally touched. This is ok and does not need to disturb us – but to be expected – as we serve a good, loving, living, Father God who wants to love on His kids.
  2. What to say when a deliverance is happening:
    1. What is happening here is that Jesus is alive and is helping the man / lady experience freedom from evil spirits. This was normal in the ministry of Jesus while He lived on earth, and He commanded His disciples to do what He did in setting people free. We have many people in our congregation who have been set free from evil spirits and are free from rage, depression, fear, anxiety, and various sicknesses, sins, and mind-control. Please just ignore the sounds and things and focus on Jesus for yourself. We have experienced this many times before and know how to help and handle the situation. We also have certified nurses and doctors in our church who keep a positive eye on all things being good and healthy here.
      1. Then give an invitation to salvation and repentance – right there and then: … as an experienced disciple – you know how to do it – do it like Peter at Pentecost: This is evidence that the good God, the Creator of the Earth and the Heavens is here to help people into freedom from fear, depression, shame, guilt, accusation. Therefore, turn your heart over to the Leader, the Master, the risen living loving Savior – Jesus Christ. He is here, ready to receive you. Give your whole life over to Him. He loves you with His whole heart – proven by Him on the cross. So, surrender – turn yourself in to Him now.
  3. What to say when one or more people fall to the ground:
    1. When the Holy Spirit comes upon people it can be hard to stand up. What we see here is the beautiful work of the Holy Spirit to touch, heal, set free, and fill people with His love and presence.
  4. What to say when someone is healed:
    1. This is evidence of the love and power of God right here and now. Come and get prayer for yourself if you need healing.
  5. What to say when someone speaks in tongues:
    1. What you are hearing is someone speaking a new language. It is not Greek or Hebrew – but a Heavenly non-earthly language. At times it is an earthly language. Sometimes we get an interpretation – so we translate from that language to ours.
  6. What to say when someone prophesies: (great link on what to do & not in prophesy)
    1. What is happening is that God through His Holy Spirit inspired this person to speak to that person. This is for encouragement, strengthening, and comfort. It can provide wisdom and positive direction. It is 100% ok to evaluate whether it is from God or not. Sometimes it is 99% from God – other times it is 50% – sometimes not at all if the bringer is not ok with God. And sometimes a word can come from God through someone who is not ok with God. So, pray about it yourself. Talk it through with a mature leader.
  7. What to say when someone is raised from the dead:
    1. Preach the love, power, salvation, and glory of God!!
  8. What to say when someone behaves as a drunk person in the Holy Spirit:
    1. Remember Peter’s sermon at both Pentecost and Cornelius’ house.
  9. And so on – you get the point

What are the qualifications, then for a meeting leader / preacher?

To do this that person needs to really feel at home in deliverance, prophecy, raising the dead, filling people with the Holy Spirit, helping people to repent fully from sin and believe in Jesus, getting baptized etc.

They also need to be able to understand the accusations, doubts, skepticisms, languages and hesitations of the culture – and then have the courage, boldness, wisdom, and insight as well to explain clearly and intelligently what is going on in the meeting. They need to be fully comfortable, very experienced able to navigate all the types of moves of Holy Spirit AND the interpret that into the surrounding culture – and then lead people to faith precisely in the midst of that!!

When we have the fullness of the Spirit as well as the fullness of relevance to the culture with the wisdom of the Word and the fullness of the expression of the 5-fold ministry gifts aimed for at all meetings – then we have a spot for revival at our public gatherings as well.

That is part of truly healthy revival.

What are general guidelines on what to do and what not to do in ministry time?

  1. Do not
    1. No pushing of anyone – that is of the flesh and is to show how powerful you are. It is off-putting, prideful, and evil to push people over to look strong.
    2. No screaming at anyone
      1. It’s an authority battle – not a loudness battle
      2. It’s a faith battle – not overpowering battle
      1. It’s a truth battle – not a pride and fear battle
      2. It’s not a “do it in your own power” battle – the Holy Spirit is nobody’s little brother – we either have all of the Holy Spirit – or none.
  2. Do
    1. Where the Spirit of the Lord is – there is liberty (2 Cor 3:17).
    2. Anything that the Holy Spirit wants to do – we must allow – while the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet (1 Cor 14:32).
    1. Follow the guidelines in 1 Cor 14 with the heart of 1 Cor 13 – and the attempted interpretations above.
    2. Jesus will expose the work of the enemy to heal, forgive, restore, and heal – not to shame, degrade or humiliate anyone. It is humbling (not humiliating) to all to give and receive true ministry. Paul said to “expose the darkness” (Eph 5:11-14). This is in order to do what Jesus did: “destroy the darkness” (1 John 3:8 & Acts 10:38).
    1. Deliverance is a work of love and honor of the person – at the same time we do not hide the deliverance, prophecy, and prophetic experience – but do it where-ever it happens – like Jesus did – because He had and still has this idea: He is the King – everywhere, at all times, so – He is always right!
    2. When a prophecy is given or received – do evaluate it according to this guide and do share the link to that guide to help people navigate the personal prophecy:

Why should we not shut down the supernatural of any kind in our services?

  1. It displays the power and greatness and love of God.
  2. It proves God is alive and well and is more powerful than the demons and their power.
  3. We were made to and walk in and display the authority and power of God. Jesus gave His authority to us.
  4. We the church – the believers – the church – are to now:
    1. through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 3:10)

What About Various Weekly Home Meetings and Yearly Church Camps?

During the week

  1. Full blown original discipleship – teaching on the Kingdom of God AND including all the leaders demonstrating deliverance, healing, prophecy, raising the dead, that resembles Jesus & disciples as in Matt & Luke 10 and so many places in the Bible.
    1. Training and personal devo time / prophetic / healing / HS baptism / deliverance / evangelism inner healing activation
  2. Prayer meetings like in Acts 4:23-37 – and then going out to do it.
    1. Going out anywhere / everywhere – doing Matt & Luke 10 – practical supernatural ministry in streets, homes, meetings.
  3. Home groups – which are about full blown discipleship. Raw Bible study and application with the clear goal of multiplication. Where, as Paul writes – each one brings a song, a word, a teaching – and some food.
    1. Strong leadership around that
    2. 5-fold ministers go out and visit the groups in the homes as well – from home to home.
  4. Bible & discipleship evening school / Saturday school / Sunday school that includes all the Bible and full blown inner healing & deliverance for all + teaching people how and sending them out to do it.
  5. Train all to lead 12 who lead 12 and more and so on.

Result: Revival Sustained and multiplied – truly!

Some periods each year – 3-4 times – Longer teaching sessions, camps and single longer teaching days – as they were commanded in the Old Testament. God commanded them to party:

  1. Every day: Every single believer personally meets up with and hangs out as a best friend with their 3 best Friends: Daddyo God, Jesus Christ, their brother, Holy Spirit – their Helper, Guide, Gentle Spirit of Truth and Power. If this is not in place – all things stop and this is THE focus!
  2. Every day – from home to home – the 5-fold teaching from home to home – breaking bread, praying, ministering in the leading and power of God.
  3. Every 7th day – Shabbat – all meet together & express 5-fold publicly
  4. 3-in-one: March – April – Passover + Unleavened Bread + First fruits: 8 days
  5. Pentecost: May – 2 days.
  6. Trumpets: September – 1 day.
  7. Atonement: September – 1 day.
  8. Tabernacles: October – 8 days

Watch the foundational discipleship course

ActionChristianity.com

To read positive, life-changing and selfish-life-breaking teaching – see all Bible studies and teaching articles by Peter Skov. Let God lead you to what to engage with first.

And here is my YouTube course on the very minimum foundations of normal discipleship.

Become an Action Christian

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