Building according to the pattern

It was my privilege this weekend to be at the International Elders and Leaders conference for all the churches from around the world that relate to Keri Jones as their apostle. It was a powerful time in the presence of God and great men. Keri shared his heart for the Church built according to the pattern; not according to the patterns of man, but marked by the presence of God and the supernatural movings of the Holy Spirit. It's all too easy for things that start off as moves of the Spirit to become just as formulaic as the patterns they originally broke out from. Keri stirred us again to accept nothing less than the supernatural presence of God in our midst. As Moses said, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." (Ex 33:15) It was not just theory either! I personally, and many others, had a very powerful encounter with the Spirit of God, the like of which I have not felt for many years.

I had a real sense of excitement as I went to the meeting this morning. I knew it was going to be different. I knew I was different! I felt sure that what we had heard and experienced of the Holy Spirit over the weekend was going to break out among us in the meeting. I had already resolved to do something, anything, as a response to the compelling stirrings of the Holy Spirit within me. After the first song I brought a message in tongues; the interpretation followed immediately. Then came two prophecies back to back, and in response to God's word many came forward for prayer and were powerfully touched by the Spirit of God! Praise God! We had a wonderful supernatural time; God continued to move by his Spirit right the way through to the end.

We are building according to the pattern we have seen on the mountain! Nothing less will do!