Renewal

Since 1994, God has been pouring out His Spirit at the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. Over the years, there has been criticism because for some, it doesn't line up with what they think a renewal should look like. While many have argued the point, I will not do so here, since the bible commands us,

"Don't speak evil against each other, my dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize each other and condemn each other, then you are criticizing and condemning God's law. But you are not a judge who can decide whether the law is right or wrong. Your job is to obey it. God alone, who made the law, can rightly judge among us. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to condemn your neighbor? (James 4:11-12 NLT)

In trying to understand a biblical basis for understanding how to deal with those who think differently about such things, the following scriptures are some that the Lord has been impressing upon me:

What did Jesus point to for validation of his claim to be he messiah?

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.And blessed is the one who is not offended by me." (Matt 11:2-6 ESV)

Jesus told us how to recognize those who are His - it is by their fruit.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.You will recognize them by their fruits. (Matt 7:15-16 ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23 ESV)

How did jesus say we are to behave towards others?

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.(Matt 7:1-2 ESV)

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. (2 Tim 2:23 ESV)

John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. (Mark 8:38-40)

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; (Heb 12:14-16 ESV)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom 16:17-18 NKJV)

There are many things that have been criticized, but mostly, it seems to be around the "manifestations" that are experienced by some people. The bible gives little specific guidance on this, but does allude in many places to strange things happening when the Spirit comes on someone (i.e. appearing drunk on the day of Pentecost). At the end of the day, we have to ask, "What is the fruit"? If the fruit is good, the tree is good. If the fruit is bad, we know it is not from God. On the whole, the fruit of the current renewal is excellent. People are saved, have their marriages and ministries transformed, are healed, spend hours in prayer and in the Word, and are madly in love with Jesus. This is good fruit.

For more reading, check out the following links:

Renewal Articles on TACF website - Primary source - go here first
Richard Riss homepage - Lots of good reading here
The Manifestations Throughout History (Richard Riss)
Overview of the Work of the Holy Spirt in the last 20 years
Toronto Blessing (Margaret Poloma)
The Spirit and the Bride (Poloma)
Pilgrim's Progress: Reflections on a journey (Poloma)
Toronto Blessing - New religious Movements)