Date: 04-Apr-1995 06:31pm EST
Subject: Your note
Thanks for your recent message. I have suspected for some time that there has been some tension between Toronto and Anaheim, but that is not new--I first began to suspect it after the LET THE FIRE FALL Conference in Anaheim last summer. But my suspicion has also been that this is not a serious tension, but simply a difference in viewpoint between John Arnott and John Wimber with respect to the lion roaring. John Wimber is probably afraid of causing honest seekers to turn away because of this particular manifestation, while John Arnott recognizes its prophetic significance, and has observed that there has been a noticeable increase in deliverances when this has occurred. John Wimber feels that, to be culturally relevant, we can't go too far "overboard," while John Arnott feels that the work of God should not be hindered for any reason, particularly if the fruit demonstrates that it is indeed the work of God.
It would seem to me that when the dust settles, it will become clear that there has been indeed a very vital purpose for what, to the natural man, seems absolutely unneccesary abhorrent. The natural man has a tendency to try to stretch out his hand to steady the ark, but the consequence is to incur God's judgment. The ark, of course, typifies the presence of God. Attempts to "help" God with our own ideas of what is, or is not, appropriate when His presence is manifested would be presumptuous. We must not presume to dictate to God how He will operate.
Discernment is needed to know whether it is indeed God that is operating. We can determine whether or not something is of God by what results from what happens. Is God glorified? Is Jesus glorified? Are people healed and delivered from spiritual, emotional, and physical problems? Do people learn to walk more closely with the Lord as a result of what happens? Do they have a greater interest in obeying God? Do people commit themselves more fully to Jesus Christ? Satan wouldn't want to do anything that would cause these things to happen.
The fruit that we've seen, even as a result of the lion-roaring, has been very good. So I would say that we must be very careful, lest we grieve the Holy Spirit by shying away from what God may be doing through all of this.
At least, this is how I see it. How about you? Thanks for writing. I'll look forward to getting your own views on what's happening.
With warm personal greetings in the Lamb,
Richard M. Riss
RRISS@DREW.EDU