Expert: Clifford H. Readout, Jr. - 11/27/2007

Question
What was the greatest move of God ever recorded OTHER than in the Bible in Acts? I'm talking about crusades(signs, wonders and mircles for REAL)Give name of who hosted it.

Answer
Dear Catonya,

First, this is not a Biblical question, hence, it is beyond the limits established for my assistance. I am going to give you some thoughts about it, though, with a small concern that you will not like what I’ll write.

Second, the question asks for a subjective answer, because there are several different definitions of “move of God.” There are many sects in Christendom who do not believe the others are “saved,” and their definitions would be mutually exclusive. I’m sure the Chief Priests and Pharisees did not think the rapid spread of Christianity was nay form of a “move of God.” So, one Christian historian’s opinion about this is probably as good as any other’s, at least until we establish what actually constitutes a “move of God.”

Third, signs, wonders and miracles are not evidence of a “move of God,” so they are not helpful in determining the issue. How do you determine what a "for REAL" sign, wonder or miracle is? Consider this:
Matthew 24:23-24 “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Fourth, the name of the One who hosted every genuine “move of God” is The Lord Jesus Christ. The names of the men and women involved are relatively insignificant, and anyone who takes credit for the sovereign actions of the Lord is nothing more than a fool.

Fifth, with the first four in mind, there have been several times in the last five hundred years when it seems apparent that God intervened in the affairs of men and nations to bring humanity closer to righteousness. Of the men most recognized by historians as being involved very few would dream of suggesting that they “hosted” it, or had anything to do with brining it to pass. Rather, most would confess that they took advantage of God’s activity to exercise the ministry He gave them. Those who might have considered themselves instrumental in “hosting” the revival of righteousness, have very sordid realities in their biographies. Calvin was a murderer, but he surely considered himself to be instrumental in reforming the “church” away from the papacy.

Sixth, historical records are too often dependent on culture imperatives. Americans are woefully ignorant of significant revivals of truth and righteousness that occurred overseas, before, during and after the “great awakenings” in the mid 1700’s, mid 1800’s, and early 1900’s in the USA. The Welsh people would vote that the “revival” they experienced in 1904-05 was every bit as significant a “move of God” as the “Azusa Street revival” in the USA starting in 1906. Your question just demands too much subjective opinion for me to offer you a significant answer.

Now, had you asked me how to determine if something is “a move of God” I might have been able to give you some good Scriptural references in my answer.

Yours for Truth,

CR