To help answer these and other questions, this quick list will help in identifying some of the actions
that are either clearly not of God or perhaps borderline actions. Some actions have to be judged by
the hearts of the people and a lack of insight by the leadership. The Spirit of God is never going to
contradict the Word of God. That is the first test.
1. Weird or bizarre behavior. We are people made in the image of God. His presence does not
change that.
2. Deep changing revelations that say, “No one else has got this but us...” This is caused by
the leadership not being under accountability. Every Pastor must have a Pastor so they have
covering in the spirit.
3. Controlling and / or condemning prophecies or words of knowledge. God is love. (1 John
4:8) That is how he will always speak to us.
4. Isolated people who work the back / sides of the church. These are people who didn't get
recognition from the front so they start working in other ways. They speak quietly and away from
anyone that may bring the possibility of judgement. They act like the Lone Ranger, popping from one
place to another.
5. Super Spirited ladder Climbers. They use Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) as status
symbols for people to look at. Their heart is in the right place but the teaching they received was not
understood or they were taught wrong. Love says, "Did it bless, profit, encourage or change
positively? Did it bring you out of bondage and did it set you free (John 8:32)? If not, it probably is not
from God.
6. "God told me to tell you..." There is a time for correction and a position of authority to receive it
from. In private, not in public and with a witness (Matthew 18:16).
7. We all are born of the same Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:13). If a word is given to you and it doesn't
sound correct in your own Spirit, ask that the word be judged by the elders of the church.
8. Does the ministry judge "Visions and Dreams"... Prophecy, Words of Knowledge and
leadings by the Spirit, that are given for the general assembly and individually must be judged; Does
it lift up, edify and encourage (1 Corinthians 14:3,26)? Also these guidelines can be used;
1. Does it exalt Jesus? (1 Corinthians 12:3)
2. Does it match the whole scripture of God and not something out of context.
3. Does it agree with the nature and personality of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22,23)
4. Does it profit the whole body of Christ? Does everyone around the person give a good report for
this other person getting the word? (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:3)
5. Does it promote the love and passion of God. Does it condemn? (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
6. Does it promote unity in the body of Christ. Does it split the church? (1 Corinthians 12:12,24,25)
7. Is it descent and orderly? When the glory of God comes into contact with people, Emotions flow
easier. People dance, run, jump... (1 Corinthians 14:33,40)
8. Holly laughter has its place but it is not a sign of the ones spirituality. Laughter occurs as an
over abundance of emotions, displayed to God as a gift of thanksgiving and Joy. That is not a sign
of the in-filling of the Holy Ghost. If there is preaching than it should not interrupt the word.
9. If there is a prophetic word coming forth, do church members do things that will interrupt your
hearing of it. Cheating yourself and distracting someone else. Candy, clapping, non reverence, we
must honor the word from God as it comes out.
that are either clearly not of God or perhaps borderline actions. Some actions have to be judged by
the hearts of the people and a lack of insight by the leadership. The Spirit of God is never going to
contradict the Word of God. That is the first test.
1. Weird or bizarre behavior. We are people made in the image of God. His presence does not
change that.
2. Deep changing revelations that say, “No one else has got this but us...” This is caused by
the leadership not being under accountability. Every Pastor must have a Pastor so they have
covering in the spirit.
3. Controlling and / or condemning prophecies or words of knowledge. God is love. (1 John
4:8) That is how he will always speak to us.
4. Isolated people who work the back / sides of the church. These are people who didn't get
recognition from the front so they start working in other ways. They speak quietly and away from
anyone that may bring the possibility of judgement. They act like the Lone Ranger, popping from one
place to another.
5. Super Spirited ladder Climbers. They use Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) as status
symbols for people to look at. Their heart is in the right place but the teaching they received was not
understood or they were taught wrong. Love says, "Did it bless, profit, encourage or change
positively? Did it bring you out of bondage and did it set you free (John 8:32)? If not, it probably is not
from God.
6. "God told me to tell you..." There is a time for correction and a position of authority to receive it
from. In private, not in public and with a witness (Matthew 18:16).
7. We all are born of the same Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:13). If a word is given to you and it doesn't
sound correct in your own Spirit, ask that the word be judged by the elders of the church.
8. Does the ministry judge "Visions and Dreams"... Prophecy, Words of Knowledge and
leadings by the Spirit, that are given for the general assembly and individually must be judged; Does
it lift up, edify and encourage (1 Corinthians 14:3,26)? Also these guidelines can be used;
1. Does it exalt Jesus? (1 Corinthians 12:3)
2. Does it match the whole scripture of God and not something out of context.
3. Does it agree with the nature and personality of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians 5:22,23)
4. Does it profit the whole body of Christ? Does everyone around the person give a good report for
this other person getting the word? (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:3)
5. Does it promote the love and passion of God. Does it condemn? (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
6. Does it promote unity in the body of Christ. Does it split the church? (1 Corinthians 12:12,24,25)
7. Is it descent and orderly? When the glory of God comes into contact with people, Emotions flow
easier. People dance, run, jump... (1 Corinthians 14:33,40)
8. Holly laughter has its place but it is not a sign of the ones spirituality. Laughter occurs as an
over abundance of emotions, displayed to God as a gift of thanksgiving and Joy. That is not a sign
of the in-filling of the Holy Ghost. If there is preaching than it should not interrupt the word.
9. If there is a prophetic word coming forth, do church members do things that will interrupt your
hearing of it. Cheating yourself and distracting someone else. Candy, clapping, non reverence, we
must honor the word from God as it comes out.
| Is this the Spirit of God or man? |
Stepping into a new Church for the first time and experiencing a worship service
that you are not use to, did you leave? Not ever to return? Or did you take the
time to ask, “Is this really from God?”
Have you ever heard the “Stories” about people barking like dogs and clucking
like chickens during praise and worship?
The question many couples have had asked is, “How do I protect my family from
those who think they are doing the will of God and yet also express myself in
worship and praise to God? Where is the “Middle ground” so I can dance if I feel
like dancing?”
that you are not use to, did you leave? Not ever to return? Or did you take the
time to ask, “Is this really from God?”
Have you ever heard the “Stories” about people barking like dogs and clucking
like chickens during praise and worship?
The question many couples have had asked is, “How do I protect my family from
those who think they are doing the will of God and yet also express myself in
worship and praise to God? Where is the “Middle ground” so I can dance if I feel
like dancing?”