Revival and Denominationalism Today
Before we jump into the main discussion, I want to share something incredibly exciting brewing here in Memphis. There's a powerful gathering on the horizon called Exalt Jesus Memphis. On April 4th, 2015, from 1 PM to 5 PM, at AutoZone Park (Redbird Stadium), the body of Christ is coming together to simply worship our Lord Jesus. It's an incredible opportunity to unify and lift His name high, to demonstrate a collective hunger for His presence. Finally, after years of longing, something truly significant is stirring in our area, and we're starting to connect with so many sold-out believers who share this passion. Alongside this, Camp Pentecost is also on the horizon, where we'll get to celebrate the amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit, just like in Acts chapter 2. There's a tangible sense of anticipation, a deep and unyielding hunger for something more than traditional church services can offer, a desire to see God move in profound, undeniable ways. We're seriously seeking a genuine revival here in Memphis, one that transcends denominations and human-made barriers. I truly believe the time is now, and the place is here for a fresh wave of His supernatural power.
The Dynamic Landscape of Spiritual Revelation and Warfare
Lately, there's been an unprecedented outpouring of revelation all over the internet and across various faith communities. People worldwide are getting excited about God, sharing testimonies, and receiving fresh insights into His Word in ways we haven't seen before. It’s absolutely fascinating to watch this wave of new understanding and passion spread virally through social media, online groups, and even within some of the more open churches. It's undeniably God at work, moving in fresh, innovative, and invigorating ways, often bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
Yet, amidst this beautiful awakening, there's also a palpable void, a deep thirst for righteousness that many believers are experiencing. As the psalmist declared in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." We are thirsty for the Lord, yearning for an authentic encounter with Him. I truly believe this void, this aching in our souls for something more substantial, is about to be gloriously filled. All we need to do is step out in faith, yield our expectations, and drink deeply from the living water that flows from the Throne. Perhaps unifying events like Exalt Jesus Memphis will play a vital role in ushering in this refreshing flood.
However, as these powerful waves of revelation wash over us, it's impossible to ignore the intensified attacks from the enemy. It's a stark reality of our current spiritual landscape: where God is moving, the devil is raging. I've witnessed this firsthand in my own life and among those I know, from seemingly minor annoyances—like potholes literally blowing out tires on the way to a crucial Bible study—to deeply disturbing, life-threatening attempts at suicide among people on the outer fringes of my network. These aren't random occurrences; they are direct byproducts of intensified spiritual warfare. We are constantly reminded by Ephesians 6:12 that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." The devil gets absolutely furious when he senses God is about to do something significant, something that shifts the tide in the kingdom of light. He's always tried to kill the "babies" of a new move of God, hasn't he? Think of Pharaoh's decree to kill all male Hebrew infants when Moses was born, or Herod's horrific slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem when Jesus came into the world. He tries to cut off a move of God at its very inception.
Now, tragically, we see the echoes of this ancient demonic strategy in the horrific number of babies lost through abortion globally. The enemy is mad; he knows his time is short. And let's not forget, we're living in deeply significant times, coming up on what many believe to be major prophetic seasons, like the Shemitah and Jubilee years. While I don't fully grasp all the intricacies of these prophetic timelines or their precise implications, one thing is abundantly clear: the devil is on a Rampage right now. He’s attacking on all fronts because he recognizes that something monumental is stirring in the spiritual realm. Understanding this fundamental truth—that we are engaged in active spiritual warfare—is the first crucial step in effectively combating his schemes and positioning ourselves for God's breakthrough.
Navigating Frustration with the Corporate Church
During this period of immense revelation and intense spiritual activity, I've encountered countless brothers and sisters who are deeply upset, even disillusioned, with the institutional, corporate church. And I get it. I truly do. The frustration is palpable and, in many cases, entirely justified. Many of you listening right now were likely saved and baptized within a corporate church setting, just as I was. There's a certain cognitive dissonance, isn't there, when you begin to see its limitations, its flaws, or its perceived failures in living up to the vibrant, dynamic vision of the early church portrayed in the book of Acts.
Let me be abundantly clear: God can and does use the corporate church. I want to remind you of that crucial fact. We often forget the history of powerful moves of God. Just last night, I was reflecting on incredible figures like Jack Coe, William Branham, A.A. Allen, Amy Simple McPherson, and Maria Woodworth-Etter. Even Smith Wigglesworth, with all his fiery passion, his blunt approach, and his undeniable 'supernatural' encounters, operated within or closely alongside corporate church structures, often pastoring or founding denominations. Yes, they may have had their challenges, faced criticism, and certainly experienced their unique struggles with the religious systems of their day, but they worked within that framework to minister God’s power and see incredible signs, wonders, and healing. God used them mightily, even within what we might now critique as an imperfect system. This shows that God is not limited by our structures, though we can certainly limit Him.
However, while the corporate church has its shortfalls—and they are significant in many areas today, leading to widespread disillusionment—many of us have unfortunately developed a tendency to take the sword of the Lord, which is the Word of God, and use it to divide ourselves from one another. We point fingers, declaring, "Look at what you're doing! That isn't biblical!" or "Your doctrine is wrong!" But let's pause for a moment and embrace humility. What I'm doing might not be perfectly biblical either. What you're doing might not be. None of us are all that and a bag of chips. We aren’t infallible. We need to humble ourselves, recognize the problems that plague the body of Christ, and earnestly, desperately ask the Spirit of God to fix it. I often find myself praying, "Lord, I can't fix this. You cannot give this burden to Conrad and expect me to mend it, to usher in revival by my own strength or intellect. It has to be You." This understanding leads to a profound reliance on God, not on human strategies.
This is precisely why I'm a firm believer in "presence evangelism." It's why we’re actively moving towards worshiping in the parks again, simply lifting up the name of Jesus in public spaces. It’s not about perfecting a sermon or a program; it's about creating an atmosphere where His tangible presence can be encountered. When people genuinely encounter the raw, unadulterated presence of God, it changes everything. They have an Acts chapter 9 encounter, a life-altering, 'supernatural' moment that shifts their entire trajectory. Think of the woman at the well in John chapter 4. She met Jesus on a dry, hot day, at high noon, completely outside of any synagogue, temple, or formal church structure. Her encounter with His glorious presence was so profound, so deeply personal, that she immediately left her water pot (symbolizing her old life and burdens), ran back to her town, and brought a whole community to Him. When you truly encounter Jesus, when His presence permeates your being, things change dramatically and irrevocably. Your life is transformed, and you become a catalyst for transformation in others.
So, for those of you who feel the frustration of denominationalism and the perceived rigidities of the corporate church, I understand. I'm with you. I share that frustration. It’s clear that Christianity was never meant to be merely about going to a building once a week to listen to a sermon. We are called to daily fellowship, to breaking bread from house to house, to ministering the gifts one to another, just as the early church did in Acts 2:42-47. This was a vibrant, organic, Spirit-led community, not a rigid institution. I’m frustrated too, believe me. But remember, many of us were saved and baptized in those very corporate settings, and God’s grace and power moved even there. Let’s hold onto that truth while we simultaneously press in for the more profound move of God that He desires for us today.
The Vision of the Strong Man: Denominationalism's Grip
A few weeks ago, my wife Susan and I had an incredibly profound experience at Lake Grenada, specifically Hue White State Park. It was early morning, still deeply foggy, the sun just beginning to burn through the mist, and the sound of geese honking over the still water created a truly peaceful, yet profoundly spiritual, atmosphere. As we were praying there, soaking in God's presence, I had a striking vision. It was vivid, clear, and powerful, immediately demanding my attention. I saw a very strong arm, like Mr. Clean’s arm – muscular, huge, with a massive hand. And from this imposing hand, numerous strings extended down, each one attached to little church buildings that looked just like Monopoly pieces. This strong arm could move these church pieces around at will, pulling them wherever it pleased, seemingly dictating their direction and movement.
As Susan and I discussed this vision, dissecting its meaning and what the Lord was revealing, it became incredibly clear: this was a revelation of the "strong man" of denominationalism. This isn’t just about the well-known denominations like Baptist, Methodist, or Pentecostal, although they certainly fall under this umbrella. This vision speaks to any human-made structure, any organization, or any group that ministers the gospel, yet imposes its own set of rules, regulations, and hierarchical controls on the people within it. So often, every time you feel a leading from the Holy Spirit, every time you want to step out in faith and obey God's promptings, you have to run it through your denomination, your specific organizational structure, or your appointed human authority. This vision clearly depicted how these structures, controlled by a "strong man" spirit, can manipulate and restrict the freedom of the Spirit's movement.
Some of these rules might be loosely rooted in scripture, but far too often, they take biblical principles to another level, adding layers of human requirements, traditions, and red tape that inadvertently stifle the free movement of the Holy Spirit in the average person's life. The very purpose of the Holy Spirit, as given to us in Acts 1:8, is to empower ordinary men and women to accomplish God's extraordinary, 'supernatural' purposes. But how often do we hear or even think, "Oh, hold on, Jesus is speaking, I feel a divine prompting, but let me run it through my denomination first," or "I need to check with my elders for approval," or "I need Board of Supervisors approval before I can move on this"? For much of my life, I believed in this hyper-structured approach. I was raised in an environment that emphasized it, thinking it was absolutely crucial to prevent error and protect the church from false prophets. And indeed, prudence and discernment are vital.
But here's the profound truth I've come to understand through this vision and deeper study: Jesus is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). He is the one who ultimately prevents false prophets from spreading untruth. What's truly unfortunate is that often, the very people we put over us in our churches, organizations, and ministries—the very ones meant to protect—are the ones who end up spreading error, or worse, rejecting the authentic move of God because it doesn’t fit their pre-approved box. When groups veer into error, it's very often led by strong, influential people in leadership positions who, perhaps with good intentions, still operate under the sway of this "strong man" of denominationalism. They, too, feel compelled to run everything through their human structures, even when it directly contradicts divine revelation. We were reading recently about a major denomination actually voting on whether to accept gay marriage. How do you vote on the immutable Word of God? How do you vote on what the Bible clearly states by a majority vote? That’s not just a human error; that’s like shaking your fist at God Himself, asserting human authority over divine truth.
The Prophetic Ministry and Unboxing God's Supernatural Flow
I've often been told that what I say is a bit radical, that it's "too out there," even if it’s biblically sound and frighteningly direct in its application. When I first met my wife, Susan, she even thought, "Conrad just needs to be under a pastor, in a church. He needs more structure." And I understand that perspective; it's a common and seemingly logical thought process based on traditional church models. Many are taught that’s the proper order for ministry. But the more I’ve studied the scriptures, the more I’ve realized that this thinking, while often well-intentioned and designed for accountability, can be profoundly wrong when it becomes a rigid, hindering structure that suppresses the free flow of the Holy Spirit.
The prophets are sent to the church, not necessarily confined within its existing institutional walls. Even in the Old Testament, prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Elijah were sent directly by God to the nation of Israel to deliver words that the people, or even their existing religious leadership (the priests and kings), could not or would not hear from God themselves. These were often direct, challenging, and uncomfortable truths, often scriptural principles that had been forgotten or ignored. Think about it: there wouldn't even be a prophetic ministry if it had to operate solely within an institutional structure that demands all revelation be filtered and approved by human committees. That’s completely contrary to its very design!
The prophetic ministry's core purpose, the very reason God established it in the first place, is to give us fresh, timely, and often urgent revelation from Heaven—insights we weren't getting on our own, truths we weren't hearing for whatever reason, or guidance for a new 'supernatural' move. It’s designed to bring a 'supernatural' flow of divine insight that cuts through complacency, tradition, and human-made barriers, stirring the church to action.
Therefore, we absolutely must stop putting God in a box, deciding He can't move because He doesn't do it the way we expect, approve, or have always seen. Very often, these structures we've meticulously put in place—with their complex hierarchies, bureaucratic processes, and established traditions—are not there to solely protect us from error. In fact, inadvertently, they often serve to prevent God from moving freely, from bringing a fresh wave of His Spirit. It's ironic, isn't it? The very systems meant to preserve truth can become the greatest barriers to the Living Truth. Indeed, it's often the opposite of what we intend; these rigid structures can lead us into error by suppressing the fresh word of the Lord and keeping us from doing His perfect will, from embracing the vibrant, 'supernatural' life He intends for us. God is a God of order, yes, but His order is life-giving, dynamic, Spirit-led, and often wonderfully defies human organizational charts and our limited understanding of how He should operate.
Humility, Personal Pursuit, and the Acts 2 Church
As I reflect on these profound truths, the vision of the strong man, and the critical need for a return to raw, authentic faith, I want to say this humbly, without throwing rocks at anyone. I realize I could be wrong about something; we are all on a continuous journey of growth and understanding, and our perception is always limited. I was thinking again about figures like Jack Coe and William Branham. They had absolutely amazing gifts; truly incredible 'supernatural' anointings and drew massive crowds, seeing astounding miracles. Yet, they both died before their time, in unexpected and tragic ways. This always serves as a stark reminder to me: I want to be humble. I don't want to make the same mistakes others have made, whether it was pride, a lack of sufficient accountability, or pushing too far outside established norms without a full, clear divine leading. And who knows, even with the best intentions and diligent prayer, you can still make new mistakes!
While Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us "there is nothing new under the sun," there might be aspects of God's leading or the enemy's tactics that I don't yet fully grasp. So, I always approach these matters with humility, holding my convictions loosely enough to be corrected by the Spirit and the Word. We shouldn't be throwing rocks at our brothers and sisters in Christ, judging their walk from a self-righteous perch. We really shouldn't. Our common enemy is not our fellow believer, but the very "strong man" that seeks to divide and conquer.
My ultimate encouragement to you, dear reader, is this: above all else, keep seeking the Lord. Keep seeking Him for yourself. Don't rely solely on what you hear from pulpits or platforms, even from me! While good teaching is vital, it cannot replace your personal communion with the Living God. Dig deeper into His Word (2 Timothy 2:15), press into His presence through worship and prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal His truths to you personally, directly to your spirit. Let's get back to God, to the raw, unfiltered essence of the Acts 2 church—a community marked by devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). A church where signs and wonders were commonplace, where the supernatural was natural. That's how I feel about it. Let’s simply lift up the name of Jesus, make Him preeminent in all things, and watch Him change everything. Amen!
Join the Journey: Dig Deeper, Go Higher!
I hope this message has resonated with your spirit and challenged you to consider how God truly desires to move among us, unhindered by human constructs or the controlling grip of denominationalism. The vision of the strong man is not just a warning; it is a call to awaken, to break free from the strings that bind, and to courageously embrace the full, dynamic, 'supernatural' power of God available to every single believer.
Your insights and experiences are invaluable to this journey. Have you felt the frustration of rigid structures in your own walk? Have you witnessed the powerful, 'prophetic' move of God outside traditional settings, or experienced a profound encounter with Jesus that defied all expectations? Share your thoughts and testimonies in the comments below! Let's build a vibrant community of believers hungry for genuine revival, who dare to seek God beyond the conventional and embrace His leading wherever it may take them.
If this conversation has stirred something within you, if you feel a renewed call to seek God with all your heart, I invite you to Share this post: Help us spread this vital message to others who need to hear it and who are yearning for a deeper, more authentic experience with God.
Remember, until we meet again, let's continually strive to dig deeper into His Word and go higher in His Spirit!
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