Paradigm Shifts and Revival.

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The word "Paradigm" is a popular term defined as a mind set or a view
point.  Consider the following scripture:

Luke 5:33 And they (Publicans) said unto him, Why do the disciples of John
fast often, and make prayers, and likewise [the disciples] of the
Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? 
Luke 5:34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the
bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 
Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away
from them, and then shall they fast in those days. 
Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of
a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new machete a rent,
and the piece that was [taken] out of the new aigrette not with the old. 
Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine
will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 
Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are
preserved. 
Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old [wine] straightway dessert new: for
he satin, The old is better. 

Noticed what happened here:
1)  Some Publicans wanted to know why Jesus and his disciples did not act
religious like some other groups.
2)  The Lord was kind and answer why.  He was doing soothing new!
3)  The Lord went on to tell a parable that explained why these Publicans
react the way they do.

Now apply the Parable to the Publicans.
1) The Publicans had a mind set (a paradigm) that made it difficult for
them the relate to the way Jesus was operating.  
2) The Publicans where not capable in their present condition of even
accepting what Jesus was doing.  It would "Burst" them.  Their hearts are
like the dry old wine skins that could not handle the fermenting of the new
wine.  Thus new bottles (new people) are used.
3)  The Publicans reaction is "The old way is better".

Here is an opportunity for revaluation!  If you understand this parable,
apply it to the Book of Acts.  Then you will see how the Lord struggled to
get the disciples to overcome their Jewish paradigm and take the gospel to
gentiles.  Their reaction was "The old is better".  The solution was to
raise up Paul....  New wine into a new wine skin.  Now apply this principal
to Modern Times and you will see that Jesus often uses new people for
revival.  He puts new wine into new wine skins.  The way you put new wine
into an old wine skin is buy rubbing it  with olive oil until the old dry
leather is soft and supple again.   This is the anointing of God on our
hearts.
Some examples of Pentecostal Heroes who have orchestrated such Paradigm
Shifts:

Lee Stone King:  About 20 years the Pentecostal church and all its ministry
was oriented toward families.  The Lord used Brother Stoneking to
orchestrate a "Paradigm" shift and introduce singles ministries.  He
underwent much criticism from other Saints during the change.  And it hurt
him very much.  You can't walk close to the Lord without having a tender
heart toward the brethren also.  But look at the benefit.  There is Single
Ministries or something similar in nearly every Pentecostal church in the
nation.

Richard Gazowsky:  The pastor of "Voice of Pentecost" church in downtown
San Francisco.  During the 1980s Richard was instrumental in bridging a
prayer movement into the Pentecostal Church.  Is one of his books he writes
on a time when some elders called him in to question his fellowshiping with
trinatarians.  Richard responded by kindly asking "How many Trinitarians
have you one won over to our (oneness) view point?".  The room feel silent.
 Richard has won several Trinitarian Pastors through Love!

Alan Oggs:  Here is a man who breaks the mold.  He has cerebal palsy and
speaks with a lisp.  Which makes him a antithesis to what a stereotype
Pentecostal Preacher should be.  Bro. Oggs is perhaps one of the most
inspiring people found in any Christian circle.  His love has allowed the
Lord to open doors for him in places outside of our movement.  Last Fall
his testimony was featured on Dr. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio show
for two days in a row!  

Keep the following in mind if you seek to bring the New Wine of Revival
into another believers life:
1)  Be filled with Love, and be very, very patient.  Jesus doesn't want to
"Burst" anybody's Faith, allow time for the Spirit of God to work.
2) Be prepared to accept considerable criticism from those you minister
too.  They will say "The Old is Better".
3) If rejected, be prepared to move on.

Now you see why I don't argue Doctrine?  In my beliefs I'm a classic
Pentecostal.  Yet my paradigm is different.    Brothers, the Lord has
poured into me some new wine.  It makes me into a servant. 

Onward Revival is at Hand! 

Terrance J. Pickl
Plano Texas, USA
EMAIL:  tpickl@unicomp.net
Work Web Site:  www.cybout.com