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Defining Moments: God-Encounters with Ordinary People Who Changed the World (Spiritual Biographies of John Wesley, Charles G. Finney, Dwight L. Moody, ... Kathryn Kuhlman, Heidi Baker, and More
A Prophetic Anointing for Today
Defining Moments is a fascinating look at the remarkable ways in which God has used ordinary people to change history. But it is about more than history alone—it illuminates the present and unveils the future. Prophetic in nature, the book reveals how God wants to work in each of our lives to fulfill His purposes—today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
The stories in this collection of God-encounters carry a prophetic anointing for all who have ears to hear. Author Bill Johnson highlights the significant traits and contributions of many well-known revival leaders, including John Wesley, Charles Finney, Dwight L. Moody, Maria Woodworth-Etter, Carrie Judd Montgomery, Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, Evan Roberts, Rees Howells, Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, Randy Clark, and Heidi Baker. He explains the impact these leaders can have on us today as we respond to the life-changing truths revealed through their life stories.
There is power in knowing the testimonies of men and women who experienced God in a defining moment and said yes to His unique call on their lives. It is a power that inspires us to hunger for God in such a way that we, too, will have an encounter with Him that launches us into the world of the “impossible,” enabling us to fulfill a greater measure of our destiny. Read this book with a sense of readiness, and watch what happens.
Defining Moments is a fascinating look at the remarkable ways in which God has used ordinary people to change history. But it is about more than history alone—it illuminates the present and unveils the future. Prophetic in nature, the book reveals how God wants to work in each of our lives to fulfill His purposes—today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
The stories in this collection of God-encounters carry a prophetic anointing for all who have ears to hear. Author Bill Johnson highlights the significant traits and contributions of many well-known revival leaders, including John Wesley, Charles Finney, Dwight L. Moody, Maria Woodworth-Etter, Carrie Judd Montgomery, Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, Evan Roberts, Rees Howells, Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, Randy Clark, and Heidi Baker. He explains the impact these leaders can have on us today as we respond to the life-changing truths revealed through their life stories.
There is power in knowing the testimonies of men and women who experienced God in a defining moment and said yes to His unique call on their lives. It is a power that inspires us to hunger for God in such a way that we, too, will have an encounter with Him that launches us into the world of the “impossible,” enabling us to fulfill a greater measure of our destiny. Read this book with a sense of readiness, and watch what happens.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2015
105 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Bill Johnson
765 books536 followersBill Johnson and his wife Brenda (Beni) Johnson are the Senior Pastors of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Johnson is a fifth generation pastor.
Johnson was born in Minnesota in 1951 and became a Christian as a young child. Soon after, Johnson read seven books on prayer, which significantly affected his perspective and subsequent ministry.
Bill Johnson and his wife have three children: Eric, Brian and Leah.
Johnson speaking at a conference
Bill Johnson and Beni (Brenda) began as singles pastors under his father at Bethel. In 1979, they became senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California.
While pastoring in Weaverville, Johnson attended a 1987 conference led by John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. According to Johnson "A number of healings and manifestations broke out and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't object to it, I wasn't opposed to it; I just didn't know how to pastor it in a way that it would continue and increase".
In 1995, Johnson attended the Toronto Blessing revival at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church. Johnson relates: "In Toronto I said, 'Lord, if You touch me again I will never change the subject.' So I went up for prayer every time it was offered. I didn't have anything dramatic happen, but I came home and said, 'I am going to give the rest of my life to this.'"
In February 1996, after 17 years of leading the Weaverville church, the Johnsons were invited to become senior pastors of Bethel. Today Johnson describes Bethel as a church where "everything we do either fuels revival or is fueled by revival." Under his leadership, Bethel left the Assemblies of God in 2006 to become a nondenominational charismatic church.
According to a recent book written by Johnson, "Face to Face with God", Bethel is "a church where supernatural encounters with God happen regularly, miracles are common, and the congregation has an infectious passion for spiritual growth." The church has approximately 1,500 members, and a School of Supernatural Ministry.
Their Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry has 1,200 students enrolled with over 370 from other countries. Johnson leads a network of churches dedicated to global, multi-generational revival, Global Legacy. Johnson has written a number of books and travels extensively as a featured revival conference speaker. Johnson is also involved with the Northern California Revival Fellowship, a group of north Californian pastors committed to revival.
Source: Wikipedia
Johnson was born in Minnesota in 1951 and became a Christian as a young child. Soon after, Johnson read seven books on prayer, which significantly affected his perspective and subsequent ministry.
Bill Johnson and his wife have three children: Eric, Brian and Leah.
Johnson speaking at a conference
Bill Johnson and Beni (Brenda) began as singles pastors under his father at Bethel. In 1979, they became senior pastors of Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California.
While pastoring in Weaverville, Johnson attended a 1987 conference led by John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Church Movement. According to Johnson "A number of healings and manifestations broke out and I didn't know what to do with it. I didn't object to it, I wasn't opposed to it; I just didn't know how to pastor it in a way that it would continue and increase".
In 1995, Johnson attended the Toronto Blessing revival at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church. Johnson relates: "In Toronto I said, 'Lord, if You touch me again I will never change the subject.' So I went up for prayer every time it was offered. I didn't have anything dramatic happen, but I came home and said, 'I am going to give the rest of my life to this.'"
In February 1996, after 17 years of leading the Weaverville church, the Johnsons were invited to become senior pastors of Bethel. Today Johnson describes Bethel as a church where "everything we do either fuels revival or is fueled by revival." Under his leadership, Bethel left the Assemblies of God in 2006 to become a nondenominational charismatic church.
According to a recent book written by Johnson, "Face to Face with God", Bethel is "a church where supernatural encounters with God happen regularly, miracles are common, and the congregation has an infectious passion for spiritual growth." The church has approximately 1,500 members, and a School of Supernatural Ministry.
Their Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry has 1,200 students enrolled with over 370 from other countries. Johnson leads a network of churches dedicated to global, multi-generational revival, Global Legacy. Johnson has written a number of books and travels extensively as a featured revival conference speaker. Johnson is also involved with the Northern California Revival Fellowship, a group of north Californian pastors committed to revival.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 6, 2025
This is an inspiring book. It covers the lives of twelve Christians from John Wesley in 18th century to Heidi Baker living in the war zone of Mozambique in 21st century. Each of them sought God through surrendered lives and a determination to press through for more of God's presence and power, no matter the cost.
I found it very chastening that I am living in a breakthrough that they contended for, often at great personal expense. May I not take their sacrifice lightly.
It is surprising that women in ministry let alone baptism in the Spirit or speaking in tongues are still issues in 21st century when these faithful men and women of God fought for and won these battles years ago.
May we leave a legacy for those coming after us that carries forth the work of God, inspired by these testimonies and challenged to live surrendered lives to fulfil the plans and purposes of God in these days.
I found it very chastening that I am living in a breakthrough that they contended for, often at great personal expense. May I not take their sacrifice lightly.
It is surprising that women in ministry let alone baptism in the Spirit or speaking in tongues are still issues in 21st century when these faithful men and women of God fought for and won these battles years ago.
May we leave a legacy for those coming after us that carries forth the work of God, inspired by these testimonies and challenged to live surrendered lives to fulfil the plans and purposes of God in these days.
January 2, 2018
This book has had a huge impact on my life. It has changed my thinking and challenged me spiritually. Each testimony written was powerful and anointed.
As I read, I felt the presence of God and I was overcome. I began to intercede for my children and asked that they dream of Him. The next morning my son came to me and began to tell me how he had dreamed of Jesus walking down the road and called my son to Him!
Testimonies are powerful. Words are powerful.
Thank you, Bill Johnson for bringing light to many of us about these testimonies.
As I read, I felt the presence of God and I was overcome. I began to intercede for my children and asked that they dream of Him. The next morning my son came to me and began to tell me how he had dreamed of Jesus walking down the road and called my son to Him!
Testimonies are powerful. Words are powerful.
Thank you, Bill Johnson for bringing light to many of us about these testimonies.
March 13, 2021
Defining Moments is a very inspirational and fascinating book full of accounts of ordinary people used by God to change the world. Condensed life stories of known and unknown revival leaders such as Wesley, Finney, Lake, Semple McPherson, and Kuhlman really stirred my heart (again). Their passion, their surrender to God and His Kingdom is truly remarkable and inspiring. Of course, Bill Johnson's comments and insights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in changing this world for the Lord!
July 4, 2017
One of the most spiritually challenging book I've read. Loved it!
Really this book just reminds you why it's worth it to lay it all down for the creator of the universe. And that world changers start in a sacrificial moment of transformation.
Really this book just reminds you why it's worth it to lay it all down for the creator of the universe. And that world changers start in a sacrificial moment of transformation.
February 18, 2020
Beyond inspirational...
Defining Moments drives your faith into the uncharted wilderness of Divine possibilities. It gives you a profound target for hope that is as general as it is supernatural. And it challenges the status quo of your heart without condemning. So good.
Defining Moments drives your faith into the uncharted wilderness of Divine possibilities. It gives you a profound target for hope that is as general as it is supernatural. And it challenges the status quo of your heart without condemning. So good.
February 1, 2018
very inspiring stories! understanding the history of miracles in the modern day church is super interesting
March 27, 2020
A must for every christian leaders!
I read it during the peak of corona virus pandemic and
found this an antidote for the virus scare.
👍👍👍👍👍
I read it during the peak of corona virus pandemic and
found this an antidote for the virus scare.
👍👍👍👍👍
January 19, 2023
Beautifully written the stories of people who said yes to God and it inspired me to be a person who is hungry for God and wants to bring revival
January 29, 2024
Too good not to be re-read again and again!
February 10, 2024
Sensational stuff!
February 11, 2025
This book is a must read! If you need hunger, inspiration, revival, this is your book!
April 20, 2025
An honor to read of those who have come before 🔥
June 6, 2016
Bill Johnson in his new book, “Defining Moments” published by Whitaker House gives us God-Encounters with Ordinary People Who Changed the World.
From the back cover: Your Defining Moment Is Waiting
Defining Moments is a fascinating look at the remarkable ways in which God has used ordinary people to change history. But it is more than just history; it unveils the future. Prophetic in nature, the book reveals what God wants to do in each of our lives to fulfill His purposes today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
The stories in this collection of God-encounters carry a prophetic anointing for all who have ears to hear. Author Bill Johnson highlights significant traits and contributions of well-known leaders like John Wesley, Charles Finney, Dwight Moody, Maria Woodworth-Etter, Carrie Judd Montgomery, Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, Evan Roberts, Rees Howells, Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, Randy Clark, and Heidi Baker, explaining the impact these leaders can have on us today as we respond to the life-changing truths revealed through their lives.
There is power in knowing the testimonies of others-men and women who experienced God in a defining moment and said yes to His unique call on their lives. It is a power that inspires us to hunger for God in such a way that we, too, have an encounter with Him that launches us into the world of the “impossible,” enabling us to fulfill a greater measure of our destiny.
What will be your defining moment?
The Dictionary defines “Defining Moment” as: “a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.” Pastor Johnson is giving us thirteen detailed histories of well-known Christian leaders. Want to build your faith? Reading these well-researched “Defining Moments” of these ordinary individuals who God used. Why will this build your faith? Because what God does for one person He will certainly do for others. We have all been called for a purpose, Pastor Johnson shows us what God has done previously in others which should ignite a passion for God to use our talents to change the world. I believe that this is a book that you might read all the way through more than once. I recommend this book highly! I recommend it as a gift for friends and family so that they can have their faith ignited for their “Defining Moments” as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Whitaker House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Your Defining Moment Is Waiting
Defining Moments is a fascinating look at the remarkable ways in which God has used ordinary people to change history. But it is more than just history; it unveils the future. Prophetic in nature, the book reveals what God wants to do in each of our lives to fulfill His purposes today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
The stories in this collection of God-encounters carry a prophetic anointing for all who have ears to hear. Author Bill Johnson highlights significant traits and contributions of well-known leaders like John Wesley, Charles Finney, Dwight Moody, Maria Woodworth-Etter, Carrie Judd Montgomery, Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, Evan Roberts, Rees Howells, Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, Randy Clark, and Heidi Baker, explaining the impact these leaders can have on us today as we respond to the life-changing truths revealed through their lives.
There is power in knowing the testimonies of others-men and women who experienced God in a defining moment and said yes to His unique call on their lives. It is a power that inspires us to hunger for God in such a way that we, too, have an encounter with Him that launches us into the world of the “impossible,” enabling us to fulfill a greater measure of our destiny.
What will be your defining moment?
The Dictionary defines “Defining Moment” as: “a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.” Pastor Johnson is giving us thirteen detailed histories of well-known Christian leaders. Want to build your faith? Reading these well-researched “Defining Moments” of these ordinary individuals who God used. Why will this build your faith? Because what God does for one person He will certainly do for others. We have all been called for a purpose, Pastor Johnson shows us what God has done previously in others which should ignite a passion for God to use our talents to change the world. I believe that this is a book that you might read all the way through more than once. I recommend this book highly! I recommend it as a gift for friends and family so that they can have their faith ignited for their “Defining Moments” as well.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Whitaker House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 4, 2023
This book is indeed about "defining moments" which are the times in a person's life when they had a profound encounter with God, manifest (good word to use here!) spiritually, physically and mentally! Such things certainly do happen and they are certainly 'testimony' moments. I don't doubt for a moment that all the people mentioned from John Wesley (whose experience is well documented) through to Heidi Baker did have these great experiences of God and indeed most of us (Christians) have had times in our life when God intervened in some miraculous way.
However I do seriously question the overall theology of Bill Johnson - which comes through in the commentary relating to all this. God is sovereign and can call people in different ways, and certainly some people are marked for a 'different' path; but is it right to channel everyone into intense 'defining moments' in terms of Johnson's charactisation? Is it in fact true that these moments were THE 'defining' factor in how God subsequently used them? What of all the people greatly used by God that do not tie in with such an 'electric' "defining moment" as Johnson describes (were his choice of people truly as 'random' as he claims)?
Again I don't doubt that God uses these events and these people, but He always uses broken vessels of many types. Unfortunately at least some of these people (and I suspect particularly among the women mentioned here... which may tell us something else again!) also did a lot of damage in their ministries; and it is good that Johnson did not shy away from the broken marriages, although he fails to address them. There is a complete lack of New Testament evidence that intense spiritual encounters are something to be pursued albeit that they occasionally happen (Pentecost is an example of a collective event, but not an individual one). Finally there is a plainly obvious deficient discipleship evident in far too many of the type of Christians who do particularly pursue repetitive spiritual highs.
Bill Johnson explains how he came out of this stream of Christianity and Bethel has pursued 'intersections with heaven' as a purposed ministry stream with great impact, so it all makes sense for Johnson. However outside of Johnson's experience this is more skewed. We would love to have more and more powerful experiences of God but constant topping up with spiritual power isn't the calling. Nevertheless this book is well worth the read and is very interesting not least because of the insight it gives into the thinking underlying a very important sector of modern world Christianity.
However I do seriously question the overall theology of Bill Johnson - which comes through in the commentary relating to all this. God is sovereign and can call people in different ways, and certainly some people are marked for a 'different' path; but is it right to channel everyone into intense 'defining moments' in terms of Johnson's charactisation? Is it in fact true that these moments were THE 'defining' factor in how God subsequently used them? What of all the people greatly used by God that do not tie in with such an 'electric' "defining moment" as Johnson describes (were his choice of people truly as 'random' as he claims)?
Again I don't doubt that God uses these events and these people, but He always uses broken vessels of many types. Unfortunately at least some of these people (and I suspect particularly among the women mentioned here... which may tell us something else again!) also did a lot of damage in their ministries; and it is good that Johnson did not shy away from the broken marriages, although he fails to address them. There is a complete lack of New Testament evidence that intense spiritual encounters are something to be pursued albeit that they occasionally happen (Pentecost is an example of a collective event, but not an individual one). Finally there is a plainly obvious deficient discipleship evident in far too many of the type of Christians who do particularly pursue repetitive spiritual highs.
Bill Johnson explains how he came out of this stream of Christianity and Bethel has pursued 'intersections with heaven' as a purposed ministry stream with great impact, so it all makes sense for Johnson. However outside of Johnson's experience this is more skewed. We would love to have more and more powerful experiences of God but constant topping up with spiritual power isn't the calling. Nevertheless this book is well worth the read and is very interesting not least because of the insight it gives into the thinking underlying a very important sector of modern world Christianity.
February 1, 2022
An interest in church history prompted me to buy this book. I was not disappointed and learned a lot about prominent figures throughout church history up until recent times. It ignited a passion in me to see revival in our day.
One thing to note is it is written by two authors and the shift in voice can become a little distracting. There are also summaries of the historical figure followed by an in depth and detailed telling of the story, so there is quite a lot if repitition.
However, despite this I still really enjoyed and was challenged by this book.
One thing to note is it is written by two authors and the shift in voice can become a little distracting. There are also summaries of the historical figure followed by an in depth and detailed telling of the story, so there is quite a lot if repitition.
However, despite this I still really enjoyed and was challenged by this book.
February 5, 2017
Easy to read, inspiring and important to any who take the history of revival seriously.
July 2, 2016
Challenging
God is on the move. Signs and wonders are still happening. Ordinary people are being qualified by God for big, life-changing work. Very enjoyable book.
God is on the move. Signs and wonders are still happening. Ordinary people are being qualified by God for big, life-changing work. Very enjoyable book.
March 30, 2017
There is always more!
This fantastic book describes the lives of some of the most well known and loved heroes of faith. Each of these had a personal encounter with God that defined who they were and therefore marked their ministry.
The core message that Bill Johnson wants to bring across, is that each of the breakthroughs these ministries achieved for the Body of Christ in general, are supposed to be the normal standard for the Church to walk in today.
What happened in the past prophecies what God is able to do today, because God never changes.
The passion of these men and women to discover more of God and the boldness by which they persued this are truly inspiring and call every believer to relentlessly lean into God to discover the depth and breadth of "..the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparable great power for us who believe.." (Ephesians 1:17-19)
This fantastic book describes the lives of some of the most well known and loved heroes of faith. Each of these had a personal encounter with God that defined who they were and therefore marked their ministry.
The core message that Bill Johnson wants to bring across, is that each of the breakthroughs these ministries achieved for the Body of Christ in general, are supposed to be the normal standard for the Church to walk in today.
What happened in the past prophecies what God is able to do today, because God never changes.
The passion of these men and women to discover more of God and the boldness by which they persued this are truly inspiring and call every believer to relentlessly lean into God to discover the depth and breadth of "..the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparable great power for us who believe.." (Ephesians 1:17-19)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews