John Arnott Sayings

Let's continue exploring the "John sayings" that have proven to be both prophetic and profound. As mentioned in the previous blog, I have often captured these sayings in the moment—whether from personal conversations with John or from his statements in the pulpit. They have been meaningful to me, and I hope they will be to you as well.

"King Saul couldn't hang on to the favour that was on his life."

Many of us have attended meetings where John is teaching, and he poses a thought-provoking question—often with a twinkle in his eye and a wry smile: "Whose anointing would you rather have, Saul's or David's?"

Of course, most people instinctively choose David. However, John goes on to teach that, in reality, both had the same anointing:

• They were both chosen.

• They had the same prophetic roots, as Samuel was led by God to them.

• They both experienced great victories over their enemies.

• God defended them against both external and internal adversaries.

Both men also faced significant moral failures. However, David’s heart responded to God in a way that Saul’s did not. This is why John’s statement—"King Saul couldn't hang on to the favour that was on his life."—is so sobering.

It’s a statement that carries weight. When you reflect on Saul’s journey with God and how he ultimately ended up demonized and consulting a witch, it instils the fear of God. Perhaps John should be further interviewed about his full intent behind this statement, but here is my take:

The Toronto Outpouring: An Unmistakable Act of Divine Favour

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Toronto was inexplicable except by grace and by God sovereignly choosing John and Carol to carry this renewal and share it with the world. Many church historians regard it as the most profound visitation of God since the Azusa Street Revival of the early 1900s.

Imagine the challenges John and Carol faced. Within weeks, their ministry transformed from a local church into a global centre of revival, with the eyes of the world upon them:

• Prominent global leaders began calling them.

• Financial faith challenges arose, yet provision came in.

• A massive building was purchased.

• Television stations sought interviews.

• Invitations poured in from around the world.

• Nightly meetings were filled with crowds—sometimes numbering in the thousands—wherever they went.

John and Carol immediately recognized that all of this was heaven’s favour. They have openly shared that they did not pray or fast more than any other pastors. They simply remained faithful to the "three cream bottle dream," where God had shown them to pursue the revelations of:

1. The Father’s Heart

2. Hearing God’s Voice

3. Restoration of the Heart

They had walked through seasons of costly financial obedience prior to the outpouring. However, the sheer scale of what happened in 1994 was not earned—it was heaven’s favour, and they knew it.

The Nature of Divine Favour

Favour has many definitions:

• Some describe it as acceptance, goodwill, or even preferential treatment.

• Others say that favour brings distinction or unique, measurable blessings.

• There are undeniable benefits that come with God’s favour.

• Favour moves you beyond the average or the mediocre; it is not merely God's general love for all.

Ultimately, favour is God bringing upgrades to your life with the intention that you will bring upgrades to others as you wisely and generously steward it.

Saul did this—for a time. But then, he lost hold of it. His downfall seemed to stem from two key issues:

1. He wanted to build a name or monument for himself using God's favour (1 Samuel 15:12).

2. He was a people-pleaser, more concerned with human approval than with God’s command (1 Samuel 15:24-30).

A Warning for Our Generation

Our generation has been extraordinarily favoured with revival. From the Jesus Movement to the Charismatic Movement, from the Vineyard to Benny Hinn and other healing ministries, and now through the Toronto Blessing, we have lived in a season of continuous outpourings. Yet, at the same time, we have witnessed many leaders and movements fail to sustain the favour granted to them.

Whether it be through the pitfalls of gold, glory, girls, guys, guile, gin, gross morals (or any other sin conveniently starting with the letter “G”), history has shown that favour can be lifted.

The Fear of the Lord: A Key to Holding On to Favour

John and Carol have consistently demonstrated an awareness of the grace and favour that landed upon them, coupled with a deep fear of the Lord—a reverence that prevents them from taking it for granted.

One of my favourite stories John tells is about watching planes land and take off at an airport. Coming from a generation where flying was not as common as it is today, he stood in awe. Meanwhile, a younger man beside him watched the same planes with indifference—it was simply an everyday occurrence for him. John took this as a metaphor: not everyone has the same sense of awe when the Holy Spirit "lands" on them. For some, it has become so familiar that they take it for granted, ready to move on to the next thing.

Hang On!

That phrase—"hang on"—implies there will be temptations to let go. The challenge is to finish well. God's favour is upon you. Honour it. Steward it wisely. And most importantly—hold on!