ccchhhrrriiisss wrote:Hi Earendel...Quote:Are there really people focusing on the gifts rather than the Giver? I don't see how one can be touched by God and not be changed, permanently changed for the good. The things I used to do I can do no longer; repentance has befallen me, and I am forever changed. Yes, there are. They meet each and every Sunday! I have known many charismatic believers who shout, dance, speak in tongues, prophesy...but also admittedly curse, gossip, indulge in pornography, sexual sin, divorce and even homosexuality! Remember Ted Haggard? Jimmy Swaggert? My own sister seemed to be a strong charismatic believer. As a teen, I used to wake up and see her quietly praying for me. I am not passing judgment upon these men (or my sister)...because they may, indeed, by "brothers." However, there is something wrong when the same people who "prophesy" on Sundays are gossipping on Mondays. There is something wrong when the same people who claim to have visions on Wednesday are viewing pornography on Thursdays. There is a chasing of the "gifts" in the modern charismatic and pentecostal movement. It doesn't mean that ALL are doing this...but there is a problem. As a pentecostal believer, David Wilkerson knows this all too well.All that Wilkerson is saying is that there is a danger in chasing after the wind (or the "effects" of the Spirit). How many people ran to Pensecola...Toronto...and the tattooed preacher (Todd Bentley) in Florida? Sometimes, God is not in the fire, earthquake or wind...but He is in the still, small voice (I KINGS 19:11-18). We can still endeavor the gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12), but our eyes should always be on Christ and not the gifts (or the supposed demonstrations of such gifts). :-)
Are there really people focusing on the gifts rather than the Giver? I don't see how one can be touched by God and not be changed, permanently changed for the good. The things I used to do I can do no longer; repentance has befallen me, and I am forever changed.
_________________David
I agree. We can't condemn anyone - but His Word [i]may.[/i]2Ti 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. The bulk of the Epistles were written to Counter heresy. Poor Paul constantly battling heresy and John and Jude and Peter .. as folks "wrest the scriptures" today for "unity without sound doctrine."Paul told Timothy to "watch his life And Doctrine Closely".Never one above the other - but equal in importance.That's where this present age church has gone off.This verse would go along well with John 16:13Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am king. [b]To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.[/b]In John 10 HE said that if we knew His Voice, we'd not follow 'another'. Who else could he mean but those he mentioned earlier that would deceive with false doctrines and lying signs & wonders and false prophesies.Jesus warned repeatedly about "those days" which are "these days" where counterfeit everything is out there and only Sound Doctrine will tear it down. "The Spirit of Truth" as mentioned in John 16:13 is mainly to lead us into Truth and not just make us nice folks. :-) As far as David Wilkerson goes, or even the lead article - I'm not quite sure where you see fault.This quote - just for one from the lead article hit another nail of these present days...
Many are willing to seek power in order to perform miracles, draw attention and adoration of the people to themselves, thus robbing Christ of His glory, and making a fair showing in the flesh. The greatest need would seem to be for true followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. Religious enthusiasm easily goes to seed. The human spirit so predominates the show-off, religious spirit. But we must stick to our text - Christ.
Jesus-is-GOD wrote:I agree. We can't condemn anyone - but His Word [i]may.[/i] As far as David Wilkerson goes, or even the lead article - I'm not quite sure where you see fault.GOD Bless.