Romans 11:29 gives us a reason that certain Christian groups fear spiritual gifts. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
Like salvation, spiritual gifts are never rescinded by God. Therefore, spiritual gifts are not proof of Godliness. It is a common belief that if a Christian is succeeding at God’s work, he must be Godly. While it might be true, it doesn’t have to be true. And while the Holy Spirit might give better gifts to Christians Godly enough to handle them, He bestows these gifts in order to edify the church, not as a reward for Godliness.
People who teach that you are ungodly if you do not use a certain translation, do not follow pagan philosophy, or do not obey a certain leader are frustrated when the Christians they condemn succeed in God’s work. It is proof that God does not adhere to their judgment. Here on this forum, we have readers who are angry at learning that the AOG, not the IFBs, was the greatest soul-winning organization of the Twentieth Century.
The cold truth is that Christians who use their spiritual gifts are going to succeed, and those who condemn them can’t stop them.
(07-14-2016, 02:18 PM)Vincent Massi Wrote: [ -> ]Romans 11:29 gives us a reason that certain Christian groups fear spiritual gifts. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
Like salvation, spiritual gifts are never rescinded by God. Therefore, spiritual gifts are not proof of Godliness. It is a common belief that if a Christian is succeeding at God’s work, he must be Godly. While it might be true, it doesn’t have to be true. And while the Holy Spirit might give better gifts to Christians Godly enough to handle them, He bestows these gifts in order to edify the church, not as a reward for Godliness.
People who teach that you are ungodly if you do not use a certain translation, do not follow pagan philosophy, or do not obey a certain leader are frustrated when the Christians they condemn succeed in God’s work. It is proof that God does not adhere to their judgment. Here on this forum, we have readers who are angry at learning that the AOG, not the IFBs, was the greatest soul-winning organization of the Twentieth Century.
The cold truth is that Christians who use their spiritual gifts are going to succeed, and those who condemn them can’t stop them.
Contextually speaking, Romans 11:29 is referencing the restoration of Israel. God purposed a great nation in Israel. That will never change.
Do you believe in modern day apostles?
Prophecy, the greatest of the spiritual gifts, frightens people who don’t understand it.
1 Corinthians 14:3 tells us “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.“
Charismatics are hindered by people declaring themselves to be prophets and demanding ruling power over the saints. But a prophet builds up, encourages to do right, and comforts God’s people. Ruling, predicting the future, and thundering against sin might occur, but they are not taught as necessary parts of prophecy in the New Testament.
Prophecy isn’t evil, and you don’t have to be afraid to obey 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.“
(07-15-2016, 12:50 PM)Vincent Massi Wrote: [ -> ]Prophecy, the greatest of the spiritual gifts, frightens people who don’t understand it.
1 Corinthians 14:3 tells us “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.“
Charismatics are hindered by people declaring themselves to be prophets and demanding ruling power over the saints. But a prophet builds up, encourages to do right, and comforts God’s people. Ruling, predicting the future, and thundering against sin might occur, but they are not taught as necessary parts of prophecy in the New Testament.
Prophecy isn’t evil, and you don’t have to be afraid to obey 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.“
Define prophesy for us.
Is prophesy tell something before it happens
or is it
Simple the forth telling of truth?
A prophet has always taught the truth of God. Both past and present.
Prophecy is speaking "unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort"
We are told that we are to seek prophecy, the greatest of the spiritual gifts. Although prophecy does not include ruling power, charismatics have been hindered by self-appointed prophets who demand authority over God’s people. These people inspire fear with their threats of Divine wrath to any who do not obey them. In a similar vein, I have seen false prophets declare that you’re not a fundamentalist if you don’t obey them. At HAC, I saw students declare themselves a “man of God,” with loud condemnations of anyone who opposed their sins.
False prophets sometimes use 1 John 2:19 to frighten Christians into obedience. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” However, the previous verse shows that John is talking about antichrists. The whole context of 1 John refers to all the saints, not to a specific group or church. It is spiritually safe to walk away from a false leader. (I actually had a Calvinist use that on me one time).
On various forums, I have seen charismatics get into trouble by ignoring Deut. 18:22 “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” One wrong prophecy, and you’re out. Some charismatics object that this isn’t fair, and I agree. Prophecy is the greatest gift, and if you abuse it, you’re done—the first time.
GOD USES SPIRITUAL GIFTS AS A MEANS OF SOUL-WINNING
It surprises some people that God Himself goes soul-winning.
1 John 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
So the Bible tells us that God Himself is a soul-winner, and Hebrews 2:3-4 tells us that one of the soul-winning tools that God uses is spiritual gifts:
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Why are AOGs winning more souls to Christ than IFBs? Because AOGs teach people to use their spiritual gifts.
(07-18-2016, 02:21 PM)Vincent Massi Wrote: [ -> ]GOD USES SPIRITUAL GIFTS AS A MEANS OF SOUL-WINNING
It surprises some people that God Himself goes soul-winning.
1 John 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
So the Bible tells us that God Himself is a soul-winner, and Hebrews 2:3-4 tells us that one of the soul-winning tools that God uses is spiritual gifts:
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Why are AOGs winning more souls to Christ than IFBs? Because AOGs teach people to use their spiritual gifts.
You've criticized the AOGs rather extensively. Why would you promote one brand of failure over another brand of failure?
God went soul winning with the work of Christ Jesus.
What "signs and wonders" are you saying God using to "win souls". There is no greater sign than the advent, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If man kind will not accept this sign, then what sign do you expect to win the lost?