Vincent Massi > 07-14-2016, 02:18 PM
praise_yeshua > 07-14-2016, 02:38 PM
(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Like salvation, spiritual gifts are never rescinded by God.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.
Vincent Massi > 07-15-2016, 12:50 PM
praise_yeshua > 07-15-2016, 01:33 PM
(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.“
Vincent Massi > 07-15-2016, 11:41 PM
Vincent Massi > 07-17-2016, 01:12 PM
Vincent Massi > 07-18-2016, 02:21 PM
praise_yeshua > 07-18-2016, 02:59 PM
(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.