There seems to be a renewed interest in the more “supernatural” spiritual gifts among evangelicals. Mark Driscoll, who calls himself a “charismatic with a seat-belt”, is no doubt a contributing factor. I have recently posted about healing, miraculous gifts and speaking in tongues. What remains is prophecy1. Prophecy in the Old Testament Deuteronomy 18:18 describes… Continue reading What is the gift of prophecy?
Good news is better than good advice
There is a VAST difference between good advice and good news. When the company you’ve invested in goes bankrupt and their share price starts falling, it is good advice to sell your shares as soon as possible. When your mechanic phones you and says your car is starting to give up its ghost and things… Continue reading Good news is better than good advice
Should every Christian speak in tongues? (Part 2)
I argued in my previous post that the speaking tongues in Acts was not the norm for all Christians, but the very specific and unique plan of God to demonstrate that there was to be only one church. Not a separate Gentile Church. Not a separate Samaritan church. One church made up of converted Jews,… Continue reading Should every Christian speak in tongues? (Part 2)
Should every Christian speak in tongues? (Part 1)
Many Pentecostal traditions teach that speaking in tongues is the definitive sign of being baptized with the Holy Spirit. This baptism or filling of the Spirit happens sometime after your conversion and is known as the “Second Blessing”. Every Spirit-filled believer, they would argue, should therefore speak in tongues. I have numerous theological problems with… Continue reading Should every Christian speak in tongues? (Part 1)
How do we give the devil a foothold?
Ephesians 4:26-27 says, ‘“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.’ The Devil The word “devil” only occurs again in this letter in 6:11 in the context of spiritual warfare against the “powers”. Paul, the author of… Continue reading How do we give the devil a foothold?