Hey all, new the boards and glad to be among reformed brethren! I saw the post concerning revival and took a look. I would like to add a few comments as someone who has “been there, done that” Hopefully by the grace of God my comments can edify you from an “insider” perspective.

Having been in the movement (neo-prophetic and Vineyard) I can tell you that many of the people in the movement are genuine Christians (elect). They are quite deceived by the movement, but have been born of God’s Spirit. As a result we should relate to these men and women as brethren for whom Christ died and loves deeply.

These Christians need Christians like you guys. I know I did. The knowledge they are being fed in their congregations is horrible. The doctrines promoted are steeped in inconsistencies, errors, and half-truths. These Christians are also tend to be performance based, trying by their works to please the Lord and know His will. For the true Christian among them, it’s a works-based sanctification. They think they understand the grace of God but truly do not.

A good friend of mine who is still in the movement visited our home over Christmas. We talked much about justification and I gave him a book (reformed) on the subject. I didn’t attack the “manifestations” or odd doctrines, but addressed his sense of never “measuring up” to his true understanding of justification. The truth of God penetrated his heart and mind and I saw a visible change in his countenance—one of peace.

If anything, we should consider these brethren as weaker and we who consider ourselves strong should bear up with them, support them, and try not to pass judgment on their opinions. I recently attended a Charismatic (really a non-cessationist) Calvinist church where the “senior” pastor remarked about more conservative reformed congregations as ridged and dry. I encouraged him to characterize us as reserved or reverent. This shows to me that in the dancing/clapping/shouting churches they really do not know their more reserved brethren. But they owe us love nonetheless and we them.

There is also something to be said for the fact that these folks are flopping around the floor of a church building and not in a bar getting in fights, breaking the law, or harming anyone. Do they appear foolish? Yes. Better they do that then trying to break into my house or slam into my family in their car on their way home from some bar.

One last bit of encouragement…rebuking their behavior and movement will tend to create a martyr reaction from them than repentance. I am not saying a critique is not needed. When I began questions the beliefs and practices of the movement I found articles of that sort that were very helpful. Yet it was the principle of Sola Scriptura that really dislodged me from the movement (all glory to God of course). If you know someone in the movement teach them that principle. Talk much of the Holy Spirit. Introduce them to good teachers like Spurgeon and Bunyan and Edwards. Give them a teaching tape from Sproul or MacArthur on the Holy Spirit.

Pray with them. Let them hear your prayers to God. Get to know them. Let them see your life glorify the Lord.

I hope that helps. Blessings to all God’s elect.