I was surprised to read that some here are not "strict cessationists" in applying to join I subscribed to the London Confession which is expressly cessationist.
The distinction however rests with whether we still have Apostolic Signs and Wonders or not. I have no problem with anyone sending for the church elders to heal and God healing. I do however have a problem with a one man (or woman) ministry claiming they have the gifts.
We have won the debate on inspiration - not so on the sufficiency of scripture when it comes to charismatics.
Let it be said that tongues is a phenomenon shared with mormons, eskimos, certain muslim sects and hindus... In short it would appear to be a taught ability. It is NOT the recognisable language scripture leads us to expect!
I used to think charismatics were fairly harmless. Not so now, faith healings which don't work are responsible for deaths! Just consider the current court cases
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/...le2119116.ece: :worms
I speak as one who was in the charismatic movement and did/does speak in tongues. I was taught/coached how to do it.
With hindsight I would agree with James Packer who in a Q. and A. session in Glasgow said that you had to understand scats singing in order to understand modern day tongues. Scats singing is "warbling" to jazz music
Scat singing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- it is a skill anyone can learn be they Roman Catholic or Muslim. They can then "warble" to the glory of Mary or Mohamed - it is not a spiritual gift at all!
In an ironic twist the rise in false prophets who are preoccupied with eschatology is a real confirmation that we are in the end times!
