I particularly enjoyed John Hendryx's interview with John Sampson from Faith Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. In it, Sampson tells the story of his poignant journey from Arminianism to Calvinism in a manner I think many of us can relate to. It is definitely worth the read.
Sampson also discloses that while his church is essentially reformed in theology, they are also charismatic. On the main page of the church's website, I found this article which attempts to answer the question, "Are miracles for today?" It is an interesting article and suggests that cessationism does not have strong biblical support, a view which I personally espouse. Here is an excerpt from his interview with Hendryx which I think is an excellent point:
Some would describe a charismatic in terms of the outrageous things we’ve all witnessed taking place on Christian television in America. That’s the only reference point some people have. That’s very sad because these extremes are as repulsive to me as they are to others.
Lets face it, eisegesis happens! It happens in all kinds of settings. Imagine for a moment a Christian television station that simply broadcasted the extremes within each denomination 24 hours a day, seven days a week
7 comments:
G'day Gina,
You and John Samson do not understand the Scriptures. Miracles in the Old and New Testaments were ALWAYS accompanied by NEW revelation (i.e. words from God to interpret the meaning of the miracle).
So, unless John Samson thinks he is a prophet/apostle, he shouldn't expect any miracles today.
Andrew Bain
Sydney, Australia
http://www.Godnoliar.com
Andrew,
With all due respect, I have seen God do miraculous things in the lives of many people. I believe you are the one who does not understand the scripture.
You and John Samson do not understand the Scriptures.
Matthew 9 - healing - no "new revelation to interpret".
So, unless John Samson thinks he is a prophet/apostle, he shouldn't expect any miracles today.
God Himself, in the Scriptures, set apart those who are gifted with the doing of miriacles from prophets.
1Cr 12:28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, {various} kinds of tongues.
Miracles, in the New Testament, did not herald new revelation, they bore witness to the revelation that was already with us.
Hbr 2:4 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?
It is a serious thing to accuse others of not understanding Scripture, when a plain reading of the Word tells the story.
I'm not charismatic myself, although I am not a cessationist.
I don't really understand, though, how so many believers of the Reformed persuasion can be cessationists, since cessationism appears so antithetical to a two-covenant understanding of salvation history. And at the same time, I can't understand how so many charismatics can be dispensationalists (think of John Hagee or the entire TBN crowd, for instance), since cessationism is a part of the dispensational system.
Weird.
I agree Jared, its weird.
Charismatic Calvinism, more often than not called "Reformed Charismatic" is currently the fasted growing reformed grouping of Christians in the USA. I appreciate the blog...stop by and see mine for some more on this subject.
blessings!
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