RE: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

[J-Kay-2]

RE: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

John McArthur : An Appeal to Charismatic Friends (John MacArthur) Strange Fire Conference - YouTube

It was suggested on one of the threads I check out this man. I
went to the link given, and it was another speaker, but topic was
about Charismatics. I listened to a little and did not follow through.
The purpose I was told to go to the link on YouTube was to show
me the error of Charismatic movement.

I recall telling the person I had come to Christ just around the time
of the movement. I also had no problem with it. At the time I spoke
with this poster I also had nothing horribly bad to say about it, but
I did find error in the movement over the years. I think it made me
more cautious of 'word of faith', tongue speaking, and healing ministries.
I discovered on my own that 'naming it, claiming it' was very erroneous.

Now this evening I went to YouTube for something totally different and
as I was logging out, I saw John McArthur and the title of his teaching
at a conference, "Appeal to Charismatic Friends." I nearly bypassed it
but instead thought, maybe I should listen to what he does have to say.
After all I do believe some of the 'full gospel' teachings.

I am so discouraged because I have experienced much of what he preaches
against. I don't feel God is angry with me for going along with the
charismatic movement in the sense of believing prophecy and healing is
still for today. I don't think God is angry with me for not 'naming and
claiming' it. After all He was the one who showed me it was erroneous.

What does trouble me is, if I understood McArthur correctly, I should not
believe God can give me impressions when I am praying for someone or
something. Or He shows me in the spirit someone is having issues they
need prayed for. That troubles me because I feel like as McArthur said,
it splits the Church. I agree with him when he says the music of today
is not reverent. Or not enough reverence in action, word or deed and
dress attire, maybe?

I know this groups are divided here. I have no place to share this 'new'
confusion, so I bring it here for discussion ~

 

[stonesoffire]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

I am pentecostal. I associate charasmatic with the catholics, and am grateful for the outpouring on believers in the catholic church.

I only am addressing the term strange fire and I hope this helps you.

This term came out of the story of the two sons of Eli who took fire in the censor off the altar. I would have to go back to the scripture to tell what they did not follow, but I remember it to be a disobedient act. They didn't follow the commands of God. It wasn't the fire that on the altar that was wrong, it was presumption of the sons. That brought swift judgement.

The Lord gives us many experiences through His Holy Spirit. Same as He did in Acts, and acts are ongoing.

Don't allow this to cause you to fret. If you have questions about anything...ask Him. He will always answer an inquiring heart who wants to know truth.

 

[J-Kay-2]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

I am pentecostal.

I only am addressing the term strange fire and I hope this helps you.This term came out of the story of the two sons of Eli who took fire in the censor off the altar. I would have to go back to the scripture to tell what they did not follow, but I remember it to be a disobedient act. They didn't follow the commands of God. It wasn't the fire that on the altar that was wrong, it was presumption of the sons. That brought swift judgement.

The Lord gives us many experiences through His Holy Spirit. Same as He did in Acts, and acts are ongoing.
Don't allow this to cause you to fret. If you have questions about anything...ask Him. He will always answer an inquiring heart who wants to know truth.

Thank you for your answer. Being 'pentecostal' believer, I am aware we must be
cautious of false prophets. I was really concerned because he said this movement
began in 1902 and as you know the Azzizu Street movement began to spread. And
he speaks of the ' hippie movement.' I was very aware of that at the time, but
I think what disturbs me is we do indeed know the flesh does feel the spiritual, and
we must be careful not to get caught up in the 'feeling' and keep our focus on Jesus,
first, and not deny the fact He has IMO, called us to be willing to be used by Him.
God bless you

 

[stonesoffire]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

There are many who start out thrilled about the experiences moreso than maturity, so I understand why caution is advised, but there will always be lambs. We don't want to quench Holy Spirit or grieve Him and it's His work to take us on maturity.

But, even in maturity of faith....that still means to have the faith of a child. A child never questions the power of His daddy.

Blessings back to you.

 

[J-Kay-2]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

I was saved in 1969 and actually started out as a new Christian who did
not know much about Jesus. I was a helper in the Second grade Sunday
school class, it was there with the children I learned a lot about God, Jesus,
and Biblical characters. My hunger grew, and I was dissatisfied with the
Church denomination I was in, and became involved with the 'full gospel'
movement. We did have tongues, laying on of hands for healing or deliverance,
prophecy, being slain in spirit. Our worship was so great, it lifted our spirit.
We had Demos Shakarian " Full Gospel Business Men" founder in as speaker
for local Chapter. This then brought in the teachers that were well
known Authors regarding revelation of end times. Explanations of Ezekiel
Isaiah, and revelations. It was truly a time of pouring out of things of the
Holy Spirit and being baptized in the Spirit.

There was a time I thought anyone who did not believe in the "full gospel"
movement, they were so wrong. But, later in my walk and having come
out of the Church for a while, I began studying men like Chuck Swindoll,
Jack Hayford, Max Lucado, etc. I discovered these men did not stress the
need for Baptisim in Holy Spirit to be spiritual. I learned so much by these
great men of God, it helped me begin to see truth. I think there was a lo
of error in my thinking. Now I can accept those who do not believe as I do
and love them because we love the Lord Jesus as our Savior. I don't like
to get into controversial discussions. This link on here is about an hour
long, and I stayed with it. I understand why they feel they are right, but
I just can't throw away what I know God has given me and that is the use
of gifts as He wills.

Love to all Gods children, and those who are seeking. You will find the
Lord God is never going to throw you away, only your sins are thrown
away, and you will become a new person in Christ. May your heart be
open to receive Jesus as your Savior.

 

[mystdancer50]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

Last Sunday was my second visit to my new church. Holy Spirit fell down on us so greatly that church went an hour longer than normal. This is what I have been thirsting for. Freedom for God to move as He desires to move.

As I sat there, all of having been dismissed and the pastor stating that those that wish to stay could, I didn't feel an overwhelming desire to leave. I didn't know anyone struggling at the altar and I didn't go myself to pray there, but I will tell you a couple of things.

At one point, while praying at my seat, I told God silently, "I am just so tired of being alone." And the minute that thought completed, a woman sat beside me and put her hand on my shoulder and began to pray for me. There are no coincidences in the will of God. My heartfelt cry to no longer be alone was instantly answered by Jesus sending a stranger to my side to pray with me. Later, a friend asked if I wanted to go to the altar and pray. I refused. She asked if she and the other woman, who was still beside me, could pray for me and I nodded my agreement. As they prayed, I heard someone speaking at the altar and he thanked God for keeping him. I said, in my mind, "Yes, God. You have kept me. Despite all that I've been through and all that is going on, You have kept me."

Later, when it was winding down, a nice woman approached me. Here is the account of that from my blog:

She sat down next to me and asked me if I was familiar with what was going on. I let her know that I was familiar with it, as I had attended the Potter’s House and CLF and she stated that it was nothing new and I agreed and then she delved right into my soul.She mentioned how I wasn’t there by accident, that I was there by design, and that I hadn’t failed God. She mentioned that I had once had a passionate life with Him and now I had a small flame that was nearly going out, but it stayed lit because I love God and refuse to let go of that love. She said that I am hungry for God and I am so desperate to return to that passion and yet I can’t find a way to do it. She told me how I had been hurt by others and that I had to forgive them in order to be free. She spoke about how I need to trust God again and she even spoke about how I’ve closed myself off from any other friendship because it hurt too much the last time. She said that God was going to send new people into my life. She said that the fire would be rekindled and that I would know how and where to fulfill God’s call for my life. She said that this (the freedom of allowing Holy Spirit to move) was what I had been longing for and missing. She mentioned how I used to be free in worship, but that I was holding back and was no longer being free.

There was so much…so much…I kept wishing I had recorded it. LOL. Everything she said spoke right into my soul, my broken heart, and pulled no punches. At the end, we introduced ourselves and she said she wanted to be my friend.

I cried as I haven’t cried in a long, long time. God met me there, second row, and showed me that He was listening all along. My heart, my cries, my fears, my worries…all of my regrets and my hungers and my loss…all of it, He listened and He guided me to the place where I can continue moving forward and were, at last, that mighty flame, that passionate love, will return.*

I believe in miracles. I believe in healings. I believe in the laying on of hands and the anointing of oil. I believe in demonic possession and in the breaking of it and of the power of being set free. I believe in Holy Spirit moving free like a mighty wind today and with tongues of fire. I believe, because in God's word, He never said that the giftings and the miracles and the tongues and the deliverance and the healings would end. He never said that He would not have that for us. It is mans fear of the unknown that attempts to cage God and Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. It is mans desire to rule themselves that limits God.

I for one will not limit God. He is my Lord. He is my Father. He is my Creator. He is Protector. He is my Rock. He can do whatever He wants. I will not limit Holy Spirit. He is Power and Fire and Passion and Revelation and Prophecy and Proclamation and the ability to set the captive free. I will not limit Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and my King. He is my Everything. He asks and my only response must be yes. Yes, Lord. Yes. Not my will, but Yours. Not my selfishness, but Your selflessness. Not my fear, but Your courage. Not my whims, but Your plan. Not me...You.

I don't believe in name it and claim it and I never have. I believe you can ask for anything in Jesus name and it will be given. Why? Because His word says so. And, you can't ask for things that are ungodly in the name of Jesus and expect Jesus to respond with a resounding yes. Recall...I said I was tired of being alone and He sent someone to sit at my side. My heart cried out for passion and worship and freedom, and He responded.

These are my thoughts and I am not here to debate or argue them. This is what I believe. No mortal man or self-righteous know it all will change them. That is what faith is all about. My faith is in God, not man.

*He was listening all along | Hephzibah

 

[J-Kay-2]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

Oh, what an awesome testimony ~ I could relate with everything you said. I
am so glad there really are 'sisters' in Christ that believe as I do. We are so
blessed to be called His daughters.

Thank you for sharing your awesome testimony. I know what you mean about
the tape recorder. You remembered your Word given to you, very well.

I remember my last experience at a small Church I was attending and was
hurting. I knelt at my seat, and sobbed. I felt someone come and put their
arm on my shoulder, and I kept feeling tears drops falling upon my neck.
She did not say anything, she just wept and the tears kept dropping upon
me. Finally, she said... " He calls you Daughter." And she went back to
her seat. I felt so loved because I had fallen away for a while through my
years of being a "spirit filled " Christian..... I never could forgive myself. I
too had hurts. There are many memorable moments, but this one came
to me as I read yours. Isn't our Lord wonderful ? He knows us by name,
every hair on our head is counted, our name is written in the Book of Life.
He loves us so much He gave His life so we can have eternal life.

God bless you and looking forward to hearing more awesome things that
can be shared with others. I feel relieved. I know He inhabits the praises
of His people. Blessed be the Lord. ~ Amen

 

[Toska]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

@mystdancer: your testimony was beautiful and moving. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. Our Lord does provide us with what we need and He showed you that love by sending that woman to you at the time you needed it the most. He knows our hearts, He loves us, and He provides for us. My husband and I have only been attending church for the past few months. We were visiting different churches, looking for a home. When we entered the church we are now members of, I just had this feeling of love and peace. I knew we had found the perfect church and I know He was talking to my heart on that day, welcoming me to my new church. He is amazing, I am learning that more and more each day. Your testimony just confirms what I already feel, thank you so much for sharing something so personal.

 

[J-Kay-2]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

Oh, what an awesome testimony ~ I could relate with everything you said. I
am so glad there really are 'sisters' in Christ that believe as I do. We are so
blessed to be called His daughters.

Thank you for sharing your awesome testimony. I know what you mean about
the tape recorder. You remembered your Word given to you, very well.

Isn't our Lord wonderful ? He knows us by name,
every hair on our head is counted, our name is written in the Book of Life.
He loves us so much He gave His life so we can have eternal life.

God bless you and looking forward to hearing more awesome things that
can be shared with others. I feel relieved. I know He inhabits the praises
of His people. Blessed be the Lord. ~ Amen

Blessed be the name of the Lord ~ Amen

 

[J-Kay-2]

Re: Appeal to Charismatic Friends

@mystdancer: your testimony was beautiful and moving. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. Our Lord does provide us with what we need and He showed you that love by sending that woman to you at the time you needed it the most. He knows our hearts, He loves us, and He provides for us. My husband and I have only been attending church for the past few months. We were visiting different churches, looking for a home. When we entered the church we are now members of, I just had this feeling of love and peace. I knew we had found the perfect church and I know He was talking to my heart on that day, welcoming me to my new church. He is amazing, I am learning that more and more each day. Your testimony just confirms what I already feel, thank you so much for sharing something so personal.

I am always amazed how He goes before us and we hear His voice when He says,
"this is the way, walk ye in it." When we have arrived we realize God truly does do
the leading. "where He leads, I will follow." So happy for you to have found your
Church home and peace only He can give. ~