interesting read I think the issue is what you say " Pentecostals/charismatics " claim to have special empowerment . That is opinionated because not all do. Secondly The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not subject to a denomination but in context to the Word of God. To be far I think you have a good point however, in your post it is only speaking about a certain group .
I do not see anything that changes the context of 1 cor chapter 12, 13, and 14 where a person ASK God for what is in those chapters concerning the Gifts of The Holy Spirit. Just because a person says I do not believe that the gifts used today are of God surely doesn't that to be true for all situations. I think for some nothing will meet their approval .
As I have said many times which some have chosen to over look :
1. all Gifts from God are misused by men and women of God ( Saved) .
2. Preaching the most abused in many non-Pentecostal church Yet I would not blanket all as abusers
this topic always has hard lines and some very overly hurt for tones .
some focus on the wrong of denominations in the context of " The Gifts of the Spirit " . I think the context of the Bible and what is for today and well seen Scripture is the way I think to go. One can say what they think is or is not the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" used today ok go ahead
Thanks for still replying
Fact is out of pentecostals ore charismatics no other denomination is teaching the empowerment with the Holy Spirit!
You say: "That is opinionated because not all do."
Then which pentecostal church is not teaching the empowerment with the Holy Spirit?
You say: "Secondly The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not subject to a denomination but in context to the Word of God."
This I would expect! And I agree with! No problem if it would be so. And I believe also that God is giving spiritual gifts.
But only Pentecostals and Charismatics are teaching it in this way: A christian who has already the Holy Spirit will receive a baptism with the Holy Spirit and is getting the gifts for empowerment as an expierience different to the safe act of the Holy Spirit. And not only they teach it they claim also to get this sign gifts.
If your statement would be right, that the gifts which we found used in 1. Corinthians, are also for today, then we would find the sign gifts in all denominations! No need for Azusa Street, ore Toronto blessing ore Powerevangelism.
But it is not! So for me is the question who is the initiator of Azusa Street, Toronto blessing and Powerevangelism? Which Spirit is behind?
Let me give an further example. The Pentecostals/Charismatics teach mainly that the gift of healing is for the church today and are the same which we can found in the Gospels and in Acts.
If you read then gospels and acts you will note:
1. all who came to Jesus ore the apostles where healed!
2. The healed persons where in the time of healing nonbelievers, nowwhere is mentioned that the apostles made healing
services among the followers of Jesus Christ
The purpose why Jesus f.e. healed we can read in John 20,30 This really was a witness of Gods power!
If you look in our today you will note in the groups which are having healing services ore people with the gift of healing:
1. The adressat are followers of Jesus Christ, Christians
2. Not all who comes for healing has been healed. The most going home still sick!
Where here it is a witness of Gods power? If only 2 ore 5 out of 100 are healed?
You note the difference between the apostolic time and today?
Ore I am wrong? Show me the man with gift of healing who heals all who ask him for healing. Show me the healing sevice where all sick and handycapted people which aks for healing are be healed.
Yes, we find healings and miracles in mission situations. Yes, we find healings among sick christians too today. But this is not depend on special gifts ore denominations. Its because of prayer and Gods Yes to this prayer!
You wonder that i doubting to trust this teachings? In spite that we have enough cults which claiming also to have this gifts and they have also results! And healer arouse. We have one woman in our town, she told us she is able to call the Spirit of Jesus for to heal!