Concerning my lack of precision in labeling groups, there is a problem.
I am addressing common issues with Pentecostals, charismatics and Word of Faith.
I have no generic word to use for these groups.
The word "continuationist" doesn't work because I believe in continuity of the spiritual gifts, so I don't want to be labeled as a cessationist. The difference for me is whether specific spiritual gifts still exist, and if so, then what is their precise manifestation? I don't believe contemporary continuationists are reflecting the real manifestation of these gifts, if they still exist. I think their behavior is being governed by their indoctrination. And, if a person is raised in a continuationist environment, they may not realize that this is true.
Additionally, I look for purpose. If the gift of language ( I won't use the word tongues) exists today, and is not related to the apostles and prophets, then it must have reasonable purpose. God doesn't give gifts for no purpose. I don't find much explanation about the purpose of such gifts.
At Pentecost, the gift of language had purpose. It showed the apostles that different groups of "outsiders" were being brought into the fold, in the same exact manner as the apostles themselves were brought in.
It also pointed to a reversal of the Curse. At the Tower of Babel, mankind was separated by human language. At Pentecost, we see language barriers being rescinded, at least at the moment of conversion, to show that all mankind was being brought back together again. The Church is a new humanity without racial barriers.
So, I look for purpose in Scripture, not just disjointed experiences that don't make any sense. And, I don't believe the continuationist metanarrative is coherent.
Well I pray that that sliver of openness in your soul will allow you a window to see the real deal.
T L Osborne went to india under the unction of Gods will for him to start churches through evangelism.
It was a failure. And a bewildered T L came back to America.
He asked God...why did I fail?
God responded "I told you to go and preach the gospel"
"I did"
"No you went over there and defended it"
Immediately TL knew what was wrong.
You see,in the bible the gospel was not mentally preached,nor defended....it was through the demonstration of the power.
So he went back,went to the area of vile Hindus and said "Jesus died for you but he rose up from the grave.....HE IS ALIVE!!!
NOW that same Jesus lives in me. A miracle worker lives in me and HE SAID IF I BELIEVE these signs shall follow..the dead raised the lame walk and the blind see......and when I preach...if it does not happen....I am false....and you can kill me.
Put yourself there.
Put yourself in that intensity.
You can not.
You think "snap your fingers after watching TV and getting the secular baptism of unbelief and show me a miracle "
See the contrast.
T L Got on the cross. Put one foot in the grave and hung on to Jesus with the other.
That is the formula.
No guts... no glory.
Only the 100% committed see the awesome power.
Want the power? ...it is a bitter pill.
That is what you are formulating without the formula.
Now you know the formula for the power.
Death.
You gotta die.
That is the "missing ingredient"
So to use men who are not in step with that(prosperity centered charismatics) is to never see the real deal.
Oh btw Tl preached to those he invited to kill him and mighty signs and wonders broke out.
Many hindus... murderous vile hindus were saved.
TL..... a mighty man of God