The ''whole movement''? I guess you remain unwilling to contemplate His comment on the matter: ''These signs shall follow them that beleive'' In no case, a new perspective - unbelief. As I recall, you confirm that Jesus and the Apostles did perform the miraculous. Here, the issue ISN'T whether the miraculous happens or not, but what God sees inside on the heart. Safe to say, our chosen unbelief moves a mountain of His blessings. Look at the one, Jesus, who didn't do many miracles into His hometown due to - unbelief. Are there imposters as there was in NT times? Of course, and 99% of them are that way by way of lack of knowledge based in presumptions (Hosea 4:6).
Yes - the whole movement - in as much as it relates to: 1 Cor. 5:6 and Gal. 5:9 -
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. The "Charismatic Movement" has plenty of "leaven".
Yes - I do affirm the miracles of the OT and NT as they are described in God's Holy Word. God has used miracles in the OT to affirm His spoke person, (Moses for example), and to bring down judgement, (Egypt, Sodom and the like). In the NT - miracles and signs were used to not only affirm Jesus Christ and His ministry on earth but too affirm the Apostles, as God's chosen messengers. The Charismatics, (For the most part), would want us to believe that believers have these abilities and can just use them willie-Nellie. If one has the faith. If you listen to their claims closely, you will notice these "miracles" can be used to better ones life here on Earth. Most of this betterment is in the "material realm", when it should be in the "spiritual realm". God does not promise believers a "rose garden walk" with Him. Indeed, if we look at the Apostle Paul's life - it was anything but a rose garden walk.
Making miracles about a believers "faith" is a horrible thing to do. The Apostle Peter had no great or unusual faith. He often misunderstood the Lord's intent, denied Him three times but did great miracles. Miracles are about how God enables a believer - not about the believer. Moses, for example, didn't want the job. To say one can accomplish great things "if they just have the faith", is a horrible thing to do to a believer. Let me give you an example. I knew a person whos wife was dying. He was a Charismatic believer. He believed he could pray and God would heal her,
if he had the proper amount of faith. I warned him to be cautious here. I told him his wife would be healed - if - and only if - it was in God's Sovereign will to do so. Pray and pray earnestly to the Lord but be prepared if her getting better is not in His will. He did not listen to me. Imagine how devastated he was when she passed away. How could he not blame himself for his lack of faith. He could not save her. So, so very sad!
As to the Biblical verse in Mark 16:17 -
''These signs shall follow them that believe'' This was never meant for all time. The Lord was sending out His Disciples and these things would affirm they were from the Lord. We have the completed Cannon now and this kind of affirmation is no longer needed. Additionally, there is much controversy over the "originality" of the verses in Mark 16:9-20. Many Bibles have footnotes about this controversy.
Here is a brief explanation about the reasons surrounding the controversy.
Controversy over Mark 16:17
The controversy surrounding
Mark 16:9-20, primarily centers on its authenticity and interpretation. This verse is part of the longer ending of the Gospel of Mark, which some scholars argue is not part of the original text. The textual evidence for this includes:
- Many of the oldest and most reliable manuscripts, such as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, do not include Mark 16:9-20.
- The style and vocabulary of these verses differ from the rest of Mark's Gospel, suggesting they might be a later addition.
Interpretation of Mark 16:17 is also contentious. The verse mentions that believers will be able to handle snakes and drink poison without harm. Some interpret this metaphorically, suggesting it refers to spiritual protection and victory over evil rather than literal invulnerability. Others take it more literally, leading to practices like snake handling in some religious communities.
Take care my friend.