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I have some tough questions for believers. Why is it the vast majority of Pentecostal/Charismatic preachers don`t follow the biblical outline in 1 Cor. chapter 14? When it comes to spiritual gifts and the service? 1 Cor.14:5 "I wish you ALL spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesy..." Verse 24 "But if ALL prophesy..." Verse 26 "How is it then brethern? Whenever you come together EVERYONE of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." Verse 31 "For you can ALL prophesy one by one..."Well now I have a prophetic word for preachers - "Thus saith Yahweh, 2 or 3 people are NOT to monopolize the spiritual gifts, the power of God, or the service. Too many of these preachers are on an ego-trip!"And people wonder why we don`t see the power of God oftentimes! The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is being STIFLED and grieved! More people are supposed to participate in the service, during the service, than 2 or 3 people! Alot of preachers think that the church revolves around them somehow! It doesn`t. And it`s not supposed to.
And now the other perspective. People who don`t believe spiritual gifts are for today. Are you goung to say that millions of pentecostals and charismatics are deceived and wrong? Because either ther are or you are! Someone is promoting schism, false doctrine and division in the Body of Christ! Both points of view cannot be true at the same time! People who deny the gifts love to quote 1 Cor. 13:10 [out of context I might add]. Nowhere in that verse, or chapter even, does it say "when the perfect has come" is the bible, the word of God! You are reading something into that passage that is not there. It goes onto to explain what that "when that perfect has come..." in verse 12. "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I am known." That will only happen when we get to heaven - perfection! And how do you explain Rev 11, the 2 witnesses? If the gifts of the Holy Spirit went out with the 1st century church, then the 2 prophets just before Jesus` second coming is not possible! Why does any of this matter? Because it`s another example of denominational dissention and division in the Body of Christ. This is one, among other reasons, why the church is pretty much powerless. It`s divided against itself! Read 1 Cor. 1:10-15 and substitute denominational terms like Baptists, Church of Christ, Methodists and Pentecostals, for example, for the names of Paul, Peter, Apollos, and Christ! We`re doing EXACTLY what Paul rebuked the Corinthians for doing - pride and factions!
This is why I`ve decided to try and start a House Church, to get back to the ROOTS of Christianity. Christianity had its start in House Churches in the first century church! Have a fellowship meal first, then a bible study for an hour and finally prayer time! I belonged to a "cell group" or "life group". I really enjoyed the intimacy, fellowship and allowing for interaction during the bible study! I got to teach at times too! In Y`shua, Tom http://avoiceofaprophet.blogspot.com
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