Earlier this year I was asked by a reader to describe my experience of the charismatic gifts. I am now almost finished with this series, and am also reviewing some useful resources for those wanting to find out more about the charismatic. I have spent more than thirty years of my life in charismatic churches, and these reflections try to summarize that experience. This particular series is not an attempt to justify the continuation of the gifts theologically – I... Read more
Since it has been over a month since my last MLJ post, I will briefly review my previous posts in this series. As I have already indicated, the doctor’s teaching on the subject of the Holy Spirit is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct from conversion. MLJ then discusses three Scripture verses that are commonly used by cessationists to refute this belief: Luke 11:13; Acts 2:37-39; and 1 Corinthians 12:13.In part 1, the Doctor outlined two principles.... Read more
This is a round-up of some of the posts that caught my eye from the last week or so: First up, on items of clothing. It seems Martyn Lloyd-Jones may win a most peculiar contest over at Pyromaniacs – the things that lot get up to when I am not looking! Talking of which, the Pyros also talked up a storm about Mark Driscoll. I have to wonder just how unlucky Phil was – is that the first Driscoll sermon... Read more
I thought this would be a great quote for us to contemplate as we prepare to gather with God’s people today. May our coming together cause an increase in our yearning for God! Jonathan Edwards said “Persons need not and ought not to set any bounds to their spiritual and gracious appetites . . . [instead they ought] to be endeavoring by all possible ways to inflame their desires and to obtain more spiritual pleasures . . . our hungerings... Read more
UPDATE – I have published an interview with Terry Virgo Well, I am back! I thought to begin with I would share a few links with you about the leader of newfrontiers – the worldwide family of churches on a mission of which I am thrilled to be a part. Terry is widely known on this side of the Atlantic, even outside of charismatic circles – I am not sure how true that is in the States. I do hope... Read more
‘Even Muslims look at me.’ A Muslim journalist wears the Muslim veil for a day in response to the debate about it raging in the UK. Her reaction and experiences are shocking and provide an interesting context to the debate: “I look at myself in my full-length mirror. I’m horrified. I have disappeared and somebody I don’t recognize is looking back at me.” On a different note, Mathew Sims has a list of old blog articles he likes from some... Read more
Thanks to Tim Challies’ pastor, Paul Martin, I bring you some quotes from the International Baptist Conference. By now you know the score: here are some quotes from the main sessions in reverse order. IBC Session 4: Mark Dever – “Worship in the New Testament” “The nature of worship is offering your whole self to God as a living sacrifice. That may be the most important point in this message – the offering of yourself. When we restrict worship to... Read more
Justin Taylor has a special offer on a new adaptation of a John Owen book. He can offer 40% off the cover price which, of course, compares well with my offer of 25% off Logos Bible Software, but with the price of software being greater, you can, of course, save yourself more money by buying the software than the book! Now, if you believe that argument you have been watching too many modern commercials and ought to go get yourself... Read more
Today I want to bring you a quote from a sermon by John Piper: The Present Effects of Trembling at the Wrath of God. Thanks to the wonders of the new Desiring God website, you can watch, read, or listen to the full sermon there. This quote expresses the results of a view of God that is balanced between fear and joy. Too many Christians veer into one or the other extreme. Sometimes we see only the kindness of God... Read more
Earlier this year I was asked by a reader to describe my experience of the charismatic gifts. I now want to return to and complete the series in-between my reviews of some useful resources for those wanting to find out more about the charismatic. I have spent almost thirty years of my life in reformed charismatic churches, and these reflections try to summarize that experience. This particular series is not a full attempt to justify the continuation of the gifts... Read more
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