Bible Question:
My dear friend in Christ, I read with great interest your reply. I must respectfully disagree with some of the premises of your opinions on this issue. It seems that you start with the idea that we do not have apostles today, then move on to prove it. Regarding Ephesians 2:20, I agree, these ministries are the foundation Christ laid. I do not propose to re-lay, but to continue on in this foundational gift. In regard to 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, you imply that the 'perfect' has come, thus doing away with the need for spiritual gifts. Jesus is the 'Perfect' spiritual gift, and He has not yet returned. I cannot believe that you say the divided church as we know it is not in need of as many gifts of the Spirit as are made available. We NEED them, now! Unfortunately, many 'ministries' have made a mockery of these gifts, with their misuse, abuse, and just plain false use of them. These miscreants are no excuse for you to deny the Spirit, just encouragement to find their proper use. As to Judas, I meant Judas called Barsabbas. What about: "But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out..." Acts 14:14 NASB. And when Paul, number 14, is considered to be number 12, does he displace James or Matthias? I also have personal experience with divine healing, my wife was healed from cancer of the womb, and I now have two teenage daughters. Actually, I do not like 'healing ministries,' and think that most are spiritually arrogant, some even charlatans. However, I cannot discount that many are healed by faith in God. I do, as a matter of fact, believe that one can be 'slain in the Spirit,' but think that the popular 'mass-slayings' are false, an abuse of showmanship and emotional manipulation. I am part of a healthy, well-balanced church. Many speak in tongues and (gasp!) prophesy. However, in our defense, I assure you that "...all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB. You may have never experienced this, but it IS possible. (Please note that stating that something cannot happen because you have not seen it is spiritual bigotry) My friend, you cannot make your assumptions based on the how many people abuse the gifts. After all, if every lemming jumped off the cliff, there would be no more lemmings. Obviously, some lemmings are not totally stupid :-) If you have never been to a 'spirit-filled' church that was orderly, respectable, responsible and balanced, come to Yokohama some time. Yours in Christ Jesus. charis |
Bible Answer: Ephesian 4:11 there are modern day apostles I believe they are known as missionaries. But there no reason to discredit healing because that is part of the Fivefold ministry or Church. Regardless of there attitude we are no in the position to judge. Jesus said let the man without sin cast the first stone. We all have a spot some were and we can not see it but I assure you that some one else can find you and me with fault. Pray for those with lack of knowledge. 1Cr 2:12 If you are a Spirit-filled man you should know what to do in a situation like this one. You should know not to talk about it but Pray about it. Forbid no to use what God gave him. Remember Matt.7:1-5 Judge not that you be not judged, For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judge, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Also what about on the day of Pentecost 120 were slain in the spirit in Acts 1:15 If God wanted every man, woman, girl, boy, baby, animal, insect, and etc. slain in the spirit He will. But if you get 100,000 people line up on one accord in prayer, and praise just like the day of Pentecost, they will be bath and slain them right there. We can have a form of godliness and deny the power thereof. But I am sure that you already understand. May the Lord Bless you with the knowledge and understanding of his word. Any questions. my address www.ministerhudson@hotmail.com. Here's a website for you www.blueletterbible.org |