Post by Les Brewer on Dec 15, 2014 0:30:01 GMT
MIRACLES & MANIFESTATIONS
There are many factions within the body of Christ some are legitimate, some are not. I was raised in Pentecost, but when I got saved I questioned some of the tenets of the faith in which I was raised, I began reading the bible fervently. I studied what the word said against what I was taught, I began weeding out those things which were the traditions of man and began holding to the proven tenets of scriptural understanding. Because I did this I parted company with a lot of people which I use to have fellowship with, not because I thought they were false Christians, but because I desired to walk more scriptural in my life.
There are still things which I believe the bible teaches which are still prevalent for the church today. For instance I believe in the nine manifestations of the Spirit which are listed in 1st Corinthians 12 verses 7-11. However there are many within the body of Christ which do not believe this, that’s their preference, I have not only seen these in operation but also been used in the operation of them. For me there are many doctrines which should be viewed as in-house debates and not heresy, but on the other hand there are many out right heresies which are indefensible.
One point I want to make is the fact there are those in the body of Christ which have superceded the legitimate gifts or manifestations of the Spirit and have gone into the realm of the demonic. I stand with my brethren against these in full agreement, but on the other hand some people want to paint with a wide brush something they’ve never experienced and call it demonic. I am by all intents and purposes a charismatic Christian, I believe that God gave me a prayer language that I use to edify myself, and from time to time he gives me a message in tongues that someone or myself gives the interpretation to.
These manifestations have drawn me closer to God and a desire to continue to practice the faith which was once delivered to the saints for all. Many teach these gifts vanished at the end of the first century church age, and that miracles are no longer needed for healing because we have science to replace God’s miraculous power. They call signs and wonders demonic manifestations in order lead people astray. I understand the inquest into these things and the how it is easy to label them demonic from a point of view of never experiencing the supernatural in that fashion. But I warn my brethren not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. If God is out of the miracle and manifestation and the mysterious signs and wonders business, then I contend there never was a God whom did them in the first place.
But I know better, because of the miracles, signs, and wonders that I have seen around the world, casting out demons and watching lives changed through the power of God can never skew my view of how wondrous, miraculous, and almighty my God truly is. I’ve personally grown because of them, and people who see the miraculous who are sinners are moved to have faith in a God who overpowers the demons pretending to be their Gods, they come to altars repenting. Why? Because they not only hear, but also see God as he confirms his message.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not naïve either, I know and have seen how the devil infiltrates the body through lying miracles, signs, & wonders, and counterfeit gifts. But if one truly has the Spirit of Discernment and are listening to and walking by the Spirit they will know the difference. I understand apologetics and utilize them in my own ministry. But please for the sake of not blaspheming the Holy Spirit make sure you are not calling a true miracle or manifestation of God a demonic ploy to deceive. Selah!
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
Apostle Ray…………………
There are many factions within the body of Christ some are legitimate, some are not. I was raised in Pentecost, but when I got saved I questioned some of the tenets of the faith in which I was raised, I began reading the bible fervently. I studied what the word said against what I was taught, I began weeding out those things which were the traditions of man and began holding to the proven tenets of scriptural understanding. Because I did this I parted company with a lot of people which I use to have fellowship with, not because I thought they were false Christians, but because I desired to walk more scriptural in my life.
There are still things which I believe the bible teaches which are still prevalent for the church today. For instance I believe in the nine manifestations of the Spirit which are listed in 1st Corinthians 12 verses 7-11. However there are many within the body of Christ which do not believe this, that’s their preference, I have not only seen these in operation but also been used in the operation of them. For me there are many doctrines which should be viewed as in-house debates and not heresy, but on the other hand there are many out right heresies which are indefensible.
One point I want to make is the fact there are those in the body of Christ which have superceded the legitimate gifts or manifestations of the Spirit and have gone into the realm of the demonic. I stand with my brethren against these in full agreement, but on the other hand some people want to paint with a wide brush something they’ve never experienced and call it demonic. I am by all intents and purposes a charismatic Christian, I believe that God gave me a prayer language that I use to edify myself, and from time to time he gives me a message in tongues that someone or myself gives the interpretation to.
These manifestations have drawn me closer to God and a desire to continue to practice the faith which was once delivered to the saints for all. Many teach these gifts vanished at the end of the first century church age, and that miracles are no longer needed for healing because we have science to replace God’s miraculous power. They call signs and wonders demonic manifestations in order lead people astray. I understand the inquest into these things and the how it is easy to label them demonic from a point of view of never experiencing the supernatural in that fashion. But I warn my brethren not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. If God is out of the miracle and manifestation and the mysterious signs and wonders business, then I contend there never was a God whom did them in the first place.
But I know better, because of the miracles, signs, and wonders that I have seen around the world, casting out demons and watching lives changed through the power of God can never skew my view of how wondrous, miraculous, and almighty my God truly is. I’ve personally grown because of them, and people who see the miraculous who are sinners are moved to have faith in a God who overpowers the demons pretending to be their Gods, they come to altars repenting. Why? Because they not only hear, but also see God as he confirms his message.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not naïve either, I know and have seen how the devil infiltrates the body through lying miracles, signs, & wonders, and counterfeit gifts. But if one truly has the Spirit of Discernment and are listening to and walking by the Spirit they will know the difference. I understand apologetics and utilize them in my own ministry. But please for the sake of not blaspheming the Holy Spirit make sure you are not calling a true miracle or manifestation of God a demonic ploy to deceive. Selah!
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
Apostle Ray…………………
