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We believe that some gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healings were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism nor of the filling of the Spirit, and that the deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection (Acts 4:8, 31; Romans 8:23; 1 Cor. 13:8).
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I.
Introduction
A. B. My experience Why is this topic an important matter? 1. It has been the source of
division 2. It will encourage or restrict the use of certain gifts 3. It could greatly contribute to evangelism
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We see these gifts in other countries and contexts It bears on our faith and relationship to the Holy Spirit There are good people on both sides
II.
A Brief Overview A. Pentecostalism B. The Charismatic Movement C. Notable exceptions (early Noncessationists):
1. A. W. Tozer 2. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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3. 4.
Find Non-cessationist definition of prophecy very troubling Nevertheless, I find Cessationist arguments less than compelling
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Could these be the last days? Signs and wonders reinforce the preaching of the gospel Some Cessationists act like they doubt that God acts powerfully today through His Spirit Are we inconsistent in our prayers for missionaries?
My Concerns:
If prophecies today are to be tested by the Scriptures, which have supreme authority, then why would we not let these Scriptures define prophecy? Deuteronomy 13 Deuteronomy 18
There is much emphasis on the supremacy of Scripture, and assurances that this new kind of prophecy a prophecy about which I cannot be certain, and which may well be flawed does not take precedence over Scripture. Thus, I am told, this new prophecy can never replace, or revise or override the inspired revelation of the Scriptures. But if this is so, if the Scriptures are supreme, then why are they not regarded as supreme in the definition of prophecy which they give us?
It is clear that Piper himself recognizes problems with this new definition of prophecy:
Now I have already tipped my hand that I think Grudem is right about the meaning of New Testament prophecy. But I want to say here at the outset that even if he is wrong that this kind of thing is what New Testament prophecy was, the experience may still be valid, and we just should not call it the gift of prophecy . (Using our gifts in Proportion to Our
Faith, Part I Oct. 10, 2004)
We dont need to agree on whether to call this experience prophecy. (John Piper, Using our
Gifts in Proportion to Our Faith, Part 1 October 10, 2004) *Notice that this is one of Pipers late lessons on prophecy, rather than one of his early (1990) messages after more than 10 years of reflection]
If, as Paul works very hard to demonstrate, prophecy is the greatest gift, then why is a new, watered-down definition of prophesy so desirable?
If, in the last days, prophecy will again occur, will it be the new prophecy of today, or will it be the old fashioned prophecy of the Bible?
Part of the uniqueness of the gift of prophecy is that it (unlike the other gifts) must be perfect (inspired and inerrant). If so, then isnt the acceptance of a new definition of prophecy (which expects flaws) robbing this gift of its unique contribution?
Solutions:
The epistles were written before the canon of Scripture was closed or completed. The apostles were still living, and their authority was under attack. 1 Peter 4:10-11
V.
Conclusion
A. I dont believe either view is totally correct B. Polarization has not been productive C. Be grateful that both sides have moved toward each other, and are talking graciously
D. To Non-cessationists
1. Let the Bible be the ultimate authority for defining spiritual gifts 2. Reject any definition which not only fails to square with Scripture, but in fact reverses Scripture. (If prophecy in the Bible must be without error, then dont call something prophesy and then prepare me to expect error.) 3. Dont water down spiritual gifts. 4. Insist the gifts be exercised biblically
E. To Cessationists:
1. Be aware that strict cessationism is saying, We have no need of you to certain members of the body 2. Dont be closed to God working powerfully today, indeed pray and expect that He may do so 3. How are we praying?
Copyright 2007 by Community Bible Chapel, 418 E. Main Street, Richardson, TX 75081. This is the edited PowerPoint Presentation in the Spiritual Gifts series prepared by Bob Deffinbaugh for November 11, 2007. Anyone is at liberty to use this presentation for educational purposes only, with or without credit. The Chapel believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of Gods Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Community Bible Chapel.