Archives for February 2012

My comments here recently concerning the so-called "holy laughter" or "Toronto Blessing" generated feedback -- which I always appreciate receiving. Following are five responses and an additional comment. #1 -- "I am a firm believer in the power of the Holy Spirit, in his real presence among us, even to the point of making us laugh out loud. However, I am also a firm believer in the presence of evil, of counterfeits and frauds. Your article concerned me in this distinction. My understanding is that the Toronto Blessing, holy laughter, and most experiences related to it have been discredited … [Read more...]

"I recently attended a religious meeting," a correspondent says, "at which people were moved to what they called `holy laughter' or a 'manifestation of God's joy.' One man sounded like a fire engine siren and another like a rooster crowing. Is there biblical basis for believing this is from the Holy Spirit?" * * * There is a time to weep and a time to laugh (Eccl. 3:4). The Bible associates God's blessings with laughter -- an altogether natural and proper expression of gladness and joy (Job 8:21; Psa. 126:1-3). When Isaiah foretells the messianic community, he regularly mentions rejoicing … [Read more...]

A thoughtful minister writes, "I am really beginning to believe that a pendulum swing in reaction against pentecostalism and emotionalism has cost us some of our faith in God's abilities. I think we are missing out on powerful avenues of help." * * * I am afraid we have missed much by such over-reaction. The good news is that God is at work among his people in all Christian groups and the situation is changing. Thousands of believers across denominational lines are hungering for a deeper personal relationship with God -- and are seeking and finding it in honest prayer, open-hearted Bible … [Read more...]

A Christian college Bible professor writes: "Why do people believe the gospel? Reasoning from historical witness that one believes to be real history, attesting to events that happened in time -- that has been and remains the Christian way. If that is not the only source of belief, it remains an important one." * * * "Important," we can agree, but scarcely the ultimate answer, mustn't we say in view of New Testament revelation? Consider Jesus' bold affirmation: "No one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the … [Read more...]

A sister in Virginia writes, "You recently asked readers to pray that God would 'anoint' your messages during a weekend preaching mission. This is not a word commonly used by people in my church. Please elaborate on what you mean." * * * This figure of speech goes back to the Old Testament practice of pouring oil over the head of someone being formally set apart for service to God, whether the "anointed" person was a prophet, priest or king (Ex. 28:41; 1 Sam. 16:1-3; Zech. 4:14). By this act, the faith-community acknowledged that God also had "anointed" or poured out special grace on the … [Read more...]

Someone writes, "I've known some people whose conversion would basically be a miracle. Yet God doesn't convert people by a miracle. He does it by someone sharing the good news of Jesus and the love of God." * * * I would like to select "all the above." Yes, God brings people to faith through preaching the gospel. But God is the one who opens spiritual eyes (2 Cor. 4:4-6), who opens hearts to hear (Acts 16:14), who gives faith (Phil. 1:29; Eph. 2:9), who gives life to men and women dead in sin and enables them to repent and believe (Eph. 2:1; Acts 11:18). God is still in the general … [Read more...]

A gracEmail reader writes, "You said that early Christian writers document miracles for several centuries after the New Testament was written. I have been taught that spiritual gifts and miracles stopped when the Apostles all died. Can you give some citations for your statement?" * * * We continue our look at some of many Church Fathers who testify to Christian ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, through which individuals were healed of various diseases or were released from demonic oppression, as follows. Lactantius (died A.D. 320), "The Epitome of the Divine Institutions," chap. 51 -- … [Read more...]

A gracEmail reader writes, "You said that early Christian writers document miracles for several centuries after the New Testament was written. I have been taught that spiritual gifts and miracles stopped when the Apostles all died. Can you give some citations for your statement?" * * * Among many Fathers who testify to Christian ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, through which individuals were healed of various diseases or were released from demonic oppression, are the following. Tertullian, "To Scapula," chap. 4, written between A.D. 196-212 -- "Heaven knows how many distinguished … [Read more...]

"If God's revealed word is perfect and complete," writes a beloved brother serving God in South America, "I do not expect a new message today. 'His divine power has given us everything we need' (2 Pet. 1:3). Through the Scriptures, we are 'thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Jesus brought God's final and perfect message (Heb.1:1-2). Does that make sense? Have you thought through some of these things?" * * * It makes sense that we need no more Scripture -- although if one took your point absolutely, we should not need the New Testament Scriptures either, since the … [Read more...]

A brother in Mississippi says that Acts relates the Greek word dynamis ("power") only to Apostles or persons upon whom they laid their hands. He concludes that God has not exerted such "miracle" power since then. He rejects contrary testimony by later church fathers, since we are not to "discard revelation for perception." * * * It should not surprise us that the book called "Acts of the Apostles" reports the acts of the Apostles (including apostle-extraordinaire Paul) and those with whom they had first-hand contact. However, Luke suggests a somewhat deeper focus in his opening verse. His … [Read more...]