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Is it okay to question certain charismatic activities?
Often it appears that the more outlandish the behaviour of believers the more spiritual they are perceived to be! There is no need to be judgemental and it is true that God asked some of the prophets to do unusual things. Does that mean though we should blindly accept everything as the work of the Holy Spirit?
Believers are called to test all things (1 John 4v1) We are also instructed to take heed to ourselves and our doctrine (1 Tim 4v16) especially as Scripture confirms that there will be false prophets and teachers that will arise from among the believers (2 Peter 2v1). We should also be like the Bereans (no need to go on a witch hunt) but to see if these things are so (Acts 17v11) I know that verse in Acts in context applies to Paul witnessing to the Bereans nevertheless all scripture is useful for reproof, correction and discipline.(2 Tim 3v16)
Controversial practises can be questioned simply by asking in a reasonable, not an accusing manner if there is a biblical example or precedent for specific practises without an obvious twisting of scripture? Since the Holy Spirit authored Scripture (2 pet 2v1) and obviously God cannot lie then He will not contradict the Bible!
Sometimes people try and use tradition to justify what they think is genuine, or what they have experienced, or simply agree with someone because they respect their 'ministry''. We must use Scripture as our authority as the plumb line of truth!
Without pointing the finger Scripture permits us then to question why there is no biblical reference or precedent for CERTAIN CHARISMATIC ACTIVITIES practised including...
- laughing manifestations
- falling back on the ground as a 'BLESSING' from God
- catching people to protect them when they fall if in fact they were knocked down by the Spirit
- convulsive shaking
- animal noises (Yes in Amos God is described as roaring like a lion but we know in context it is a metaphor - Jesus is not a physical lion!)
It is true that during the time of Wesley, Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards people were affected, often wept unashamedly concerning the fact that they were sinners and begged for God's forgiveness and were also changed in their character, not just being able to relate another 'power encounter. I am certainly in support of those great revivals! I believe though it would take a stretch of the imagination to relate all the activities in the list above this paragraph with the Wesleyan, Whitfield and Edwards revivals! Yes God works in different ways but we should also question whether the manifestation brings glory to God!
Whether or not someone agrees or disagrees with the possibility of the above being the work of the Holy Spirit, if they refuse to compare these activities with Scripture to see if they correspond then they are putting themselves in a vulnerable situation.
What am I saying then? Don't get mad that I am questioning these things! Why not check the above with Scripture to see whether these things are done decently and in order? (1 Cor 14:40) If they're not then stop! If they are then great-you have biblical basis for your actions! Amen! |
