...interesting discussion. Can anyone tell me how old, historically, the cessasionist view is?

I've just always wondered whether or not the cessasionist view came along due to the abuses and excesses of the early pentecostal/charismatic movement or has this been a view held by the early church?

Also, for those out there, like myself, who might consider themselves ex-charismatics; what do you think about this? I guess I've never held to or looked in depth into the cessasionist view. I'm familiar with its basic teachings but I just don't see it...and I know the response I'm gonna get now but I don't.

In saying that, I will most likely NEVER attend a charismatic church again because of the blatant disregard for God's word (they take for granted the fact that there is/was an orderly way the gifts should function), and I wonder if there will ever be a time when they will. I would run like the wind if anyone ever suggested that there s more to be added to God's word by way of prophecy etc. . However, could the sign gifts not be used for the edification of the saints?

...Ok, I'm bracing myself <insert face covering, flinching smiley here>

tj
"-that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..."