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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 152
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OP Offline
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 152
I know there are volumes that has already been written on this matter, so if some member wants to direct me to that thread, that would be great.

I intend to visit dear friend who I have not seen in years who has gotten involved with Bethel Fellowship Church and I know nothing about them other than what I read on their website here.

Although I am from mainline evangelicalism (as is my friend) I have grown increasingly Reformed in my theology for the same reasons the rest of you have.

Not having visited the church or gotten to know the leadership, it appears that these folks are very active, sincere, and as far as I can tell, don't venture into the lunatic fringe with slaying in the Spirit, holy laughter, etc. Furthermore, they have an extensive missions outreach both locally and internationally which I admire. Still, this church has an obvious charismatic/pentecostal leaning I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they practice the sign gifts in public worship.

I have no desire to argue with my friend and I certainly don't want to persuade him to leave this group. However at some point I'm sure he'll ask what I think of his church and we'll have some discussion of doctrine and practice.

I have much more in common with these folks than I do with a liberal Protestant, so I'd like to unite on the points of agreement rather than divide over our differences. I am not seminary trained nor did I grow up in a Reformed denomination. I came to Reformed theology and worldview first by listening to White Horse Inn and reading Modern Reformation magazine and then through reading some works by Sproul, Michael Horton, and other Reformed writers. This website has also been very helpful in challeging me to examine my faith and views. But I am still not a very good apologist.

Any suggestions on how to approach the whole experience?

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The Boy Wonder
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The Boy Wonder
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Like you, most of those of us who are former charismatics came to the Reformed faith "on our own" (sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it - we know that no one comes to the truth on their own) because we were driven back to the Scriptures which never change.

Charismaticism is driven by constantly changing winds and is based as much on subjective feelings - our own as well as "anointed" people who "sense" things "in the Spirit." So there's a bit of well-intentioned (?) bullying that goes on in charismania because of that.

My very first thought in helping a charismatic friend is to have them keep that Bible close and study it with the same fervor that they apply to other elements of worship.

I just happen to love theology so it was easier for me, perhaps, than for most. Because people think that theology is "boring," and most Charismatics especially have been taught to reject theology as "man's wisdom" and "dead orthodoxy." But because the written and infallible word of God never changes, it naturally follows that it's teachings never change. Quite unlike the constantly shifting "moves of the Spirit" in Charismania that change as often as fashions every season.

Talk to your friend - as often as you see each other - about what treasures you are gleaning from your study of the Scriptures. Believe it or not, showing these treasures can still make even the most ardent charismatic jealous.

More later,
Robin

Robin #37156 Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:47 PM
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The Boy Wonder
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Our host and webmeister Pilgrim asked me to write a short article on helping our friends and loved ones still in the grip of "Charismania" and has posted the article here. I hope you will find it useful, and that non-Charismatics will find the insights of a former "insider" helpful in aiding other "refugees."

-Robin

Robin #37157 Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:43 PM
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Plebeian
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Here is a study I am working on for my Charismatic friends, it may not be that good, but it is one of my better efforts on the subject anyway.

I will be presenting it tomorrow, God willing.

After reading Robin's article I added the Religious Addiction section. That subject came up again and again in this forum when it was a mailing list.

Warning: I tried to avoid using arguments dependent on eschatology, but there is a definite pre-mil slant to it. Charismatics are pre-mil, so such arguments tend to carry weight with them. This article is not approved by the moderators here, and neither am I any kind of great Bible scholar, so use with caution.

http://www.kurthutchison.com/outline1.html

The main focus of the article is to show where the real battles of the faith lie, by summarizing the great battles of history, what the true faith looks like, and to make the case that Charismatics have fled the battlefield entirely.

Or you could just buy "Charismatic Chaos"... :-)

- Kurt

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Wes Offline
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Needs to get a Life
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Kurt,

That's a very good document you've drafted. In addition to the quotes and historical data in it you've really brought the light of day to bear on the errors in charismatic teachings. Recently we had a gentleman posting here with the pen name of Straw. He and others like him could really benefit from reading this document. In particular the quote you gave us from Jonathan Edwards.

Quote
"I know of no faster way to surrender control of the church to the Devil than following after mental impressions attributed to God."

I applaud your efforts and thanks for posting it here. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applause.gif" alt="" />


Wes <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/BigThumbUp.gif" alt="" />


When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts
Wes #37159 Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:04 PM
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The Boy Wonder
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The Boy Wonder
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Nice job, Kurt! I especially thought the little history lesson on previous "charismatic" movements in history was well done and very useful also.

-Robin


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