How is Charismatic Christianity different from Mainstream Christianity? They claim to have a deeper knowledge, enlightenment or more insight than regular Christianity. All claim to have unique experiences, such as " baptism in The Holy Spirit " which cannot be defended from a Biblical standpoint using good Hermeneutics. In this tolerant society we are told to keep an open mind. When we open our minds, we open ourselves to attack from the Enemy, Satan. You are allowing your mind to be filled with whatever they want, whether good or evil. We need to always be good Bereans, as in Acts 17:11, and 1Th 5:21 "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." One of the best ways to do this, is to be so familiar with the Word of God, that when we hear a false teaching, we go to the Bible to document whether what they are saying is right or wrong. How can we be filled with His Holy Spirit and not also be filled with His Word. The two are inseparable! How can we say we love God and not want to spend time with Him in His Word? If you treated your spouse like you do God, what kind of relationship would you have? Simply put if you cannot document your churches beliefs/doctrine by the Bible, you are teaching something that is not Scriptural! Why would anyone teach something other than the Bible? There is only one reason why someone would do this and that is power! Anytime you claim to have knowledge that others do not have, that puts you in a position of power. There will always be a group of people willing to follow someone without question who makes this claim. Again refer to 1 Thessalonians 5:21 above and test all things to see if they are true. It has always amazed me how willing and trusting some people can be because they are not willing to take the time to check out what is being said or taught. These "miraculous healings" and "messages from God" are just so much theatrics! If God indeed talks to them, as they claim, shouldn't someone be writing down what they say? Because that is Holy Scripture being spoken from the mouth of God and we do not have a closed Canon of Scripture. If this is true, then it nullifies Revelation 22 "Rev 22:18 Here is my warning for everyone who hears the prophecies in this book: If you add anything to them, God will make you suffer all the terrible troubles written in this book.
Rev 22:19 If you take anything away from these prophecies, God will not let you have part in the life-giving tree and in the holy city described in this book". You do not need healings, tongues, baptism in the Holy Spirit or any other things to teach in a expository manner. These things are only necessary if you are trying to attract a crowd and manipulate them for their money and resources. Please, teach the Word chapter by chapter and verse by verse and let God grow the Church His way. Always point them to the Savior and not to the man in the pulpit.
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