Apostolic Ministry, cessation of of Gifts?

[Salty]

Find me a legitimate pastor who preaches the pure Word. We will go to a rock concert and convert every soul.

I would say that is apples and oranges - but not really - its not even close to that!

 

[Martin Marprelate]

This is the principle many (including myself) who reject Cessationism take.

The church is the local assembly. In many instances where we hear of these gifts they are in context of an area absent a strong Christian presence. People relate these churches in infancy experiencing many gifts that testify to God in a similar way we see in the New Testament churches.

This is why I would be reluctant to declare a gift has ended worldwide. If there is a purpose for that gift, it is not up to me to evaluate what means God chose to build a congregation.

But seeing churches in the UK or US seeking gifts that are no longer of use is another story.

And then there are the quacks who quack like a duck "in the Spirit" (actually it was like a chicken but I wanted to work "quack" into it).


If all you see around you is fools gold it becomes difficult to remember real gold may exist. We see a lot of fools gold around here.

There was a time when God spoke through a donkey. Do I believe that He could do the same today if He wishes? Absolutely!
But I am not going to suppose that all donkeys can talk and only keep quiet because they have nothing to say. Nor am I going to hang about at the nearby Donkey Sanctuary (yes, there really is one!) in the hope of hearing one of the residents drop a pearl of wisdom.