Oh, but Benny Hinn must be stopped…!!!

Anti-Charismatism, while disguised as “rightly-dividing” or “exposing the fruitless deeds of darkness” is what it is–sadly, its what Stephen said as he died: “always resisting the Holy Ghost.”

But let’s remember that the seed that fell upon good ground yielded forth “thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” In the will of God, there is the “good, the acceptable, and the perfect.”

Philippians 1–fellowship in the good news
Philippians 2–fellowship in the Spirit
Philippians 3–fellowship of his sufferings

1st John is addressed to:
1. the little ones whose sins have been forgiven
2. the young men in whom the word is strong and who have overcome the evil one
3. the fathers who have known him who is from the beginning

True enough, there’s abuses in the middle court (Pentecostal/Charismatic) church. That’s because leaven is built right in to the feast of Pentecost, in the priest’s wave offering (Lev. 23:17) and in the showbread (Hebrew “lechem,” always translated as “bread” or “food,” or why else would David have eaten it?) which was placed on the gold-covered table in the holy place (middle court) of the tabernacle/temple.

This is part of God’s plan for his church. Passover is unleavened (all passive grace), Pentecost is leavened (God and man, salvation being “worked out with fear and trembling”), but Tabernacles is again unleavened (all God, the “man of sin” having been put to death). No flesh shall glory in his presence. His presence is the glory (Hebrew “shekinah”) in the Holy of Holies.

“And if anyone is differently minded, I trust God will reveal even this unto you.” (Phil. 3:15)

We are still looking for a place to rest, for our citizenship (our belonging) is in heaven, not here on earth. There is no synagogue or meeting house for us. We do not forsake gathering together in fellowship (Greek “koinonia”: communion), but Malachi 1:11 must be fulfilled: “People from one end of the earth to the other honor me. Everywhere they burn incense to me and offer acceptable sacrifices. All of them honor me!”

“Birds have nests, foxes have dens, but the Son of man has no place to lay his head.”

There is to be no more crossing of legs in a pew for us who are mature. This comfort we lay aside for the sake of the world, as Christ layed aside his divinity to partake in our humiliation.

In the feast of Tabernacles (temporary dwellings) we will look back to the time when we had to live in tents and lean-to’s. At that time, that is how the manner of our worship in the wilderness will seem to us. Like children camping out in their parent’s backyard, we’ll have a lot of fun knowing our real home is so close by. And we will certainly be expert campers, though for us it is only a remembrance of how we used to live.

It is a work of Adam to denominate (give a name to). It is work of the Christ, who is the second and final Adam, to unite in peace (Greek “irini”: at one).

John T, Donkey, Stillhaventfound–you all speak wisely

the Church is:
Christian (of the Anointed one), Catholic (universal), Orthodox (rightly speaking), Apostolic (founded and guided by the sent ones), Evangelical (bearing the good news), Baptist (accepting of immersion into Christ’s death), Episcopal (having overseers), Presbyterian (having elders), Pentecostal (having received the Paraclete), Charismatic (having the gifts of the Spirit) and triumphant over the gates of Hades (death, the grave).

Elizabeth’s story is INCREDIBLE. And time and again whenever I am discouraged about life, I think of her life, the intensity of the pain, and how God used her life to touch so many people. Through her I begin to understand more what it means: Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Even if I agree a lot with New Creation on their message on grace, if other Churches take a different stand, then God bless them. If they want to persecute New Creation, then let them waste their time doing so. I wouldn’t wanna get so worked up that they believe differently. There’s just too many things to be done in this world for us to spend our time infighting. I mean, there are billions who don’t know Jesus and are in absolute poverty. And we waste our time criticizing other Churches and other Christians?? Hmmm…I reckon that sounds like the devil’s tactic – what the father of lies would love to see us do in order to distract us from the mission God has called us to.

I believe only when there’s a large wave of persecution throughout the world – and especially in the developed world – will we all start to appreciate each other as brothers and sisters in Christ and see we’re on the same side. Actually, in a sense, I can’t wait for that to happen. Ha…

I believe that in this age we live in, denominations are slowly beginning to give way to a fresh wine and a brand of fire poured out by the Holy Spirit. Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Anglican, Charismatic, even Presbyterians and genuine Catholics are serving God together, in a same vision, in the same capacity as children of God. Maybe, the prophesized gathering of the End Time Church is coming to pass. Many Christians nowadays cease to associate themselves with the traditional denominations. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is moving the focus on religion to Christ Himself, maybe the many roads in the past are starting to converge on our singular destination- the Kingdom of Heaven is upon us?
The floodgates to China and rest of Asia is soon to be flung open. We cant miss this massive move of the Spirit, I don’t really care what it’s called, as long as I’m in it. People say that heresy is when a false prophet or teacher comes out with something new contrary to true doctrine. I think heresy is more than that, its also staying behind when God’s word moves on. The same eternal word, but fresh revelation that propels its manifestation forward. I’ve also been following God for many years now, and all I’ve come to rely on, is not just teachings and theology, good and necessary they are. But, when all else fails, I find just the hand of Christ clinging on to me. (:

Point 4 – Missions (especially to the unreached) – definitely is something that I’m passionate about, though I have to admit it’s slowly developed only in the last 1-3 years. To the unreached, really only in the last quarter of a year.

There’s actually two points in point 3, the 2nd being loving “the least of these” – the poor, etc. And that’s definitely been a big thing for me in the past 6-7 years.

Point number 1, well, is also dear to me. I mean, I hope to one day be a missionary to preach the gospel to the lost and help the poor, but I also believe in seeing signs and wonders following. This important charismatic element has been reinforced to me recently as I’ve started to more consistently attend New Creation, as I read about Brother Yun and as I’ve come to know about Heidi Baker‘s and Reinhard Bonnke‘s powerful ministries. I feel I have so much to understand and learn in this area.

Overall, I think it’s about holistic missions. Not just preaching to the lost, but loving them (the poor) through meeting their needs. And not just their material needs, but their physical needs (healings, etc) too. I think that’s the pattern in the Bible. And yes, I think the most urgent kind of missions is to the unreached.

Regarding the Church of Nazarenes, I’ve heard about them, but not much! Do tell me more about them!

Have you heard of the Church of Nazarenes? They’re rooted in Methodist background I believe, but are very active in missions as well! I can see some of my friends from there having a very good conversation with you in your interests in the Body of Christ and advancing His kingdom. (That is, if I am correct about your interests)