A Bloke’s Blog

The recent buzz about James Cameron’s (of Titanic fame) new doco about coffins supposedly belonging to Christ and his wife and children prompts an acknowledgement.

James White has compiled a list of articles, questions and analysis on the topic & Frank Turk has a few links to Jerusalem Post and Time Magazine worth looking at.

“And these signs will accompany those who believe; …

And they (Apostles) went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” Mark 16:17-20.

Some assume that verse 17 and 18 mean that all believers will always speak in tongues and do these signs.

Is there a place for Tongues as a sign-gift in the Church today?

Tongues served their purpose and ceased as God predicted in 1 Corinthians 13:8, “… as for tongues, they will cease.” Tongues were temporary phenomena to suit a specific purpose at specific times throughout history.

Tongues as a warning to Jews is demonstrated in Old Testament events.

In each example following note the distinct pattern:

a) God has a message for the people.

b) The people refuse to listen to God.

c) God causes tongues to be heard as a sign of judgment to come.

d) Dispersion follows.

Stay tuned for the next chapter…

Tongues were a warning sign to unbelieving Jews of God’s pending judgement and intervention.

Tongues were never given as a sign to Gentiles as the Gentiles had no hurdle of Mosaic legalism to jump over to come to Christ.

What is integral to the gospel:

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 (read the entire chapter.)

A couple of short articles that deal with this question have helped in clarifying my [current] understanding of this point:
Does God Always Heal
Are We Healed by His Stripes

Before writing about “healing is an integral part of the gospel” an introduction of interpretive technique is in order.

Cent’s Words 1 of 2
Cent’s Words 2 of 2
DJP’s Hermenutics

I read through DJP’s post on Pryo and noted his testimony might open to some debate:

But some of that was done “wrong,” wasn’t it? Altar call? C. S. Lewis? A “voice”? Four spiritual laws?

A muddled gospel presentation that results in someone being “made alive” by the Holy Spirit exemplifies the grace of God not the method of the messenger.

To clarify the previous post. I cannot endorse false beliefs regardless of intentions.

If Cruz is consistent with AoG doctrine, his teaching is unorthodox.

‘Victory Outreach Sydney‘ is hosting Nicky Cruz, on February 15-16 at Sydney Olympic Park and tickets are free! Those unfamiliar with Cruz, check his website.

Cruz is ordained through the Assemblies of God.

http://ag.org/top/beliefs/truths.cfm.

Four of these beliefs are considered … our cardinal doctrines. They weave in and through … everything we do.

1. Salvation through Jesus Christ

2. Divine Healing. “Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel.

3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

“The baptism in the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues (unlearned languages) … “

4. The Second Coming of Christ

The site teaches these cardinal doctrines constitute the gospel. According to scripture the gospel is “that by which we are saved”. If these are the gospel, then you must accept and agree with them to be Christian. If Cruz teaches this, I will give his event a miss!

Future entries will detail my rebuttal of points 2 & 3.