There are two groups against "revivals" like the one in Lakeland, Florida. One group is what I term, "legitimate", the Pentecostals and Charismatics. Sadly, we have very few of them speaking out. Brave are the ones that do speak as the revivalists can be vicious. I learned this the hard way in the last revival go-around ten years ago - in Brownsville, Florida.
But most of the critiques I've read about Lakeland are from those who don't believe in half the gifts of the Spirit, if any of them. And many of those are from the Young Calvinist camp. So what I am saying is, their reason for cticising it isn't one of discernment, as much as a doctrinal difference (although a few of them are throwing in discernment too). What I want from these critics is more honesty. I would like to read something sounding like this,
"I don't believe in any Charismatic or Pentecostal revival; or any Charismatic or Pentecostal anytning for that matter. Therefore, it isn't just Lakeland I'm against - it's anything that is connected to Charismania."
To me that would be more honest than just pretending to be against Lakeland because of the aberrant things going on there.
Just a thought I wanted to throw out here.
Steve Went Looking for Grace
2 days ago
5 comments:
There are two groups against "revivals" like the one in Lakeland, Florida.
You got the groups wrong. Those that are against the "'revivals' like the one in Lakeland," are 1) those that are against sin and 2) those that are against false teaching that lead others into sin.
anonymous,
I have to respectfully disagree with you. I think I have the two groups right. But both of my groups believe the way your two believe.
Well, let's review...
those who don't believe in half the gifts of the Spirit, if any of them.
Patently false. It is not that people do not believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit as listed in the Bible, it is that people do not believe that they are manifested in the way that Pentacostals and Charimatics believe. Contrary to your assertion, that is an issue of discrernment. That discernment is based upon Biblical principles long held within the church.
What I want from these critics is more honesty.
"Truth? You can't handle the truth." (just kidding. The quote seems appropriate.) Your experiences discussing these issues is totally different that mine. I have spoken with many Charismatic and Pentacostal believers in my life including pastors and teachers in the church. The central response is this - if it feels good it must be from God. When you ask for Biblical support, you get all sorts of convoluted distortions and outright denial of scripture.
So the statement you'd like to see is:
"I don't believe in any fake or anti God revival; or any anytning [sic] that is contrary to the Word of God for that matter. Therefore, it isn't just Lakeland I'm against - it's anything that is connected to false teaching."
Hope that is "honest" enough for you.
anonymous,
I think the problem here might be geography. I am sorry to hear that Pentecostal pastors say what matters is what feels good. I would be surprised if these pastors are out here where I live--Southern California, at least in the more middle class suburbs. Perhaps in very poor areas that might be true. But that is not what I or many other Pentecostals here are advocating. However, perhaps there are then three groups, the third one being the Pentecostals out here I am more acquainted with.
I think the problem here might be geography.
Thanks. I needed a laugh.
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