Thoughtful Reflections on Faith and Life
There are many Christians who believe that the gifts of the Spirit described in 1 Corinthians 12 ended, either with the death of the apostles or the completion of the New Testament (they are not sure which). Instead of just accepting their assertion, I tend to request some biblical support for this. While I understand … Read More “Does 1 Corinthians 13 teach Cessationism?” »
While this generalization lacks some nuance, there are Christians who believe that God only speaks through Scripture and those who believe that God speaks through other means today as well. I understand that there are cessationists, those who believe the sign gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 are no longer available, have some differing views. For … Read More “Cessationism and the Sufficiency of Scripture” »
I recently did a Twitter poll about speaking in tongues and to whom it is available. These were the results. Speaking in tongues is available to: — Stephen Bedard (@SJBedard) July 7, 2018 The results were pretty consistent for the whole duration of the poll. Two-thirds of the respondents stated that tongues were not available … Read More “Is Speaking in Tongues Still For Today?” »
I sometimes joke that I believe cessationism died with the apostles. While I am amused by the statement, it often does not get the reaction I am looking for. The truth is that there are many people who hold to cessationism, the belief that spiritual gifts are not for today. At the same time, charismatics … Read More “Are Spiritual Gifts for Today?” »
I have noticed that there is a deep suspicion by charismatics towards Baptists when it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I heard it in the preaching at the Pentecostal church that I used to attend. I saw it at the (predominately Baptist) seminary that I studied at. Being Pentecostal at the time, … Read More “Baptists and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit” »
Whenever the topic of cessationism comes up, I am used to 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 coming up. “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the … Read More “Cessationism and Hebrews 1:1-2” »
