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Latest Issue August 2003
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The
Charismatic Challenge
By J.W. de
Silva |
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| 210pp. £6.95,
published by John Ritchie Ltd., 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3
1RH. (ISBN 0-946351-88-0). |
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| In recent years,
many Christians have become uneasy of mind as reports have
filtered through of the inroads made into established churches
by the so-called ‘Charismatic Movement’. Its adherents
believe all the gifts of the Spirit of God are available to
Christians today and, in particular, they are anxious to
demonstrate by usage the spectacular gifts of healing and
speaking in tongues (unintelligible utterances). That there is a
danger from this quarter likely to affect assemblies of
believers is undeniable. All the more reason to study, in depth,
the emphatic teaching of Scripture on this subject, for to allow
ourselves to be influenced by the glowing testimonies and ‘experiences’
of others is an alternative not to be contemplated. The author
handles his subject well, and with utmost thoroughness considers
the matter of supernatural signs throughout the Scriptures and
the reasons for their bestowal at particular times. His
assertion, that some gifts demonstrated in the early days of
this dispensation have been phased-out, is supported by ample
testimony from Scripture. Claims made by devotees of the
Charismatic Movement are thoughtfully considered, as is the
legacy likely to accrue from such practices. This is a most
helpful book, and thoroughly recommended for those holding
genuine concerns over this development. |
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