So here's the backstory.
These tongues/Gifts/ Baptized in the Spirit threads have been going on for at least a couple of yrs. The subject seemed so unimportant to me for so long, that I never checked them out. So a couple of months ago I decided to see what all the hub bub was about.
Like you, I always knew there was a segment of charismatic charlatans like Hinn, Hagin, and Copeland, that did this hoaky stuff like we have been talking about. But I DIDN'T know just how dangerous, how far reaching, this movement has become. I also didn't know how obscenely wealthy these people got on the desperate hopes of the misled, sick, and poor.
But I truly had no opinion on the subject matter listed above. I agreed I was ignorant on those issues. Shame on me for neglecting these issues.
So I read both sides of the debate, and watched many diverse Pastors, and posted some videos of the VERY shocking things I saw at these HUGE mega Charismatic churches. Behavior that I THOUGHT EVERYONE here would see as horrific and not from the Holy Spirit. I was unprepared for the assault I would receive from those that were in favor of continuation of gifts etc.. EVEN though I NEVER claimed cessationism. and I STILL don't. And defense of these guys from most, not all, that I didn't understand that the Holy Spirit could operate in this type of way. That i MUST NOT have been Baptized with the Holy Spirit. That is when what Pastor MacArthur said stuck with me. That those that come off as reasonable in the movement either join in the attack, or REFUSE to condemn this VERY large, growing movement and their obvious charlatans!.
It seemed the deeper I dug the smellier the whole movement was. And the vitriol from the continuation folks only increased exponentially on a personal level. People that I agreed with on MANY other issues turned rabid. Again, there were a few exceptions, like Lafftur for instance, who at least was open to having a dialog.
So I would encourage you to do your own research. Be a good Berean. And don't take MY word for anything, or anybody elses.
No doubt, I have been there as well brother PennEd.
Each of us will have to give an account individually to Christ.
Some will hear and some won't.
May God open their eyes and ears before it's to late.
2 Corinthians 5:10-15
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things
done in
his body, according to that he hath done, whether
it be good or bad.
11Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to
answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13For whether we be beside ourselves,
it is to God: or whether we be sober,
it is for your cause.
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15And
that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.