Thoughtful Review of MacArthur’s “Strange Fire” Book
Thanks to Nijay Gupta’s note on Twitter that directed me to this review by Craig Keener.
I’ve not followed the controversy over John MacArthur’s “Strange Fire” conference (a pugnacious criticism of the charismatic movement), which I presume was in part arranged to promote his book. (I didn’t even know there was a book until today – I don’t follow popular preachers at all). But I read the review. Keener is a charismatic scholar I met a couple of years ago at the Pastorum Conference where we were both speakers. I really enjoyed his session and chatting with him. He’s a committed NT scholar with a long history in the charismatic tradition, so the review caught my interest. It’s very good – thoughtful and attentive to detail, offering both positive and negative commentary. If you’re interested in this subject area, this would be something you’ll want to read.
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In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. (1Co 14:21)
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (Isa 28:11)
To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isa 28:12)
Moreover, the church fathers in the early church period were "continuationists". So were apparently this author: Eddie L. Hyatt: http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/chu...
And the best of all: my own testimony. 9 days ago, I visited a brother in his pain (a combination of kidney stones and some type of hernia). I laid hands on him (and his son laid his hands as well) and used the name of Jesus for his healing. This was at night. Next morning, he was healed, and he's still talking about it at church.
God's spiritual gifts never ceased.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Act 2:38)
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Act 2:39)
Again, God's spiritual gifts... NEVER... ceased.