A Case for Secession...err...Cessationism

Last week, John MacArthur and Grace to You had a conference called, "Strange Fire" to address the problems in the "Charismatic Movement".

I'd thought about writing a short blog series addressing the Biblical issues involved, but after listening to one of the audio messages, I have a better option.

I haven't heard all the sessions yet, but in my opinion, Tom Pennington's session on the 7 Biblical Reasons for Cessationism is something all believers should hear. Those who believe the sign gifts still exist today are far more numerous in the world than Mormons (500 Million vs. 14 million, if I'm remembering the statistics right).

It is important that we know what the Bible teaches, particularly regarding gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and Miracles. Are there still Christians today who are gifted with the ability to work these signs? I agree with Tom Pennington in affirming that the Bible does not support the Charismatics in any way.

Note. Saying we believe that the sign gifts have ceased does not mean that we believe God is not capable of acting miraculously anymore. As one pastor put it: The miraculous gifts of the New Testament's existence today would be equivalent to it snowing on the Sahara desert - obviously God could do it; but don't expect it.

The session is a few minutes over an hour, but it would time well spent.

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/TM13-7/a-case-for-cessationism-tom-pennington

Other sessions if you have time and interest can be found here:

http://www.tmstrangefire.org/media#.UmrdbXBJNkk