Speaking in Tongues Today

A Controversial Gift As exhibited in the recent Strange Fire Conference in the United States, the subject of speaking in tongues is probably one of the most controversial of Christian subjects and elicits all sorts of reactions, from the genuine and beneficial, to gibberish and unhelpful, all the way through to being demonic and dangerous, … Continue reading Speaking in Tongues Today

Strange Fire and Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in tongues is a big issue for John MacArthur and Co. and it was also for the apostle Paul, except that their take on it is completely different. Part of MacArthur's problem, a major part, is one of hermeneutic, how you interpret the Scriptures. MacArthur works within a moderate dispensational framework, a framework which … Continue reading Strange Fire and Speaking in Tongues

Strange Fire and the Corinthians

Reflecting on the Strange Fire Conference and Scripture one can't help but wonder how John MacArthur would have written to the church at Corinth. Here was a church where things were out of order - here was charismatic chaos! And what is Paul's answer, what you are doing is of the devil? Or/and, I don't … Continue reading Strange Fire and the Corinthians

Strange Fire 3

Having seen something of the criticisms of charismatic worship made at the Strange Fire Conference, I watched some of Grace Community Church (of which John MacArthur is one of the pastors) Sunday morning service at the end of the conference and was struck by the fact that they sang In Christ Alone, a hymn full … Continue reading Strange Fire 3

Strange Fire 2

Well the Strange Fire Conference has certainly stirred something up, let's pray that all sides benefit from the continuing conversation. Having been brought up a cessationist I have been for many years a scripturally and experientially convinced continuationist, though I must confess I did have a spell where because of the abuse of spiritual gifts … Continue reading Strange Fire 2