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should i go charismatic - 2/3/2010 5:43:44 PM
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beingthere
Posts: 4
Joined: 11/13/2007
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i need your prayers on this one.
recently introduced to charismatic church
never went to one before.
not sure if i will return.
have relocated south and am looking for a home church.
dean
www.chapbookwriter.com
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/3/2010 5:47:56 PM
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Eutychus
Posts: 9205
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Dothan, AL
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I was introduced to Charismatics in the 1969. After seven years of serious study with them and about them, the Lord revealed to me that it was not His desire for me to become one.
May He reveal His will for you in this matter.
_____________________________
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:29
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/3/2010 6:56:59 PM
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gralan
Posts: 2023
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: beingthere
i need your prayers on this one.
recently introduced to charismatic church
never went to one before.
not sure if i will return.
have relocated south and am looking for a home church.
dean
www.chapbookwriter.com
In my life, understanding that there were things that I should do probably in my private "prayer closet" as it were, came hard and difficult.
The awareness that a church seeking to be faithful to the orthodoxy of the Apostolic Church accepts the using of spiritual gifts in a proper forum, well that came slowly too.
I would seek God's direction in any decision you make about where to attend for worship and fellowship.
Generally my wife and I have come to the place where, without specific direction we will go to the nearest place where there are disciples actually seeking to be following Jesus in real ways.
I pray as I write this that God will cause you to know and go according to His will for your life. I would caution you to be careful any place you go to worship or fellowship.
_____________________________
suffering servant,
gralan,
BTh student TGSAT
//TrinityTheology.org/
check out:
//freecourses.trinitytheology.org/
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/4/2010 10:31:57 AM
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rcjames
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From: Oklahoma
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I do not think that it is possible to recommend or diss a Church based on the term Charismatic.
What are the doctrines, what is the teaching, what is the stated purpose of the Church, does the Church pursue the stated purpose of thier exextance etc. etc. etc.
I know of some "Charismatic" Churches that I would not attend, but the same is true for some Baptist, some Reformed, etc.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/4/2010 11:37:53 AM
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ta_mosquito
Posts: 11820
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From: from MN, now in Ontario :D
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Agreed with RC.
Here are some questions off the top of my head to ask yourself:
- Do you think the charismatic gifts are biblical?
- Does the church in question believe that if you don't exhibit some/a certain gift, you're not saved? (If so, do you think that is biblical?)
- What are their views on the Trinity and other essential Christian doctrines? Are they biblical?
- Are you comfortable with (or comfortably challenged by) their atmosphere/worship, or do you consider it unbiblical for any reason?
Gee - I think there's a theme running through my questions, LOL!
If you consider them biblical, and if you're comfortable worshiping there (or comfortably stretched, but not to the point of thinking everything is weird or whatever), then I don't see why not. But if anything gives you warning flashes or if they're unbiblical, then no.
_____________________________
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/4/2010 4:39:05 PM
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rofaith
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From: rofaith, a believer
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My experience with charismatic congregations is that you have to be wary. I was actually saved(accepted Christ as Lord and Savior) in a charismatic church(mainline denomination) and did well because the Pastor was very loving and as a young man he adopted me so to speak. He will be one of the first I look up in eternity after seeing, speaking with and worshiping Jesus. OTOH, over time, the whole doctrine that you have to "speak in tongues" as the only evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit thing eventually caused me to stumble because of what I perceived as overt rejection of precious believers by the congregation sanctioned by church doctrine. This rejection leads many to believe that charismatic gifts are not for today. At the time, I did speak in tongues, but was hurt by the way it hurt others and the church lost it's credibility to me.
The charismatic gifts are real and I do speak in tongues to this day(while attending Saddleback Church) but do it in private and sometimes in small group quietly since the leadership doesn't condone the practice in the act of worship in the form of Tongues and Interpretation(prophesy)... It's exciting and encouraging to be a part of. But, in my experience doesn't promote community with others (Fellowship)..."gosh, if I can be encouraged by a spoken prophesy in worship, why do I need a small group bible study etc...?" I often feel convicted though to stir this gift that is within me in some way and wait on the Lord to show me how and where.
Be extremely wary if prophecy and interpretation comes from the same person in the congregation consistently and there is no witness to it's authenticity from the Holy Spirit.... abuse can result. There should be two or three witnesses to the veracity of the interpretation.....
just my two cents..... peace and grace....
_____________________________
There is no other name....
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 4:23:36 AM
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beingthere
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my background is traditional.
was an elder in missouri synod lutheran church, but after relocating to tennessee, i lost contact with that denomination.
in chattanooga there is much in the way of the Charismatic church, but it seems foreign to me.
i believe in Jesus of Nazareth as my Lord and Savior and cling to -- by grace i am saved through faith in Christ's Lordship.
i am a writer by profession and have explored much in life. it almost seems that there is a connection/relationship/parrallelism between the charismatic and the secular paranormal
at this point i am looking for guidance.
dean
www.chapbookwriter.com
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 4:38:26 AM
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gralan
Posts: 2023
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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Dean,
I wish I knew what words to say to convey my sadness that you are at this stage in your walk. But I believe that it is a needful stage, in every believer's walk. It happens more than once or twice as far as I can tell. We come through the valley because He is with us. That is not said lightly.
If you would like to, either here or off-forum/thread I'm sure I and/or others could provide a good foil for you to bounce your thinking off of and pray for you directly as you follow God's lead.
Personally, I cannot reject participation in any church where there are disciples of Jesus Christ seeking honestly to walk in faith and love in God's will, in obedience to our great God.
Just because you attend a charismatic service doesn't mean you have to join in. Please don't participate if the Holy Spirit isn't driving you to it. You cannot force and should not copy the influence of the Holy Spirit as it is perceived in other people.
There is nothing Holy in itself in any of our actions. In fact, I find it quite ridiculous to be in a group standing up, with arms raised, heads upright, singing together "I bow down, and I worship you Lord"...
Our actions put the literal lie to our words, do they not?
Peace brother. For everything there is a season. I'm encouraged to remember that God's will has three options:
(1) Sometimes it matters exactly where we are.
(2) Sometimes it matters exactly what we are doing.
(3) Sometimes it matters where and what we are doing exactly.
All three of these things can co-exist in our experience during one day.
Live the adventure! Viva la Christus!
_____________________________
suffering servant,
gralan,
BTh student TGSAT
//TrinityTheology.org/
check out:
//freecourses.trinitytheology.org/
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 12:09:22 PM
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manda59
Posts: 7688
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
In fact, I find it quite ridiculous to be in a group standing up, with arms raised, heads upright, singing together "I bow down, and I worship you Lord"...
I don't find it ridiculous at all.
Because when my arms/hands are raised and I am looking up to the Lord, my spirit is most definitely bowed down before the Lord.
_____________________________
"Manda – I can often skip posting 'cause she's got it covered!", sen10tious, July 2010
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 12:40:21 PM
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rofaith
Posts: 21
Joined: 1/17/2008
From: rofaith, a believer
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quote:
to be in a group standing up, with arms raised, heads upright, singing together "I bow down, and I worship you Lord"...
I often feel this way as well. I've been in a service @ Saddleback and other places where we are singing, "I bow down and worship", and, although I am in alignment with what manda59 is saying, physically, I am not.... there is something about not only bowing my soul and spirit, but also giving the Lord Jesus fuller reverence by bringing my body into that same subjection... He deserves that at the very least....
Manda59..... please don't take this as a criticism of what you are saying because what you say is also hugely relevant in that many sing the song but don't think or act out in worship as you do... that is wonderful as well....
The Lord deserves more reverence then He gets from the Body of Christ.....
_____________________________
There is no other name....
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 1:57:44 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 8198
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
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Scripture says;
(1Ti 2:8) I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Many Churches ignore that passage.
Just saying....
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 2:16:30 PM
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doinkdom
Posts: 5658
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: beingthere
my background is traditional.
was an elder in missouri synod lutheran church, but after relocating to tennessee, i lost contact with that denomination.
in chattanooga there is much in the way of the Charismatic church, but it seems foreign to me.
i believe in Jesus of Nazareth as my Lord and Savior and cling to -- by grace i am saved through faith in Christ's Lordship.
i am a writer by profession and have explored much in life. it almost seems that there is a connection/relationship/parrallelism between the charismatic and the secular paranormal
at this point i am looking for guidance.
dean
www.chapbookwriter.com
we have the same background sans the eldership
I consider myself charismatic with a seatbelt, meaning we believe that the gifts are still alive, but there are biblical guidelines for those gifts and when they are not followed...we take issue. God is not a god of chaos, but one of order as you well know.
Charismatic is far more than a raising of hands during singing.
_____________________________
My Uncles: Twins with younger brother in the middle
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 3:30:01 PM
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3cappuccinosmom
Posts: 4002
Joined: 4/12/2005
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There's scary (legalistic, occult-leaning) charismatic, silly (shallow/flippant about faith) charismatic, and genuine, sincere Jesus-loving God-worshipping charismatic. I'm sure there are even more variations than that.  There are even Charismatic Catholics. 
I wouldn't make a decision based on that one word alone, or your understanding of that word. Or even your first experience. When I first went to a charismatic church with friends, I was overwhelmed and somewhat frightened. Alas, they were the scary charismatics I mentioned. I've since learned that they aren't the only kind and become quite comfortable in charismatic circles, as I've figured out the difference between the scary and the non-scary. 
I agree with this:
quote:
Generally my wife and I have come to the place where, without specific direction we will go to the nearest place where there are disciples actually seeking to be following Jesus in real ways.
We went to a church where Pentacostal worship dancing is pretty common. We don't dance, but it's good to see people expressing their love for God that way. I can identify with the *feeling* of wanting to break out and dance because I love God so much. We just do that sort of thing at home in private. Now we go to a church that does not have a very polished 'music ministry', and doesn't go beyond restrained clapping during certain choruses. I love attending services with my River Brethren friends which is about as quiet and solemn and regimented as you can get. All are believers and love the Lord whole-heartedly and to the best of their ability. Style isn't what makes a church good or bad.
_____________________________
 Moo
"Yup, I'm in agreement with Maggie here on all of this" Manda, April 2010
The Ballad of Bad Biruk
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 5:51:44 PM
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gralan
Posts: 2023
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: manda59
quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
In fact, I find it quite ridiculous to be in a group standing up, with arms raised, heads upright, singing together "I bow down, and I worship you Lord"...
quote:
I don't find it ridiculous at all.
Because when my arms/hands are raised and I am looking up to the Lord, my spirit is most definitely bowed down before the Lord.
Manda59, I'm understanding your position and I share it. However, there is something wrong with the picture when we do not actually bow down either physically or in our hearts. This is the point I was attempting to make. I find it ironic that many in our churches spend a majority of time and energy saying and affirming one thing and yet actually doing another even at the same time.
I understand the idea of submission in our hearts, and this is what God is after.
Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.
It is also possible and probable to bend the head and not the heart. I will attempt to be more exactingly clear in my postings. However, I am human and I err and commit error. Thank you for sharing.
_____________________________
suffering servant,
gralan,
BTh student TGSAT
//TrinityTheology.org/
check out:
//freecourses.trinitytheology.org/
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 6:03:13 PM
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manda59
Posts: 7688
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
Manda59, I'm understanding your position and I share it. However, there is something wrong with the picture when we do not actually bow down either physically or in our hearts. This is the point I was attempting to make. I find it ironic that many in our churches spend a majority of time and energy saying and affirming one thing and yet actually doing another even at the same time.
To me, what anyone else does is no business of mine. That is for God to convict them over, it's not my concern. What I should be concerned about is my walk with the Lord, not anyone else's.
_____________________________
"Manda – I can often skip posting 'cause she's got it covered!", sen10tious, July 2010
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/5/2010 9:15:07 PM
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gralan
Posts: 2023
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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I was indeed talking about my own personal experience of standing singing the song and noticing that the words of the song did not match the actions of myself or those with me.
And this has gone well off-topic.
Thanks.
_____________________________
suffering servant,
gralan,
BTh student TGSAT
//TrinityTheology.org/
check out:
//freecourses.trinitytheology.org/
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/17/2010 12:47:34 PM
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DaveW
Posts: 4123
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: MD suburbs of Washington DC
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
In fact, I find it quite ridiculous to be in a group standing up, with arms raised, heads upright, singing together "I bow down, and I worship you Lord"... So get on your knees already.....
_____________________________
Avatar is my son Caleb and Leah on their wedding 12/20/09
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Our CD is available here:
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/17/2010 12:51:10 PM
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DaveW
Posts: 4123
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: MD suburbs of Washington DC
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gralan
I was indeed talking about my own personal experience of standing singing the song and noticing that the words of the song did not match the actions of myself or those with me.
And this has gone well off-topic.
Thanks.
That is a dangerous sign when the congregants are not actually paying attention to the lyrics they are singing.
As a worship leader I have axed a few songs that IMO were unbiblical in lyric content. And it is really nice to come to a line like "we bow down..." and everyone in the congregation bows together.
_____________________________
Avatar is my son Caleb and Leah on their wedding 12/20/09
=======================
Winner of 2010 "best in "He Says"
=======================
Our CD is available here:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/dswaggoner
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/18/2010 3:26:16 PM
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armydude
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From: NC
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Eutychus
May He reveal His will for you in this matter.
This is the best possible advice you will get on this matter.
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Instructions
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RE: should i go charismatic - 2/24/2010 5:21:32 PM
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DesireMore
Posts: 49
Joined: 2/15/2010
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Before I want to even try to answer or comment on this OP's question, I would like a definition of "charismatic". I live in the south and have been to several "spiritual" churches that said they were charismatic, but there was a great difference in their way of worshipping.
Maybe that's the definition - be whatever you choose to be and do whatever you choose to do????
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