A scary lady from church started chatting to me the other day. Telling me that she had special revelations from God, and had been filled with the Holy Spirit since she was in the womb. That she didn't need any bible college or training because the Holy Spirit taught her everything she needs to know. Said she felt a "spiritual connection" to me, but most pastors and leaders would think she was crazy because of her "revelations" about heaven and the spirit world.
I smiled and nodded and inside I was dying a little. I want to hang a sign around her neck saying "most Christians aren't like this".
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Moses
A little theory I just thought of this morning while reading Exodus. Not 100% sure that this is correct interpretation of these scriptures, but here goes:
Twice God tests Moses with an opportunity. Step away from this corrupt and rebellious "people of God". God will destroy them, and start again with Moses. God's presence will be with Moses, and God will make a great nation from Moses's descendants.
Twice Moses refuses God's offer. Why? Because He understands God's heart.
How many people in our world think they are a "Moses". They look down on the "corrupt" and "rebellious" church system, and think God will make a new start with them as leader. How many cults are born with this "special relationship" between God and one man.
Let Moses be our example. Walk in humility and LOVE the people of God, with all their flaws. Moses says "kill me rather than remove your presence from your people".
Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."
But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?
Ex 32:10-11 NIV
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
Ex 33:14-15 NIV
Twice God tests Moses with an opportunity. Step away from this corrupt and rebellious "people of God". God will destroy them, and start again with Moses. God's presence will be with Moses, and God will make a great nation from Moses's descendants.
Twice Moses refuses God's offer. Why? Because He understands God's heart.
How many people in our world think they are a "Moses". They look down on the "corrupt" and "rebellious" church system, and think God will make a new start with them as leader. How many cults are born with this "special relationship" between God and one man.
Let Moses be our example. Walk in humility and LOVE the people of God, with all their flaws. Moses says "kill me rather than remove your presence from your people".
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thoughts on Parenting
As a young single man, it may seem pretentious for me to have an opinion on parenting, but in fact I believe it would be irresponsible for me not to.
I believe that every person's life choices will have enormous effects on their children (current or future), and their children's children. The more I look at terrible situations in our world, the more obvious it becomes that generational curses are all around us. I recently began to read The Children of God by Deborah Davis. It is the very insightful story of the origins of the cult into which I was born. I was struck by the story of the founder's parents. Seemingly harmless deception was magnified in each generation, culminating in the founder's son committing violent murder-suicide (as well of countless lives destroyed by the power of cult).
When I began to attend church (and get my life on track) I quickly began to notice healthy family units, and wondered what it was that set them apart. Not simply God or the church, as some 'good Christian parents' had 'rebellious' and 'wayward' children, and others had raised champions for God. I loved seeing parents in the church, with all of their kids in ministry. Such vibrant, healthy and nurturing relationships between parents and children.
While my views are necessarily tailored by my own experience, this learning journey has not had anything to do with my relationship with my parents or siblings. It is purely for the benefit of my future wife, children, and grandchildren. I am determined to leave a generational blessing in my wake. A great spiritual platform for my descendants to stand on.
To that end, let me share with you some of the principles and methods which I hope to employ. I must, however, stress that these points are simply a mark of perfection that I am striving for at the beginning of my journey. They are NOT intended to insult anyone who has followed a different path. I know that life gets messy. In spite of my cynicism, I obstinately chase perfection.
Prior to birth
Kill your demons. If you don't, they will kill your children. My terminology is graphic for a purpose. This is the number one, most crucial point in the whole process. While you are still repressing all the crap you dealt with in your younger life, you are not fit to be a parent. I can strongly recommend Christian counselling for every person. Contact your local church, or if you live in Cairns / Townsville I can recommend some fantastic (and discreet) counsellors. The process is the most difficult you will ever go through, but also the most rewarding. You must be ruthless, in retrieving each memory, mindset, pain, and executing each one. This is critical for not only parenthood, but every deep relationship you will ever have.
Be Intentional. A stable family unit is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Before you have children, find a life partner and commit to them (marriage). Until then, for goodness sake, keep your pants ON. Take your time finding that person. Don't settle for anyone less than perfect. You are allowed to be picky. "Unwanted" children don't need to be told that they were an accident. They know.
Choose a Name. It is a travesty to invent a word that sounds nice, and use that as your child's identity. The meaning of a name is far more important that how it sounds, how often it is being used in your country at the time, etc. Take some time to consult good name dictionaries, including etymology, and before you make your final decision, be sure to check for other meanings in different languages. A name carries implicated identity.
Love Languages. This is not just for your marriage, it also applies to your children. Each person identifies most strongly with one of these 5 "love languages": Touch, Words of Appreciation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service. When your child is very young, be intentional about using all 5 languages to show them your love. As they grow older, be attentive to determine which one they most desire, and give to that. It is selfish to only give out of your love language. There is no point showering them with gifts, when all they want is quality time. Or telling them how great they are, when they just wish you would give them a hug.
Discipline. One simple, yet profound statement, should rule you. "Never discipline in anger." Forgiveness does not necessitate removal of consequence or restoration of trust, but forgiveness is essential and must be immediate. If you feel injured or upset, DO NOT SPEAK TO YOUR CHILD. Remove yourself immediately until you have dissolved all anger, and found forgiveness. Then return to carry out the correct consequence. Discipline is solely for the purpose of providing guidance. Not to appease your emotions. Under these guidelines, I believe physical punishment is acceptable. If you decide not to use physical punishment, then DO NOT threaten to use it. Be very careful with threats as EVERY promise of punishment must be fulfilled in order to retain respect and trust.
Mutual Respect and Trust underpins every deep relationship, and your parenting is no exception. If you take your two year-old to a dinner party and he makes so much noise that you feel embarrassed, you are not at liberty to discipline him. Just because you are inconvenienced by his actions, does not mean he is being naughty, he is simply being two. By considering his needs as equal in importance to your own, you build mutual respect. This foundation will be shiningly clear (or glaringly missing) when your child becomes a teenager. Closely related to Respect is Trust. You MUST become a man of your word. There is no such thing as a promise, your yes should mean yes and your no should mean no. Every simple thing you say is a contract and should only be broken when necessary with contrition and tact.
Exemplify Righteousness. This is possibly the hardest point of all, and the one that will be failed the most. Right-living is essential during parenthood. Even in the little things. Your child may not realise that you are cheating on your tax return, burning music and movies, or regularly breaking the speed limit, but subconsciously they will pickup on your deceptive ways and you will see it magnified in their lives.
Teach Learning. Schooling is a funny thing. Your child's grades are completely irrelevant. It is, however, essential that your child develops a love for learning. Teach them how to learn, and how to fall in love with a topic. Also teach them to take responsibility for their own learning. There is a big difference between learning and being taught. There are no boring subjects (except OHS) so if your child consistently reports that a certain subject is boring, then you can be sure they have a boring teacher (who either does not love the subject or does not love the kids). You will need to be creative and put some time and effort into helping them learn to love that subject again. If all else fails, consider a different teacher/school. Remember that each formative year is critical. If one stupid teacher wrecks english (or maths, history, etc.) for your child in primary school, they will struggle in that area for the rest of their lives.
Lead Them. Don't just read parenting books, read leadership books. The links between parenting and leadership is worthy of a book on it's own (perhaps I will write it one day). I recommend any books by John Maxwell. Everything that an employee is looking for in a leader, is also what a child wants to see in a parent. The key concepts of mutual respect and trust come into play here. Don't just raise your children, lead them. If you can get this concept, your children will obey and follow you because you inspire them, not just because they are dependant on you.
Analyse your Reaction. Popular Culture is changing quickly. Remember that you shocked your (old, fuddy-duddy) parents with your actions, so don't be surprised when your teenager does something shocking with their appearance, tastes, interests, etc. Before you react, analyse your reaction. How important is it? Consider swallowing your shock and displaying acceptance and tolerance for the sake of your relationship. Begin to prepare yourself now in the knowledge that the world of youth fads will be a shocking place once you are old.
Schedules and Priorities. A person with family, home, and regular job will naturally develop a schedule that suits them. 3 regular meals a day, standard bedtime, wake up early, etc. When your child is a young adult their priorities will be very different to yours. It would be highly counter-productive for them to adopt your schedule, so don't force it on them. They might have their most productive time from 6pm - 11pm, and regularly go to bed after midnight, but that is why Young Adults can get so much done. Appreciate it.
I'm sure there is more I can't think of right now that is probably very important to me. Perhaps I will update this post with more info. But now, I am tired and have work to do before bed. Goodnight.
Be Intentional. A stable family unit is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Before you have children, find a life partner and commit to them (marriage). Until then, for goodness sake, keep your pants ON. Take your time finding that person. Don't settle for anyone less than perfect. You are allowed to be picky. "Unwanted" children don't need to be told that they were an accident. They know.
Choose a Name. It is a travesty to invent a word that sounds nice, and use that as your child's identity. The meaning of a name is far more important that how it sounds, how often it is being used in your country at the time, etc. Take some time to consult good name dictionaries, including etymology, and before you make your final decision, be sure to check for other meanings in different languages. A name carries implicated identity.
Young Children
Empowerment. If I hadn't already used "the most crucial point", I would assign that title to this. Far more important than teaching your child what they should do, or should not do, is teaching them that they are capable of doing anything. Constantly reinforce that fact. Give your child a superiority complex! (If you get the other points right, this shouldn't have the common bad side effects of bullying, etc.) If you were bad at maths, or bad at music, or never learnt to drive, or couldn't hold a job, please, please don't project those things onto your child. I look forward to the day when I can say "Hold your head high boy. You're MY son." The balance is to get them accustomed to the idea that being the best will take time and effort. Also, that being the best is not about being BETTER than other people. It is only about you and the task. You should never push someone else down so that you can be "the best". That is a hollow victory.Love Languages. This is not just for your marriage, it also applies to your children. Each person identifies most strongly with one of these 5 "love languages": Touch, Words of Appreciation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service. When your child is very young, be intentional about using all 5 languages to show them your love. As they grow older, be attentive to determine which one they most desire, and give to that. It is selfish to only give out of your love language. There is no point showering them with gifts, when all they want is quality time. Or telling them how great they are, when they just wish you would give them a hug.
Discipline. One simple, yet profound statement, should rule you. "Never discipline in anger." Forgiveness does not necessitate removal of consequence or restoration of trust, but forgiveness is essential and must be immediate. If you feel injured or upset, DO NOT SPEAK TO YOUR CHILD. Remove yourself immediately until you have dissolved all anger, and found forgiveness. Then return to carry out the correct consequence. Discipline is solely for the purpose of providing guidance. Not to appease your emotions. Under these guidelines, I believe physical punishment is acceptable. If you decide not to use physical punishment, then DO NOT threaten to use it. Be very careful with threats as EVERY promise of punishment must be fulfilled in order to retain respect and trust.
Mutual Respect and Trust underpins every deep relationship, and your parenting is no exception. If you take your two year-old to a dinner party and he makes so much noise that you feel embarrassed, you are not at liberty to discipline him. Just because you are inconvenienced by his actions, does not mean he is being naughty, he is simply being two. By considering his needs as equal in importance to your own, you build mutual respect. This foundation will be shiningly clear (or glaringly missing) when your child becomes a teenager. Closely related to Respect is Trust. You MUST become a man of your word. There is no such thing as a promise, your yes should mean yes and your no should mean no. Every simple thing you say is a contract and should only be broken when necessary with contrition and tact.
Exemplify Righteousness. This is possibly the hardest point of all, and the one that will be failed the most. Right-living is essential during parenthood. Even in the little things. Your child may not realise that you are cheating on your tax return, burning music and movies, or regularly breaking the speed limit, but subconsciously they will pickup on your deceptive ways and you will see it magnified in their lives.
Teach Learning. Schooling is a funny thing. Your child's grades are completely irrelevant. It is, however, essential that your child develops a love for learning. Teach them how to learn, and how to fall in love with a topic. Also teach them to take responsibility for their own learning. There is a big difference between learning and being taught. There are no boring subjects (except OHS) so if your child consistently reports that a certain subject is boring, then you can be sure they have a boring teacher (who either does not love the subject or does not love the kids). You will need to be creative and put some time and effort into helping them learn to love that subject again. If all else fails, consider a different teacher/school. Remember that each formative year is critical. If one stupid teacher wrecks english (or maths, history, etc.) for your child in primary school, they will struggle in that area for the rest of their lives.
Teenagers and Young Adults
Teach Skills. Please don't forget to teach your child how to ride a bike, how to drive, how to shave, how to tie a tie, how to apply for a job, etc. etc. All the countless little things that they really shouldn't have to teach themselves. This helps to give them an edge in life. Don't be lazy. Lead Them. Don't just read parenting books, read leadership books. The links between parenting and leadership is worthy of a book on it's own (perhaps I will write it one day). I recommend any books by John Maxwell. Everything that an employee is looking for in a leader, is also what a child wants to see in a parent. The key concepts of mutual respect and trust come into play here. Don't just raise your children, lead them. If you can get this concept, your children will obey and follow you because you inspire them, not just because they are dependant on you.
Analyse your Reaction. Popular Culture is changing quickly. Remember that you shocked your (old, fuddy-duddy) parents with your actions, so don't be surprised when your teenager does something shocking with their appearance, tastes, interests, etc. Before you react, analyse your reaction. How important is it? Consider swallowing your shock and displaying acceptance and tolerance for the sake of your relationship. Begin to prepare yourself now in the knowledge that the world of youth fads will be a shocking place once you are old.
Schedules and Priorities. A person with family, home, and regular job will naturally develop a schedule that suits them. 3 regular meals a day, standard bedtime, wake up early, etc. When your child is a young adult their priorities will be very different to yours. It would be highly counter-productive for them to adopt your schedule, so don't force it on them. They might have their most productive time from 6pm - 11pm, and regularly go to bed after midnight, but that is why Young Adults can get so much done. Appreciate it.
I'm sure there is more I can't think of right now that is probably very important to me. Perhaps I will update this post with more info. But now, I am tired and have work to do before bed. Goodnight.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Theology: A (Very) Brief Summary
My Blog has resigned itself to the fact that it must reside in the dungeon of neglect until, every few years, I dust it off and upload an assignment. This post is no exception. My assignment had strict guidelines. 100 words in response to each question. Due to stringent limits, my thoughts are necessarily brief.
1. Explain your views of the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ.
I believe that Jesus was fully human. Scripture clearly describes His bodily substance, genealogy, physical limitations, limited knowledge, emotions, public worship, temptation, and death. His humanity was confirmed many times by eye-witnesses (Acts 17:31, 1Pet 4:1)
I believe that Jesus was fully divine. Scripture evidences this by His own claims, miracles, virgin birth, resurrection, ascension, and the worship ascribed to Him by others. His deity was confirmed many times by eye-witnesses (John 20:28, 1 John 5:20)
Redemption lies between these two truths. His humanity allowed Him to be a substitute sacrifice. His divinity gave this act the power to redeem.
2. Outline your beliefs on the Godhead.
I believe in only one God, a spiritual being that created all other beings. I believe this one God has a plurality that defies all human metaphor. I believe that within this plurality exists three distinct persons, each with a different expression and role, but each in complete unity of being, of the same substance, and equal in dignity. The scriptures refer to these three persons as "Father" (Gal 1:1), "Son" (Heb 1:8) and "Spirit" (John 16:13). This understanding is essential to our daily christian walk as it forms a key part of our great commission (Matt 28:19).
3. Explain your views on the person and deity of the Holy Spirit.
I believe the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person (John 16:13), wholly God and member of the Holy Trinity. The Spirit was active in the creation and was the life breathed into the first human. The Spirit baptised (Luke 3:22), empowered and infilled Jesus during his earthly ministry, and was sent to all humanity upon its completion. The spirit indwells believers (1 Cor 3:16). The spirit speaks to our hearts, pointing to Christ, convicting of sin, giving knowledge, inspiring hope and assurance, sanctifying, and continually regenerating us, freeing our will to obey the Word.
4. How do you view the redemptive work of Christ and the salvation of man?
God has never revoked His gift of free will. The first man committed treason by honouring his own will above God. All of his descendants were enslaved to sin (Rom 5:12). God, in His mercy, redeemed humanity by paying the treason-debt (death and hell) with His own blood (Heb 9:12). This redemption is available as a free gift to every human throughout time, but must be appropriated through faith (Eph 2:8). From Eden to Calvary, believers accepted this gift through symbolic sacrifice of an animal. Now a physical act is not required, we accept through faith alone.
5. What is your position regarding the Bible (the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New testaments)?
I accept the divine authority of written scripture as recorded in the Christian cannon. Throughout history God has revealed limited, comprehensible aspects of Himself to mankind. He inspired humans to write this revelation for dissemination, durability, purity and finality. Jesus quoted scripture and advocated it's divine inspiration (Mark 12:36). The apostles also quoted both OT and NT (1Tim 5:18). Not only does the Bible refer to itself as authoritative and inspired (2 Tim 3:16), but the Holy Spirit uses the scriptures to speak to us personally (Eph 5:26). Only God can be an adequate witness to Himself.
6. Explain water baptism.
Water Baptism replaces circumcision as a symbolic rite of initiation into union with Christ, indicating the burial of our sinful nature and our resurrection into newness of life (Rom 6:3-5). It is a public confession of faith, expression of commitment, and symbol of promise. A visible sign which points to an invisible grace. It has echoes in the story of Noah, Israel passing through the sea, and the death and resurrection of Christ. Jesus underwent baptism (Mark 1:9) and authorised His disciples to baptise others (John 3:22). Baptism is a crucial part of our great commission (Matt 28:19).
7. Outline your beliefs about the baptism with the Holy Spirit and Gifts of the Spirit.
I believe Holy Spirit baptism is a specific spiritual event, (with the scriptural analogy of immersion in fire - Luke 3:16) which results in a constant indwelling and consistent filling of the believer with the Spirit. The purpose of this indwelling is not sanctification, but empowerment for service (Acts 1:8), as manifested in various gifts of ministry. This event is a gift which cannot be deserved or earned and was observed at Pentecost where it bore the fruit of 3000 new believers. It is separate from the events of conversion and water baptism (Acts 8:16), although they may happen simultaneously.
8. Explain your views on divine healing.
I believe that all sickness is a perversion of creation and can be rectified by the Creator. Healing is a divine gift from God that cannot be earned or deserved, only appropriated by faith (Mat 8:13). The assistance of medicine does not invalidate the divine miracle, and should not be refused on grounds of "faith". Humans should engage in healing others under the unction of the Spirit, with the name and authority of Jesus. This was modelled (Luke 4:14,40) and even commanded (Mat 10:8) by Christ. Divine healing also stands as a sign to unbelievers. (Mat 15:31)
9. Explain your views on the Second Coming of Christ.
I believe that Christ, having ascended to heaven, will return in a sudden, obvious and glorious manifestation (Mat 24:30) that will mark the end of the age. The dead will rise and be judged with the living (2Tim 4:1). The church will be delivered from oppression and enter a perfect, endless life of unhindered intimacy with God and other believers, the final climax of God's redemptive work. This knowledge inspires believers to build His church with love and urgency, to watch (Mat 25:13) wait and hope, to petition Him to return, and to praise Him for His coming triumph.
10. What are your views on eternal judgement?
Every human will live only once, and face judgement in the afterlife (Heb 9:27). The justice of the Righteous Judge will be evident to all on that day (Rom 3:19). Every person will stand guilty of treason, regardless of good works, but those who have placed their faith in Christ will be redeemed and His righteousness credited to them (Rom 4:24). Those without justification will face the full force of God's just wrath. I believe 'forever' is an accurate though limited description of the afterlife's duration. Believers will also face a judgement which cannot result in damnation.
11. What is your position on “tongues as the initial evidence” of baptism with Holy Spirit?
I believe that glossolalia is the initial and most evident proof that baptism in the Spirit has taken place. The apostles accepted glossolalia as proof that gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:46). This should not detract from the validity of other evidences of infilling including prophesy, powerful preaching (Acts 4:8), wisdom, courage and boldness (Acts 4:31). Glossolalia is a Spirit-inspired utterance directed toward God (Rom 8:26) and especially useful for private prayer, as it's purpose is to edify us. It should not be confused with other forms of "speaking in tongues" which are primarily for ministry.
12. Explain your beliefs on nature of Satan.
I believe in the existence of Satan (the adversary), created being, originator of sin and head of an angelic rebellion against God. Satan is an imitator (Isaiah 14:14), murderer, full of malice, father of lies and enemy of our souls, acting as both tempter and accuser (Rev 12:10), blinding people to the gospel. Christ resisted his temptations and we also are called to identify and resist him and his devices (James 4:7), understanding that the sacrifice of Christ has overcome and defeated him. In the end his schemes will fail and he will become the object of God's full wrath.
1. Explain your views of the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ.
I believe that Jesus was fully human. Scripture clearly describes His bodily substance, genealogy, physical limitations, limited knowledge, emotions, public worship, temptation, and death. His humanity was confirmed many times by eye-witnesses (Acts 17:31, 1Pet 4:1)
I believe that Jesus was fully divine. Scripture evidences this by His own claims, miracles, virgin birth, resurrection, ascension, and the worship ascribed to Him by others. His deity was confirmed many times by eye-witnesses (John 20:28, 1 John 5:20)
Redemption lies between these two truths. His humanity allowed Him to be a substitute sacrifice. His divinity gave this act the power to redeem.
2. Outline your beliefs on the Godhead.
I believe in only one God, a spiritual being that created all other beings. I believe this one God has a plurality that defies all human metaphor. I believe that within this plurality exists three distinct persons, each with a different expression and role, but each in complete unity of being, of the same substance, and equal in dignity. The scriptures refer to these three persons as "Father" (Gal 1:1), "Son" (Heb 1:8) and "Spirit" (John 16:13). This understanding is essential to our daily christian walk as it forms a key part of our great commission (Matt 28:19).
3. Explain your views on the person and deity of the Holy Spirit.
I believe the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person (John 16:13), wholly God and member of the Holy Trinity. The Spirit was active in the creation and was the life breathed into the first human. The Spirit baptised (Luke 3:22), empowered and infilled Jesus during his earthly ministry, and was sent to all humanity upon its completion. The spirit indwells believers (1 Cor 3:16). The spirit speaks to our hearts, pointing to Christ, convicting of sin, giving knowledge, inspiring hope and assurance, sanctifying, and continually regenerating us, freeing our will to obey the Word.
4. How do you view the redemptive work of Christ and the salvation of man?
God has never revoked His gift of free will. The first man committed treason by honouring his own will above God. All of his descendants were enslaved to sin (Rom 5:12). God, in His mercy, redeemed humanity by paying the treason-debt (death and hell) with His own blood (Heb 9:12). This redemption is available as a free gift to every human throughout time, but must be appropriated through faith (Eph 2:8). From Eden to Calvary, believers accepted this gift through symbolic sacrifice of an animal. Now a physical act is not required, we accept through faith alone.
5. What is your position regarding the Bible (the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New testaments)?
I accept the divine authority of written scripture as recorded in the Christian cannon. Throughout history God has revealed limited, comprehensible aspects of Himself to mankind. He inspired humans to write this revelation for dissemination, durability, purity and finality. Jesus quoted scripture and advocated it's divine inspiration (Mark 12:36). The apostles also quoted both OT and NT (1Tim 5:18). Not only does the Bible refer to itself as authoritative and inspired (2 Tim 3:16), but the Holy Spirit uses the scriptures to speak to us personally (Eph 5:26). Only God can be an adequate witness to Himself.
6. Explain water baptism.
Water Baptism replaces circumcision as a symbolic rite of initiation into union with Christ, indicating the burial of our sinful nature and our resurrection into newness of life (Rom 6:3-5). It is a public confession of faith, expression of commitment, and symbol of promise. A visible sign which points to an invisible grace. It has echoes in the story of Noah, Israel passing through the sea, and the death and resurrection of Christ. Jesus underwent baptism (Mark 1:9) and authorised His disciples to baptise others (John 3:22). Baptism is a crucial part of our great commission (Matt 28:19).
7. Outline your beliefs about the baptism with the Holy Spirit and Gifts of the Spirit.
I believe Holy Spirit baptism is a specific spiritual event, (with the scriptural analogy of immersion in fire - Luke 3:16) which results in a constant indwelling and consistent filling of the believer with the Spirit. The purpose of this indwelling is not sanctification, but empowerment for service (Acts 1:8), as manifested in various gifts of ministry. This event is a gift which cannot be deserved or earned and was observed at Pentecost where it bore the fruit of 3000 new believers. It is separate from the events of conversion and water baptism (Acts 8:16), although they may happen simultaneously.
8. Explain your views on divine healing.
I believe that all sickness is a perversion of creation and can be rectified by the Creator. Healing is a divine gift from God that cannot be earned or deserved, only appropriated by faith (Mat 8:13). The assistance of medicine does not invalidate the divine miracle, and should not be refused on grounds of "faith". Humans should engage in healing others under the unction of the Spirit, with the name and authority of Jesus. This was modelled (Luke 4:14,40) and even commanded (Mat 10:8) by Christ. Divine healing also stands as a sign to unbelievers. (Mat 15:31)
9. Explain your views on the Second Coming of Christ.
I believe that Christ, having ascended to heaven, will return in a sudden, obvious and glorious manifestation (Mat 24:30) that will mark the end of the age. The dead will rise and be judged with the living (2Tim 4:1). The church will be delivered from oppression and enter a perfect, endless life of unhindered intimacy with God and other believers, the final climax of God's redemptive work. This knowledge inspires believers to build His church with love and urgency, to watch (Mat 25:13) wait and hope, to petition Him to return, and to praise Him for His coming triumph.
10. What are your views on eternal judgement?
Every human will live only once, and face judgement in the afterlife (Heb 9:27). The justice of the Righteous Judge will be evident to all on that day (Rom 3:19). Every person will stand guilty of treason, regardless of good works, but those who have placed their faith in Christ will be redeemed and His righteousness credited to them (Rom 4:24). Those without justification will face the full force of God's just wrath. I believe 'forever' is an accurate though limited description of the afterlife's duration. Believers will also face a judgement which cannot result in damnation.
11. What is your position on “tongues as the initial evidence” of baptism with Holy Spirit?
I believe that glossolalia is the initial and most evident proof that baptism in the Spirit has taken place. The apostles accepted glossolalia as proof that gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:46). This should not detract from the validity of other evidences of infilling including prophesy, powerful preaching (Acts 4:8), wisdom, courage and boldness (Acts 4:31). Glossolalia is a Spirit-inspired utterance directed toward God (Rom 8:26) and especially useful for private prayer, as it's purpose is to edify us. It should not be confused with other forms of "speaking in tongues" which are primarily for ministry.
12. Explain your beliefs on nature of Satan.
I believe in the existence of Satan (the adversary), created being, originator of sin and head of an angelic rebellion against God. Satan is an imitator (Isaiah 14:14), murderer, full of malice, father of lies and enemy of our souls, acting as both tempter and accuser (Rev 12:10), blinding people to the gospel. Christ resisted his temptations and we also are called to identify and resist him and his devices (James 4:7), understanding that the sacrifice of Christ has overcome and defeated him. In the end his schemes will fail and he will become the object of God's full wrath.
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