I think I would like to use some portion of this blog on Mondays to have some follow-up to the lesson/message on Sunday nights and provide the chance to answer any questions you might have… so fire away!

In follow up – the Free Church does not take a cessationist view of the miraculous gifts and has nothing in our doctrinal statement that shows a sensitivity to them. We do believe, as you can see in the statement, that we take a Biblical perspective on everything. This means that we want everything to be done with the biblical guidelines – and only then (interpreter present, worship being orderly, etc). While the interpretations of this may be varied, we will agree to disagree on some things – put the power in the local church’s hands and let them decide. This is our only position the topic. 

Further, it would be wise to read 1 Corinthians 11-14 to get a feel for how these gifts fit into the local church. You will see quickly that the church in Corinth was really messed up. They had an issue with women in worship, as they were not obeying Scripture but were following cultural norms and causing men to stumble. Further, they were having issues with the Lord’s Supper and Paul gives them guidelines. Chapter 12 shows that Paul needs to remind the church why the church exists. It does not exist to follow certain gifts or idolize those that have these gifts. The gifts are to serve the church and help it out – not the other way around! Clearly some were using their gifts wrongly and there were some arguments brewing because of this. Paul goes on to show that love must be the foundation for all in the church (1Co 13). Lastly, he goes on to show them that each gift also must not take away from the worship needs of the church. In this, the church must not be disorderly in its worship and must be guided in a way that allows all to see God clearly, not taking away from Him!

Lastly, there are some different interpretations concerning tongues and the different forms they appear in. Here is an article to read if you have ever heard of the concept “prayer languages” and are curious. If you haven’t, you don’t have to read about it (especially if all of this is a little new and you are feeling overwhelmed – it will be here later!) right now but can come back to it when you are ready.

Questions concerning the sign gifts?