Good morning, forgiven;
I don't mean to take this sideways from the topic at hand. When we studied the Baptist Heritage, Four Centuries of Baptist Witness by H. Leon Mcbeth, I was blown away how the original Baptist in England and America branched off into different flavors of the Baptist Church.
The General (1612,) American Baptists (1638,) Southern (1845,) Independent (20th century,) Northern (20th century,) Baptist Churches, etc...
I'm not really proud of the evolving history of the denom but have learned how it's history shaped the things to come in the Church.
Why would the preacher you mentioned, assuming he is an elderly man, make that kind of statement to you? I still officiate funerals today for all peoples. Families need that time to remember and grieve their loved ones, and I serve to deliver the hope of Jesus.
I do agree with you. We have the same Jesus. Doesn't everyone have that opportunity? If anyone gathering asks you to share the Good News, then by all means.
God bless you, brother.
Bob
Yes, I have even presided at a Roman Catholic's funeral. That was an experience!
Do we have the same Jesus???? That is a good question.
Now, when any denomination chooses to ignore Scriptures and do what they want to do, do they in fact have the "same" Jesus???
Can we say that about the 7th Day Advan. or the Mormons or the JW'S??? What about the Catholics???? Word of Faith. Do WE all have the same Jesus???
All of the above claim to be Christians.
7 Day Advant. teach that Jesus is the Angel Michael.
Mormons teach that Jesus is a created being.
JW'S teach that Jesus is Lucifers brother and is Michael the angel.
Catholics believe that Mary is the co-redeemer of men.
Word of Faith Pentecostal teach that Jesus is Santa Claus and He will do anything we demand Him to do.
Personally.....I think we have gotten to the point in life where we must face reality!
Just because someone or some denomination uses the name of Jesus does not in any way mean that they know Jesus.
Remember....even the demons know who Jesus is according to James 2:19.....
" You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder!"
It is not enough to simply agree to certain facts about God. It is not enough to claim to be a believer. I am well aware that this will cause some friction.
So be it. James's point is clear as a bell in that it is not enough to just talk about Jesus. That puts those who talk about God, but fail to act in ways consistent with that belief, in the same category as demons. It means knowing, but not trusting. It means "dead faith," rather than "saving faith." The danger of this condition is that a self-assured "religious" person can spend their entire lives in simple agreement without ever crossing over into true and living faith and practice denominational falsehoods and go to hell.
My point was that the author seemed to be indicating that those sign gifts had waned and ceased around time His book was being recorded down, as also might be indicated that Paul did not just command a healing over timothy but suggested to take medicine of wine
"Weaned" is a chosen word.
God said......."prophecies, tongues, and knowledge,
“will cease” or “pass away," when the PERFECT comes.
There are only TWO perfect things that fit that statement in existance.
1. The Lord Jesus Christ who had already come to the earth when Paul wrote his words.
2. The completed Word of God as found when the New Test. was canonized.
