@Grandpa2390
Are you a cessationist like John MacArthur?
I am. John MacArthur's series on tongues is what finally convinced me. I was skeptic, but I wanted to believe in tongues. I wanted to fit in. I listened to all of his sermons, but I avoided that series like the plague. Over time my skepticism at what I witnessed and experienced began to grow. Until finally I had the strength of will to listen to a sermon that I knew could ruin everything. That it did. His coverage of Acts, 1 Corinthians, etc. And his coverage of salvation. I went on and read his book "Strange Fire" which traced the roots of the Charismatic movement. The original people believed that they were speaking legit languages. It was published in the papers and all that they were sending missionaries with the gift. When the missionaries came back in failure, they had to alter the story in order to save face.
But note that while John MacArthur is a Cessationist, and I am too. We do not believe it is impossible for these gifts to still be given. Just that they aren't. At least, They are not given at anywhere near the rate the charismatic movement claims. There is no real need anymore.
But the Holy Spirit can give it to whomever he chooses.
and if the gift is given, the only legitimate use is for edifying the church. If a person has the real gift, he ought to be using it to spread the gospel to those that speak that language. Not shouting in a church or praying in a closet.
There could be some person, somewhere in the world who has the real gift. But what goes on in Charismatic churches, is not it.
as the "initial evidence of salvation" speaking in tongues is so weak. It's just an emotional ecstatic experience. There is no root in truth. Most people came, spoke in tongues, "were saved", "felt good" and then disappeared. But this is the evidence, and nobody stays. Unfortunately, nobody could tell if the evidence was real or not. How do you tell if it is real "heavenly language" or fake "heavenly language"? nobody knows. We would know quite easily if someone was speaking real chinese or fake chinese.
So while this should be a sign that someone is saved, it really isn't reliable.
I don't think it's crazy at all. Sometimes the mystery of some of these things can be a blessing even as it keeps us on our toes because it keeps us seeking Him. I really admire your prayer habits too. You are an amazing example and a challenge to me since that's an area I really need to work on.
Some excellent advice and wisdom there.
