8 REASONS WHY I CHOSE NOT TO BE A CHARISMATIC
. To conclude, let me summarize my reason for choosing not to be a
charismatic.
1. I see what seems to me to be too much compromise of
doctrine and standards by charismatics in order that
they might achieve acceptance in the religious community.
2. I am convinced that many charismatics speak
psychologically-induced tongues rather than Spirit
empowered tongues and some may even speak in tongues by
the power of the devil.
3. I am sickened by the foolishness that goes on under the
pretense that it is the moving of the Holy Spirit.
4. I have observed that many sincere people who are hungry
for God's best are mislead into accepting poor sub-
stitutes for the fullness of the Spirit.
5. I see a blindness that seems to prevail among
charismatics about the importance of separation from
worldliness.
6. I find a mindless ecumenism that brings believers and
unbelievers together in an unequal yoke and makes
speaking in tongues the basis for fellowship.
7. I find a reluctance of charismatics to contend for the
faith once delivered unto the saints. It seems that since
this is not popular, charismatics neglect such Scriptural
defense of the faith and act as though doctrinal purity
is of little importance.
8. It seems that charismatics find it easy to ignore certain
portions of Scripture when those portions are inconven-
ient to follow. For example: the complete disregard
for 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 relative to taking your brother
to court.
. My humble prayer is that many who are taken up with 'charismania' will
read this booklet and rethink their position and find the teaching and
practices the New Testament Christians followed.
. I feel compelled to say a further word. My family, for the most part, is
either traditional pentecostals or charismatics. Now, I am neither. To me
the word "Pentecostal" means "Those that believe that speaking in tongues is
of such importance as to make it a main doctrinal distinction." They believe
that Biblical tongues are of two kinds: known languages and ecstatic
utterances.
Pentecostals believe that speaking in tongues is the evidence of
baptism of the Holy Spirit and some Pentecostals make tongues the evidence of
salvation. I am not a Pentecostal then for I believe none of that.
. I do not believe that tongues is of such major importance as to make that
doctrinal distinction of our church. I do not believe that Biblical tongues
are ecstatic utterances but known languages imparted supernaturally by the
Holy Spirit.
I believe that power to win souls - not tongues - is the
evidence of the fullness of the Spirit. I certainly do not believe that
speaking in tongues is the evidence of salvation.
. A charismatic is one who stresses the gifts of the Spirit, especially the
gift of tongues. The Charismatic Movement is the most effective arm of the
ecumenical movement. Charismatics seem to make speaking in tongues the basis
for fellowship rather than making salvation the common grounds on which
Christians meet.
. I have already stated my position on the Charismatic position. but where
does this put me with my family. I love them. They love me. We do not
jawbone each other over these matters. I thank God for Godly parents who
taught me to love the Lord and to trust in His gracious supply. My father has
been spared by God's gracious hand through cancer and five heart attacks to
continue to preach salvation by grace through faith. In that I rejoice.
OUR GOSPEL IS AS SIMPLE AS - ABC
A. Admit you're a sinner ("All have sinned..." Romans 3:23)
and accept Gods ONLY ANTIDOTE for sin - faith in the
innocent shed blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus.
B. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that "He
became sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might
be made the righteousness of God through faith in him."
2 Corinthians 5:21. Also John 3:16.
C. Confess your sin and call on the name of the Lord for
salvation, for whosoever does (this includes YOU) shall
be saved. Romans 10:13. (Read Romans 8:1 ÿ& Ephesians
4:30 for spiritual security).
. Now give the Master charge of your life by praying this prayer: "Thank you
Jesus, for dying for me. I'm sorry I sinned. Please forgive me and save my
soul. Help me live for you. Amen."