beautifully stated. I am reminded of the few times when I felt God's presence in an intimate way and do long for more of those experiences. Although they are regrettably few and far between, I know that they are what has carried me through difficult times: the knowledge that God himself has humbled himself to communicate with one such as me. That is the life. As I sit here holding my little daughter, I am overwhelmed by the first illustration that you gave. She could be standing beside me just as easily, but is so much more content and satisfied to me this much closer. Oh, how I long for intimacy with God again.
Brad I'm not sure why you think Adrian is "moderating" this discussion. He's posting on it but I wouldn't say he's moderating.
I thought Adrian was "instigating"
I think it's fundamental to make the distinction between these "impressions" and scripture based upon the functions that scripture assigns them:
"prophecy" is for "edification, exhortation, and comfort," while scripture is for "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Clearly the New Testament model is for one to be more foundational than the other.
Catez,
I just think the whole discussion is going well. Adrian seems to have an instigating way to provide moderation. Actually, I like that this discussion has staying power.Usually blogdom has less attention span than this. The process gives me hope.
Kyle,
I think scripture has a completely different function than prophecy and NT prophecy has a different function than OT prophecy BUT nonetheless the experience of the prophetic encourter I think is the same.
The laying down the foundation is certainly the apostolic scripture writing function in the NT. Modern day prophets MUST not try and add to the foundation.
Well said Brad-
Adrian IS doing a jood job of moderating this debate by empasizing the main point...
"The Major Issue: God, by the Holy Spirit, grants His children direct, conscious experiences of Himself. These relational experiences of God amount to impressions from the Holy Spirit and are good for the strengthening, comfort and edification of the believer."
Adrian and I spoke this morning and he mentioned your post. I went and read it and was really encouraged.
I have also been thinking about DMLJ and Jonathan Edwards alot lately as a result of this debate.
Hi Brad:
This for chronicling this discussion on the charismata and for sharing your thoughts on it. I have just recently been following it, but am learning from the insights in the discussion (I have also begun to track it myself and linked to this post).
Ultimately I hope this conversation fosters greater intimacy with the Lord, more power expressed for His glory, and more unity among us as we follow Him.
Adrian seems to have an instigating way to provide moderation.
Dear Brad,
Adrian is not moderating the discussion at all. That's asking for my willing suspension of disbelief.
As for staying power - plenty of discussions have had staying power. I think you just happen to have found one that interests you.
Gods gifts are so wonderful!
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