Discovering the Reality of God in Word and Spirit: an interview with R. T. Kendall
PneumaReview.com: Please point out a few practical steps church leaders can take in order to address this deficiency?
A close relationship with the Holy Spirit and a solid knowledge of the Bible will spare you of serious error.
PneumaReview.com: Why do some Charismatics not place much value on Bible study?
People want and need good teaching, but it is hard to find.
PneumaReview.com: What counsel would you give to a Charismatic who does not engage in serious Bible study?
R. T. Kendall: I would urge him or her to begin now to have a Bible reading plan that takes them through the Bible in a year. If they cannot find a church that does not emphasize this, find a Bible study on line that is sound, solid, scriptural and Spirit honoring.
PneumaReview.com: The gifts and power of the Spirit are mentioned in the Bible yet some Evangelicals are not open to them. Why is that?
R. T. Kendall: The fear of man is a snare. The teaching of cessationsism (the notion that the gifts of the Spirit ceased in the early church) is a comfortable and convenient way to avoid teaching them, not to mention seeking them. Earnestly desire the greater gifts, said Paul. But am I to believe that does not apply to me? Whatever is a new Christian to think when he or she has been converted and told to read the Bible – and then to learn that a great part of it is irrelevant today? Take a scissors and cut out what is not relevant today and you have a Bible in shreds. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever; so too is the Holy Spirit the same yesterday and today and forever!
Category: Biblical Studies, Winter 2020