The Holy Spirit’s Amazing Work of Art
But hear Paul’s rebuke to the Galatian Church about such changes: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from him who called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some who trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-10. How could language possibly be more plain? I know not! Speaking on Paul’s authority, any “gospel” which claims to be different from the original is a “perverted” gospel. Scripture severely warns against our preaching a different gospel. In the intent of God there is only one, the original gospel endorsed by and in tribute to His Son. How dare we edit what holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit!!
Can the modern church reclaim “first century” power and operate in it? Yes! Jesus promised to be with the Church until the “end of the age.” The power is absent because the masses of Christianity have replaced faith in Bible truth with doctrines of denial. Jesus established one church for all time; there is no such thing as an “apostolic” and “post-apostolic” gospel with different teachings, different powers, and different expectations. As Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever,” so His gospel is as unchanging as Himself. Hebrews 13:8. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5. Thankfully, new winds are blowing! Millions of believers are returning to faith in the full gospel message. In a world-wide population of two billion, more than 500,000,000 Christians now acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s gifts and power.
The Bible’s Role In The Founding Of America.
When the Pilgrims fled England for America they left behind one of the bright stars of the Puritan movement. That man was Pastor John Robinson who, with others, had guided the Pilgrims through years of political and religious turmoil. He too had hoped, ultimately, to join his flock in the New World. That never happened.Six years after their arrival in North America John Robinson died – still in England. His death was a grievous blow, John was still in his forties, and the cause of truth desperately needed him. But in reality, the Pilgrims would never be without his guidance. Not only did they have his written sermons and numerous letters but one special message would always be engraved upon their heart. It was his farewell address which he delivered at the time of their sailing. In that message, the Holy Spirit gave him a prophetic word which is still a challenge to the church four centuries later. Listen to it carefully. It is this:
“I charge you before God and before his blessed angels, that you follow me no further than you have seen me follow the Lord Jesus Christ. If God reveal anything to you by any other instrument of his (another minister), be as ready to receive it as ever you were to receive any truth by my ministry: for I am verily persuaded, I am very confident, the Lord hath more truth yet to break forth out of his holy Word. For my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of the reformed churches, who are come to a full stop in religion and will go at present, no further than the instruments of their first reformation. The Lutherans cannot be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw: whatever part of his will our good God has imparted and revealed unto Calvin, they will rather die than embrace it. And the Calvinists, you see, stick fast where they were left by that great man of God; who yet saw not all things. This is a misery much to be lamented; for though they were burning and shining lights in their times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God: but were they now living, they would be as willing to embrace further light, as that which they first received.” (John Fletcher’s History of Independency, Volume 3, page 69.)
Category: Biblical Studies, Pneuma Review, Spring 2008
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