Comments on: Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit (Part 1)

By: David Bychkov

David Bychkov — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:16 +0000

Yes, Brian. That was the point of Edwards. In this and second part of series he descibed marks which do not necesserily prove, that the movement is inspiring by Holy Spirit. But he wanted to show, that they could not prove opposite view (the movement or action is false) as well.
My thought here was that we shouldn’t be amazen and really skeptical when hearing or seeing unusual things or behavior during some spiritual movement. And the Holy Spirit is powerful and creative enough to amaze us. But this couldn’t be used as mark. The positive marks are described in part 3 of this series. I just think Joe is really busy and had not time for helping with editing. the draft is posted in the dashboard.

By: Brian Karcher

Brian Karcher — Sat, 28 May 2011 20:17:08 +0000

David,

This deserves some more discussion I think. Just because someone is changed or has a great vision, doesn’t mean it was God’s Spirit that worked. We need some other “marks” to tell for sure.

By: GerardoR

GerardoR — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:00:38 +0000

This is definately something I struggle with myself. I am reminded of this very popular book among new age spiritualist. I believe it is called, “conversations with god.” In the book, the author claims he once asked god a question (not expecting an answer) and was shocked when god replied. So the book is essentially a giant transcript of his questions and gods answers. The interesting thing is that all of “gods” answers sound awfully similar to what most non devout spiritualist would already say. Apperantly, we had it all wrong. god doesnt want people to repent, sex outside of marriage isnt a sin, he doesnt really care about what we do and the goal of life is to have a good time.

Anyway, I bring this book up because it highlighted to me how we can often confuse the voice of God with our own selfish voice. I have a friend who was deeply considering becoming a nun but wasnt sure. So she once went into the santuary to pray. She finally gave up and said, “God, if you want me to become a nun, then give me an obvious sign.” I kid you not, 10 seconds later, a monk walks into the sanctuary and gives her his rosary as a gift. My friend replied inside her mind, “Wait! That doesnt count!” ^_^
I love that story because it shows how even when God does speak to us we want to say to him, “let my will be done.”

By: Ben Toh

Ben Toh — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:00:35 +0000

Thanks, David, for writing about Jonathan Edwards, America’s greatest theologian and philosopher. His writings, though quite hard to read for me, is quite edifying, thought provoking and Christ exalting. John Piper recommends that Christians try to read Edwards about 15 min a day. I wish I were disciplined enough to do so.

For sure, we need God’s mercy in granting us another “great awakening,” which may be already happening in parts of Asia, Latin America, Africa. Yet, as had happened in Edward’s day, some staid Christians who are used to formality and tradition, criticize it and oppose it when it does happen, perhaps like the Pharisees who criticized and opposed Jesus and the early Christians.