The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum C.J. Mahaney at Grace Community Church

Ligon Duncan obviously thinks it's a good thing:
http://www.reformation21.org/Reformation_21_Blog/Reformation_21_Blog/58/?vobId=617&pm=114

What do you think?

For more on Mahaney and his ministry, see here: http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/about/bio/cjmahaney.html

Mahaney apparently holds to a non-Cessationist view; i.e., he believes that all the ecstatic and supernatural gifts that were operative during the days of the Apostles are part of the "gifts" given to the Church today. Obviously, I have serious issues with that view and generally, those who hold to that position also practice a "contemporary" form of worship, of which I also have seriously objections.

In His grace,

I was a tad mystified as to why the elders would allow C.J. to come to GCC for the same reasons Pilgrim expresses. More than likely, he came at John's invitation and knowing John, he is extremely gracious and is willing to give everyone a chance. Obvioulsy, there is a kindered spirit between him a R.C. Sproul, and both of these men are divided theologically in differing areas, other than the charismatic gifts, but he is a regular visiter to our pulpit at GCC.

Mahaney was good. He spoke from James 4 about identifying divisions among Christians. He sounded a little too much like a college/youth pastor for my tastes, but his overall message was textual and convicting. He reminded me of Piper; at least he had many of his mannerisms, which made me wonder if he was emulating him at all.

This was the first time I had encountered C.J. I had heard of him, but never read his books or heard him preach. From my vantage point, I would not mind him coming back.

Fred
Hip and Thigh
Fred's Bible Talk

From my vantage point, whether or not I would let a Charismatic teach at my Church would depend on the topic he is going teach on. I have read some very good articles by John Piper (a Charismatic), so while I may disagree with him on a number of issues, I still believe he for the most part is faithful to the Scriptures.

As for CJ, knowing what I do about John MacArthur, I doubt very much he would allow someone to come into his Church and teach, without some assurances.

In a way this issue reminds me of the late D.Martyn Lloyd-Jones who was a Charismatic, but was considered by many of Reformed persuasion to be among the best theologians of the last century.

Hmmm... where does that put me?
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratchchin.gif" alt="" />

Tom

In Canada! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Hey Tom,<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/hello.gif" alt="" />

Just curious what your definition of a charismatic is. Someone who is not a strict cessationist? John Piper and the late Dr. Lloyd-Jones don't/didn't speak in tongues or prophecy did they? Would you consider Robert Saucy or D.A. Carson a charismatic? Just curious...<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />