cI have just joined the Forum.

I drifted away from the Lord over a number of years. Just prior to this I was torn between the Charismatic/Pentecostal stance and came under the influence of Reformation understanding. No one compelled me in the direction of the later, I just happened to come across books that presented the doctrines of Grace, and I was interested in them.

Later I came across brothers, who were of the reformation/cessationist position. I did not entirely agree with the hard complete cessationist stance, but after reading Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones' book, "Prove All Things" I began to realize that my Charismatic experience was not valid-especially after reading and re-reading the chapter on tongues. This deserves the attention of a broader Christian Audience. I also read another book about the Toronto Blessing. This book was also very helpful in broadening out the point made in Jones' book re, the psychological/ self hypnotic aspects of some religious feelings and experiences. Let alone the demonic aspects that are worryingly possible.

Since being drawn back into faith, I have reread these books. The time spent away from Charismatic influences, certain personalities, and my own willful connection with them all, has left me with a clearer more objective mind set, from which to judge what went on with me in my initial Christian experiences.

I own some of the responsibility for embracing the modern charismatic movement, but I also must accept that I was not in a position to be objective for various reasons at the time. Like I indicated just now, being backsliden for a long time, left me with a more objective mind set, once I came back. I am sure if I had rejoined a Charismatic group, I would have been
influenced to subject myself once more to what is, in the main a psychological and self induced religious experience.

I am not denying the fact that God does bring to our souls the choicest of experiences of His Spirit in Christ. But I am having to face the reality that He, is not a experience giving vending machine- with miracles, prophecy and tongues etc forming part of every day Christian living.

In future posts- if anyone would like me to- I will relate some of the things I saw and experienced and give my interpretation of them from the benefit of hindsight.

Welcome!

You are in good company here, and among friends. Take some time (when you have plenty) and read what other ex-charismatics have shared from their own experience, and how confronting that experience with the inerrant, infallible, and all-sufficient word of God has helped many of us that have been in that movement.

Be sure also to explore the Highway's library of articles on the Charismatic movement. It's a treasure trove!

-Robin

Thanks Robin,

I will do so.

A good friend recently told me as I was relaying some of what I was learning from my study of reformed theology, "don't forget to sometimes just set the books down and have a good cry as you consider God's grace to you." I completely encourage reading good reformed theology, but it will become dry and lifeless if it's only in your head. I once put my comfort in what I knew about God, but I did very little to build a relationship with Him.

I was reading Berkhof's systematic theology and really was struck when he talked about religion affecting the intellect, the emotions and the will. When our faith becomes focused on only one of these things, our theology becomes extreme and unbiblical (e.g. hyper-Calvinism, charismatic, Amish).

I think one of the best summaries of the Christian focus is stated in the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Thanks for sharing!