As a young Pastor, several years ago, I was privileged to be
seated for a meal with a group of clerical gentry whose
discussion was already under way when I arrived.
“It’s dreadful,” commented one, “Dancing in the aisles. I
don’t know what the Church is coming to.”
“Awful,” responded another. “I think it’s high time this
tomfoolery stopped and we got back to the preaching of the
Word.”
“Absolutely,” joined in the third. “The preaching of the
Word is sadly neglected these days.”
Eventually, as I was the only person present at the table
who had not spoken, eyes were focused on me and a
response seemed called for.
“Being men of the Word,” I asked, “What would you do if
the Bible said ‘Praise the Lord with dancing’?” Their
response was rather flustered.
“I think this is your question John,” said one, quickly
passing the buck to one of his colleagues. John faced the
question full on.
“I think I’d … er … er … duck the issue.”
During the last four decades, we have witnessed in the
Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, a major upheaval which
centres around a renewed acceptance of the gifts and
ministries of the Holy Spirit. Much of this change has been
most obviously reflected in styles of worship, some of
which are more expressive, incorporating raised hands,
singing and praying in tongues, and, yes, dancing in the
aisles. While it might feel easier to “duck the issue” as my
colleague was tempted to do, it seems evident that this is
simply not an adequate response. As Christians, and
especially as Pastors and Ministers, we must face up to the
questions that are being raised about the work of the Holy
Spirit in individuals and in churches.
As with every change which has ever been wrought in the
Church throughout its history, many have counted it as a
much needed blessing, whilst others have resisted such
change as modernistic curse. It seems strange to me that
the reformation took place, causing the most radical and
necessary change in the Church in order to bring about a
renewal of Biblical precept and evangelical truth. It now
appears that the evangelical tradition, which was the plaster
cast of healing of a major fracture, has become our walking
impediment, preventing the Church from flexing its healed
limbs. Whilst Jesus does not change, the Church must seek
to be constantly reviewed by the Word of God. We seek to
interpret the Word of God, but should the Word be allowed
to interpret us? There are many areas in need of change –
our tradition does not have everything right. God has. It is
therefore only the working of His righteousness, His Word,
His Holy Spirit, His power and love, that that will ever
change us to be like His Son.
Opinion amongst Christians as to whether the power of the
Holy Spirit is still available today is still divided, and many
books have been written, and much preached and taught in
our congregations in support of one view or the other.
Both Charismatics (those who exercise the gifts and
ministries of the Spirit today) and Cessationists (who
believe that the work of the Holy Spirit is not for today)
have cited one particular passage in support of their
particular argument. 1 Corinthians 13 verses 8 to10 reads:
“Where there are prophecies, they will cease;
where there are tongues they will be stilled; where
there is knowledge it will pass away. For we
know in part and we prophesy in part, but when
perfection comes, the imperfection disappears.”
The question which is generally raised is this: If gifts cease
when the perfect comes, then when is the perfect come?
Here I state clearly my own convictions, in order that any
ambiguity may be dispelled:
I am convinced by the demonstrable Word of God
That His Holy Spirit, as poured out at
Pentecost, with every power and gift of God,
is still being poured out today as then,
and may be received by men and women now
in exactly the same way.
While my convictions are amply supported by my own
experience, I am also convinced that they are fully
supported by the Word of God, both in the fact of the
continuance of the pouring out of the Spirit, and in the
ways in which we can expect to see that outpouring
manifested in our own churches.
Acts chapter 2 still stands as one such immutable part of
the Word of God. Some have sought to dismiss Acts as
being a transitional book. Such dismissal does not behove
the Lord’s servant. If Acts is merely transitional then such
invalidation of Scripture on the grounds of temporality
must be applied to the rest of the Bible. God’s Word can
never be invalidated in this way. “All scripture is God
breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
5training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
In Acts 2 verse 3, Peter, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ,
says this:
“Seated at the right hand of God, He has received
from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has
poured out what you now see and hear.”
He goes on to say in verses 38 and 39:
“And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The promise is to you and your children and for all
who are far off, for all those on whom the Lord
will call.”
Every contrary argument does not remove this Word of
God. The promise of the same Holy Spirit, as seen and
heard, is for you and your children, for those who are far
off and all those who God will call. If we resist the Holy
Spirit in Pentecost, we resist our call.
So, let us look at some of the difficult arguments that arise
when establishing whether the gifts and ministries of the
Holy Spirit are still available for Christians today. When
does the perfect come?