Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 -

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels [THE GIFT], but have not love [THE FRUIT], I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

The gift without the fruit is meaningless.

Melody said:

“The scripture defines the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Surely those truly in communion with the Spirit should display at least a few of these.”

I would agree wholeheartedly.

Here’s something to consider: notice that the “fruit” is singular, not plural.  The fruit of the Spirit is one fruit - with nine different characteristics.  Much like one apple is juicy, tasty, crisp, nutritious, etc.  And because of this, we should be exhibiting ALL the characteristics of that fruit of the Spirit.

On the other hand, the gifts of the Spirit are plural, and Scripture is abundant that not everyone has every gift.  But the exercise of the gifts needs to be in the correct context - the fruits.

Brian L.

Well, I’ll just tell you. I’m a reformed charismatic guy so that may automatically disqualify me in making a judgement in some people’s eyes. I don’t know this guy personally and yes some of his methodologies seem a little strange to me. If you’ve ever read Smith Wigglesworth he did some pretty crazy stuff too though. I think the problem with many charismatics is that they think the gift qualifies their goofiness many times, just how non charismatics think that their fruit makes it ok that they are cessationists.

I think we have to be very careful in criticizing this revival, I plan on going in the next few days and checking it out for myself. We ask for revival in our nation but then when we don’t like the personality that’s the face of it or their methodologies we automatically disqualify it. I don’t have to agree with everything every person says or does. Just because I disagree with Hank Hanegraff over the gifts doesn’t mean that I can’t learn something from him, even though he’s basically thrown every charismatic under the bus.

If you were at Whiteboard, just like Batterson said we have to dream bigger dreams. If some of us saw the miracles that happened in Acts I believe most of modern day Christianity would say its not real. I mean come on, a shadow healing people, handkerchiefs being taken to other people and healing them when they touched them, people getting transported. That sounds like some goofy charismatic stuff to me.

I could tell you testimonies of healings and salvations in our campus ministry that many of you may not believe and thats ok, but I think until the body of Christ at large begins to walk in the power of God we will continue to see the decline of Christianity in the west. China, South America and other revivals that are happening around the world are being fueled by signs, wonders and miracles, but we don’t pay any attention to it or hear about it so we think that we in America have it all together. I believe we need the power of God in a healthy way in America, I’m not saying this is perfect but at least its something.

AH,
Do you come here just to police this board?  Seems like it.

Please clarify, are you suggesting that Moses striking the rock might be used as justification for the abusive behavior of this individual?  You do understand that it was an act of disobedience for which Moses was barred from entering the promised land.

God gave the water for Israel, but he also punished Moses for how he went about it.  The outcome isn’t necessarily the measure by which we discern the method or act.  God even uses sin to accomplish His will, but that doesn’t excuse the sin; the sinner is still accountable.  We should pray that God grant this man repentance.

Eric, I don’t how much video I’ve seen of Bentley--3-4 hours worth. I have yet to see anything, hear anything biblical. When Jesus healed, he didn’t wait for a big gathering, He did it as He went along His way. Sometimes people would grab at Him and found healing. Same with the apostles. Show me one scriptural parallel to the way guys like Bentley work. No, they have to have an arena. They can’t just go down the road, can’t just go into a hospital. They have to have an audience. BTW, I’m not hearing the gospel preached.

AH, Galatians 1, was Paul expressing 1 Cor 13 love there (and the Holy Spirit moved on the same guy to write each)? I don’t see in his heart. I look at his videos, made by his people, and weigh it against what the Word teaches. Again, give me one parallel in the OT or NT of these “revivals”. This is not a parallel of Pentecost because that lasted one day and then everyone dispersed to be the church instead of returning each evening. The bros. in Berea were commended for searching the Scriptures to see if the things . How come Bentley requires an audience? How come he can’t be mobbed in the street or accosted by blind beggars ? Maybe part of the calling of shepherding is a natural inclination to discern and defend against wolves. One of the most loving things we are called to do is defend truth.

In the last days, even the devil can do great miracles to the extent even the elect might be deceived. I’m not so sure they’re touched by God if they’re being kicked in the face.

bishopdave you are kind of free calling people fools and liers, i do not know if this mans ministry is real or not, but you are putting benny hinn into the picture too, the # 1 reason people resist the ministry of the holy spirit is because it exposes the lack of power in their own lives, and once exposed, it demands a change,in an attempt to avoid responsibility for change, they change the scripture instead of themselves,of course its not that blatant, but there is a predisposition against the ministry of the holy spirit, so the scriptures are twisted to support their views.

Far too many people accept this stuff as from God because they are ignorant of the gifts of the Spirit fall for the trickery.  A simple search on this guy will tell you that he is way off in many ways.  He deals in prosperity, believes God has angels appointed to get him money and much more.  He says he visited heaven and sat with Paul in his cabin in heaven where Paul revealed he and Abraham wrote the book of Hebrews.  His views on angels, his descriptions of his interaction with them come across as demonic.  He is dangerous.

lenoard i am not ignorant of the gifts of the holy spirit, i do not know this man, but i know what you say is true about him, because i do not think you would try to discredit any ones name, but why do the people that go there keep going?if he is dangerous cant they dismiss him,

Thisis a response to: “Bart - Nuttier than a fruitcake!!  Where does God’s word say it is OK to knock out a tooth or assault someone to get the devil out?  But in keeping with the spirit of Fridays, I am going to invite him to come to my church and give him a list of who needs the most help!  Just a word of caution though, if he tries to leg drop me I am 6’4” 225lbs and my past sometimes rears its ugly head and he might find someone pounding the devil out of him!”

Brother, just remember that Jesus & the Prophets were labled as “nutty”...and even much worse.  But, the “critical-thing” seems to work for you on charasmatics and those who are working toward restoration.  So, its ok.  I get it.

Where does God’s Word say that its ok to meet at 11am on Sunday morning, sing 3 from the ‘91 Baptist Hymnal (no offense to my Baptist brothers...just an example), have a choir special, pass felt-lined and gold-plated plates for the offering, preach a 20 minute topical sermon, sing 2 verses of a solemn song while you stand at the front and wait on sinners to run you over, make a few announcements, then pray and send people home......only to come back in a few hours and do it all over again?????????????  My point is this - Where is the Bibical pattern for the vast majority of what we do.

Just remember, you were saved because Jesus was so cruelly nailed to a cross and pierced with a spear.  Who are you to judge if that same Jesus would have someone touched or healed by means that we would consider most unconventional, strange, and yes...even nutty???

The post by Danny Daniels defines the need for balance in the church today.

Danny said, “Different players, same old tired drama. People are chasing after the spectacular and calling it spiritual.”

In reality, just because something is spectacular doesn’t mean it is spiritual.  This is true.  But, a spectacular appearance doesn’t discount the possibility that God is in it.  Brothers, I’ll bet that if we could have witnessed the moment of Jesus’ resurrection, it would have surpassed all spectacular moments on record.  So, when we talk about the spectacular, let’s remember that it is God who created the universe and instituted things that are spectacular. 

Danny said, “I wish that people would quit chasing after a “move of God.” We need the “fruit” of the Spirit to move through the body.  I will trade fruit for gifts any day.”

You mean to tell me that a move of God would not get your attention and that you would not want to get right in the middle of it???  Yes, we need fruit.  But, its a dangerous statement to talk about trading your gifts.  Paul said in 1st Corinthians 14:1 that we should “desire earnestly spiritual gifts”.  Brothers, there is a balance that is to be realized between Word and Spirit.  They are not contrasts, yet in truth, they are beautiful compliments.

Danny said, “I’ll tell you what is supernatural: When we serve others, help others, forgive others, love others, and expect nothing in return.”

No Danny.  You are using semantics to get around the issue as most cessationists have done for years.  And yes, the most spectacular and greatest miracle is when one comes to Christ and is re-born.  But we all know that the issue of debate here is in what we could call the “sign” or “power” gifts and manifestations.  And yes, what you have described above should be the everyday course of our actions with one another.  However, that does not negate the fact that Mark 16: 17 - 18 says “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” — Now folks, this is some strange stuff....spectacular....at least, to us.  Looks like we ought to re-define our understanding of “strange” and “spectacular” and start using GOD’s definitions.

Only one verse comes to mind when I watch this video:

“They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have put Him.”

Tim Lett:
Yes, I would want to get right in the middle of a move of God. The problem is that you can’t find one that is on the scale of what Jesus described in Mark 16: 17 - 18.  You can find alot of people pretending but very little of the real deal. Healings that can be medically documented are rare. I have seen two in my entire life. People in the “Gifts camp” talk a good game until you have to verify the actual results. If they are real they will hold up.

The people who are famous for these kinds of things are often flaky and masters of emotional manipulation. (TBN Regulars)

I sincerely believe that signs and wonders are still possible. I also believe that very few people are equipped to operate in them properly.  I believe God in His mercy is withholding the gifts from us who would be ruined by them.

Pride comes so easily to those who get a taste of God’s power in action.

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. This power is the sole work of God and not people who pretend to be on the same level as God. When the Holy Spirit is present He will speak of Christ, not of Himself and even less about people. John the Baptist said that he had to become less so Christ would become more. He found value in being small and unnoticed. You who read my post most likely do not know me or where I have been, but in my opinion the body of Christ is misrepresented by antics like this.