Ok, after the first seven parts of this series it should be almost clear where I stand on this issue. But I ended the last post by saying that I am neither a continuationist or cessationist. Let me clarify just what I am . . . I define a Charismatic as one who thinks that the supernatural sign gifts such as tongues, prophecy, healings, etc. are normative for the church today. Therefore, believers should expect them. A cessationist is one who believes that these gifts ceased due to an exhaustion in purpose around the first century (some would say with the death of the last Apostle). I donâ...

Kevin DeYoung summarizes Dambisa Moyo’s book, Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa. Conclusion: No doubt, Moyo’s descriptions of the problem and prescriptions are not shared by all economists. But almost every economist now agrees that (1) aid has very often not worked well and (2) aid by itself is not the answer. As Christians we too often settle for the futility of good intentions. We don’t want anyone to interrupt the feel-good express that is charity and the chiding of governments to give more aid. But we don’t have to choose between heartfel...

“…I intend to do whatever I can to wake up those White Americans who have become ‘bamboozled’ into believing that a moderately educated, southern black woman will do something for them. Obviously, they have forgotten what Atlanta was like for our people before we had a White Mayor…” Imagine me saying this in today’s world. What would I be called? A racist? A bigot? A hater? Would this be labeled hate speech or punishable by the new hate crimes legislation? Would I face any public backlash for saying these words? The answer to all is a resounding “...

I have said that there is no compelling reason to say that the Bible teaches the so-called supernatural sign gifts have ceased. I have also said and demonstrated that the history of the church evidences a de facto cessation of the sign gifts. As well, I have said that, despite being open to the gifts, my personal experience is lacking with regard to any of these gifts, either through direct or indirect experience. Because of this, I would say that the only responsible position for me to hold right now is that of a de facto cessationist. In sum, this is why I am not a charismatic. Some have ...