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Originally Posted by Igzy
Let me make the point more clearly. If someone claims to be an apostle, ask him to tell you his track record of signs and miracles. Both Jesus and Paul did this (Luke 7:22-23; 2 Cor 12:12).
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I agree with this. The verses alone are compelling. To discount the apostleship of all, except for the original "13," is a convenient sell. Most protestant evangelicals have taken this stance, as you have so well noted in a prior post.
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If he can't produce one, say thank you very much but I'm not convinced you are what you claim to be.
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This presents a problem to me, and try to hear me out since I am no longer speaking in context of the LC. Many contemporaries have made these claims and others truly believe them. If it is just about so-called signs and wonders and healings, then numerous apostles exist today. Some even claim to be apostles. I'm not sure of their criteria, but they make the claim nevertheless.
Today some stats list Pentecostals as roughly 50% of genuine evangelical Christians. To deny
all modern day miracles and healings is to deny the Spirit Himself. But ... it is also undeniable that many Pentecostals want there to be more miracles than there really are. Some Pentecostal ministers love to sensationalize every healing and "almost" healing for personal gain. It is a "culture" that few within the movement can see through. To attempt to openly "examine" some ministers' claims is met with rejection, and accusations of faithlessness. The loyal supporters view such "examination" as persecution.
I spent some time with a precious older couple nearby me. They are convinced that Todd Bentley's Lakeland movement was genuinely of the Lord. Perhaps that's just what they want to believe, but there's no dissuading them. If it were just lifelong Pentecostals that clung to this, I might not be concerned, but since the demise of the GLA LC's, many former members have been enamored by "what they have been missing" all these years.
This is why I reject flippant comments. I need to equip myself with better information. Too bad the "tests" used by Ephesus were not recorded. Paul's tests in 2 Cor 12.12 may be duplicated by some, at least their supporters claim to have "proof." WL himself also testified of visions and works of power. All of them will testify of exceeding trials and tribulations which have wrought a proven ministry.