[Dr. Eckleburg]

Sure seems like straightforward Scripture. But I think those gifts were concluded with the rest of the Apostolic gifts, like forgiving men's sins, etc.

And Mark 16:17 is followed by Mark 16:20...

"And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."

So the Lord gave special abilities to the Apostles in order that the word would be confirmed and go forth with power and strength.

But just like pastors today do not presume to forgive sins, as in the RCC error of the priestcraft, so, too have those Apostolic gifts served their purpose and passed away.

All we need now is the clarity of the resurrection and the leading of the Holy Spirit, all discerned in Scripture.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." -- Ephesians 2:4-7

[adiaireton8]

But just like pastors today do not presume to forgive sins

That is because Protestant pastors do not have valid orders. And therefore they cannot follow John 20:21, "If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained."

-A8

[Quix]

So the Lord gave special abilities to the Apostles in order that the word would be confirmed and go forth with power and strength.

Sorry, dear sister, but I consider that a bald faced inference, assumption extrapolation devoid of any significant clear or remotely clear foundation in Scripture AT ALL.

There is JUST AS MUCH NEED for God's worth to go forth in the demonstration of His power as ever before.

God speaks IN SCRIPTURE of the LAST DAYS WHEN

There will be a form of Godliness but DENYING THE POWER thereof. The perspective you espouse is, imho, a grand deception from the pit of hell.

Particularly crucial in regions where demonic forces are so overtly manifesting--the GOSPEL IN POWER AND MIGHT AS WELL AS LOVE AND TRUTH IS ESSENTIAL. That's one of the reasons Pentecostalism has spread so rapidly in recent times in South America where demonic forces are not at all foreign to the masses.

Telling folks to "READ THE BOOK" when demonic forces are thrashing their daughter around like a rag doll is beyond insensitive and foolish--it's cruel and UNBiblical.

God equipped THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL AND BELIEVERS INDIVIDUALLY to deal with such situations FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH AGE. Denying that is denying Scripture and God's plan.

It's also denying freedom and healing to masses of bound and beleagured folks. God is not well pleased with wimps failing to manifest His truth, His Love AND His power. Cowards have a place in the lake of fire along with liars, homosexuals and murderers.

The Great Commission is NOT: GO FORTH AND CREATE COUNTLESS BOOK CLUBS!

The Great Commission INCLUDES casting out demons, healing the sick and raising the dead. Denial of that is denial of Scripture and of the whole of the Great Commission.