I assume you mean this:
Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
... and as a point of order, it does not say we are not to seek after signs... It says that a wicked generation/people would seek after signs, and not find ANY, except for the sign of Jonas... One could argue the point to say that if you cannot see signs, you should wonder if you are a part of that 'generation' which cannot see anything until they understand the Sign of Jonah... Because there is a common inference which suggests there is a counterpoint to this wicked generation, one which WILL see signs... one which WILL see... No offense meant FRiend - I just see your remark as painting with a very broad brush.
There is great wealth in Matt 12, if one can cast off one's presuppositions and SEE what it says... But then, that is probably enough meat to deserve it's own thread altogether.
While I am not as vociferous about tongues as my dear friend Quix, I DO rise in defense of the Gifts - ALL OF THEM - It seems that the general consensus of the churches in general (since the middle ages) is that anything that is supernatural is magick and is to be avoided. Ergo, any sign, any wonderment, anything extraordinary, is frowned upon as the work of the devil.
But IMHO, those who believe as such stand very close to those who have a form of godliness but deny His power. Where is the power and the proof of YHWH AS GOD without manifestation... without prophecies coming true, without healing and such things? Are we to deny His challenges to us... Where He says 'DO THIS and watch what happens in your life'? That necessitates manifestation.
A big part of that manifestation is the Gifts, AS PROMISED.
Now, I have read over and over on this thread about every sort of charlatan which may purport to have a supernatural calling, and how these MUST prove that all such things are false. I have no idea who Copeland is, or what he stands for, but the premise itself I would deny profoundly. I have witnessed and participated in these Gifts, far away from the glare of media lights, and I know them to be true. If there is one thing that my Pentecostal friends have taught me, it is to live in the expectation of miracles, and from that I have been greatly rewarded in both faith and doctrine (not to mention miracles themselves).
Can these things fall prey to charlatans? certainly so, just as doctrine based, faith based, or liturgically based systems can (and do). Perhaps one could say the consequence in this case is more dire (which I would deny), but if it is, it is only more dire because the truth of it, when found, is so much more powerful. So much more quick and enlivening... Because what is one's faith if one cannot live every moment in expectation?
Again, I am speaking in a greater generality than the topic at hand, but it is a subject which intrinsically includes this topic. Remembering that tongues is but the least of the gifts, not only tongues, but where are the rest? It says specifically that these gifts would follow the believers - if these things are not present and able to be witnessed in one's own life, then I would submit that some fault exists, and it is a big one.
I never said the gifts didn’t exist. My issue is with those who seek after them as a sign of ‘super spirituality’ and hold over others. That itself is a sin.
God chooses which gifts (and not all of them) to which believers for the edification of the Body. I have never seen edification from speaking in tongues just holier than thou-ness.
And you are reading WAY more into that verse than what it says.
ABSOLUTELY INDEED.
PRASIE GOD.
It’s often the overseas missionary who sees more miracles than average. Cultures without so much ‘sophistication’ and ‘finery’ MORE DESPERATLY *NEED* GOD in a long list of ways.
And, TRUE TO HIS WORD, GOD COMES THROUGH according to His Word.
BTW, would appreciate an update. Been about to email you for one.
LUB.