Again you are reading much more into that verse than what is there. What you claim is not what is stated.
Then break it down for me... tell me what it does say. What I get out of it is that the wicked will look for a sign and find nothing except the sign of Jonah (three days and three nights)
This is exactly the kind of thing that I object to among some Charismatics. They create this spiritual hobby around tongues and place it on a much higher plane than the other gifts when Paul himself places it lower than the other gifts.
I didn't take up the verse to defend tongues at all - except to question your interpretation thereof which is to say that WE (all of us) should not seek after signs. It certainly doesn't say that. If that is what it says, then all of the prophets are for naught.
I’m ambivalent on tongues other than what I have seen and the results of those who focus on it and in that way I see it as leading people to sin rather than to praise God.
I am as well - albeit that I seem to have a broader experience than you. At least a different one. Those that I know who speak in tongues would probably attest that one cannot even get to a spiritual filling (which is needful for true tongues) without being on the humility plane, and all caught up on confessing... I don't see anything in the charismatic folks that isn't in the general breadth of Christianity (which is what I was pointing to). Theres good bad and ugly pretty much everywhere.
I’m for moderation in all things, and sadly, this thread is proof that some Charismatics are not being moderate in their assertions relating to tongues.
That is somewhat to be expected... I don't think most folks understand how Pentecostals are treated here and elsewhere. One can only be treated as the redheaded stepchild for so long...
I generally avoid these threads, and am appalled at the way I have been insulted and accused because I automatically do not seek after speaking in tongues and do not believe any Christian should as well as pointing out that people are putting a televangelist on a pedestal whose teachings are not biblical in at least some areas.
I am sorry you feel that way, and I hope I have not contributed to that feeling. If I did, I didn't mean to. My thing is more about the idea that we are not to look for signs (which I reject outright), and the whole tenor of those who suggest that the gifts have passed on. I didn't mean to pick on you. :)
People with 2’ diameter 6” thick chips on their shoulders lit up in neon lights
should be
the last ones to whine about folks noticing and brushing up against said chips on the subway.
Sheesh what prissy, hypocritical, harughty self-righteousness.
Color me underwhelmed!
Good to see you posting.
LUB.
Hope the construction etc. is going well.