“What I’ve observed working with those involved with false religions and cults is it is very difficult for them to let loose of what they’ve “experienced”.....from astro- projection, though in third world countries is described otherwise yet much similar, to so called “enlightenment’ experiences...to those claiming to be “slain in the spirit” within the Charismatic movements.....all these attest to the individuals mind that they are “right” with God.... when in fact more times then not it’s a distraction from the true commitment and understanding they need to have in order to be saved.”
Unfortunately, this is quite correct. In fact, it wasn’t until I hit rock bottom after leaving these people, that I finally understood the scripture that ‘all things work unto good for them that love God, who are THE CALLED according to His purpose.” I learned the power of prayer, ironically, only after I left the miracle mongers.
In retrospect, my ideas about spiritual gifts and prayer were quite cheap compared to what they are now. In those days I was prone to despair. I wasn’t happy with what I had, but wanted more and more. And when “good” people inevitably fell, it hurt my heart and faith. For example, people who, from all appearances, are faithful and good Christians, suddenly go crazy with visions about the Avian flu killing off a good part of humanity (which never happened at the predicted time), or predictions of spiritual revivals that would come within the year, in this or that country, only to never happen. Or, suddenly being confronted by a fellow, who claims to have the gift of discernment, who declares that you are trying to seduce his wife.
All of these things, and more, happen among the Pentecostals/Charismatics. I witnessed them myself (and was accused too!), even in the midst of all these various wonderful things they claimed would happen to them or to others as a result of their gifts.
A friend of mine, who also left about the same time I did, told me later that she didn’t even understand the GOSPEL until AFTER she departed. Come to think of it, since I was always studying on my own anyway, I never noticed how little sound doctrine was taught in that ‘church.” They spent more time teaching about spiritual gifts than they did any other subject.
You can just fill out a questionnaire and find out what your gift is.Or sit around and talk about dreams and (probably) vain imaginings all day.Or be busy doing work like Martha or church programs or or or anything but let that Sword discern the thoughts and intents of your own heart.
I also came out of the Pentecost movement. What at first SEEMED so right became nothing more than a performance-based way to get God to bless us. Which is nothing more than works to get His approval. Stand alone with nothing more than a Bible, with no “tongues”, or miracles or apparitions, and preach the unadulterated gospel of the grace of God. And watch the people walk by, unimpressed. They ALL want special treatment from God, to know they are special. But that is NOT what God’s word tells us. It’s not easy to preach something that cannot be seen or heard or smelled or tasted or touched. But it IS our duty, as ambassadors for Christ. “NOW faith is the substance of things HOPED FOR, the EVIDENCE of things NOT SEEN.”