Parchment & Pen Blog

1. vangelicmonk says:

   June 23, 2007 at 11:21 pm

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   Michael,

   I appreciate the blogcast and of course the discussion with Dr. Moreland
   the other night. I knew about Dr. Moreland and I had read some articles
   by him, but not any books. I really didn’t expect the conversation or ideas
   to go where they went about the Spirit’s Work today. I thought it was
   an interesting development no matter the standpoint.

   There are a few thoughts I had on the discussion that night and your
   blogcast here:

   1. I think we had a great discussion that night and after discussion dialouge
   about the issues and others involved. Specifically, I thought it was interesting
   and important that one who has seen and deeply believes the Spirits evident
   movement in their life and the life of others not become prideful in it in the
   sense that they have something that others do not have and thus a fuller or
   “better” Christian walk. We correlated this with some Reformists view of
   their veiw on Grace as opposed to others or in my experience those of the
   Emerging Movement’s condescending view of Evangelicals or “traditional”
   Christians.

   2. I thought it was interesting that shortly after that nights discussion with
   J.P. Moreland I happened to get to an interesting chapter in a book I am reading
   “Augustine of Hippo: A Biography” by Peter Brown. I hit the part where they
   talk about Augustine’s views on Miracles in his old age as opposed to his
   younger years.

   I quote: Augustine had the “assumption, that with the rapid
   Christianization of the Roman world, men in general had in some way
   advanced beyond the incredulity of pagan times, and so did not have to be
   moved by the force of miracle.” (421) “Now, Augustine is less sure: the human
   race had remained much the same, always frail, always in need of compelling
   authority.”

   I thought it was interesting that the Younger Augustine was probably a strict
   cessationists, but at an older Theologian who gained much Biblical insight and
   life insight he saw not only the need, but also the reality of it around him. Although
   he did send people to gain evidence about it to make sure and have a record.

   This isn’t to promote a Continuationist view (as I am), but just to say it was interesting
   to see this dichatomy in Augustine’s life. Additionally, it went with my other
   thought that maybe there should be a Christian ministry that looks at the
   Miracle claims just as Catholics have such an examination. I’m always afraid
   though that sometimes miracles are not so easily recorded with vast evidence.

   3. Finally, Michael I can really empathize with your view. Although I have
   seen some miracles in my life that I cannot explain away at all. I am thankful
   for that witness, I know that it has been few and far between. I think we
   should expect a miracle and it will be given in God’s good grace and for His
   glory. Not to glorify our faith, not to glorify our expectations, but to give as a
   witness of Him when He sees fit. I think Dr. Moreland wasn’t saying that we
   should expect it, but that we should be more open to it happening and seeking
   it and allowing God to do so in His Good Will.

   I have a friend right now who is dealing with some physical problems and
   expects God to heal him someday. I struggle talking to him at times. I have
   that same hope that he has, but I also know and see that God is doing so
   much in his life as he struggles with this. I see miracles coming from the
   non-miracle. If that makes sense.

   Thanks again for the blogcast. God bless you in all your doing here.

   e-vangelicmonk aka Ted.
2. C Michael Patton says:

   June 24, 2007 at 1:24 am

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   Thanks Ted. Good words of advice. I am certianly trying to be more open to a miracle in my life. I often think that it might be selfish of me to focus only on what God can provide for me. I just can’t help it. The need is so great, especially when sickness is in view.

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