IntroductionThe Coming of the Holy Spirit
2 This is a short analysis of some of the claims made concerning a new phase of charismatic 'renewal' during 1994. This document was printed during the summer of 1994. We however have included it on this site because of the relevance of the things being said today.
Setting the Scene There are strange things going on. It is nicknamed "The Toronto Blessing" by those involved, as well as being called "revival", and "refreshing". "Rolling in the aisles at church of laughter" was the headline of the Daily Mail, June 20th 1994. "Around Holy Trinity Brompton church in London, worshippers were laughing uncontrollably, shaking and swaying, apparently possessed. Many were so overcome by what was happening to them that they collapsed on the floor, seemingly unconscious, watched over by prayer assistants." Uncontrollable laughter, growling, roaring, falling to the ground, shaking. Are these the marks of the Spirit of God? The claim, is made, that these things are Scriptural, and have also happened in church history. It is being claimed that this is being "slain in the Spirit", "drunk in the Spirit", "roaring in the Spirit", etc. What does it all mean. Is it, as is claimed, all the work of the Holy Spirit, preparing the church for revival? If it is, then no true believer will want to miss such blessing, that the Lord is pleased to give. How do we know it is not the work of the Holy Spirit? That is an extremely important question. It is fundamental to the way we perceive these claims. It is a question that must be answered. It is also as important to ask the question another way. If we accept these claims, how do we know it to be the work of the Spirit? Mrs Eleanor Mumford visited the source of "the blessing". She has given an account of her experiences, which was placed on tape and passed around for the promotion of the 'blessing'. The recording was made at Holy Trinity Brompton Sunday Services, 29th May 1994. The same "message" was given at both morning and evening services.
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Copyright © 2002 Homerton Baptist Church. |
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