Cynthia had been active in...
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Cynthia had been active in her church while in high school and found a group at college that met regularly for Bible school and prayer. She was impressed with the dedication and commitment of those in the group, and asked to join. She almost envied the way those young people were willing to witness to their faith, and prayed for the same kind of freedom. In addition to the group's studying, she steeped herself even further in the Scriptures. New knowledge and new understanding came, and she felt she was growing in her faith.
Cynthia became distressed when she was told by some members of the group that she was not fully committed to the faith, and would not be until she "spoke in tongues." She had already received the gifts of wisdom and knowledge, both of which convinced her of God's supportive presence in her life. But some members insisted that was insufficient, and that the only sign of the Spirit was in the gift of tongues.
Cynthia went through a deep depression because she not only felt the possible rejection of the group, but they had convinced her of God's rejection.
Isn't it sad that the very gifts of the Spirit which are to enhance the Body of Christ are often misused to divide that Body?
--Kirby
Cynthia became distressed when she was told by some members of the group that she was not fully committed to the faith, and would not be until she "spoke in tongues." She had already received the gifts of wisdom and knowledge, both of which convinced her of God's supportive presence in her life. But some members insisted that was insufficient, and that the only sign of the Spirit was in the gift of tongues.
Cynthia went through a deep depression because she not only felt the possible rejection of the group, but they had convinced her of God's rejection.
Isn't it sad that the very gifts of the Spirit which are to enhance the Body of Christ are often misused to divide that Body?
--Kirby
