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Between The Wheels – Reformed and Charismatic

28 February 2005 2 Comments

Thinking a little bit more about my post from yesterday entitled Spinning The Wheel where I discussed how in many instances, I am actually between the wheels. I thought alot about the past three years of my spiritual walk where I decided to study and embrace the teachings of the Reformed movement. I look back and realize something…

I Am Between The Wheels of Reformed and Charismatic

I thought about all the historical documents of the Reformation I have read from the Westminister Confession of Faith (both the larger and shorter catechisms), Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Thesis, The Five Solas, T.U.L.I.P. etc. I have read them over and over again and for some reason, I feel as if I did not retain what was written. I re-read them and feel as if I have never read the words before when I desire to apply the Scripture based principles.

A mental block, a spiritual attack…….? It makes me wonder.

I am greatly appreciative for the reformation and much of the writings and creeds that were birthed out of this movement. They have really straightened out alot of what I believe as well as enforcing some core Biblical foundations that I was taught. However, as I read Reformed literature, I do not see much on Reformed Theology (unless I do not know where to look) that really deals with the infilling of the Holy Spirit, true apostles, true prophets, true evangelists, true pastors, true teachers, and the Gifts of the Spirit.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I believe that there are true and real apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers out there. I believe in the Gifts of the Spirit and their operation when done within the confines and direction of Scripture. I have seen the miracles. I have seen the discernment. I have seen the wisdom. I have seen the breakthroughs. I have seen the bad habits flee. I have seen the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in action and manifest truth. I really believe

Call me a hybrid. I am really a mixture of Charismatic and Reformed theologies with an earnest desire to become even more Reformed in my beliefs while keeping what is true and Godly about the Holy Spirit. I’ve had enough of the fanaticism and the pragmatism of the Charismatic / Pentecostal movement. I am moving onward and forward more towards the Reformed faith.

I have alot of people to thank in helping me achieve this shifting. From my home church, the Reformed / Charismatics I have met online (and I really believe there is more that I have not met), my very close friends, God, the Scriptures and countless others I have failed to mention. I have recently gotten blessed and ministered to while listening to the streamed broadcasts of The White Horse Inn and also John Piper’s Desiring God Radio that have helped me re-affirm my faith in God.

Some Reformers may think I am ‘wacked’ and some Charismatics / Pentecostals may think I have blasphemed. However, it is balance and proper application of Scriptures I am desiring.

2 Comments »

  • Diane said:

    Bob,

    I am exactly where you are too.

    # 2 March 2005 at 11:32 pm
  • Paul said:

    I attend a Word of Faith church (charismatic), but over the last several years, under the influence of R.C. Sproul on the radio, I have gratefully adopted Reformed theology. So, I, too, am between the wheels. I think it’s a terrible shame that so many Reformed believers deny the present-day working of the gifts of the Spirit. I see them, I move in them, I have been blessed by them. But, how fulfilling is Reformed theology. How wonderful to see the way all Scripture hangs together and, at last, makes complete sense.

    I think folks who are “between the wheels” need to pray, pray for charsimatics to understand Reformation theology, which is nothing more than a return to Scripture, and pray for members of Reformed churches to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit so that they can live in power and strength.

    My own pastor is so very close. If he could ever “get” the concept of predestination (which was the difficult beginning of my walk into Calvinism) he would fall immediately between the wheels. He is disgusted with the excesses of the charismatic church and seeks no more than a return to the first century church. As did the Reformers.

    We need to pray.

    # 8 August 2005 at 8:45 pm