Jac3510 wrote:Broadly, yes. I used to be a cessationist. I am not any longer. I believe the gifts of the Spirit are still active in the church today. Hopefully I can offer some more thoughts both with reference to this and my OP a bit later this evening.
I've never understood through-going cessationists.
I mean, it's always been logical to me, that if God is personal, then so too are his interactions with people which would be "supernatural". Furthermore, I'd counter those who say miracles aren't common -- sure the variety where you're healed and the like may not be so common -- but then the Holy Spirit ministering to people directly (even such a person might be unaware if they're quite dense, nonetheless the Holy Spirit guides such a person closing doors and opening others). All such counts as "miracles" in my opinion, they're just less obviously so since there are no bright lights in the sky.
That said, I do not believe the gifts given to the Apostles have, that we have such today. Though there is no reason as I see not to see such happen to same extent but it's just not the status quo or to be expected as I see things. They were responsible for laying down the foundations to Christ's church, so it was important God more directly lead and intervenes to help the Apostles -- "
on this rock I'll build my church", Christ said to Peter. They certainly weren't left alone, as Christ promised, but were helped by the Holy Spirit.
Look forward to reading over your own post when you get to it Jac.