Am I Charismatic?

You may be thinking, I’m not a “holy roller.” Well, let’s explore that notion for a moment. For many followers of Christ, Charismatic denotes normalizing the manifestation of Spirit gifts (listed in I Corinthians 12) in public worship, such as healing, tongues, or modern day miracles (this is not typically the practice of Methodists). The greek word Charisma is interpreted as “gracious gifts from God” (Barry’s way of saying it) and suggests those endued with the power of the Holy Spirit are manifestly gifted by God to edify or “make strong” the whole body of believers and to share the Gospel with the world.

However, if I ask instead, are those who “belong to Christ” filled and led by the Holy Spirit? This question is rather rhetorical and strikes more precisely to the heart of the nature of our salvation. The reality created in Jesus Christ by resurrection is a new existence for all believing, obedient children of God. This reality is characterized by the law of the Spirit or being indwelled by the Holy Spirit. It is a non-negotiable truth. It is the very means of regeneration and being set free from the law of sin and death. The Holy Spirit provides me life in Christ. This is the very implication of resurrection faith and is undeniable if I am “in Christ.” 

My new reality creates a fresh behavior pattern for me. I am now led, not by obligation of written religious laws or pleasing my appetites for human expression, but by the instructive guidance of the Spirit who writes upon the tablet of my heart the will of God. I am now true Israel, an awakened person, led by the Spirit, with the power to live a Christ-pleasing life, and confidently tackle the challenges of a hostile world of temptations, troubles, and hardships. These instructions for living are obviously synonymous with Holy Scriptures’ testimony of righteousness, or we have a huge disconnect. So, if someone ever asks if you are a “holy roller,” just say: “why yes I am, by the mercy of God.”

Reflections on Romans 8-12

Barry

The Human Answer (Part Two of Three)

What does Romans offer us? How shall we be free of the bondage of the mud? We try to fix ourselves or just seek to be “one” with the mud. But human potential, “works-based” ideals are doomed to self-righteousness, hypocrisy, manipulations, self-delusion, and failure. The best moral religions and philosophies deal in human strength or virtuous activities (arete, see Aristotle). They might shame us about right and wrong but do not lead us to the God who is the source of “right and good (dykai-osun-a or righteousness).” These moralisms and “super-therapies of wholeness” often involve denial or good behavior mixed with wrong reasons. They are just too bent and weak to work. Colin Williams, commenting on this “bent,” reminds us that it is not that we cannot do good things but that these good capacities are twisted from their true course and are wrongly purposed. Actions that are often judged good by objective social and moral standards are, in fact, religiously corrupt when they issue from a life separated from God. John Wesley actually saw these “good deeds” as evil that keep us from God (Sermons I, pg. 38), “they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done.” Sobering indeed! So take the example of Jacob, he claims God’s promised blessing by deceiving his father. It was God’s good gained not in God’s way. It was God’s will for him to be the chosen descendant and by definition was “good,” yet his means involved sinful deception. It destroyed his relationship with his brother. This story is repeated. Thus, we need rescuing. Enter the gospel. A new life in Christ which doesn’t proceed from right behavior, but results in righteous or “holy fruit.” A gift from God.

Barry