I think my own faith tradition is rather unique, at least in evangelical cirlces. And honestly, it's kind of sad that it is.
I agree very much so with the doctrinal views of most PCA churches. I believe in the sovereignty of God in and His foreknowledge of everything. I don't anything happens this side of heaven that solicits a "I wasn't expecting that!" reaction from God.
The Bible talks a lot about "The Elect" and predestination. I don't have an issues with predestination; I just don't know who personally is predestined and who isn't. Since I don't know who is and who isn't, why not follow the example I've been given to preach the Gospel, intercede for the nations, and do my best to present the supremacy of Christ in all things? Sounds like a good formula for a joy-filled life. Notice, I did *not* use the word "happiness" here but rather joy. I believe happiness is more temporal and circumstantial, whereas joy is more trancendental of circumstance.
I also believe in the co-equal, co-eternal 3 parts of God which has been referred to as The Trinity for hundreds of years (maybe longer). And I believe that the Holy Spirit if fully capable and willing and wanting to do things like were done in the Book of Acts. I want that power of God resting on me. I don't want to quench the Holy Spirit, no matter what. Even when He makes me uncomfortable =).
I don't have any problem with prophetical giftings or speaking in tongues. I Corinthians (a New Testament book) talked about speaking in tongues and prophecy and apostleship, etc. These were things that were around in the 1st century, and I don't see any Biblical basis that they not be there now (which is the dispensationalist teaching held by many mainstream, especially reformed, congregations). What's weird to me is that so many reformed churches are so serious about good sound doctrine, which is why I don't understand why they have an issue with "power encounters" with the Holy Spirit? Seems very odd.
I've heard it said that they find no reason/benefit for these gifts as the Canon has now been completed. I guess this would make sense if there was no manifested demonic power out there but there is manifested DEMONIC power!! Still !!! And we need the power of God working through the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His supremacy over demonic power! Once again, this all makes so much sense when I just write it down.
People are very into order in church. I understand that God is a God of order, and so they should exercise their gifts circumspectly (speaking in tongues for example). But to stymie all expressions of "out of the box Holy Spirit inhibited ___" is to throw out the baby with the bathwater in my humble opinion.
