The more I study the more I learn! I have been studying God’s word for decades now, litterally, and I still don’t know anything. My journey of faith is now taking me to the basics; I know I am a child of God but who do I affiliate with? Evangelicals? Apologetics? Charismatics? As I continue reading my Bible I now begin reading articles, books and even watching lectures, on the Christian faith. Last week I interrupted this series “AM I” to share a YouTube video declaring my desire to no longer be a “Super Christian!” Keeping up with what church leaders and brothers and sisters in Christ state I should be is exhausting. I am 1 Corinthians 2:2
1 CORINTHIANS 2:2
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
AM I PENTECOSTAL?
The problem, I have discovered, with studying such a personal topic as religion is who is sharing the information, the perspective can differ based on ones’ approach. Pentecostalism, in particular, triggers determined opinions.
Pentecostalism is not what I would call a formal religion but a movement, in my studies others have used this term as well. Studying Pentacostalism will lead to a discussion of ‘speaking in tongues,’ but that is not what this movement is all about. Pentecostalism embraces the Spirit of God and His work in a person’s life.
ACTS 2:1-4 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
When the day of Pentecost [C- a harvest festival fifty days after Passover, celebrating the firstfruits of the crops (while on this day the firstfruits of the Spirit); Ex. 34:22; Deut. 16:10, 16] ·came [arrived], they were all together in one place. Suddenly a ·noise [roar] like a ·strong [violent], ·blowing [rushing] wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something like ·flames [L- tongues] of fire ·that were separated [that were divided; or that spread out] and ·stood [came to rest] over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak ·different [other; or foreign] ·languages [L- tongues] by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them [C- reversing the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel; Gen. 11:1–9].
The book of Acts details the move of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. I used the Expanded Bible translation because of its’ explanations incorporated within the scripture. As Christians we believe in the Trinity, the Triune nature of God; God the Father God, the Son and God the Spirit. Jesus the Son of God said:
JOHN 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
It is the Spirit of God that teaches thus to be aware of His presence in ones’ life is signficant. Pentecostals embrace the presence of the Holy Spirit upon alll who believe.
1 JOHN 5:6-9A study of Pentecostal leaders begin with the founders of the movement: William J Seymour, Charles Parham, Smiths Wigglesworth, and Kathryn Kuhlman. In addition: Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Roberts, and Kenneth E Hagin. The birth of Pentecostal churches reached passed what could be considered a male dominated theology and incorporated people of all races and genders. (I might add: Church leaders are not perfect but they are usable by God).
This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son
Pentecostals embrace all of the promises of God allowing the Spirit of God to reveal God’s wisdom in their lives.The pentecostal movement influences various denominations thus your church may have pentecostal roots and you not know it.
Am I a pentecostal? I am baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in a heavenly language. I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Are you a pentecostal? Do you reject praying in a heavenly language. Do you believe that doctors can heal but laying on of hands does not work? Does your church embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
***written by Marsha L F Randolph
A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
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