Author: Daniel Tomberlin

BS, MDiv, DMin. Ordained bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN); pastor for 37 years; Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries at Pentecostal Theological Seminary (Cleveland TN).
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Sacred Time & the Sacred Meal Enrich Pentecostal Spirituality

I was reared in Pentecostal Church. In fact, my family’s history in Pentecostalism goes back a century. Some might consider that an accident of history, I consider it the favor of divine grace. The Pentecostal movement has renewed the spirituality and theology of the Christian church throughout the world. I have always been an ecumenical Pentecostal, that is, I have always appreciated the spirituality and theological traditions of the wider Christian family. I have attended worship services of various Churches including Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican. I appreciate the beauty of the liturgy. Even so, every time I attend such services I am reminded why I love Pentecostalism which insists on the dynamic reality of a divine encounter directly mediated to the human person through the Holy Spirit. Pentecostal spirituality does not exclude rationalism or sacramentalism, but transcends both.

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Receive the Children: A Biblical Reflection on the Dignity of the Unborn Child

The world of the ancient near east in which is Christianity was born was harsh towards children. Abortion and exposure were common practices, most often for economic reasons (Fox, Pagans and Christians, 1986). Even so, the Church has always prophetically spoken regarding the value of every child. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that conception and birth are sacred events in the theology of the church.

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The Challenge of Pastoral Preaching

Writing to the elders of the Ephesian Church the Apostle Paul declared, “I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:31). Here Paul displays the pathos of the pastor. The pastor is called to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God and exercise profound compassion towards the people of God. The call to be a faithful teacher with a compassionate heart can be agonizing for the pastor and congregation.

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God has Daughters Too

Paul often uses the phrase “sons of God” to refer to those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. Paul never uses the phrase “daughters of God” when speaking of human redemption. So, somewhat tongue in cheek, I must ask, Can women be saved? Can women be led by the Spirit? Do women receive “the Spirit of adoption as sons”? Are women full redemptive participants in the kingdom of God? In other words, Does God have daughters?

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