Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
“Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8).
Continue reading “Is This the Time of National Restoration?”
Pentecostalism is a Spirit-movement; therefore, Pentecostals favor worship in which the Spirit moves. For Pentecostals, worship means experiencing the Holy Spirit in the fellowship of the church. While anointed singing and preaching are highly valued, they are not the goals of worship; they are a means to the desired end—an encounter with God at the altar. It is at the altar that souls are “gloriously saved,” converts are sanctified, the sick are healed, and seekers are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Whether these altar calls are noisy and dynamic, or somber and tearful, those who witness and participate in this spiritual worship walk away from the altar deeply moved and inwardly transformed. Pentecostal worship is not simply enthusiasm, neither is it entertainment—it is an evangelistic encounter with God’s holy presence.
Continue reading “The Centrality of the Pentecostal Altar”
There is no shortage of accusers against self-righteous Christians, and the systemic self-righteousness of the institutional church. You have undoubtedly seen the bumper stickers, read the posts, and viewed the videos that portray most Christians as judgmental hypocrites. Unbelievers and believers alike take aim and hurl an avalanche of stones. The well-meaning believers who are “prophetically” (tongue-in-cheek) accusing their brethren of hypocrisy don’t seem to realize that they have also become “judgmental.” Self-righteousness goes both ways.
Continue reading “Self-Righteousness Goes Both Ways”
So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:21; cf. 16-21).
This story reminds us of Joseph who stored the grains of Egypt in preparation for the famine (Genesis 41:25ff). It is wise to prepare for the future (Proverbs 6:6-11). Those who do not prepare for the future ensure their poverty. But this story diverges from the Joseph story. Joseph was charged with storing grain so that during the coming famine the people would flourish.
Continue reading “The Foolish Rich Man”
I believe in speaking in other tongues (here and here). In a recent Facebook conversation I noted that many young Pentecostals are minimizing tongues-speech as a sign of the Spirit. I was asked, “In your opinion are the young Pentecostals minimizing tongues or are they pushing back on the position that without tongues there is no Holy Spirit indwelling?
Continue reading “Why are Young Pentecostals Minimizing Tongues-Speech?”
Because of my long involvement in ministerial development I am always in conversation with young men and women of the church who are presenting themselves for ministry. So, this gives me a perspective on what they are thinking. Many of these young people are really smart and passionate. They want to serve Christ. They are searching for direction, and they are asking some really good questions. One question I often hear is about drinking alcoholic beverages: “If Jesus made wine, why is it wrong to drink it?”
Continue reading “If Jesus made wine, why does the Church teach that it’s wrong to drink it?”
Bishop John Chrysostom of Constantinople (398-404) lamented that so many of his congregants were skipping church to walk across the street to attend the horse races at the Hippodrome – which he referred to as the “satanodrome.” I wonder what Bishop John would think of Super Bowl Sunday? This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Continue reading “It’s the Lord’s Day! Or Super Bowl Sunday?”