Blogotional
First, your statement that we, (pentecostals) state that baptism subsequent to salvation is required is incorrect. The proper term would be available. It is not required for salvation since one is already saved. If this experience is available, many of us would like to partake of it. I can say that in my own life, it has been a great blessing. note: When I say it, I am referring to the baptism, not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person, a He, not an it.
Second, I wonder about an attitude that infers that they don't want to be a pentecostal because of the dangers, who else is in it, etc. We are to be led by the Spirit, not by sex and money scandals. I think the apostle Paul would agree with that. He spoke in tongues more than all the people he wrote to. I would also add that just because the msm splashes certain scandals across their front pages on a continual basis, it does not mean they are the only scandals taking place. I would point to the Abu Garib prison scandal in Iraq
I found it an interesting note that not once in the article did you make reference to seeking the voice of God in your decision. Is hearing God a pentecostal doctrine that the "frozen chosen" don't subscribe to?
"I reject pentecostalism utterly, not because of its theology but because of its consequences. The consequences of ideas are, in the end, what really matter."
Coming in line with Jesus in the early church would lead to your death, but i think it would have been the right decision if salvation is important. I would argue that coming in line with God is what matters. But this article did not seem to be concerned with that.
Carl
Thought provoking post. When I get a chance over the next few weeks I may get around to linking to you with a post of my own on "Why I am a Pentecostal." Just wanted to drop you a line now, though.
So you judge Pentecostals by the conduct of some of those leading figures who have failed in a spectacular way.
Do you judge the whole of Christianity on the history on the Inquisition?
If you look at the response of the American Assemblies of God in one case you will know that their decision to discipline a minister accused of serious offences was a costly one for them. The were threatened with a severe financial loss. They did not hesitate to act and the Lord honoured them in this.
We have not lovered our standards. " Let him who thinks he stands..."
I came across your blog and applaud it. I grew up in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles and I also have a disability which goes without saying was a very difficult situation to deal with in those circles. I was told not to go back and read Augustine, Luther and Calvin but I eventually did and now I'm an LCMS Lutheran. Sometime I would like to tell you more about all my experiences in my former days as they are quite revealing and at times very disturbing.
I am not sure that you are really making sense about there being "consequences" to being Pentecostal. Just as there are evil and corrupt people, so are there good and moral people. I would not make a decision based on what another person is or is not doing; make a decision based upon the word of God. We judge so easily without mercy. All of us are accountable to one thing in the end, GOD and His Word. Is it possible that these men and women had such power with God, and that God granted them such power with men (causing them being seen as having charisma) because of their consecration and relationship with Him? However, in time, and because of our fallen nature, they did not keep humble, and gave way for sin. Certainly some started out with the best intentions. Yes, definatley some of them WERE good people. Think about Soloman. The wisest man, most powerful man. Loved God. Built God the most astonishing Tabernacle. Yet you find him as an animal at his life's end. I would not allow other people's "fall" keep me from having a relationship with God that is most powerful and intimate, and so full of Joy, which the baptism of the Holy Spirit/Ghost brings. No way. Understanding that there are various groups that call themselves Pentecostal, I make my comments based on the apostolic fellowship of the United Pentecostal Church and of such other similiar fellowships.
spelling correction... solomon
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