Expert: Brian Thompson - 4/19/2011

Question
Hello Brian
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this question.
I was wondering if you could explain to me clearly what the foundational teaching for true pentecostalism really is.
With so many churches involving themselves with unbiblical practices and Pentecostals getting a stigma attached to themselves, I was hoping youcould shed some light on what is true.
I am a Christian and have been brought up in a pentecostal church for 11 years, so have a good knowledge of Acts 2 and the core believes of Pentecostals including the effectual niine fold gifts of the spirit.
Just what values should a pentecostal hold to and what defines a pentecostal?
Many thanks
James

Answer
Hi James

As you undoubtedly already have a wealth of pentecostal teaching I don't see the point of covering that ground again. You are undoubtedly aware that Acts 2 and the events surrounding that extraordinary event are the basis for believing that the Christian experience is more that just a belief in Christ, that in fact he left us true riches in the form of the Holy Spirit. You must place this in the context of a church that had largely forgotten large parts of the New Testament and see the rise of the pentecostal movement as a renewal.

I believe the real basis of pentecostalism lies in Luke 3:16 NIV
John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

We as Christians must seek to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire yet rarely is the baptism of the Holy Spirit spoken of outside pentecostalism.

A pentecostal must hold to Christian values epitimised by the fruit of the Spirit and to the truth and value of all of the Word of God as it is placed before us. A pentecostal is defined by the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the outworking of that within their lives. In other words the infilling will produce fruit and good works.  A pentecostal is defined by faith; in the practical sense that he believes that God is both capable and willing and that means that, at least, it will be demonstrated through the functioning of the gifts of the Spirit. This is more than being charismatic

If you would like to know more about what I think you might read the book Revival ~ a different perspective