AboutElder Greg Madden Expertise As a born again, Holy Ghost filled minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I am available to answer questions concerning most all Biblical doctrines, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, "Pentecostal/Apostolic" issues, and the history of the Pentecostal movement. For more info check out our web site at... http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1 Experience I gave my heart to the Lord a few months after being married during a revival meeting. A few weeks later I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and I have not been the same since!
In those twenty five years we have only attended one church (Harvest Church), and there I have served there as an Elder for fourteen years. We minister in song with the choir and worship team. I am also the new member’s class coordinator, men's ministry director, and the Harvest Riders motorcycle ministry president.
In 1993 the Lord called me to "...preach the Gospel where ever I open the door..." I have had the privilege of ministering God's Word to churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. In those meetings we have seen the Lord save, heal, deliver, and fill people will His Spirit.
Organizations I am ordained through Harvest Church, and with the World Harvest Ministerial Fellowship. I also am a licensed minister with the State of Oklahoma,
Publications
Education/Credentials I am currantly enrolled with the Ames Bible College.
Education/Credentials I am currantly enrolled with the Ames Bible College.
Question Hi,
I am looking for a church and have not been happy with the churches I have attended. I tend to be conservative and take the word of God literally. Could you tell me more about the Pentecostal religion/theory?
Answer Cindy,
Thank you for your question. I will do my best to assist you. I will give you a brief doctrinal description and list of the basic beliefs of most (if not all) Pentecostal churches.
Pentecostalism is a movement, not a denomination. But there are denominations that are Pentecostal in their beliefs. Theologically, most Pentecostal denominations are aligned with Evangelicalism in that they emphasize the reliability of the Bible and the need for the transformation of an individual's life with faith in Jesus. Pentecostals also adhere to the doctrine of Biblical inerrant.
The Pentecostal movement places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as shown in the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost. Pentecostals believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is always accompanied initially by the outward evidence of speaking in tongues.
Pentecostal's reject any connection between personal salvation or conversion and the baptism in the Holy Spirit and teach that it is not necessary for salvation, but a gift from God available to all Christians regardless of denominational affiliation.
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God and accept the same as the only infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. "Solo scriptura" Scripture alone.
Scripture References: Matt. 24:35, Ps. 119:89, 2 Tim. 3:16 -17, 2 Tim. 2:15 , 1 Pet. 1:19 -21
2. We believe in the eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, sovereign, and immutable triune God; and in the unity of the Godhead where three personalities, equal in every divine perfection and attribute, execute distinct, harmonious offices, in the great work of redemption. This does not mean that there are three "people" called God, but rather a way of saying God eternally exists in three personally distinct ways.
Scripture References: I John 5:7, 2 Cor. 13:14, John 1:1,2, Rev. 4:2-5 & 5:1-7
3. We believe because of man's total inability to save himself, salvation is by God's grace alone, and the believer in justified through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is received through sincere, godly repentance, and whole-hearted acceptance and confession of Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord.
Scripture References: John 3:3,16; 1 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20: 1 Pet. 2:24, Romans 10:9-10
4. We believe that having been cleansed by the blood of Christ and quickened by the Spirit, it is God's Will that we should be sanctified daily and be made partakers of His holiness, walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, forsaking the very appearance of evil.
Scripture References: Rom. 8:1,5; 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 7:1; I Pet. 1:15; 1 Thes. 5 - 22
5. We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, not identical with conversion. When the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is received, unknown tongues will follow. Inasmuch as this is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, every believer has a right to expect His incoming to be after the same manner as recorded by the Word of God in Bible days
Scripture References: John 14:16; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38-39; 10:44 -48, 19:6
6. We believe that for the edification of the saints and the up building of the church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has the following gifts to bestow upon the individual believer: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues, dividing to every man severally as He will. These gifts should be coveted earnestly by all spiritual believers and exercised in the spirit of love.
Scripture References: I Cor. 12:7-11, 31; Gal. 5:22-23; John 15:4, 8
Cindy, I hope that I have helped you. If you have any further questions, or if you need assistance find a church in your area please feel free to write back.
