False "pentecostalism" Today.

[[email protected]]

Good article and a fine positive historical review of the movement.

 

[Thankful 1]

Becoming one with God

​

(Acts 2:38-39) “You must repent, Peter answered and every one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God is calling to himself.”

Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.​

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are many, but just to name a few.



(1 Corinthians 12:27-30) “Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. In the Church, God has given the first place to apostles, the second to prophets, the third to teachers; after them, miracles, and after them the gift of healing; helpers, good leaders, those with many languages. Are all of them apostles, or all of them prophets, or all of them teachers? Do all speak strange languages, and all interpret them?”



The Holy Spirit/Jesus will begin to teach and give one the grace to live the whole Word of God.



(1 John 2:27) “But you have not lost the anointing that he gave you, and you do not need anyone to teach you, the anointing he gave teaches you everything; you are anointed with truth, not a lie, and as it has taught you, so you must stay in him.”



Living the Word of God includes loving, even one’s enemies.



(Matthew 5:43-44) “You have learnt how it was said, you must love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”



(Matthew 5:39) “You have learnt how it was said: ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance.”





One can’t say he or she loves if they have money stored and they keep it stored even when they know there is some one in need of that money.



(1 John 3:16-18) “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Jesus told us the following​

(Matthew 6:19) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”



(Matthew 6:24)"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”



(Luke 12:33) “Sell your possessions and give alms. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, treasure that will not fail you, in Heaven where no thief can reach it and no moth destroy it. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”



(Luke 14:33) “So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.”

A Spiritual Christian is a temple of God where no sin exists.​

(Romans 6:2-4) “How can we who died to sin yet live in it?

Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.”



(1 John 5:18) “ We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him”



(1 John 3:8) “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work”



When one learns to obey and live the Word of God, he or she will become the home of God.



(John 14: 23) “Anyone who loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him.”



(1 Corinthians 2:13-14) “Therefore we teach, not in the way in which philosophy is taught, but in the way that the Spirit teaches us: we teach spiritual things spiritually. An unspiritual person is one who does not accept anything of the Spirit of God he sees it all as nonsense; it is beyond his understanding because it can only be understood by means of the Spirit.”



To maintain life in one he or she needs spiritual food.



(John 6:53-55) “How can this man give us his flesh to eat? They said. Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you. Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day.”

 

[HammerStone]

I heard someone put it this way - and I think it's accurate.

There are those who don't like to talk about the Holy Spirit enough - the Baptists. (I go to attend a Baptist church.) Then there are those who like to talk about Him too much. I find myself in the middle ground. I think there are some valuable lessons from the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement(s), but at the same time I don't agree with starting a holy war over a topic which is mentioned a handful of times in the Bible. There is a solid middle ground where we recognize that God's Spirit is still more than active, but at the same time we don't pretend to know someone's Christianity by "signs." There are many good Christian Pentecostals and many good Christian Baptists. ;)

 

[[email protected]]

Acts 2:1-47 is the concise record of the Holy Spirit's actions within the Disciples of Jesus and associated followers in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost immediately following His ascension into Heaven in Acts 1:9-11.

The event is described with the following details from Scriptural text:

1.) They were commanded by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem for the promised baptism of the Holy Ghost. (1:2-5)
2.) They were in one place with one accord. (2:1)
3.) The sound of a mighty rushing wind from Heaven filling the house. (2:2)
4.) Visually seen tongues of fire resting upon each person in attendance. (2:3)
5.) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other known languages, each identified a Jew from every other nation on Earth staying in the city at that time. (2:4-11)
6.) They spoke of God's wonderful works in these languages. (2:11)
7.) A huge number of about 3000 people were brought into the fellowship in one day immediately after Peter preached a short sermon. (2:14-41)
8.) Many wonders and signs were done by Apostles. (2:43)
9.) They placed all of their personal possessions in common, and dispensed them according to need. (2:44-45)
10.) They ate and fellowshipped every day in the Temple and in their houses. (2:46)
11.) They had favor with all the local people, and the group grew rapidly and continually. (2:47)
12.) They had singleness of heart. (2:46)

Today, the people who call themselves "Pentecostal" do none of these things. If their self ascribed name is thusly false according to Scripture, then how false are their ideologies, promotions, and practices which distinguish them as so called "Pentecostals?" If a person says they are a "policeman" but has none of the skills of a policeman, does not have a police car, does not have a police badge, and does not have a police uniform, are they still a policeman just because they like to say they are one and feel good about it? If their friends say they are a policeman does it really matter?

The "Pentecostal" expression of faith is mostly an American institution. It's backbone is a fervent, deliberate and extreme religious attitude and life style. It has little to do with Biblical parallels, intellectual discovery or reasoned practice.

For example, a Pentecostal will declare loud and long that he is saved by grace, all the while living in strict observance of rigid rules and church by-laws.
A Pentecostal will declare that God alone teaches him through the Bible, all the while following the precepts of his local congregation, gospel music group, or TV evangelist (donations included).

The ceremonial form is marked by extremes in physical expression, loud music, long sermons and calls for maximum donations.
These donations, also called tithes & offerings, often are required gifts above and beyond 10% and many is the time that the offering basket is passed and re-passed throughout the pews until the church coffers are over-full. I witnessed one service where a deacon sat on the stage at a card table, counting the donations each time the basket was passed. The service was not allowed to continue until the targeted 'gift' amount was reached.

This unrestricted behavior tends to lead to skewed doctrine.

As Shelli has so correctly observed........little or none of it has to do with first century Christianity.

But if all you're looking for is a good show on Sunday morning, it can be a hoot.

 

[Foreigner]

The "Pentecostal" expression of faith is mostly an American institution. It's backbone is a fervent, deliberate and extreme religious attitude and life style. It has little to do with Biblical parallels, intellectual discovery or reasoned practice.

For example, a Pentecostal will declare loud and long that he is saved by grace, all the while living in strict observance of rigid rules and church by-laws.
A Pentecostal will declare that God alone teaches him through the Bible, all the while following the precepts of his local congregation, gospel music group, or TV evangelist (donations included).

The ceremonial form is marked by extremes in physical expression, loud music, long sermons and calls for maximum donations.
These donations, also called tithes & offerings, often are required gifts above and beyond 10% and many is the time that the offering basket is passed and re-passed throughout the pews until the church coffers are over-full. I witnessed one service where a deacon sat on the stage at a card table, counting the donations each time the basket was passed. The service was not allowed to continue until the targeted 'gift' amount was reached.

This unrestricted behavior tends to lead to skewed doctrine.

As Shelli has so correctly observed........little or none of it has to do with first century Christianity.

But if all you're looking for is a good show on Sunday morning, it can be a hoot.

-- I have been attended Pentecostal churches across the United States for the last three decades. I have NEVER encountered the tripe that you have listed. Not...even...once.


The pastor of my church speaks glowingly of our brothers and sisters in other Churches. We support them financially if there is an emergency or they are doing mission trips, and he has NEVER questioned the salvation of those attending the churches.


He has said that there are true seekers in all denominations and while those who actually know God and have given their life to Him will go to heaven, many sitting in church every Sunday will not. He included our very church in that assessment. He says that just having your butt in a pew of ANY church doesn't guarantee salvation. Only your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


We are a Pentecostal church but have never had, "extremes in physical expression, loud music, long sermons and calls for maximum donations."


In all my visits to other Pentecostal church I have NEVER seen: "many is the time that the offering basket is passed and re-passed throughout the pews until the church coffers are over-full. I witnessed one service where a deacon sat on the stage at a card table, counting the donations each time the basket was passed. The service was not allowed to continue until the targeted 'gift' amount was reached."


Is there possibly a church that has done this? Absolutely. Is it the norm in all Pentecostal churches. Absolutely NOT.


Your blanket unsupported, unsubstantiated accusations grow tiresome. Painting an entire denomination based on a limited (or non-existant) personal experience is far worse than the things you accuse these churches of doing.


It is my sincere hope that people are not making decision about following Christ based solely on your input.




.

 

[Miss Hepburn]

-- I have attended Pentecostal churches across the United States for the last three decades.
I have NEVER encountered the tripe that you have listed. Not...even...once.

Nor have I, however, I didn't read much past the Acts compilation which was wonderful. (And thank you for that.)
I kinda got the jist and attitude early on.
Take care
:)

 

[rockytopva]

Nor have I, however, I didn't read much past the Acts compilation which was wonderful. (And thank you for that.)
I kinda got the jist and attitude early on.
Take care
:)

I was fortunate to have gotten in a Pentecostal Holiness Church when the power of the Lord was strong in the place. It was an amazing thing to have experienced.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. - Matthew 24:12

The Lord Jesus Christ puts the blame of the lack of power in the churches on one thing.... Iniquity.

 

[goodshepard55]

I belong to a Holiness church.

One, we do not preach that speaking in tongues is mandatory for salvation!
Two, miracles and wonders are for the church today we have to have faith to beleive
Three, we do not beleive that we are perfect
Four, God does send interpreters of tongues
Five, we preach Jesu Christ died, resurrected and ascended
Six, souls are saved by Christ through our preaching of him
Seven, we here from Jesus Christ like any other beleiver
Eight, we stress salvation in Jesus Christ
Nine, We beleive you can have the Holy Spirit and not speak in tongues
Ten, We love or should love all people

WOW...sounds like my church and get this it is a baptist church.....


I truly found God in this church...I was raised in the states..lived there until 7 years ago....attended a church most of my life...taught that the Holy Spirit gifts were not for today......God has shown me different.....I see miracles...I see change in peoples lives daily....I see the God who loves all....not just believers....

 

[Miss Hepburn]

Just to give some background on me - I was healed of a severe hip and knee and heel issue July 2009
Then, next niight Baptized in the Holy Spirit. Slain in the Holy Spirit ---just could not stop laughing, laughing....
And Speak in Tongues!!!!!
(That is indeed pretty wild stuff I must say.)

My gosh, once I had the most severe sun stroke - nothing touches it - no ice pack, water -nothing
I am prone to this. (blonde, blue eyes, 1/4 Swedish)
I thought as I was miserable - head rolling on a pillow - "I'll prayer in tongues."


Honestly, honestly , honestly ----all was gone within minutes ----this is an impossible thing.
I know this from decades of experience as others do with sunstroke - pounding headache, red as a lobster, yada, yada.

Nothing is impossible with God.

So wonderful.

 

[jiggyfly]

The "Pentecostal" expression of faith is mostly an American institution. It's backbone is a fervent, deliberate and extreme religious attitude and life style. It has little to do with Biblical parallels, intellectual discovery or reasoned practice.

For example, a Pentecostal will declare loud and long that he is saved by grace, all the while living in strict observance of rigid rules and church by-laws.
A Pentecostal will declare that God alone teaches him through the Bible, all the while following the precepts of his local congregation, gospel music group, or TV evangelist (donations included).

The ceremonial form is marked by extremes in physical expression, loud music, long sermons and calls for maximum donations.
These donations, also called tithes & offerings, often are required gifts above and beyond 10% and many is the time that the offering basket is passed and re-passed throughout the pews until the church coffers are over-full. I witnessed one service where a deacon sat on the stage at a card table, counting the donations each time the basket was passed. The service was not allowed to continue until the targeted 'gift' amount was reached.

This unrestricted behavior tends to lead to skewed doctrine.

As Shelli has so correctly observed........little or none of it has to do with first century Christianity.

But if all you're looking for is a good show on Sunday morning, it can be a hoot.

'[email protected]' This is nothing less that a rant against brothers and sisters who attend to the worship of Christ in a slightly different manner. Those who feel that too much emphasis is placed on the Holy Spirit may find that they've denied the ideology of the Holy Trinity by displacing His ministry in the lives of the believers.

Beware of spiritual pride.

That we are brethern in Christ is enough. If a Pentacostal chooses to worship in riotous song and dance, what concern of yours is that? Pray quietly if that seems good to you. There's nothing wrong with that either. Remove the log in your own eye before you pick at the sliver in another's.

Remember that there are legions of people out there who wish to strip ALL OF US of the pleasure, the right and the truth of assembly in Jesus' name. Let us be concerned with them rather than how a man chooses to worship in church.

[font="tahoma][size="2"]Did something happen that changed your mind?[/size][/font]

 

[Foreigner]

[email protected], on 19 May 2011 - 09:54 AM, said:

The "Pentecostal" expression of faith is mostly an American institution. It's backbone is a fervent, deliberate and extreme religious attitude and life style. It has little to do with Biblical parallels, intellectual discovery or reasoned practice.

For example, a Pentecostal will declare loud and long that he is saved by grace, all the while living in strict observance of rigid rules and church by-laws.
A Pentecostal will declare that God alone teaches him through the Bible, all the while following the precepts of his local congregation, gospel music group, or TV evangelist (donations included).

The ceremonial form is marked by extremes in physical expression, loud music, long sermons and calls for maximum donations.
These donations, also called tithes & offerings, often are required gifts above and beyond 10% and many is the time that the offering basket is passed and re-passed throughout the pews until the church coffers are over-full. I witnessed one service where a deacon sat on the stage at a card table, counting the donations each time the basket was passed. The service was not allowed to continue until the targeted 'gift' amount was reached.

This unrestricted behavior tends to lead to skewed doctrine.

As Shelli has so correctly observed........little or none of it has to do with first century Christianity.

But if all you're looking for is a good show on Sunday morning, it can be a hoot.


----------------------------------
Quote

'[email protected]' This is nothing less that a rant against brothers and sisters who attend to the worship of Christ in a slightly different manner. Those who feel that too much emphasis is placed on the Holy Spirit may find that they've denied the ideology of the Holy Trinity by displacing His ministry in the lives of the believers.

Beware of spiritual pride.

That we are brethern in Christ is enough. If a Pentacostal chooses to worship in riotous song and dance, what concern of yours is that? Pray quietly if that seems good to you. There's nothing wrong with that either. Remove the log in your own eye before you pick at the sliver in another's.

Remember that there are legions of people out there who wish to strip ALL OF US of the pleasure, the right and the truth of assembly in Jesus' name. Let us be concerned with them rather than how a man chooses to worship in church.

-----------------------------------------------


Did something happen that changed your mind? - Jiggyfly




Ouch ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

 

[Groundzero]

Acts 2:1-47 is the concise record of the Holy Spirit's actions within the Disciples of Jesus and associated followers in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost immediately following His ascension into Heaven in Acts 1:9-11.

The event is described with the following details from Scriptural text:

1.) They were commanded by Jesus to wait in Jerusalem for the promised baptism of the Holy Ghost. (1:2-5)
2.) They were in one place with one accord. (2:1)
3.) The sound of a mighty rushing wind from Heaven filling the house. (2:2)
4.) Visually seen tongues of fire resting upon each person in attendance. (2:3)
5.) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other known languages, each identified a Jew from every other nation on Earth staying in the city at that time. (2:4-11)
6.) They spoke of God's wonderful works in these languages. (2:11)
7.) A huge number of about 3000 people were brought into the fellowship in one day immediately after Peter preached a short sermon. (2:14-41)
8.) Many wonders and signs were done by Apostles. (2:43)
9.) They placed all of their personal possessions in common, and dispensed them according to need. (2:44-45)
10.) They ate and fellowshipped every day in the Temple and in their houses. (2:46)
11.) They had favor with all the local people, and the group grew rapidly and continually. (2:47)
12.) They had singleness of heart. (2:46)

Today, the people who call themselves "Pentecostal" do none of these things. If their self ascribed name is thusly false according to Scripture, then how false are their ideologies, promotions, and practices which distinguish them as so called "Pentecostals?" If a person says they are a "policeman" but has none of the skills of a policeman, does not have a police car, does not have a police badge, and does not have a police uniform, are they still a policeman just because they like to say they are one and feel good about it? If their friends say they are a policeman does it really matter?

I am called a Pentecostal by some. We do not take our name because we did what they did. We take that title in reference to the fact that we believe what the early church did. I don't give a damn in the end about what you call yourself. All I care about is if you follow what Jesus commands in the Scriptures to do. You will find people who claim to be 'Pentecostals' who believe completely opposite things. I can speak for my church, that we do have healings, and we do have the Spirit of God in it. I'm not just saying that. If you are tuned in to God, you can feel him move. It's incredible and is unique.

 

[Groundzero]

[email protected], on 19 May 2011 - 09:54 AM, said:

The "Pentecostal" expression of faith is mostly an American institution. It's backbone is a fervent, deliberate and extreme religious attitude and life style. It has little to do with Biblical parallels, intellectual discovery or reasoned practice.

For example, a Pentecostal will declare loud and long that he is saved by grace, all the while living in strict observance of rigid rules and church by-laws.
A Pentecostal will declare that God alone teaches him through the Bible, all the while following the precepts of his local congregation, gospel music group, or TV evangelist (donations included).

The ceremonial form is marked by extremes in physical expression, loud music, long sermons and calls for maximum donations.
These donations, also called tithes & offerings, often are required gifts above and beyond 10% and many is the time that the offering basket is passed and re-passed throughout the pews until the church coffers are over-full. I witnessed one service where a deacon sat on the stage at a card table, counting the donations each time the basket was passed. The service was not allowed to continue until the targeted 'gift' amount was reached.

This unrestricted behavior tends to lead to skewed doctrine.

As Shelli has so correctly observed........little or none of it has to do with first century Christianity.

But if all you're looking for is a good show on Sunday morning, it can be a hoot.


----------------------------------
Quote

'[email protected]' This is nothing less that a rant against brothers and sisters who attend to the worship of Christ in a slightly different manner. Those who feel that too much emphasis is placed on the Holy Spirit may find that they've denied the ideology of the Holy Trinity by displacing His ministry in the lives of the believers.

Beware of spiritual pride.

That we are brethern in Christ is enough. If a Pentacostal chooses to worship in riotous song and dance, what concern of yours is that? Pray quietly if that seems good to you. There's nothing wrong with that either. Remove the log in your own eye before you pick at the sliver in another's.

Remember that there are legions of people out there who wish to strip ALL OF US of the pleasure, the right and the truth of assembly in Jesus' name. Let us be concerned with them rather than how a man chooses to worship in church.

-----------------------------------------------


Did something happen that changed your mind? - Jiggyfly




Ouch ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

I find what you have written very offensive. I am what some people call "Pentecostal." So is my church. We do not have an extreme religious lifestyle and attitude. We stand on the Bible alone. Every doctrine that is enforced can be proven in Scripture. Moreover, we don't claim that God alone teaches us through the Bible. We recognise that God teaches us through his holy Word, through teachers, and through trials. We do, however, stand square on the Bible. Everything we do and say MUST line up with God's Word, because that is the only thing that won't pass away in this doomed world. We don't pass around a hat or such to collect offerings. We have a box sitting in the corner where people can put money in if they want to. There are no signs directing people to it, nothing. Our music follows wherever the Spirit leads. At times it is fast-paced and loud, other times quiet and slow. Our teaching is Spirit-led. Our church is Spirit-led. You can laugh if you want to, but ultimately, you will at some stage in your life realise that there is a spirituality that few cross into. There are two sides of this spirituality. One is a dark side, the other a light side. You can find the dark side displayed in heavy metal rock music. One day I hope to put up a link of a song, which makes sense FORWARD and BACKWARD. No man could possibly make such a song. It was called "Stairway to Heaven" if i remember correctly. When played backwards, the song was worshipping Satan. I don't think I need to tell you which spiritual side that came from. Likewise, there is a spiritual side that belongs to Jesus, and it is real, so very real. The things that the apostles were doing, healings and such, are just as possible now as they were then. Church is not a place of the dead, but of the living! True church needs life, life given by the Spirit of Jesus. Your response seems to be targeted merely at pulling down something which you have so little information about.

 

[Foreigner]

My church is a Pentecostal church, as well.
Have been there for years.

People there pray in tongues, but that is not a requirement in any way.
People speak outloud "in an unknown language" in a word or a prophecy and then someone is able to translate it.
People also have words from God in good ol' English, as well.

It is an amazing, God loving church that teaches the word of God as well as practices that word.

I shared in another thread on this board the healing that my daughter experiences and I witnessed just a couple of weeks ago.

I have witnessed scores of healings before my very eyes. Legs extended, withered hands restored, crooked back with humps suddenly being straightened.
People scheduled for surgery the following week who come back with testimony from the doctors saying they have never witnessed a healing like that before.

This "fake" Pentecostal church also has in-house ministries to help with divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc. as well as a prison ministry to the local jails, a mechanics ministry that fixes cars for free, an in-house food bank, as well as financially supporting women's shelters such as the Dorothy Day house and the YWCA.

Feel free to judge, but it sure SEEMS that they are blesed by God for what they do there.

 

[rockytopva]

My church is a Pentecostal church, as well.
Have been there for years.

People there pray in tongues, but that is not a requirement in any way.
People speak outloud "in an unknown language" in a word or a prophecy and then someone is able to translate it.
People also have words from God in good ol' English, as well.

It is an amazing, God loving church that teaches the word of God as well as practices that word.

I shared in another thread on this board the healing that my daughter experiences and I witnessed just a couple of weeks ago.

I have witnessed scores of healings before my very eyes. Legs extended, withered hands restored, crooked back with humps suddenly being straightened.
People scheduled for surgery the following week who come back with testimony from the doctors saying they have never witnessed a healing like that before.

This "fake" Pentecostal church also has in-house ministries to help with divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc. as well as a prison ministry to the local jails, a mechanics ministry that fixes cars for free, an in-house food bank, as well as financially supporting women's shelters such as the Dorothy Day house and the YWCA.

Feel free to judge, but it sure SEEMS that they are blesed by God for what they do there.

When a mans fight begins with himself, he is worth something. -Robert Browing.

Foreigner... I have never heard a message against any other denomination in all the years I have been attending my "fake" Pentecostal church. And the people there too are blessed of God!

 

[Foreigner]

Same with me.
My state has had terrible flooding this year. Our Pastor has urged us to give but also contribute to work being done in other churches.
He said something once that has stuck with me.

"There are people in Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcipalian and other churches that we will be with in heaven.
There are people in this very church that we will likely not see in heaven.
Just occupying a pew does not mean you occupy a place in heaven."

 

[rockytopva]

Same with me.
My state has had terrible flooding this year. Our Pastor has urged us to give but also contribute to work being done in other churches.
He said something once that has stuck with me.

"There are people in Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcipalian and other churches that we will be with in heaven.
There are people in this very church that we will likely not see in heaven.
Just occupying a pew does not mean you occupy a place in heaven."

Well said my brother!

 

[Miss Hepburn]

Well, as I've said before I'm Bap in the Holy Spirit...Pray in Tongues...heal....have been healed.
And, boy, do people get hot under the collar if I may mention it!
Wild!

Judging is above my pay grade - what a freedom to have that burden lifted.
I recognize the burden in others bec I was there once.
Gosh, to have a renewed mind is a blessing!!!!

And watch - I may get attacked for saying that! Ha!
:) Miss Hepburn

 

[goodshepard55]

Well, as I've said before I'm Bap in the Holy Spirit...Pray in Tongues...heal....have been healed.
And, boy, do people get hot under the collar if I may mention it!
Wild!

Judging is above my pay grade - what a freedom to have that burden lifted.
I recognize the burden in others bec I was there once.
Gosh, to have a renewed mind is a blessing!!!!

And watch - I may get attacked for saying that! Ha!
:) Miss Hepburn

LOL...Miss Hepburn...I think it is wonderful.....I see God's Mercy and Miracles almost daily....I too keep quiet on the forum about my gifting the Holy Spirit has so given me and the preparation of the gifts before receiving.

 

[lawrance]

I find what you have written very offensive. I am what some people call "Pentecostal." So is my church. We do not have an extreme religious lifestyle and attitude. We stand on the Bible alone. Every doctrine that is enforced can be proven in Scripture. Moreover, we don't claim that God alone teaches us through the Bible. We recognise that God teaches us through his holy Word, through teachers, and through trials. We do, however, stand square on the Bible. Everything we do and say MUST line up with God's Word, because that is the only thing that won't pass away in this doomed world. We don't pass around a hat or such to collect offerings. We have a box sitting in the corner where people can put money in if they want to. There are no signs directing people to it, nothing. Our music follows wherever the Spirit leads. At times it is fast-paced and loud, other times quiet and slow. Our teaching is Spirit-led. Our church is Spirit-led. You can laugh if you want to, but ultimately, you will at some stage in your life realise that there is a spirituality that few cross into. There are two sides of this spirituality. One is a dark side, the other a light side. You can find the dark side displayed in heavy metal rock music. One day I hope to put up a link of a song, which makes sense FORWARD and BACKWARD. No man could possibly make such a song. It was called "Stairway to Heaven" if i remember correctly. When played backwards, the song was worshipping Satan. I don't think I need to tell you which spiritual side that came from. Likewise, there is a spiritual side that belongs to Jesus, and it is real, so very real. The things that the apostles were doing, healings and such, are just as possible now as they were then. Church is not a place of the dead, but of the living! True church needs life, life given by the Spirit of Jesus. Your response seems to be targeted merely at pulling down something which you have so little information about.

Doomed world you say ? the only doom is because people reject Jesus Christ and thats all.