PENTECOSTALISM
Brief History:
“The Pentecostal Church., traces its beginning to New Years Eve, 1899. In Topeka, Kansas, a band of earnest hungry-hearted Christian people, being hungry for more of God, called a fast that lasted twenty-one days. During this time they prayed earnestly for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which to their joyful surprise came at midnight on New Years Eve, 1899. Mighty manifestations were witnessed in the meeting soon after midnight, and people were heard speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave utterance in the same manner as the 120 received it on the Day of Pentecost, when the multitudes came together and they were understood to speak in the different languages of the earth. . . ”
“Ministers and evangelists came from every section of the United States and missionaries returned from the foreign field to learn more about this strange doctrine. Many who came received a like experience of the group in Topeka, and returned to their field of labor preaching that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever . . . But in the year 1914 a conference was called at Hot Springs, Ark., during which a General Council of the Assemblies of God was formed. Later because of what many believed to be new revelation of doctrine this group was divided and two or three other smaller groups soon formed, among them being what is known as The Pentecostal Church, Inc., was formed, composed of white brethren only.” (Religious Bodies. Statistics, History and Doctrines, Vol. II, p. 1334-5, quoted in Modern Churches and The Church, p. 205.)
“During the last twenty-one days of the nineteenth century a band of earnest, hungry-hearted ministers and Christian workers in Bethel Bible College, Topeka, Kansas, called a fast, praying earnestly for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which, to their joyful surprise, came upon them in the early hours of the morning, on January 1, 1900 . . . In the year 1914 came the revelation on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The pivotal doctrines of the absolute deity of Jesus Christ and baptism in his name became tenets of faith. God marvelously confirmed our message as the Gospel was preached in its fullness. The power which was hidden in the name of Jesus began to be revealed. Literally thousands were rebaptized into the name of Jesus Christ, and multitudes received the baptism of the Holy Spirit while in the water.
61 | P a g e
“Great numbers were healed of incurable diseases; demons were cast out as in the days of the apostles. In many cities where this message had gone, the report of the Samaritan revival was duplicated. (Acts 8:12) . . .
“During the early half of this century various groups were organized. Among them two of the major bodies known as the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ, Inc., and the Pentecostal Church, Inc., became so closely associated in doctrine and fellowship that in 1944 steps were taken to unite the two bodies into one organization known as the United Pentecostal Church . . . To this end we now pledge our prayers, our faith, our life and love, our earthly means of support, and our times, in the fear of God and his glory alone. UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH." (Pentecostal Church Manual, pp. 8-10, Foreword).
A mixture with an Armenian Pentecostal movement took place in 1906. A group migrating from Russia in the last part of the nineteenth century found its way to California and came into contact with the Azusa mission. Pentecostals have been called the "third force of Christendom." Within seventy years they have grown until they claim a membership of eight and a half million members.
A neo-Pentecostalism has arisen in the United States in the last ten years. Its origin has been traced to St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, California. The Rector Dennis Bennett first became involved in glossolalia. It then spread to the members of the church where he preached. It was at first bitterly opposed by the Episcopal religious authorities, but it spread like wildfire. In ten years, it has touched nearly every religious group in the United States.
One of the chief means of the spreading of this neo-Pentecostalism has been the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International - FGBMFI. Oral Roberts helped at its organization in Los Angeles in 1960. Now there are chapters throughout the United States in 196. Now there are chapters throughout the United States and in many parts of the world. Three of their magazines are Voice, Trinity and Testimony. Advocates of this neo-Pentecostalism include business executives, movie starts, T.V. personalities and college professors - (Glossolalia, by Jimmy Jividen, pp 73-74).
62 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
• Through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit, miracles of healing incurable diseases occurs today, as well as other notable miracles such as characterized the apostolic church of the first century. (p. 25, A.B Simpson, The Gospel of Healing and E.E. Bynum in Divine Healing, p. 36.)
• Jesus advised the sick to call for a doctor. Matthew 9:12.
• The same men who were to heal the sick in Jesus’ name could also drink deadly poison, take up serpents, raise the dead, etc., which thing they did in the first century in fulfillment of His promise. Mark 16:17-20
• Jesus spoke God’s word and confirmed it with signs. Hebrews 2:3-4.
• Miracles were performed for the purpose of confirming new truths delivered to the saints, and to produce faith. John 20:30-31.
• Now, faith comes by hearing the word of God. Romans 10:17.
• The fact that all truths of the Gospel were “once and for all delivered” (Jude 3), proves there is no purpose that signs continue.
• Natural healing today is Divine, but no miraculous (contrary to or apart from God’s natural laws), visible, instantaneous cures are occurring today. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. James 1:17.
• A person may speak in tongues today while under the influence of the Holy Spirit, just as did Peter and the other apostles on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33.
(Cf. Pentecostalism’s magazines: Truth, Voice, and Testimony, and other writings)
• Three representative supernatural gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Tongues is one of them. Paul by inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote they would “cease” when “that which is perfect is come.” At the time of this writing, all truths of the “perfect law of liberty,” the New Covenant of Jesus
63 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
Christ, had not been fully revealed unto men. See James 1:25.
• Compare Ephesians 4:8-16. Gifts were given unto men “till” the completeness of Christ’s doctrine and spiritual knowledge was made known to the apostles. The gifts ceased, including tongues, when the fullness of the gospel was revealed by the time John laid down his pen of inspiration in A.D. 90 in completing the book of Revelation.
• “Tongues” were for unbelievers, not believers. 1 Corinthians 14:22
• Pentecostalism espouses religion as a “romantic” philosophy – that “the heart of man has reasons which his mind knows not of” (in making decisions on religious questions). Truth is subjective; that is, it is not something which has objective reality, but is changed or even comes into existence by the mental states of thinking minds. Man’s feelings are the highest authority
• The Bible is truth. John 17:17. The truth is not subjective, that is, does not originate with a person’s own thinking.
• The Bible must be studied and
obeyed. 2 Timothy 2:15; John 8:32.
• The Bible is the absolute inspired and authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13.
• When a man comes to regard his feelings as the basic authority, he is on the downward path to Pentecostalism. To reject the Word of God and do “that which is right in our own eyes” is to reject God. 1 Samuel 15:22-26; Matthew 7:13-14
• Women may participate in leading in public prayer, teaching and preaching. – Commonly practiced.
• The Holy Spirit contrasted the duties of men from that of women in public prayer. 1 Timothy 2:8-15
• Women are to learn in silence. 1 Corinthians 14:34. They are not to teach in any capacity over a man
64 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
• Woman may teach younger women. Titus 2:4. They may teach a man in private. Acts 18:25
• Women may not “teach” (deliver didactic discourses), hence are forbidden to preach. 1 Corinthians 14:34.
• Fuller study given in:
a. Spiritual Sword, October 1972, article by James Meadows
b. Roy H. Lanier, Sr. May Women lead Prayer in Worship? Firm Foundation, Austin, Texas, 1966, p. 714
c. Women’s Limitations In Worship, by Joe D. Schubert. Star Bible Publications, 16 pp.
• Holy Spirit baptism is for today
• Jesus promised the apostles would receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which promise was fulfilled. Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4
• There was only one other recorded case of Hoy Spirit baptism on Pentecost. Acts 10; 11:15.
• Jesus charged his disciples to teach and baptize believers “unto the end of the world” (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20). Baptism in water is the only baptism that can be commanded, because men can obey it alone. Holy Spirit baptism was never a command but a promise for certain people for special purposes.
• Near the end of the New Testament, when Paul wrote “there is one baptism,” Ephesians 4:5, Peter wrote baptism is in water, 1 Peter 3:21. Water baptism, not Holy Spirit baptism is “unto the end of the world”.
65 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
• “The gift of the Holy Spirit: is given when a believer is baptized in water into Christ, but this must not be confused with baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
• Instruments of music are used to “glorify” God in worship.
• True worship is according to “Spirit and truth.” John 4:24.
• The words of Christ (not Moses, not our own feelings, emotions, and preferences) shall judge us in the Last Day. John 12:48.
• Vocal music was repeatedly specified as the kind enjoined in Christians’ worship. See Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19.
• Christians “abide in the teachings of Christ.” 2 John 9-10.
• Christians follow the pattern given by God, Hebrews 8:5, without adding, subtracting or altering to our desires or opinions.
• Healing is the atonement. Christ redeemed us “from the curse of the law,” and sickness is the curse of the law, destroyed by Christ.
Oral Roberts, If You Need Healing-Do These things, pp. 25-26.
“Is Divine Healing In The Atonement? We believe it is . . .
Through the Fall we lost everything. Jesus recovered all through His atonement…we are redeemed from the entire curse, body, soul, and spirit.”
F. F. Bosworth, Christ The Healer, p.25, 38.
Physical as well as spiritual losses were
• The Christian is not promised release from sickness, but grace to endure them. 2 Corinthians 12:9.
• Paul gloried gladly in his infirmity (“astheneia” is the most common Greek word for sickness). 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
• Many afflictions were endured by Paul for the sake of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. Who could say Paul was not spiritually saved, delivered out of the power of darkness? Colossians 1:13-14
• Christ said Paul was chosen to preach the gospel to Gentiles, but was also called to “suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16
• Peter suffered for Christ and rejoiced that he had the privilege. Acts 5:41-42. 1 Peter 4:16
66 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
sustained through Adam’s rebellion, and Christ regained all that was lost through Adam.
Mrs. Beulah Bucklen. 59, of Charleston, W. Va., died last night, eight days after being bitten twice by a rattlesnake in a snake-handling ritual at Jesus Pentecostal Church of Frazier’s Bottom in Putman Count, near Charleston. Roscoe Bucklen, her husband, said he persuaded her to seek medical attention when she became violently ill the day after being bitten. Bucklen, who was sitting in his car outside the church when his wife was bitten, said: “I’ve seen that snake before. It’s as big around as your arm. It hit her twice between the thumb and forefinger on the left hand. They had to pull the fangs from her.”
Newspapers reports such as this are common verifying the truth that miracles and signs have ceased (1 Corinthians 13) and that sincere persons may believer lies, but nevertheless must pay the consequences. This is proof that Mark 16:17-18 does not apply today, despite the empty claims or modern pseudo-miracle workers. (Ft. Worth Star Telegram Sept. 25, 1925) 20-C.
• Although God is interested in His children’s welfare and will supply all his needs to endure affliction, Psalms 34:15-19 reads: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
• Paul left Trophimus “at Miletus sick.” 2 Timothy 4:20. Was this saint really unsaved? All physical sickness is a part of the process of dying, which has come as a consequence of Adam’s transgression and which was not changed by Calvary. Death for the Christian is viewed as a precious event in the sight of God. Philippians 1:21-23 Peter suffered for Christ and rejoiced that he had the privilege. Acts 5:41-42. 1 Peter 4:16
• Although God is interested in His children’s welfare and will supply all his needs to endure affliction, Psalms 34:15-19 reads: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
Brief History:
“The Pentecostal Church., traces its beginning to New Years Eve, 1899. In Topeka, Kansas, a band of earnest hungry-hearted Christian people, being hungry for more of God, called a fast that lasted twenty-one days. During this time they prayed earnestly for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which to their joyful surprise came at midnight on New Years Eve, 1899. Mighty manifestations were witnessed in the meeting soon after midnight, and people were heard speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave utterance in the same manner as the 120 received it on the Day of Pentecost, when the multitudes came together and they were understood to speak in the different languages of the earth. . . ”
“Ministers and evangelists came from every section of the United States and missionaries returned from the foreign field to learn more about this strange doctrine. Many who came received a like experience of the group in Topeka, and returned to their field of labor preaching that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever . . . But in the year 1914 a conference was called at Hot Springs, Ark., during which a General Council of the Assemblies of God was formed. Later because of what many believed to be new revelation of doctrine this group was divided and two or three other smaller groups soon formed, among them being what is known as The Pentecostal Church, Inc., was formed, composed of white brethren only.” (Religious Bodies. Statistics, History and Doctrines, Vol. II, p. 1334-5, quoted in Modern Churches and The Church, p. 205.)
“During the last twenty-one days of the nineteenth century a band of earnest, hungry-hearted ministers and Christian workers in Bethel Bible College, Topeka, Kansas, called a fast, praying earnestly for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which, to their joyful surprise, came upon them in the early hours of the morning, on January 1, 1900 . . . In the year 1914 came the revelation on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The pivotal doctrines of the absolute deity of Jesus Christ and baptism in his name became tenets of faith. God marvelously confirmed our message as the Gospel was preached in its fullness. The power which was hidden in the name of Jesus began to be revealed. Literally thousands were rebaptized into the name of Jesus Christ, and multitudes received the baptism of the Holy Spirit while in the water.
61 | P a g e
“Great numbers were healed of incurable diseases; demons were cast out as in the days of the apostles. In many cities where this message had gone, the report of the Samaritan revival was duplicated. (Acts 8:12) . . .
“During the early half of this century various groups were organized. Among them two of the major bodies known as the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ, Inc., and the Pentecostal Church, Inc., became so closely associated in doctrine and fellowship that in 1944 steps were taken to unite the two bodies into one organization known as the United Pentecostal Church . . . To this end we now pledge our prayers, our faith, our life and love, our earthly means of support, and our times, in the fear of God and his glory alone. UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH." (Pentecostal Church Manual, pp. 8-10, Foreword).
A mixture with an Armenian Pentecostal movement took place in 1906. A group migrating from Russia in the last part of the nineteenth century found its way to California and came into contact with the Azusa mission. Pentecostals have been called the "third force of Christendom." Within seventy years they have grown until they claim a membership of eight and a half million members.
A neo-Pentecostalism has arisen in the United States in the last ten years. Its origin has been traced to St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Van Nuys, California. The Rector Dennis Bennett first became involved in glossolalia. It then spread to the members of the church where he preached. It was at first bitterly opposed by the Episcopal religious authorities, but it spread like wildfire. In ten years, it has touched nearly every religious group in the United States.
One of the chief means of the spreading of this neo-Pentecostalism has been the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International - FGBMFI. Oral Roberts helped at its organization in Los Angeles in 1960. Now there are chapters throughout the United States in 196. Now there are chapters throughout the United States and in many parts of the world. Three of their magazines are Voice, Trinity and Testimony. Advocates of this neo-Pentecostalism include business executives, movie starts, T.V. personalities and college professors - (Glossolalia, by Jimmy Jividen, pp 73-74).
62 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
• Through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit, miracles of healing incurable diseases occurs today, as well as other notable miracles such as characterized the apostolic church of the first century. (p. 25, A.B Simpson, The Gospel of Healing and E.E. Bynum in Divine Healing, p. 36.)
• Jesus advised the sick to call for a doctor. Matthew 9:12.
• The same men who were to heal the sick in Jesus’ name could also drink deadly poison, take up serpents, raise the dead, etc., which thing they did in the first century in fulfillment of His promise. Mark 16:17-20
• Jesus spoke God’s word and confirmed it with signs. Hebrews 2:3-4.
• Miracles were performed for the purpose of confirming new truths delivered to the saints, and to produce faith. John 20:30-31.
• Now, faith comes by hearing the word of God. Romans 10:17.
• The fact that all truths of the Gospel were “once and for all delivered” (Jude 3), proves there is no purpose that signs continue.
• Natural healing today is Divine, but no miraculous (contrary to or apart from God’s natural laws), visible, instantaneous cures are occurring today. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. James 1:17.
• A person may speak in tongues today while under the influence of the Holy Spirit, just as did Peter and the other apostles on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33.
(Cf. Pentecostalism’s magazines: Truth, Voice, and Testimony, and other writings)
• Three representative supernatural gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Tongues is one of them. Paul by inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote they would “cease” when “that which is perfect is come.” At the time of this writing, all truths of the “perfect law of liberty,” the New Covenant of Jesus
63 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
Christ, had not been fully revealed unto men. See James 1:25.
• Compare Ephesians 4:8-16. Gifts were given unto men “till” the completeness of Christ’s doctrine and spiritual knowledge was made known to the apostles. The gifts ceased, including tongues, when the fullness of the gospel was revealed by the time John laid down his pen of inspiration in A.D. 90 in completing the book of Revelation.
• “Tongues” were for unbelievers, not believers. 1 Corinthians 14:22
• Pentecostalism espouses religion as a “romantic” philosophy – that “the heart of man has reasons which his mind knows not of” (in making decisions on religious questions). Truth is subjective; that is, it is not something which has objective reality, but is changed or even comes into existence by the mental states of thinking minds. Man’s feelings are the highest authority
• The Bible is truth. John 17:17. The truth is not subjective, that is, does not originate with a person’s own thinking.
• The Bible must be studied and
obeyed. 2 Timothy 2:15; John 8:32.
• The Bible is the absolute inspired and authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13.
• When a man comes to regard his feelings as the basic authority, he is on the downward path to Pentecostalism. To reject the Word of God and do “that which is right in our own eyes” is to reject God. 1 Samuel 15:22-26; Matthew 7:13-14
• Women may participate in leading in public prayer, teaching and preaching. – Commonly practiced.
• The Holy Spirit contrasted the duties of men from that of women in public prayer. 1 Timothy 2:8-15
• Women are to learn in silence. 1 Corinthians 14:34. They are not to teach in any capacity over a man
64 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
• Woman may teach younger women. Titus 2:4. They may teach a man in private. Acts 18:25
• Women may not “teach” (deliver didactic discourses), hence are forbidden to preach. 1 Corinthians 14:34.
• Fuller study given in:
a. Spiritual Sword, October 1972, article by James Meadows
b. Roy H. Lanier, Sr. May Women lead Prayer in Worship? Firm Foundation, Austin, Texas, 1966, p. 714
c. Women’s Limitations In Worship, by Joe D. Schubert. Star Bible Publications, 16 pp.
• Holy Spirit baptism is for today
• Jesus promised the apostles would receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which promise was fulfilled. Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4
• There was only one other recorded case of Hoy Spirit baptism on Pentecost. Acts 10; 11:15.
• Jesus charged his disciples to teach and baptize believers “unto the end of the world” (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20). Baptism in water is the only baptism that can be commanded, because men can obey it alone. Holy Spirit baptism was never a command but a promise for certain people for special purposes.
• Near the end of the New Testament, when Paul wrote “there is one baptism,” Ephesians 4:5, Peter wrote baptism is in water, 1 Peter 3:21. Water baptism, not Holy Spirit baptism is “unto the end of the world”.
65 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
• “The gift of the Holy Spirit: is given when a believer is baptized in water into Christ, but this must not be confused with baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
• Instruments of music are used to “glorify” God in worship.
• True worship is according to “Spirit and truth.” John 4:24.
• The words of Christ (not Moses, not our own feelings, emotions, and preferences) shall judge us in the Last Day. John 12:48.
• Vocal music was repeatedly specified as the kind enjoined in Christians’ worship. See Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19.
• Christians “abide in the teachings of Christ.” 2 John 9-10.
• Christians follow the pattern given by God, Hebrews 8:5, without adding, subtracting or altering to our desires or opinions.
• Healing is the atonement. Christ redeemed us “from the curse of the law,” and sickness is the curse of the law, destroyed by Christ.
Oral Roberts, If You Need Healing-Do These things, pp. 25-26.
“Is Divine Healing In The Atonement? We believe it is . . .
Through the Fall we lost everything. Jesus recovered all through His atonement…we are redeemed from the entire curse, body, soul, and spirit.”
F. F. Bosworth, Christ The Healer, p.25, 38.
Physical as well as spiritual losses were
• The Christian is not promised release from sickness, but grace to endure them. 2 Corinthians 12:9.
• Paul gloried gladly in his infirmity (“astheneia” is the most common Greek word for sickness). 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
• Many afflictions were endured by Paul for the sake of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. Who could say Paul was not spiritually saved, delivered out of the power of darkness? Colossians 1:13-14
• Christ said Paul was chosen to preach the gospel to Gentiles, but was also called to “suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16
• Peter suffered for Christ and rejoiced that he had the privilege. Acts 5:41-42. 1 Peter 4:16
66 | P a g e
Pentecostal Tradition
Word of God
sustained through Adam’s rebellion, and Christ regained all that was lost through Adam.
Mrs. Beulah Bucklen. 59, of Charleston, W. Va., died last night, eight days after being bitten twice by a rattlesnake in a snake-handling ritual at Jesus Pentecostal Church of Frazier’s Bottom in Putman Count, near Charleston. Roscoe Bucklen, her husband, said he persuaded her to seek medical attention when she became violently ill the day after being bitten. Bucklen, who was sitting in his car outside the church when his wife was bitten, said: “I’ve seen that snake before. It’s as big around as your arm. It hit her twice between the thumb and forefinger on the left hand. They had to pull the fangs from her.”
Newspapers reports such as this are common verifying the truth that miracles and signs have ceased (1 Corinthians 13) and that sincere persons may believer lies, but nevertheless must pay the consequences. This is proof that Mark 16:17-18 does not apply today, despite the empty claims or modern pseudo-miracle workers. (Ft. Worth Star Telegram Sept. 25, 1925) 20-C.
• Although God is interested in His children’s welfare and will supply all his needs to endure affliction, Psalms 34:15-19 reads: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
• Paul left Trophimus “at Miletus sick.” 2 Timothy 4:20. Was this saint really unsaved? All physical sickness is a part of the process of dying, which has come as a consequence of Adam’s transgression and which was not changed by Calvary. Death for the Christian is viewed as a precious event in the sight of God. Philippians 1:21-23 Peter suffered for Christ and rejoiced that he had the privilege. Acts 5:41-42. 1 Peter 4:16
• Although God is interested in His children’s welfare and will supply all his needs to endure affliction, Psalms 34:15-19 reads: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”