Pentecostalism's sketchy origins
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They have not blasphemed the Holy Spirit, only Satan has done that, which is how he made the demons. So yes, they should not be indulging demons, but that's the thing with cults, their members don't easily give up on the cult. Acts 19 really is the definitive chapter about demonic possession, cults, the connections to their doctrines, the connections to idols, mass hysteria, and an element I call Pandemonium (when you have an entire society that is under the sway of demons and also just going all out hysterical as when the whole of Ephesus chanted for hours against the apostles of Jesus).
I don't either- this position is taken through historical studies, as the scriptures don't elaborate. I don't think it can be proven whether it was derogatory or not.
This assumes that the default term for a disciple of Jesus is "Christian", though. In the scriptures, the Christians don't call themselves or each other "Christians" (or if they do, it's very few times), so why do we call each other "Christian"? To me, it's mostly just a semantic thing, and semantics shouldn't get in the way of brotherhood; yet those who would rather go by a more primative term may have a point.
This assumes that the default term for a disciple of Jesus is "Christian", though. In the scriptures, the Christians don't call themselves or each other "Christians" (or if they do, it's very few times), so why do we call each other "Christian"? To me, it's mostly just a semantic thing, and semantics shouldn't get in the way of brotherhood; yet those who would rather go by a more primative term may have a point.
If you insist
. Realistically, I doubt anyone would avoid calling themselves a human being, because they are human beings. I'd say most people agree on what a human being is; but might not so readily agree on what a "Christian" is.
If you even read my first response- that was my point- where in scripture do they call themselves Christians?
. Realistically, I doubt anyone would avoid calling themselves a human being, because they are human beings. I'd say most people agree on what a human being is; but might not so readily agree on what a "Christian" is. If you even read my first response- that was my point- where in scripture do they call themselves Christians?
If you insist. Realistically, I doubt anyone would avoid calling themselves a human being, because they are human beings. I'd say most people agree on what a human being is; but might not so readily agree on what a "Christian" is.
. Realistically, I doubt anyone would avoid calling themselves a human being, because they are human beings. I'd say most people agree on what a human being is; but might not so readily agree on what a "Christian" is.
No Christian has done anything a human being has not done.
Then there are those who make a show of being a Christian while saying they don't like Christians
and refuse to call themselves one, and then we find out they really are not a Christian after all.
Absolutely; but in context I was referring specifically to the title "Christian", and not so much the concept of being Christian.
Anyway, the point was that the titles really aren't as important as sound doctrine and having God. A church can call themselves "pentecostal" and not have anything to do with the "sketchy origins of pentecostalism".
Then there are churches that could fall under the "pentecostal" umbrella, but prefer not to use that name to distance themselves from people that maybe misapply it to themselves. And like I said, there are some churches that don't prefer the term "christian", either because they prefer some other legitimate term, or they want to distinguish themselves from "christianity" (in the broadest, broadest sense) as a whole- and that's an effective way to reach people who have had bad experiences with "christians" so-called. (Just like I usually don't tell people I am a New Yorker- because most people will assume I am from New York City if I say that). And so I have discovered the problem with examining denominations and titles, instead of the doctrines. There's no end to it, and It's a distraction from the real treasure.
Anyway, the point was that the titles really aren't as important as sound doctrine and having God. A church can call themselves "pentecostal" and not have anything to do with the "sketchy origins of pentecostalism".
Then there are churches that could fall under the "pentecostal" umbrella, but prefer not to use that name to distance themselves from people that maybe misapply it to themselves. And like I said, there are some churches that don't prefer the term "christian", either because they prefer some other legitimate term, or they want to distinguish themselves from "christianity" (in the broadest, broadest sense) as a whole- and that's an effective way to reach people who have had bad experiences with "christians" so-called. (Just like I usually don't tell people I am a New Yorker- because most people will assume I am from New York City if I say that). And so I have discovered the problem with examining denominations and titles, instead of the doctrines. There's no end to it, and It's a distraction from the real treasure.
Just "butting in" here to say, those who say such a thing somewhat baffle me. Yes, we all know that people are fallible, and in someone's eyes somebody done somebody wrong, just like the song says. So these people who say they follow Christ while at the same time refusing to call themselves Christians, ostensibly because of the way some Christians act, to them I would ask, do you likewise refuse to call yourself a human being? I mean, really, human beings are capable of such heinous acts. And yet I have never heard anyone say, I refuse to call myself a man because of what some men do, or, I refuse to call myself a woman because of what some women do. Butting out now...
you call yourself a woman? don't you know that is offensive to transgender people? you are a human thingy-
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The hardcore Pentecostals I knew so many years ago were heavily geared to "demanding a sign" and by their authority "doing a miracle, sign or wonder". I never did see any substantial results. We all know the Scriptures pertaining to this matter.
What I did NOT see very much of is preaching the gospel to every creature.
The emotional ups and downs and "acting out" were too much for me.....I bailed out.
Disclaimer: All of this was more than 20 years ago so my memory is a little sketchy.
However I DO absolutely believe that we should prayerfully and humbly ask God continually and petition him for His gifts, intercession, healings and guidance. There is also no doubt in my mind whatsoever that God is both capable and willing to do it (we all know the Scriptures pertaining to this matter as well).
But of utmost importance is that it is HE, the King, the Lord of glory, Who is calling the shots and doing HIS perfect will......for HIS glory. I found that these Pentecostals seemed to be putting (or trying to put) God on a leash to do THEIR will. It is this which I found to extremely disturbing. And the main reason I bailed out.
What I did NOT see very much of is preaching the gospel to every creature.
The emotional ups and downs and "acting out" were too much for me.....I bailed out.
Disclaimer: All of this was more than 20 years ago so my memory is a little sketchy.
However I DO absolutely believe that we should prayerfully and humbly ask God continually and petition him for His gifts, intercession, healings and guidance. There is also no doubt in my mind whatsoever that God is both capable and willing to do it (we all know the Scriptures pertaining to this matter as well).
But of utmost importance is that it is HE, the King, the Lord of glory, Who is calling the shots and doing HIS perfect will......for HIS glory. I found that these Pentecostals seemed to be putting (or trying to put) God on a leash to do THEIR will. It is this which I found to extremely disturbing. And the main reason I bailed out.
I have to say that some of the hardcore Pentecostals I knew were quite zealous and were seeking after righteousness......as far as I could tell.
They just seemed to be off in some wayward tangent. I think legit mature Christians will eventually walk away from hardcore Pentecostalism in due time.
BTW.....I have asked this board dozens of times for healing/tounges cell phone video. You would think that they would have provided dozens and dozens of them by now. Nothing but crickets so far. You would think zealous hardcore Pentecostals would be chomping at the bit to prove themselves.......right? I mean......I know that I would. Without the slightest hesitation.
They just seemed to be off in some wayward tangent. I think legit mature Christians will eventually walk away from hardcore Pentecostalism in due time.
BTW.....I have asked this board dozens of times for healing/tounges cell phone video. You would think that they would have provided dozens and dozens of them by now. Nothing but crickets so far. You would think zealous hardcore Pentecostals would be chomping at the bit to prove themselves.......right? I mean......I know that I would. Without the slightest hesitation.
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I said that I had the gift of "speaking forth" aka "prophecy" (which, if you check, is the superior gift). In other words, "speaking forth" the truth, facts and reality of the gospel message. Boots on the ground preaching and/or exhortation by means of "speaking forth". Both within and without to Church assembly. I also believe I have the gift of discernment. No need for a cell phone video for that is there?
What I am asking for are confirmation videos of the gifts of "tounges" and "healings". Because these are the spiritual gifts that are prone to outrageous fraud by the bogus prosperity gospel snake oil salesmen.
I feel that I am well within my rights to ask for these videos, so that I can conduct a forensic analysis and do my due diligence. And spread the word of the results that I obtain.
Nothing wrong with that is there?
What I am asking for are confirmation videos of the gifts of "tounges" and "healings". Because these are the spiritual gifts that are prone to outrageous fraud by the bogus prosperity gospel snake oil salesmen.
I feel that I am well within my rights to ask for these videos, so that I can conduct a forensic analysis and do my due diligence. And spread the word of the results that I obtain.
Nothing wrong with that is there?
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