Engaging Pentecostalism: Understanding Its Waves and Challenges

 

Summary

Pentecostalism has emerged as a significant force in global Christianity, marked by its rapid growth and profound influence. This movement, which began with a desire to recapture the miraculous experiences of the early church, has evolved through three distinct waves. The first wave focused on the miraculous works of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and healings, which led to the formation of new denominations. However, internal theological conflicts, such as the "oneness doctrine," challenged the movement's unity.

The second wave, known as the "charismatic wave," emerged in the 1960s. It was characterized by a more inclusive approach, allowing Pentecostal practices to coexist within established denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church. This wave emphasized personal spiritual experiences without pressuring individuals to conform.

The third wave, beginning in the 1980s, introduced a focus on prosperity, promising health and wealth as gifts of the Holy Spirit. This wave also emphasized the restoration of the offices of prophet and apostle, leading to a more radical and worldly expression of Pentecostalism. Despite these changes, the movement's core theology of the Holy Spirit's presence remained constant.

Pentecostalism's appeal lies in its perceived biblical foundation, clear and simple messaging, and the tangible experience of God's presence through miraculous signs. It offers an active and culturally relevant worship experience, often through contemporary music and dynamic participation. However, this raises questions about the balance between cultural relevance and accommodation.

As Reformed Christians, it is crucial to engage with Pentecostalism thoughtfully. While acknowledging its appeal, we must emphasize the biblical call to suffering and weakness, challenging the prosperity gospel's promises. We should also foster genuine communities of faith, love, and discipline, rather than mere emotional experiences. Ultimately, our confidence lies in a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit, rooted in the foundational work of the apostles and the enduring presence of God in His Word.

Key Takeaways:

1. Biblical Foundation and Simplicity: Pentecostals believe they are adhering to a biblical model, emphasizing the miraculous works of the Holy Spirit as seen in the New Testament. Their message is often clear and simple, resonating with those seeking straightforward spiritual experiences. This simplicity has allowed Pentecostalism to connect with diverse populations, particularly in areas with less formal education. [06:37]

2. Tangible Experience of God's Presence: Pentecostals emphasize the felt presence of God through observable signs like speaking in tongues and healings. This tangible experience serves as a powerful apologetic against skepticism, affirming the reality of God's power in the face of doubt. It challenges other Christian traditions to consider how they perceive and communicate God's presence in worship. [09:14]

3. Active and Culturally Relevant Worship: Pentecostal worship is marked by active participation and cultural relevance, often through contemporary music and dynamic expressions of faith. This approach appeals to those seeking an engaging and modern worship experience, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity in church practices. However, it also raises questions about the balance between relevance and reverence. [13:39]

4. Challenges of the Prosperity Gospel: The third wave of Pentecostalism introduced a focus on prosperity, promising health and wealth as gifts of the Holy Spirit. This emphasis challenges the biblical call to suffering and weakness, prompting a need for discernment in evaluating such promises against the broader scriptural narrative. [17:01]

5. Reformed Response and Confidence: Reformed Christians must engage with Pentecostalism thoughtfully, emphasizing a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit and the foundational role of the apostles. By fostering genuine communities of faith, love, and discipline, we can offer a compelling alternative to mere emotional experiences, rooted in the enduring presence of God in His Word. [23:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to Pentecostalism
- [01:03] - The First Wave: Original Pentecostalism
- [01:42] - The Oneness Doctrine Controversy
- [02:55] - The Second Wave: Charismatic Movement
- [04:15] - The Third Wave: Prosperity Gospel
- [06:06] - Why Pentecostalism is Attractive
- [06:37] - Biblical Foundation and Simplicity
- [08:35] - Experiencing God's Presence
- [10:32] - Miracles as Apologetic
- [12:31] - Active Worship Community
- [13:39] - Cultural Relevance in Worship
- [15:14] - Distinguishing Relevance from Accommodation
- [17:01] - Challenges of the Prosperity Gospel
- [19:26] - Reformed Understanding of God's Presence
- [23:17] - Confidence in Reformed Theology

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Pentecostalism

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 12:11-12
2. Ephesians 2:20
3. Hebrews 2:3-4

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three distinct waves of Pentecostalism mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ from each other? [01:03]

2. How does the "oneness doctrine" challenge the traditional understanding of the Trinity within Pentecostalism? [01:42]

3. What are some of the key reasons Pentecostalism is attractive to people, according to the sermon? [06:06]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of miracles in the early church, and what implication does this have for their presence today? [20:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that Pentecostals view the presence of God in their worship services, and how does this compare to the Reformed perspective? [09:14]

2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the promises of the prosperity gospel, and how does it suggest these promises conflict with the broader scriptural narrative? [17:01]

3. How does the sermon propose that Reformed Christians should engage with Pentecostalism, particularly in terms of understanding the Holy Spirit? [23:17]

4. What does the sermon imply about the balance between cultural relevance and reverence in worship, and how might this affect church practices? [15:14]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own church experience. How do you perceive the presence of God during worship, and how does this align with the perspectives shared in the sermon? [19:26]

2. The sermon challenges the promises of health and wealth in the prosperity gospel. How do you personally reconcile the call to suffering and weakness with the desire for prosperity? [17:01]

3. Consider the active participation described in Pentecostal worship. How might incorporating more active elements into your worship experience enhance your connection with God? [13:06]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit. How can you deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life and faith community? [23:17]

5. How does your church balance cultural relevance with maintaining reverence in worship? Are there areas where you feel this balance could be improved? [15:14]

6. Reflect on the idea of creating genuine communities of faith, love, and discipline. What steps can you take to foster such a community within your church or small group? [18:25]

7. The sermon mentions the importance of simplicity and clarity in communication. How can you apply this principle in your own sharing of faith with others? [07:54]

Devotional

Day 1: The Simplicity of Pentecostal Belief
Pentecostalism is rooted in a desire to return to the biblical model of the early church, emphasizing the miraculous works of the Holy Spirit as seen in the New Testament. This movement is characterized by its clear and simple messaging, which resonates with those seeking straightforward spiritual experiences. The simplicity of Pentecostalism has allowed it to connect with diverse populations, particularly in areas with less formal education, offering a faith that is accessible and easily understood. This approach challenges other Christian traditions to consider how they communicate the core tenets of their faith in a way that is both profound and approachable. [06:37]

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you simplify your understanding and communication of your faith to make it more accessible to those around you?


Day 2: Experiencing God's Presence
Pentecostals emphasize the tangible experience of God's presence through observable signs like speaking in tongues and healings. This focus on the felt presence of God serves as a powerful apologetic against skepticism, affirming the reality of God's power in the face of doubt. It challenges other Christian traditions to consider how they perceive and communicate God's presence in worship, encouraging a deeper engagement with the divine that goes beyond intellectual assent to a lived experience of faith. [09:14]

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life, and what practices might help you experience His power more tangibly?


Day 3: Culturally Relevant Worship
Pentecostal worship is marked by active participation and cultural relevance, often through contemporary music and dynamic expressions of faith. This approach appeals to those seeking an engaging and modern worship experience, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity in church practices. However, it also raises questions about the balance between relevance and reverence, challenging believers to consider how they can maintain the integrity of their faith while engaging with the culture around them. [13:39]

"I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22b, ESV)

Reflection: What aspects of your cultural context can you incorporate into your worship practices to make them more relevant, while still maintaining a sense of reverence and respect for God?


Day 4: Discernment in the Prosperity Gospel
The third wave of Pentecostalism introduced a focus on prosperity, promising health and wealth as gifts of the Holy Spirit. This emphasis challenges the biblical call to suffering and weakness, prompting a need for discernment in evaluating such promises against the broader scriptural narrative. Believers are encouraged to critically assess the teachings they encounter, ensuring that their faith is grounded in a holistic understanding of Scripture that acknowledges both the blessings and challenges of the Christian life. [17:01]

"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." (1 Timothy 6:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of contentment and discernment in your life, particularly when faced with teachings that promise material prosperity?


Day 5: Confidence in Reformed Theology
Reformed Christians are called to engage with Pentecostalism thoughtfully, emphasizing a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit and the foundational role of the apostles. By fostering genuine communities of faith, love, and discipline, believers can offer a compelling alternative to mere emotional experiences, rooted in the enduring presence of God in His Word. This approach encourages a confidence in the transformative power of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, inviting others to experience a faith that is both intellectually robust and spiritually vibrant. [23:17]

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to building a community of faith that balances emotional experiences with a deep commitment to biblical truth and spiritual discipline?

Quotes


Pentecostalism, as we look at it historically, we can say has passed probably through at least three stages, or has seen three waves. Original Pentecostalism, as we talked about it in the last lecture, was a movement very much oriented to the idea that they wanted to recapture what the early church had had in terms of the presence of the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, particularly in healings and in speaking in tongues. [00:01:03]

The second wave arising mainly in the '60s is often labelled as the "charismatic wave." These were kinder, gentler Pentecostals. These were Pentecostals who said, "The baptism in the Holy Ghost is available to everybody, but maybe it's not actually for everybody. Certainly, we don't want to pressure anybody into this. We find it personally very helpful, but you may not, and that is fine." [00:03:55]

Then maybe about the '80s or so, there came a third wave of a renewed kind of more old line Pentecostal, but focusing on different gifts, and in this new movement was particularly an emphasis on wealth. Not only health, but also wealth was promised by the Holy Spirit. The prosperity gospel begins to attract more attention. Word of knowledge, word of prophecy becomes more significant in some of these movements. [00:04:15]

The first is, and I think we have to take this very seriously; the first is they really believe they are being biblical. I do not think we can just dismiss that offhand. We have to take that seriously, and we have to be able to respond to that. They read the New Testament and they say, "Christians in the New Testament spoke in tongues, so do we. Christians in the New Testament saw miraculous healing, so do we." [00:06:45]

Thirdly, Pentecostals ask the question, "How do you know God is present with you?" "How do you know God is in your midst?" "How do you know God is present to bless your form of Christianity?" Now that is a good question to ask of almost any Christian group, but if you ask a Roman Catholic who is well-informed about that they will say, "I know God is present; he is present in the altar. [00:08:23]

A Pentecostal similarly knows "God is present in felt, observable, powerful expressions. When someone speaks in tongues, you know God is present. When you see someone healed, you know God is present. When someone stands up with a word of prophecy, you know God is present, and again I do not think we should underestimate the significance of that as validating that experience. [00:08:54]

And then Pentecostalism, fifthly, has been able to be culturally relevant. It has been able to connect on a cultural level. Now, what is the most cultural aspect of any worship service? It's probably the music. Music reflects and carries a sense of culture. The more contemporary the music, the more it can seem to be in tune with the times in which we are living. [00:13:39]

We also need to stress that the Bible, while making wonderful promises, constantly reminds us that the call to follow Christ is a call to suffer, is a call to weakness. The disciples are not greater than the master, and we have to ask are these promises of health and wealth really coinciding with the Spirit of the New Testament? [00:17:01]

What about the active community dimension of Pentecostalism? I think we have to think about that sense of community. Is there a real community in Pentecostal churches? I think there probably is some, but the active community really is a community of emotion, not a community of caring, necessarily. What kind of community does Christ intend to create in the congregations of his people? [00:17:30]

What about the presence of God? Well, this brings us back to the question "Where is God in a Reformed service?" I suspect a lot of Reformed people think, "You know our services are sort of like a school room, and the minister up there is the teacher, and God's kind of like the principal. He walks by occasionally and looks in to see if learning is happening and walks on." [00:19:13]

In other words, I think we do not often have a sense that God is really with us, that God is really present, and for Reformed people God is present in his Word. We have to have that sense. This is a living book, the book tells us, and it's living because God speaks still through this Word and in this Word, and that is where our excitement has come. [00:19:36]

There are some key verses we have to keep in mind. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:11 and following says, "I have been a fool, you forced me to it for I ought to have been commended by you, for I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works." [00:20:20]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?