The Roots of Pentecostalism
The modern Pentecostal movement grew out of the Holiness movement of the late nineteenth century. A pinnacle of this movement was the Kentucky revival in 1801, a camp meeting characterized by falling, jerking, rolling, running, whining, whooping, laughter, and barking exercises.
It is interesting to note that the same manifestations are also experienced in the pagan religious rituals and ancestral worship. In pagan African rituals, the beating of the drums induce a type of hypnotic trance enabling a “god” to take control of a person, and this event is accompanied by the uttering of ecstatic languages. In some rituals, hallucinogens are taken to assist individuals to reach the state of altered consciousness required to induce the manifestations.
The power of God is a theme that is also central to the charismatic revival. In their writings and reports charismatics often refer to themselves as “People of Power.”
The Bible warns us about false manifestations of the Spirit at the end of time. In that case, our only safe course is to study the Scriptures to discern between the true gifts of the Spirit and the false.
The Gifts
The gifts of the Spirit, especially the gift of speaking in tongues, play an important part in charismatic worship. In fact, this gift of tongues is often regarded as a special manifestation of the working of the Holy Spirit in one’s life and is earnestly sought. Speaking in tongues can be accompanied by other manifestations, such as being “slain in the Spirit,” and healing experiences.
Thousands of believers and unbelievers are attracted to healing ceremonies and can experience this power even if they have had no prior religious experience. Lives are often changed by these experiences, and alcoholics and drug addicts can walk away as transformed people. This leads to more and more conversions and accounts for the rapid growth of the movement. Read about other examples of signs and wonders around the globe
However, what are the Biblical criteria for the workings of the Spirit and how do these compare to what is happening in the charismatic movement? Ahead to The Spirit in Scripture
Read about the use of speaking in tongues throughout history
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This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.
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Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
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