The second major movement occurred during the neo-charismatic renewal of the 1960s. Pentecostalism began to gain acceptance and respect in the white-middle class in part to a change in attitude of social mobility, greater disposable income and suburbanization due to the economic boom following World War II. Alister McGrath attributes the specific event to an even in Van Nuys, California in 1960. McGrath writes:
The rector of the local Episcopalian church, Dennis Bennett, told his congregation that he had been filed with the Holy Spirit and spoken in tongues. Reaction varied from bewilderment to outrage; the local Episcopalian bishop promptly banned speaking in tongues from his churches. However, it soon became clear that others in the mainline
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This theology and the growth of the movement, especially in the Assemblies of God denomination, threatened the status quo as evidenced by the response of the heart of evangelical leadership. The Pentecostal and charismatic movement’s impact on the landscape of Christian spirituality today is undeniable. Prior to the advent of Pentecostalism, there had largely been a loss of interest in power of the Holy Spirit. So much so, that American holiness followers believed that they had been called to re-Christianize the Church. It is not surprising then that Pentecostalism, raising out of the holiness movement, rekindled interest in spiritual gifts associated with the Holy Spirit. As Mark Knoll aptly suggests:
If turning points could be identified in the history of Christian spirituality, renewed appreciation for the person and work of the Holy Spirit would certainly qualify as such a turning point in the recent past. Pentecostal and charismatic movements have led the way in this recovery, but fresh attention to the Spirit’s quickening, sustaining, guiding, convicting, and nurturing work now appears prominently in almost all Christian
Spiritual Gifts are special divine empowerments given to us through the Holy Spirit. These Gifts however are not for our own personal benefit, instead the main purpose is to equip us to be able to serve and glorify the Lord while Jesus continues His ministry though us. When we use our Spiritual Gifts to glorify the Lord we are contributing to the overall heath and growth of the church. 1 Peter 4:10-11 shows us that we have each been given a Gift by the Holy Spirit and when we use that Gift we find the strength we need to build up the Church. The Gifts of the Spirit are messages of wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy,
In chapter four of, Gracious Christianity, it covers the spirit of life. Basically, the Spirit that is given by God gives us life mentally, physically, and spiritually to all Christians (78). One concept the authors talk about was powerful, “Instead, we
Ever since I was six years old, the year I was baptized, I have been on fire for the Lord. I attended a Christian school for eight years and have always been very involved at my church. My first experience outside of my “Christian bubble” was when I went to a public high school. For the first time in my life, I was out of my comfort zone. Being at a public school challenged my faith, strengthened my leadership skills, and forced me to branch out and meet people I would have never encountered otherwise. However, even though being at a public school helped strengthen my faith in ways I would have never guessed, I believe attending a Christian university—like Liberty—is the best choice to further my education. Going to college is new and exciting, but it can also be a demanding and intimidating experience. Being so far away from home, in a different environment,
Modern Pentecostalism can find its roots in the early 20th century revivals of the practices of Spirit-infilling, ecstatic worship, and a strict adherence to the literal interpretation of the Bible. Some consider one of the appeals of the Pentecostal movement in its early years, as well as today, to be an inclusive, "whosoever may" attitude of multiculturalism and evangelism (Longman, 2012). Though Pentecostal organizations exist that are predominantly Caucasian, Black, or Hispanic, a growing trend of incorporating all ethnicities within one congregation has led to a dramatic increase in multicultural congregations within several of the established
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is much indebted to Saint Pope John Paul II for its growth and acceptance in the Church through the unfailing support it received throughout his Pontificate. At a special audience on 7 May 1981 to the participants of the Fourth International Leaders’ Conference in Rome, Saint John Paul II said that he made his own the words of St Paul, “I give thanks to God every time I think of you” (Phil 1:3).
Baptism in (or with) the Holy Spirit is a very important, distinctive Christian experience in the life of the believer. The basis is found in the book of Acts, specifically the event of Pentecost.
There are now approximately 170 various denominations that identify as Pentecostal. The Charismatic movement, or neo-Pentecostalism, was born in 1960 when Episcopal priest Dennis Bennett, during the Passion Sunday service, both spoke in tongues and announced that he had received baptism in the Holy Spirit. Although this event is associated with the official beginning of the Charismatic movement, it must be noted that many other Pentecostals and even mainline Christians are considered essential to the birth and spread of the movement. They include such names as David du Plessis, Smith Wigglesworth, Agnes Sanford, Kenneth McAll, Presbyterian pastor James Brown, and Lutheran minister Harald Bredesen. Those who embrace the beliefs and practices of the Charismatic movement do not generally align themselves with any particular mainline Christian denomination. However, Charismatics are found today in all the major Christian denominations, especially in the Pentecostal, Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Catholic Churches. The term Charisma means gift, so therefore Charismatics denote those that demonstrate one or many of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Throughout the book, the author carefully details the need for balance between theology and spirituality, and psychology and Christianity. Though the author discusses methods and approaches that are spiritual but based on a strong theological foundation. “Nothing is more crucial to an effective Christian life that a clear awareness of its foundation” (p. 25). Essentially Crabb (1977) maintains that spirituality is a product of the correct thinking associated with strong theological foundation.
The principles of discipleship can be found throughout the Bible. One of the ultimate goals of discipleship is to become more Christ like which makes Jesus's life and grace an excellent basis for discipleship. Jesus invested in twelve men, the first Disciples, and entrusted them to continue the process. Peter, James, and John were a part of Christ's inner circle and he fostered and encouraged an exalted spiritual life and growth in these three. Paul was a Pharisee who was murdering Christians and then his life was transformed and he became an apostle. He gave his life over to God's purpose not only in a broad perspective, bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, but also personal. Timothy was a disciple of Paul; Paul was personally involved in Timothy's life. The Great Commission commands the Disciples, in Matthew 28:19, to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". The Disciples followed the Great Commission and Christianity spread. Believers are meant to follow the
Christianity has been facing many obstacles from all the non religious world views. There has been a lot of contemporary influence in this modern churches and Christian gatherings as they try to fit in and accommodate the changing world views. Due to all this influences, everything about Christianity is being questioned especially on issues of sex, divorce, marriage and birth control. There has also been a rise in non denominational churches started by individuals or a group of people with no ties or relationships to already established churches
Pentecostals are sticking together side by side to defend the endangered. Pentecostals are encouraging a new emphasis on prophecy and Second Coming. Churches were speaking of racism. The media started to change by new technology being able to listening on CD’s, watching it on DVD’s, and reading on social media. The Assemblies of God is the strongest leading denominations.
The Azusa Street Revival birthed what has been described as both a Pentecostal and Charismatic movement throughout the United States and around the world. “This period represented the birth of the Pentecostal movement and was decisive for its early identity,” comments Terje Hegertun, author of Thomas Ball Barratt and ‘The Spirit of Unity’ (Hegertun 37).
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: OUR FRIEND, COMFORTER, TEACHER, AND PART OF THE TRINITY
The emerging church movement consists of a diverse group of people who identify with Christianity, but who feel that reaching the postmodern world would requires it to radically reshape the chruch’s beliefs and practices to conform to postmodernism.[14]
18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.