I tend to agree with survey that was taken by NECF that 75% of churches is charismatic. before i share my view on this stand that i have taken, i would answer the question " is charismatic the same with Pentecostal".
The answer definitely is no. Sad to say many born again Christian still does not know the difference between Pentecostal and charismatic.
PENTECOSTALS
Pentecostals are an organized movement: there are specific denominations (such as the Assemblies of God, Full Gospel assembly and independent churches) that officially codify Pentecostal belief. Pentecostal have two main things that set set them apart from charismatic that is:
1. Pentecostal believe that subsequent to the reception of the Spirit in salvation( Romans 8:9), the baptism in the Holy Spirit is given for power witness ( Acts 1:8) and that it is evidenced initially by speaking in tongues( Acts 2:4)
2. Pentecostal expect the word to be confirmed with signs following ( Mark 6:20), this includes healing, casting out of demons and miraculous manifestation of God’s power, giving the Holy Spirit freedom to work and being a prophetic voice not only to church but to the nation.
CHARISMATICS
Charismatics are Christians who hold Pentecostal beliefs but belong to churches that are theologically non-Pentecostal. Examples include Oral Roberts (United Methodist), Pat Robertson (Southern Baptist), the late Brian Hathaway (Plymouth Brethren), Bill Subritsky (Anglican), Larry Christenson (Lutheran), Jack Deere (Presbyterian), and Francis MacNutt (Roman Catholic). Charismatics believe in the doctrine of Tongues, they do not place as much of an emphasis on this doctrine as Pentecostals do. In other words, it is possible to receive the baptism and not speak in tongues.
The early church knew they had received the power Jesus had promised ( Acts 1:8), and they moved in that power, doing the same works he had done ( John 14:12). They feared God more than they feared death. Once Pentecostals churches in Malaysia was operating, demonstrating expecting the same power in Gospels and acts but it sad to say that Pentecostal church in Malaysia today has begun to lost its Pentecostal heritage. I tend to agree with survey taken by NECF. The use of the term “Pentecostal “is not intended to glorify denomination. Using the title “ Pentecostal “ does not make an individual or a church Spirit filled . Some are Pentecostal in name only.
Sad to say many Pentecostal church in Malaysia have been busy with it’s church politics, building fun and affairs of its own. Even thou the survey sure that 75% percent of churches are charismatic but still there is 25% percent of church who are Pentecostal. It took simple and ordinary people to change the history of Christianity in the book of acts. One outpouring in Azusa birth the Pentecostal movement. God still can use this 25% of Pentecostal church to change the History in our nation.
Amen to that!
ReplyDeleteJust a comment. The word Charismatic originate from the Greek word: charisma, which means gifts. This means, doctrinally, they hold on to the believe that the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit still exist till today. What you wrote in the distinction of Pentecostals:
"this includes healing, casting out of demons and miraculous manifestation of God’s power, giving the Holy Spirit freedom to work and being a prophetic voice not only to church but to the nation."
are also believed by the Charismatics. But I, too, believe that God can use the little to change a nation!
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI can understand your view especially after the NECF's survey. But nevertheless the Spirit of Pentecostals is still very much in need in our culture and 'world' we live in today. The root of Pentecostalism came from major parts of Holiness movement and Fundamentalism. Besides the strong emphasis on Baptism of the Hoy Spirit and the giftings in our last days; they stressed very much also on the second grace of sanctification. Looking at the age we are living in, where moral-value is greatly compromised, the 'spirit' of Pentecostalism can be of great booster to many so-called chraismatic churches, which seems to be subjected much to the influence of emerging-church and post-modernism worldviews. Can you share your view on that?
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteJust some questions, Are only the pentecostals changing the nation? are not the charismatics also changing the nation? or even the mainlines? Catholics are nowadays doing a better job too and getting more sound in doctrine and theology. Are there no genuine christians anywhere in other denominations? if there is, are not all part of the body of christ? Can just the foot alone(for example) change the entire nation?
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI have a query regarding the pentecostal confirming signs as you've stated. What if a Pentecostal believer actually experience all this:
Pentecostal expect the word to be confirmed with signs following ( Mark 6:20), this includes healing, casting out of demons and miraculous manifestation of God’s power
But has does not have all or none confirmation signs:
"this includes healing, casting out of demons and miraculous manifestation of God’s power"
Are they not considered 'Pentecostals' or in the end it is but a term?
One more question,
You've seem to place a higher position on Pentecostal compared to the Charismatics. Not to say that it is wrong. The Pentecostals and the Charismatics both have some similarities and differences in their beliefs.
I would like to know is there only ONE "right movement" ,must we defer one from the other or can we have the best of both worlds? coz there are churches who labeled themselves 'Pentecostal Charismatics' which sounds confusing to me:)
Jase you have to be very carful by your statement made regarding other denominations to equate them all at once being different parts of the same body is a wrong analogy. Some have doctrines that are so wrong and irreconsilable is it to say God can accept those heresies?
ReplyDeleteJason, Do you think sometimes we need as Pentecostals what other denominations strengths are? And if we have lost our strength as Pentecostals, what is to blame and how can we bring revival, how do we reverse the cycle?
Do you consider yourself to be a Pentecostal? If yes, why are you one?
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be excited at the prospect of the 25% Pentecostals changing the nation. What change are you talking about here? Is there a particular type of change that Pentecostals can bring to the nation that others can't?
ReplyDeleteHi Jason...
ReplyDeleteBrother, you wrote you stand in a remarkably dynamic way and I can honestly say that I am impressed even though I do not agree with sme of the things you have said.
Perhaps the most shocking statement you made was that the reason for this decrease in the statistics is due to the involvement of the Pentecostal churches in politics etc. How could you make such statements?You for one can't present me with enough evidences to actually convince me that the statistics are true in the first place if I were to demand them of you. Secondly, what is the basis on which you validate your claim that the Pentecostal churches are running after politics and thus neglecting the more important issues which according toyou the Catholics are doing? Do not be quick to make hasty generalizations and hasty judgements. I am strongly convinced that God is using every church that He has founded to accomplish His plans to establish the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.
Thank you.
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI am still waiting for your reply. But one more question for you. Since you mentioned that many born again believers had it difficult to differetiate between Pentecostal and Charismatic, I would like to know from your opinion is that can a person be both a true Pentecostal and Charismatic at the same time?
Hi Bryan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input. sorry for the delay to reply. I have written in the blog that Charismatics are Christians who hold Pentecostal beliefs.
so you should and will find many similarities in their doctrines.
God bless you
Hi,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a comment overload... so adding one more would not make much difference - can you see yourself as a catalyst to do something about those who are Pentecostal in name only? /yet meng