Let's begin having full knowledge what I am about to undertake is a vast and comprehensive topic! And no one can cover everything that eventuated down through the (100 yrs plus) of church history! In a single session ... So the intention is to outline events in sketch form only! And now having set that precadent. I invite you the reader to come for a ride with me as we journey back and gaze through the portholes of church history!
( And to where it all began )
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To begin the voyage: Let's first furnish the reader with sufficient knowledge on events that transpired from the turn of the century. At the beginning of the century pentecost as we know it Had it's birth date or (Genesis) on January 1st, 1901. This in time became known as "The pentecostal Movement" With a quint essential emphasis on "speaking in tongues" and a message of divine healing!
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Now approxiatemately five years from that time Two men appeared on the scene who were instigator catalyst (mover & shaker) of what is labeled (the last-day outpouring) of God's Spirit! These men frequently held gatherings in an old warehouse building! Which had a famous street address of Azuza street, California. But at the same time across another part of the Globe another fire was burning ! Revival fires were burning in the form of (The Welsh Revival) And a man by the name of Evan Roberts was seen as the vessel used in God hand's To spark a major revival! An awakening Which impacted believers across the nation and around the World! Now All of These events are chronicled and detailed to read in many hand written accounts of church history.
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But let's move away from that and turn our attention to events which dominated the better part of the fifties and sixties! A movement that was enshrined in Tragedy and Triumph. A movement known as " The Healing Evangelists " With a focus on individuals who held centre stage/platform/ and microphone! These Men claimed "power with God" "power with Devils" and power over the elements! These preachers traveled from city to city hiring auditoriums and erecting "man-made" Tents with Big Tops. Big tents mind you - too accomodate the vast crowds that frequented their meetings and services! With many coming In hope of being touched by the "man of God" and to be healed of their plagues and infirmities. These People waited in long "prayer lines" until such a time as their name was called out on prayercards. Which allowed them to then approach the platform area and to recieve ministry, from the evangelist!
But in terms of ministry success: Much of it was deemed Failure! Forasmuch as the ministry was plagued by scandal and much controversy! Not to mention what they suffered at the hands of the media and printing press! With many of the big names (falling from grace) and in doing so becoming "front page headlines" At one stage The entire movement seemed to be in all but (total lock-down) as the movement reeled and spiraled into serious "damage control" But that said The things that occured in these meetings had to seen, to be believed! As Reports spread abroad that supernatural miracles abounded! With the dead raised to life again! And even Cancer the "death sentence" and dreaded disease that it was, was no longer the FEARED disease that sent chills down the spine of IT'S hapless victimS! That is - if one came to the tent that was visiting your home town or city! But still the healing movement remained Spotted and Checkered (in spite of all the hype and excitement) And Reports continued to filter in (of abuse) in the ministry. With many big names preachers caught in drunkeness or scandals of kidnappings, or to incarceration for practising medicine without a license! Things clearly spiralled out of control! And Scandal rocked The movement! Not to mention the money scams that went on In the name of religion! Teaching followers they could (create wealth) simply by reaching into their wallets and multiply $twenty dollar bills$ ...as an endless money tree! A scam which was promoted as "miracle money" Still Another man claimed an Angel appeared next to him on platform and his hands needed to vibrate in order to detect diseases - in the people! This same man also believed he was the fulfilment of bible prophecy Being the "Elijah to come" and the seventh angel messenger of the seven churches of Asia in the book of Revelation. Still the message that earnestly preached divine healing saw many of it's own preacher's struck down by the same diseases ...they once healed! And Having preached a "strong faith" to others - and that faith not always translated (into their own life) Many understandably became troubled and left the movement! Wondering why the preacher was unable to recieve healing for himself? And with The movement clearly on the back-foot and on a firm collision course, it was never able to recover from the many set-backs it encountered! And ultimately Died! And What may have started out as good intentions eventually came to nought! Because it got in the flesh! Let's conclude by saying "That which is born of the flesh, is flesh" and "that which is born of the spirit, is Spirit" And the house built upon sand will not be able to withstand the rains and floods when they come to beat against it! And so - great is it's fall! ( Triumphs turned, to tragedy )
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But moving away from that and turning full circle to another movement that began to take shape in the early sixties. Which was controversial not for what it achieved! but for how it happened! This movement became known as "The Charismatic Movement" And The thing about the charismatic movement that was Astonishing! Was one could recieve the "baptism" and "stay in" their affiliation! Even if that affiliation was not (strictly pentecostal) In other words the "baptism" was no longer confined to solely pentecostal churches. The charismatic movement had broken down walls And crossed spiritual Jordon to eliminate spiritual Bias! Or To say it another way. It didn't matter if you from any of the following places!
~ Nazarene, Catholic, Uniting, Trinitarian, Anglican, fundamental Baptists, Epicopolian, Lutheran, Brethren, Methodist, or Presbyterian
As the premise clearly was One could recieve the baptism and (stay in) and not come out! People fellowshipped on the basis of whether they spoke in tongues! And not what they "believed" or held to! This was never more apparent to me, as to, when I first began writing articles on the Internet. I was astounded to learn catholics and protestants alike would converse together in Various forum boards! And submitted artices on same web-site! Which for all intents and purposes was supposed to be pentecostal ! (Well so i thought) Now don't get me wrong i have nothing against catholics as people! Suffice to highlight that the charismatic movement succeeded in doing what the ecumenicals had (failed) to do for years! And that was to bring people together from all affiliations and persuasions. And to make all drink from the same fountains of water! So the quint essential element of the charismatic movement was it's ability to reach out with octopus like tentacles and join Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal & Cessationist together under the banner of speaking in tongues!
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Now we come full circle to another movement from the late eighties and nineties. This movement had a primary focus on restoring the (gifts of the Spirit) to the body of Christ! With a paradigm shift and emphsasis on (body ministry) and not on Big name preachers that dominated the platforms and air-waves. The primary focus here was on the restoration of prophets and the promotion of the "prophetic" Along with this came the signs and wonders following ministry! Which at times manifested itself in strange and perculiar ways ! With people running about in churches as "flying eagles" to "barking dogs" to "hissing serpents" to the person who stood at the altar jumping up and down on the one spot with monotonus regularity" To others bent over at right angles and acute body positions! Asking themselves (and God) Why? But all this was is imitation form of one's authority in Christ! (Well so we were told) With this came the "deliverance ministry" And we told in no uncertain Terms that this was something available to the average "person" and to "the Stephens" who started out by (serving tables) And to the budding young evangelists like Philip with the call of God on their life. And People once thought of as "pew warmers" and "lay-people" were now hitting the streets with renewed enthusiasm to implement "the deliverance ministry" and the "casting out of demons" This became so popular people actually went looking for demons to exorcise from them, that had them! Some became so extreme They carried brown paper bags for those "possessed" to spew up their demons into! (As it was thought that deliverance was not complete until such a things happened) We also saw a "new phenomenon" (with women and handmaidens) hitting the streets to evangelize and implement (mark sixteen signs following ministry) As One could frequently hear them on street corners SHOUTING with loud voice and authoritively speaking "I rebuke you satan, your defeated, let him Gooooo " and this "I take authority over you Devil in the name of Jesus, loose him and let him go" As handmaidens excited about the truth of the "deliverance ministry" took to our streets with zeal and great passion!
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The movement of the late eighties and nineties saw the the introduction of what is now known as (The faith and prosperity Gospel) These men held believer's conventions all around the world, Going from city to city! Further to this We saw the introduction of "vineyard" with a focus on "the prophetic" And from this stream came persons and individuals declaring themselves to be "prophets of the Lord" With Vineyard and Kansas City (being credited) for this new surge and interest "in the prophetic" We saw the dawning of a strange phenomena promoted as (holy laughter) which was introduced by A man who came from the shores of South Africa ... declaring he had a special message! And that the American chuches should listen to what he had to say! Along with this people flocked en-mass to Toronto and then over to Pensacola, florida! Where alleged Spiritual outbreak and "awakenings" were happening! People purchased plane tickets and made the pilgrimage across to pensacola - In the hope of partaking of events as they unfolded! With many convinced revival had broken out!
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Along with this came divers doctrines in the form of Manifested sons of god, Joel's army, The Manchild company, latter rain, Overcomer's, And Third Wavers. You name it! - And it probably arose from the streams of movements which came flooding into a new "christian market" and audience! We saw the introduction of an experience called "slain in the spirit" a title now referred to As "falling under the power" With the (Slain experience) promoted as a genuine "demonstration of the spirit and of power" But that said all These movements made the early days of the "Jesus movement people" look tame In contrast to their older and bigger brother model !!
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And finally we come to our last movement and what encapsulates "present day status" Let's begin by asking four questions. What can be said of pentecost? what crossroads do we face? what is the current focus? What lies ahead ?
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Today the focus is on "church planting" and "building strong leaders" it's on being driven by purpose and not just floating aimlessly! It's focus is on "kingdom living" and "kingdom advancment" and on "kingdom displacement theology" Which for the uninformed is the "throwing down of satanic strongholds in goverment" and replacing it Christian govermnent in it's place! It's about pastors with "Large visions" for the future and about people connecting and serving in an assembly as willing servants and not merely occupying passage corridors and doorways. It's about Finding purpose in life - and knowing where you fit in! I should add at this point that the prophets that arose out of the eighties and nineties go through the churches calling out people to give them "A word" for "guidance" and/or "confirmation" However many have come to rely on these things as a "quick fix" Instead of discerning the voice of God for themselves! But That said Pastors frequently call back these prophets for more of the same! Alerting the congregation to come expecting and to be in readiness waiting to hear what God has to say to "THEM" - by the prophets!
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But many question things - many question even our early beginnings. Because many movements have elevated experience - over the Bible!! Placing experience over scripture as a "basis" for belief! Is An extremely dangerous and "tricky practise" And one frought with danger!
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It should be pointed out in regards to present day status that SOME are now leaving (the mega size churches) Opting for more conservative roots. Even though they are few in number that worship and are (gathered together) as One! But that said many choose to stay in the big churches, being told not to listen to "warning preachers" and to "Bloom where one is planted" Others simply argue their is no such a thing as a perfect church! So stop questioning and start serving!
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But still many struggle with unanswered questions! And claim things are not as they appear! Eventually leaving the bigger churches! Concerned with matters such as mixture , bridging, entertainment, unusual manifestations and them that glory after the flesh! Jeremiah said the prophets of his day "prophesied by baal" And followed their own spirit! (blind leader's of the blind, that both fall into the ditch) and with the rush on to introduce more entertainment, games, gimmicks and other technology. Many simply claim they have had enough! Desiring old-paths And old-time religion with a dose of godly simplicity. The simplicity found in Christ - And Not in expensive gadgets or sophisticated sound & lighting systems!
Still other major points of contention are groups that promote their church as more attractive than others! "I know the church across the road is wonderful! But this church (our church) is "on the move" This is called (exclusivism) And the apostle Paul dealt with it in his day "What then? came the word of god from you? Or came it unto you only? ( 1 Corinth14:36 ) Jesus taught his body is One! even though their are many works and many members! But those members are all members of (One body) All eat and drink from the same rock - which rock is Christ! All are baptized by ONE spirit into ONE Body! For Their is only One faith, One Body, And One Church of the living God!
With Jesus the high priest and Captain over it! The head of HIS church AND Presiding President as Great shepherd of (HIS sheep) Many members "in particular" - but ALL "comprised" of ONE body, UNDER THE HEADSHIP OF CHRIST! In conclusion let me finish with the words of the prophet Amos who predicted that a famine was coming! A famine which would cause both young and old to faint! But NOT faintm- due to lack of food, but for hearing the words of the Lord! ( pure Words) And that of Uncorrupted Truth. Friends the answer lies not in running to and fro after movements that come and Go, as quickly as they appeared! But the answer lies in seeking covenant relationship with the creator of the universe and in knowing Blessed union with the entire Godhead!
Discalimer and Indemnity notice: It should be noted that this article is meant to chronicle events as they happened! And the author is not necessarily Pro or Con ... PENTECOSTAL OR CESSATIONIST. I am not into camps, name tags, or denominational bias(es) ...I simply desire to follow Jesus and bring glory to the God of heaven!!! Names exist for identification and locality purposes only (in my opinion)
:-o :-( :-(
