Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Maurice Cahill
St. Paul describes the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. The early communities of Paul were strongly charismatic (pentecostal). There is a world-wide Charismatic Renewal movement within the Catholic Church, where these gifts are practiced freely. One of the most evident of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is the gift of healing - or even miracles. 'Charismatics' would have to be among the most loyal members of the Catholic Church; nor are they a sect within the Church. The gift of tongues is practiced, but is considered to be the least of the gifts of the Spirit.
Helena Jones
I grewup in a pentecostal church. I never did learn where it derived from, but I can tell you this much. There was a lot of speaking in tongues, very actively jumping around. They believe in the praise of the Lord is singing, allowing the Spirit to move you to the point of jumping around and "shouting" in church (not with your mouth shout, but with your body). They believe that Christ is Lord, but their beliefs can vary, each Pentecostal, Baptist, Nondenominational church can have different beliefs from the other.
The Pentecostal church I attended had this book called the "Decree Book." It was written by the founder of the church and they were like bi-laws to the bible. Supposedly, the book was written based from the bible, but I question this, and no longer attend the church nor will I ever again, unless it is to simply visit. One thing about this church that stood out the most for me was they held beliefs mostly from the old testament and a twisted view. Where the bible says men shall not adorn women's clothes, the pentecostal church refuse to allow women to wear pants (that is the one I grewup in).
This church also, believed in a couple being engaged for five-years prior to marrying, if a person sin then they must stand and confess and repent before the whole church and become silence for how long the Pastor of the church deem them to silence. Silence is not engaging in any church activities, but they can still tithe though!
John DeVries
I differ with Brian with a heart for unity in doctrine. Receiving the Holy Spirit (born of) by the living believers in Christ's day took place on the resurrection from the dead day. Christ ascended into heaven and placed his blood on heaven's mercy seat completing the atonement for sin. (He. 8:1-2, 9:11-12, 24, Jn. 20:21-22)
The command to wait in Jerusalem to be to receive "power" and be "baptized" in the Holy Spirit resulting in the receiving "the promise of the Father" and the gifts of the Spirit was at Pentecost, 50 days later. (Lk. 24:49, Acts 1:4-8) Born of Spirit makes us one with God and the temple of the Holy Ghost. Baptized, an immersion in the Holy Spirit brings power. (1 Co. 6:19, Acts 1:8) I love all people and especially the saved church!
B H Bell
I am troubled by the Pentecostal interpretation of Acts 2:38 to mean a plan of salvation. In my opinion, it diminishes what Christ did for us on the cross. Jesus did it all. There is nothing that we can do to assure us Salvation other than by putting our complete trust in The Lord. Salvation comes to us only by the Grace of God through our faith in Christ. To believe otherwise, it seems to me, is legalistic, and diminishes the final saving work of Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.