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1.4 Factors That Gave Rise to the Modern Pentecostal Movement
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In his comment, talking about Jesus not tongues, Seymour was pointing his people back to the source of the gift and not focussing merely on the gift itself. During a time of explosive power, it would also be very easy for onlookers to want to worship power of God rather than God Himself; forgetting that Jesus is at the centre of it all.
I think a person would be far more effective in reaching the lost by telling them about Jesus and what He has done for them, then to merely talk to them about the gift of speaking in tongues. It is a gift afterall, something given BY God to His people in order to reach the lost…It is not the message of the gospel, but a tool to bring the message. The tongues had the power to bring the people to the revival, but hearing about Jesus has the power to change their lives. Also, if people were to ask about tongues, the answer should be: JESUS!
Tongues is a sign for unbelievers that Jesus is who He says He is, that He has the power He says He has. They are not a sign of salvation and they are not mandatory. Believing in Jesus as saviour is mandatory for getting into heaven, therefore hearing about Jesus becomes of utmost importance.
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1. William Seymour statement to pursue Jesus is relevant to God being the one that gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mark 16:17
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1) I believe this was said as people often want to focus on and talk about the most sensational aspects of life, in this case, that would be the speaking in tounges that occurred. Although this was a significant event in these individuals’ personal spiritual journey, it would negate the source of this prayer. The point of the meetings was not to pursue signs and wonders, it was to pursue Jesus and the rest was simply just a sign he was present.
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I believe Jesus is the source.
When we share the gospel, it should be of Him and the way we have hope through His crucifixion.
Talking about spiritual gifting to a new believer, and them not fully understanding God’s all powerful greatness, may distract and cause confusion for them.
First Jesus, and the basics, then all else should fall into place.
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