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3.1 Schisms in the Pentecostal Movement
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Progressive illumination is an interesting idea. We need to remain relevant to our culture, but at the same time we need to stay true to Scripture and ensure what we are sharing is TRUTH. I think it is more the motivation that drives Howard Goss' comment that has me concerned, trying to find new revelation to not be considered dull, slow or unspiritual is the wrong motivation. If we are constantly seeking God from a place of desire and hunger for God and His work in our lives then we will be taken to deeper levels of revelation with Him. The Word is alive! I have read the same Scripture on multiple occasions and God reveals new things about it each time. We should always be endeavouring to grow in our relationship with God, and part of that naturally would be new revelations from Scripture.
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I do believe that there is some merit to the idea of Progressive Illumination. We have seen this throughout history, perhaps most notably with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. I would suggest that Luther's view of the scriptures regarding justification by faith alone would fall under Progressive Illumination, as would the Pentecostal movement as a whole. The problem I discern with Progressive Illumination is that, as with signs and wonders, we can run the risk of focusing more on an experience or finding something new than on Jesus.
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With these issues I find myself in the camp that tongues or prophecy would be an initial physical evidence, but i wouldn't have issue with any of the spiritual gifts being an evidence. I haven't really taken a position on the Finished Work, and concerning the new issue i have historically baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Simply because that was prevalent in the circles and has become my habit. But recently upon thinking about this, even though in the gospels it says baptize in this manner and don't really have issue with others baptizing in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I personally understand the reasoning taken from Acts as well. Recently, while thinking upon this matter, I felt the Lord ask me "how do usually pray?" Not even taking heed that he was speaking to me about this issue. I quickly answered i pray "in the name of Jesus". Immediately He said," Why would baptism be any different?". So from now on I will be baptizing in the name of Jesus.
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Every freedom that the Lord gives us in this new-covenant life becomes a distraction, a point of pride, or even an idol when its not in its proper position as both secondary and submitted to the love and Lordship of Jesus. Paul said in 1 Corinthians, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” Only when we are in the love of God can we receive revelation of the mysteries of God and not become prideful and divisive!
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