3.2 ACOP’s Response to the Schisms

[Chris]

Some of the other signs mentioned in Mark 16 include driving out demons, healing and not being harmed by snakes or poison. I believe that these are very important aspects of the Spirit-filled Christian's life as they exist to set people free from bondage and also instill courage in the believer.

Jesus also says in Acts 1, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." It would appear that Jesus is linking the receiving of Power from the Holy Spirit with being his witnesses. Jesus wants us to go out and spread the good news, but he is telling us that we won't be alone – we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so!

[Sarah]

Other evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit where healing the sick and drinking something poisonous and not being harmed according to the scripture. These things are important today to pentecostals because we believe that the move of the Holy Spirit at pentecost is an integral part to how we live out our faith today.

[Brandon]

Some of these signs are, speak with new tongues, cast out demons, heal the sick etc. They are important because they are proofs of the Holy Spirit and are impossible without the Holy Spirit.

[Nicole]

1. I see Jesus’ words in Mark 16 and Acts 1 to speak to the power, provision, and protection afforded to us through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit that actually allow us to be witnesses to the whole word. Jesus talks about us being protected from threats both natural and demonic, as well as the ability to perform signs and wonders, and to preach the gospel with power. All of these things mean that the believer is empowered to go evangelize the nations! We are protected, provided for, and empowered. The Holy Spirit equips us for the task that Jesus has given us to spread the gospel to all nations. This is important to the Pentecostal movement because we are a movement of evangelism.