3.2 ACOP’s Response to the Schisms

[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.

[Allan]

It kind of surprises me with the Oneness view. Its not like the like the Godhead is disunified in who they are. Jesus said I give glory to the Father and Holy Spirit glorifies the Son. They are all equally God each with a specific purpose to accomplish.

[Caleb]

2. considering some early Pentecostals believed strongly that baptism should be done “in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ” this could give reason for Pentecostals to adopt oneness theology for sake of the authority of Christ. Believing Christ to be God could be seen as a strong argument for the apostles to use that language, meaning the early Pentecostals should take that as literally as possible and make the character of Jesus as “God” as possible. There shouldn’t need to be any other character or part of God because Jesus is the reason for salvation.

[VICTOR]

Some of the signs mentioned were healing of the sick, exorcism, poison proof, and tongues. They are important to the Pentecostal Movement, I think, because it proves the validity of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit described in the Scripture—baptism of the Holy Spirit was followed by supernatural manifestations. Anybody can claim that they got baptized of the Holy Spirit but apart from the signs, it is hard to confirm. Although, these things are more of a description (Mark 16/Acts 1) rather than a prescription.