Quizzes
The Modern Pentecostal Movement
The Moving Factors
If Pentecost continued from Acts 2 until now, why do we talk about the Pentecostal Movement of the 20th century?
Even though we have now seen the outpouring of the Holy Spirit throughout history since the Apostles, we still note that there was something about the 20th century that makes it stand out as the “Century of the Holy Spirit.” In the 20th century, there were numerous events and movements known as Pentecostal and/or Charismatic, which have continued into the 21st century.Â
What made the 20th century different than those that preceded it? And how did these events and movements come about?
Where do you see God at work in all these factors?
There were many factors that gave rise to the Modern Pentecostal Movement. Some of these were historical and cultural — the movements towards racial unity and gender equality around the turn of the century. Some of these were theological — renewed interest in the biblical evidence of the Baptism of the Spirit. Some people even claimed there were natural factors — like the San Fransisco earthquake of 1906. Many of the factors appear to be directly linked, like dominoes — such as Charles Parham’s assignment about speaking in Tongues, which influenced William Seymour’s sermon at Azusa Street. Some factors — like Pope Leo’s prayer “Come, Holy Spirit,” — appear indirectly linked.Â
Whatever way one accounts for these factors, something significant was happening in the decades around the turn of the 20th century, paving the way for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.Â
Test Yourself
Answer
Talk it Through
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1.4 Factors That Gave Rise to the Modern Pentecostal Movement
Choose ONE of these quotes to reflect on, with the questions provided, in a brief paragraph.
- William Seymour – “Don't tell people about tongues, tell them about Jesus." Why do you think Seymour said this? Do you agree or disagree? Is there ever a time to tell people about tongues?
- Pope Leo XIII, dedicating the 20th century to the Holy Spirit, on Jan 1, 1901, praying “Come, Holy Spirit.” What do you make of the Pope dedicating the 20th century to the Holy Spirit? Considering the numerous Holy Spirit-birthed movements of that century, is it relevant or does it seem more coincidental?
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43 Replies
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Reflection on William Seymour’s Quote simple reminds me of the purpose and mandate of the believers. It is important we constantly, internationally and deliberately focus on core values, which is Jesus our Lord and Savour rather than dwell on none essentials.
William Seymour’s statement, “Don’t tell people about tongues, tell them about Jesus,” emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the core message of Christianity: the love, salvation, and redemption found in Jesus Christ. Seymour likely said this to ensure that the focus remained on Jesus rather than on the manifestation of speaking in tongues, which can sometimes become a point of contention or division. I agree with Seymour’s perspective, as the primary goal of ministry and evangelism should be to lead people to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. While speaking in tongues can be a powerful experience and a gift of the Holy Spirit, it should not overshadow the central message of salvation through Jesus. Discussing tongues is appropriate, such as in teaching or discipleship, but the primary focus should always be on Jesus and His teachings. -
I find it very powerful that the Pope had dedicated the 20th Century to the Holy Spirit. While I am sure the ongoing effects of that declaration were not foreseen at the time, it does show that the church was ready with anticipation to receive the Spirit in new measure. It is also a beautiful picture of God bringing His church together through His Spirit. At the end of the 20th century people from across all denominational lines were being baptized in the Spirit. Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Alliance churches and many more are still experiencing the ongoing effects of the revivals in the early 20th century. The Spirit is being poured out on all flesh, He is no respecter of persons or theological leanings. All can receive the Spirit if they are seeking Him.
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I appreciate that William Seymour kept the emphasis and focus on Jesus and not on speaking in tongues. I think it is still a concern and pitfall that we need to be aware of and make sure to always pursue the giver of gifts and not the gifts themselves. Tongues is still a gift of the Spirit and is worth celebrating and talking about, but it should always be in service of glorifying Jesus and be in obedience to what He is doing.
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William Seymour said don’t tell people about tongues but tell people about Jesus. I agree in what I believe he is saying, which of course is not that we never talk about tongues as that would not be biblical (part of 1 Corinthians does so, and so needs to be spoken about) but that the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the evidence of tongues in not just to be taught as an experience disconnected from Jesus, but is part of our relationship with Him. He is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit, and He does it so we can be empowered to be His witnesses. It would be at odds with the nature of the Holy Spirit in whom we are seeking to be immersed in, and the purpose for this immersion, to make this all about a phenomena and not the person the phenomena was to point to. Also as a matter of practicality, because it is Jesus who does the baptizing, if you seek Him and present Him as He is, it is impossible to ignore this feature of His work and ministry towards us (it must be denied or taught against, but can’t be ignored).
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