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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40 Replies
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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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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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