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?
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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
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Pope Leo’s “come Holy Spirit” may be able to be chocked up as a coincidence, but it does seem incredible. Jesus tells us that he stands at the door and knocks. Though God has the power to burst in wherever and however he wants, he still allows us to give permission and let him in. When we take a posture of openness, inviting him, he is going to come in. I believe that Pope Leo’s invitiation is prophetic posturing and invtiation, a symbol of the greater Church asking the Lord to come in power in that century.
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William Seymour – “Don’t tell people about tongues, tell them about Jesus.”
I believe that sharing what Jesus did for us on the cross and his ministry while he was here on earth is easier for a non-believer to believe in than the gift of speaking in tongues. Jesus was man and faced the same challenges that we do. It makes it easier to relate to him than something speaking in tongues which most non believers would never have witnessed.
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I agree. With William Seymours quote I am reminded of Jesus saying, “but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven”. All these fruits of life are wonderful but it is certainly more exceedingly wonderful having relationship with Jesus, the seed of such fruits. It is important as well to share about the gift of tongues but always as a hunger for (the)Truth leads them.
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The biggest thing William Seymour’s quote calls to mind for me is the story of Simon the sorcerer. Simon saw the manifestation of the Spirit was impressed by the power but his heart wasn’t captivated by Jesus. From the story we read, it seems that his heart’s response was not to be humbled, saved, and transformed by Jesus, but just to lay hold of power. The really powerful work of God in us is when our hearts get restored into right relationship with Him, which is a relationship of love and connection. If we miss Jesus, we miss the whole point.
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