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
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1. William Seymour – “Don’t tell people about tongues, tell them about Jesus.”
I agree with this statement because the most important commandment is love the Lord your God, then love your neighbor. It says nothing about tongues in those verses. God wants us to experience him and he does this when there is an out pouring of Holy Spirit. I can understand why tongues is important in defining if someone is/has been filled with the Spirit, but knowing Jesus comes first. Knowing his love and sharing it comes first.
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1. I think Seymour said this because the ultimate goal is not to gain the gift of tongues but to encounter Holy Spirit, to encounter Jesus. Yes I would agree, tell people about Jesus first and foremost as tongues is the fruit of the encounter not what our hearts are crying out for, because that is Jesus. There is definitely a time and place to tell people about tongues and I do believe it is strong evidence of baptism of the Holy Spirit and is something that we can ask God for, we just have to make sure the pursuing God is the main priority. Also as people are learning more about God and Holy Spirit a conversation about tongues is bound to come up and should be a intentional conversation as it is a gifting from God like the others we talk about.
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1. Personally, I believe Seymour got it right. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in the things Jesus does for us, that we take Jesus completely out of the picture. If people speak of tongues instead of Jesus, the focus is on tongues and not Jesus. Seymour got the mission correct, we are called to tell the world about Jesus and his love.
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I don't see a lot of comments on hot topic question 2, so here goes.
I believe Pope Leo was on to something in a profound way. I am not surprised to see the Holy Spirit as "poured out on all people" being seen in the Catholic Church as well as the part of the catholic church we align with!
My experience with many Spirit Filled Catholics has been positive and refreshing. One of our weaknesses can be that we fail to look for God's work and power outside of our own circle of accepted Christian theology and practice.
Pope Leo, should have a virtue of prayer and relationship with God, even if slightly outside of our context of what we believe it should be. In his office (leadership) as Pope, he has great authority. What we also must note, is that with great authority, comes greater responsibility. I fail to see any evidence of sudden and unsubstantiated declaration from this source. Pope Leo could have very well been inspired to dedicate the 20th century to the Holy Spirit. It would appear he didn't get it wrong!
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