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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I definitely agree with William Seymour in encouraging others to seek Jesus first – He is the life giver with or without the gifts/miracles. Seeking Him first – all these things will be added unto us.
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- 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?
I love this so much. All the gifts of the Spirit are wonderful, but they are the result of a relationship with Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. They shouldn’t be the focus of our attention. We were commissioned to spread the good news of Jesus first and foremost. The gifts should point the way to Jesus because it’s all about Jesus.
It is important to tell people about tongues to educate them. There is a lot of confusion and debate about speaking in tongues. Talking it through and educating people is always good.
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I think the point that William Seymour was making is that Jesus should be the first thing we talk to people about. The reason for the tongues comes first from the love that God has for us, and wanting to fill us with Holy Spirit. Of course we also should share the whole gospel story; including baptism in the Holy Spirit, but Jesus and His love should be the first topic.
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To the quote “don’t tell them about tongues, tell them about Jesus” – I think since it wasn’t a mainstream theology that tongues was the evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit, it may have caused controversy instead of unity. But by saying ‘tell them about Jesus’ this would welcome His Spirit and the truth would be made known, by Holy Spirit, eventually to those being touched. Tongues and all gifts follow the preaching of the Gospel so why get hung up trying to convince people when one touch from Jesus will do it without any issues.
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