It is important to understand and be reminded of our identity as Pentecostals if the Pentecostal churches want to remain faithful to the responsibility ordained by God and serve to its full potential. In terms of responsibility, we need to defend and teach the historic truth of God which the early church believed and practiced, taking seriously the person and work of the Holy Spirit. In terms of potential, we are to be transformed and sanctified to reflect the image of the Holy God, attracting souls from the tainted world to enter into the holiness of God.
I have a question, "Are we faithful in fulfilling the responsibility and achieving the potentiality of being Pentecostals today?" There is no straight answer however, I will explore this further in my subsequent posting. But first and foremost, I believe many ordinary Christians today do not know the distinctive doctrines of Pentecostalism. If we do not know who we are and what we believe in, the Pentecostal heritage is at risk. Even worse, some church members may fall into false doctrines. Perhaps, local Pentecostal churches should re-emphasize the teachings on Pentecostal doctrines via sermons, Sunday school, small study groups and interactive seminars. We need to encourage our congregations to exercise spiritual gifts, and to practice these gifts with spiritual understanding.
And I believe when leaders grow, the church grows. Church leaders must raise their concerns in this area. Case in point, I have not seen a full attendance for the Chinese Pentecostal Convention that has been organized by AOG Malaysia and BCM annually. May us rise up to the unique call of God given especially to the Pentecostal churches.
For sure that is important to remind our self that our identity as Pentecostals. The problem happened from early post-biblical world till now,charismatic movement continue to experience remarkable growth. With its burgeoning religious popularity, the Charismatic Movement
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to establish. It is often impossible now to distinguish between ‘Pentecostals’ and 'charismatic'.
The Charismatic Movement has proposed a far more inclusive, open-ended, and multi-dimensional approach to the work of the Holy Spirit. Stemming from this emerging
theological diversification is what appears to be an erosion of Classical Pentecostal
identity.
Pat
Yes I agreed with you Pat. On the other hand, there are much lessons to pick up from the charismatic movement too. I think while it is important for us to know and maintain our identity, we shall also extend ecumenical discussion with others. God is dynamic in His movement. There are gems to be discovered from every movement.
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