What Does The Scripture Say: The Pentacostal Church

What Does The Scripture Say
The Pentacostal Church

Matthew 16:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, andthe gates of Hades shall not [a]prevail against it.

Today we are going to examine the Pentacostal church.

This church started in 1900 at Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas. There was a 21 day fast as people called for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. No one turned to their Bibles for answers. They wanted more of God and felt there prayer was answered on New Year's Eve 1900.

300 preachers from 20 different founded this church. The headquarters are in Springfield, Missouri. And the heads are Executive Presberty, General Presberty, and General Council who decides on matters concerning the truth.
Their authority is the Bible and revelations at the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

But what does the Bible say about all this?
Firstly the Lord's church began in the first century in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

Mark 9:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Transfiguration of Christ

9 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God [a]present with power.”

Jesus predicted the start of the church.

1 Corinthians 3:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the foundation of the church.

Ephesians 1:21-22 New King James Version (NKJV)

21 far above all principality[a] and [b]power and [c]might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

And head over the church.

Hebrews 1:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had [a]by Himself [b]purged [c]our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

The headquarters for the church is heaven.

And our only authority is the Bible and the Bible alone (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No man made doctrines or decrees.

Doctrines of the Pentacostal Church

1. Baptism of Holy Spirit available today.

But this took place in the first century to confirm the Gospel (Acts 2, Acts 10).

They also say baptism by fire takes place. But the baptism by fire refers to hell where people will be immersed in the lake of fire for not obeying the Gospel (Matthew 3:11-12). This is not a miraculous gift.

2. Modern day miracles

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 Love never fails. But whether there areprophecies, they will fail; whether there aretongues, they will cease; whether there isknowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is [a]perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

Miracles ceased after the completion of the New Testament in the first century.

3. Speaking in Tongues is required to be saved.

No it's not. All is required is obedience to the Gospel.

Acts 2:5-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Crowd’s Response

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own [a]language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and [b]Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

This was a first century miracle only.

1 Corinthians 14:1-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

Prophecy and Tongues

14 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts,but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; [a]for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Tongues Must Be Interpreted

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without [b]significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a [c]foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12 Even so you, since you are [d]zealous for spiritual gifts, let it befor the [e]edification of the church that you seek to excel.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Speaking in tongues is of no value if the hearers can't understand it.

Luke 1:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb

John 10:41 New King James Version (NKJV)

41 Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.”

John performed no miracles but he was still a true witness of Jesus.

Mark 16:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with themand confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

The miracles were first century only to confirm the Gospel.

If you are in the Pentacostal church leave immediately, obey the Gospel and be added to the Lord's church today (Acts 2:47).

The Pentacostal Church