Early Pentecostals

I read with a great amount of respect about the early "Azusists". AImage via Wikipedia phrase I've coined to describe the people who were touched by the Revival fire of Azusa Street. These people were different. They had a what would be seen as a faith of reckless abandonment by the natural eye. But they had the fervor, the vision, the faith to boldly take the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit to the ends of the earth. Many times leaving their homes and families to face the unknown, but knowing their God is with them and they go under a divine appointment and covering.

I read of Seymour, who braved all anti African American sentiments, sometimes from even within the church, to respond with an earnest desire to see the work of the Holy Spirit done in them and through them!
Image via Wikipedia
I hear of Pastors within the Assemblies of God of Malaysia, some who have served for more than 30 years, who went against all odds, family objections, financial constraints and answered the call of God to go to Bible School and become pastors and pioneer work in difficult conditions, even braving roach infested rooms to see their calling fulfilled, out rightly relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the provision of God is their ministry.

It really gets me thinking. As in the words of Katherine Kuhlman : "Katherine Kuhlman is dead". It is God that is alive in her. Have I really died to myself? Am I ready to truly embrace the Power of Pentecost, counting the actual cost?
Have our churches gone soft in calling the congregation to die to themselves and really embrace the Power of the Holy Spirit and operate freely in the gifts and fruits of the Spirit? Hard questions these are ...

Pentecostalism

My earliest understanding of the people group known as Pentecostals, were that of the Pentecost Church of Malaysia or CPM. All I knew about them was that they wore White all the time and didn’t wear any jewelry. After joining the Assemblies of God of Malaysia, I thought I had a more accurate understanding of what it means to be a Pentecostal. I know that we are ‘Spirit Filled’ people and speak in tongues. Funnily enough I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in a Methodist Youth Camp. That was a fundamentally Pentecostal experience in a non Pentecostal surrounding.

But it’s interesting to note how many people are misinformed of what Pentecostalism is truly about. The definition of Pentecostalism goes like this : “Pentecostalism along with Neo Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement, are labels for a large section of the conservative Christians world which believes in the experienced presence of the 3^rd person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit. This segment of Christianity affirms to active involvement of the Holy Spirit in everyday life, including divine healing, prophecy, speaking in tongues (Gossalia or an unkown language) and other manifestations of the Spirit’s presence.”

As someone attending an AG church for almost ten years. I am only now beginning to understand the real meaning of Pentecostalism.

Beginnings

This blog is to express my thoughts, my insights and even host discussions on Theological topics that are relevant and current. It's also part of my overall requirements for my Theology subjects in Bible School. Please feel free to comment.