A
N INVITATION to United
Nations Advocacy Week
(November 17-21, 2008) at
the U.N. in New York pre-
sented an opportunity to influence inter-
national leaders from a believer’s point of
view. Then, on the morning of the first
day, it happened. A delegate severely criti-
cized Pentecostal activities in Africa. I
tried to respond diplomatically by describ-
ing the spiritual identity behind our
beliefs and practices. After I spoke, the
aforementioned delegate declined to com-
ment further. The moderator for the ses-
sion, Dr. Michael Kinnamon, also the gen-
eral secretary of the National Council of
Churches of Christ (U.S.A.), spoke instead.
Kinnamon applauded increasing Pen-
tecostal involvement in ecumenical and
social concerns. He suggested we are
learning some lessons from historic
by TONY RICHIE
ARE WE AFRAID OF
THE
HOLY SPIRIT?
Protestant churches. Moreover, he sug-
gested that member communions of NCC earliest days. Now more than ever, devel- Spirit. Its continuing consequences
should learn from Pentecostals about the oping sound models for Pentecostal doc- include inward and outward evidences
Spirit’s liberty and power. Somewhat trine and experience is a mandate. This such as commitment to truth and to fel-
boldly, he indicated the only obstacle is is surely true of the core tenets of Spirit lowship and worship.
that they are “afraid of the Holy Spirit.” baptism and speaking in tongues. Spirt-filled living integrates holiness
For a moment, the air was heavy. Then and power in passionate anticipation of
applause broke out. His gracious com-
A Holistic Understanding
God’s coming kingdom. Pentecostals con-
ments opened up windows in many
of Spirit Baptism
tinue to affirm charismatic empowerment
minds for a fresh wind of the Spirit to Observers often associate Pentecostal- while seeking to account for all of the
blow (John 3:8; Acts 2:2). The rest of the ism with speaking in tongues, healing, nuances of Spirit baptism for God’s cre-
week, I happily responded to curious slaying in the Spirit, exorcisms, holy ation (1 Corinthians 14:20-28). A robust
inquiries about the Holy Spirit. laughter, or other forms of demonstrative biblical view of the person and work of the
Pentecostals are not typically afraid of worship. However, many of its theolo- Holy Spirit includes salvation, sanctifica-
the Holy Spirit. Biblically, Pentecostalism gians opt for a comprehensive approach tion, and service. The fruit and gifts of the
has deep roots in the Spirit’s outpouring to Pentecostal spirituality. Valid distinc- Spirit are interrelated and inseparable. In
on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). tions between regeneration, sanctifica- other words, though character and charis-
Classical Pentecostalism as a modern tion, and Spirit baptism should not frag- ma are distinct, they are undivided. Pure
movement traces its origins to early 20th- ment the Spirit-filled life. Unity of life in living in good works and powerful service
century outpourings of the Spirit. By the Holy Spirit is essential. All of the in witness and worship consistently char-
God’s grace, the Church of God has been experiences of redemption anticipate and acterize an authentic Spirit-filled life. A
a major leader in the movement since its culminate in the baptism with the Holy dynamic interplay of crisis and process in
24 EVANGEL • JUNE 2009
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