Posted on 01/10/2002 1:40:58 PM PST by Lasher
To born-again Christian FReepers:
I have a conceren that has been on my mind for some time. My wife's family in Arizona have a long heritage of membership in the Assembly of God Church, a well known Pentecostal church. My wife and I have recommitted ourselves to Jesus Christ, and have been regularly attending a church with a Baptist affiliation. I am convinced that the Lord has led us to this church by working through our daughter, who has been participating in their youth ministry for longer than we have been going there ourselves. It is a succesful church with attendance and membership growing exponentially. Our church teaches the Bible as the authoritative word of God, has a small group ministry which is the heartbeat of our church, teaches salvation through Christ, and has all the elements you would recognize in a church led by the Holy Spirit.
In a handout given to us in their church membership class, it is mentioned that the most truthful way of describing their fellowship is "The High Desert American Baptist Premillenial Evangelical Non-Pentacostal Church." But it is not named that. Just simply, High Desert Church.
I know it is not a salvation issue if you are pentecostal or non-pentecostal, but I would like to know more about the differences between the two. Is one actually superior in worship style? Does either one have an advantage over the other? Or does it even matter?
I plan to ask this question when I attend another class offered by our church, "Discovering Christian Theology," which teaches more about the bible and its contents, why some books were included and not included, etc. But I would like an answer from any knowledgeable third party, for a more objective response. And by the way, do you consider yourself Pentecostal or Non-Pentecostal? Just curious. Thank you in avance for a truthful, helpful and timely response. Sincerely, lasher
MAJOR bingo :)
Also the teaching at the Baptist church I attend is better, more in-depth. Having said that my new church only sings the old Hyms (which I like very much) and I would like it if they sang some of the newer songs as well.
I believe that there is not a church or religion or person in this world who gets it all 100 percent correct in doctrine or interpretation of the Bible, that no matter which church or religion or spiritual leader you choose, all will have flaws since they're made up of humans.
I believe that God will love the worship that His children give to Him, whether it is from the Baptist or Pentacostal or any other Christian church, as long as it comes from the heart.
Visit several churches several times each, and you will know your "home" when you find it.
Good luck. :=)
MARANATHA
The basic difference is that Non-Pentecostals believe that the spiritual gifts present at the begining of the church ended when the Bible was completed. And Pentecostals believe that the gifts are present today. There are those on both sides to try to make it a much bigger issue(i.e. a major cultic hersey vs. the one gift essential to a meaningful Christian life.) If you were thinking of joining a pentecostal church, I would urgue you make sure that they test everything by scripture. Some Pentecostals will have an experience, and then twist scripture to affirm their experience.
Don't let anyone fool you! Worship style is a cultural issue. God cares about our attitude in worship.
It matters because everything about God and our faith matters. But it is a minor issue. And by minor, I mean that Good Christians can disagree about it. The key is to always seek God's will, be open to the Holy Spirit, and test everything by scripture.
I think that there are some questions that you need to ask.
The new church is Non-Pentecostal. How non-Pentecostal? This is a minor doctrine, do they regard it as one. Or do they treat pentecostals as heretics. I went from a pentecostal church to an independent baptist church. The pastor had no trouble with my position, or with working with pentecostal churches.
Can you be honest about you beliefs there?
I would suggest some texts comparing Calvinism and Arminianism.
My philosophy is that I don't try too hard to figure out exactly what He meant in every chapter and verse because I *know* that I'll get it all wrong anyway, so I do my best to follow what I can the way that I understand it, I ask for forgiveness A LOT because I really need it, and I look forward to the day when I too can say, "Ah, so that's what You meant."
Respectfully, run a google -
Though admittedly, it was more true long ago than now, as they probably lie somewhere in between.
Is there a creedo (sp?) to reference
lacking that, its a pissing match
kind regards
note to self: Geesh - I took the middle road and still got jumped on
Either you dont know what Calvinism is or you dont know what the Basic Baptist theology is!! :-)
How do you know? This is not a flippant question. You say yourself that you're wondering where the Bible comes from, and how we know whether the books included are the only ones authentically inspired. I urge to to think hard about who's telling you what to think about the Bible, and where they get the authority to do so.
Just be willing to attend church wherever God wants you, and not where you feel most comfortable.
If you have more questions, fire away!
I would give the edge on superior worship to the Pentacostals in one aspect: speaking in tongues.
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