Last week, I noted how modern-day Pentecostals were once satisfied to leave everyone else alone to their own practices, but that now a militant and belligerent attitude pervades among them, especially the younger generation. Now they point a finger at us and mock us as if we should be ashamed for not acting like fools during our worship assemblies. By way of reminder, there is nothing unkind or unbiblical about examining someone's teaching and practice in light of the Bible. I welcome such comparisons and questions. Furthermore, I made no accusations against the RAMP that cannot be verified by watching their own videos on YouTube.
As 1 Corinthians 14 is given to regulate the exercise of genuine spiritual gifts, (which in no way resembles the foolishness of practices seen today), it was noted how their practices violated 1 Corintians 14:22-23. This week we continue to compare their practices in light of what the Bible teaches.
Consider the practice of "speaking in tongues" during their assemblies. In the first century (when real tongue-speaking took place), this practice was regulated by 1 Corinthians 14:27-28....
"27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpet. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God." NKJV
How often have we seen the modern-day babblers all "speaking" at the same time? Pentecostals violate this Bible text in three ways: (1)it is more than two or three, (2) it is never in turn, and (3)I have yet to see the first interpreter. Pentecostal practice and 1 Corinthians 14:27-28 - - three strikes and you're out.
In an article regarding the practice of one of our local charismatic groups, the author and preacher spoke of a service as getting out of control. Worse still, he credited the Holy Spirit for the confusion and lack of control exhibited in the assembly. However, in 1 Corinthians 14:33 we read, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
Are present-day Pentecostal assemblies noted for confusion or peace? Paul said peacefulness is the sign of the worship assembly of God's people (saints). Yet by their own admission, Pentecostal practice stands in direct violation and contradiction to 1 Corinthians 14:33.
Lord willing, next Saturday there will be a third article in this series of examinations. In the meantime, we welcome your comments and questions.
Clippard, Todd. (2009, August 8). Pentecostal Finger Pointing Part II. Journal Record. p.3
Posts
4 comments:
Have you checked out this response? So sad that you continue to support Mr. Clippard.
"I have read both letters to the paper. Are you the pastor of Burleson Church of Christ? If by chance you are, I’m truly concerned. Not one time have you encouraged people or even mentioned Christ. The only time I saw where Christ was mentioned, was in the name of your church. Rm. 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isn’t it our duty as Christians to lead people to Christ, not all this finger pointing and religious beliefs? Who’s right or who’s wrong? That’s not gonna get anyone to heaven. John 3:3: Jesus answered and said unto him, except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. That, I hope, we both agree on. I encourage everyone to love you no matter your comments. John 15:12, Jesus said: This is my commandment, that we love one another, as I have loved you.
Sir, why are you watching these testimonies on youtube? Some interest, maybe? I truly encourage you to turn it off. It would give you a lot more time to win people to Christ, instead of all this negativism. We will never prove who’s right or wrong.
Sir, we have teenagers, adults, mothers, and dads committing suicide, teen pregnancies, drug overdose, people killing people. The list goes on and on. That should be our number one goal as Christians to lead the lost to Christ. Make a difference in people’s lives, not all this religious stuff.
If you don’t agree with the RAMP, be thankful that they are leading our people to Christ, no matter what church you go to. Rm. 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. It didn’t say that I had to belong to Church of Christ or Pentecostal, or any other denomination.
When I was 13 years old, the Church of Christ and Pentecostals organized a debate over who’s right or wrong. That building was full of mad religious people. No one ever decided who was right or wrong. It lasted a week. What is so sad, not one sinner was led to Christ. Not even an invitation on either side. What a waste of time.
People need to hear about Christ. Would you please put all religious beliefs away? Help me and others win the lost.
P.S. By the way, my father is a Pentecostal preacher, has been all my life. Never have I seen him roll around in the floor or act the way you accuse Pentecostals.
bobby barnes, jr.
P.O. Box 1732
Winfield, Alabama 35594"
I am aware of the response you provided and intend to give it it's own equal space. Thanks you. I am sorry that you see my posting of Mr. Clippard's commentaries as "support" for him. I am simply providing a more accessible avenue for people to be able to view Mr. Clippard's defense of his beliefs. You seem to continue to fail to recognize that Mr. Clippard's comments are in DEFENSE of the views provided by the RAMP of his beliefs. Mr. Clippard did not fire the first shot. Take a step back and view it objectively and you will surely see such.
A previous statement says. . ."Mr. Clippard's comments are in DEFENSE of the views provided by the RAMP of his beliefs. Mr. Clippard did not fire the first shot."
I have failed to find where this "RAMP" has made any comments toward Mr. Clippard, much less any "first shot."
Can you please direct me to where "RAMP" fired the (perceived) first shot? If this is regarding to the You Tube Video of the young man giving his testimony of being delivered from "dry dead religion", Then I am having trouble seeing how Mr. Clippard can be offended by this. At no point does the young man accuse Mr. Clippard (or mention his name or the Church of Christ denomination.) That is unless Mr. Clippard views himself and or his church as "dry dead religious tradition and bondage." I will be keeping Mr. Clippard in my prayers.
As someone in the community that this is taking place I can effectively respond. No, Mr. Clippard's name or church is not specifically mentioned in the video. There have been a culmination of statements and actions by this group though that give credence to Mr. Clippard's concerns. Again, I am not defending Mr. Clippard's bravado but I cannot find fault in his overall concern.
Post a Comment