This weekend I had the privilege to sit under the ministry of Dr John Piper hosted by Jubilee Church, Enfield. I had been looking forward to the 1 day conference and was anticipating excellent ministry.

At the heart of legalism is the seduction in presenting truth that is not scriptural but rather personal preferences added to scripture to promote an arrogant, self righteous man made rule that makes the religious feel better about themselves.

Its that time of year when Christian TV goes on a mission to raise up to £4 million to continue broadcasting ‘christian programs’. I admire those who are called to this ministry but their means of raising finances is deplorable!

Whilst preaching in Greece I was watching World news only to discover that the American Episcopalian Church had consecrated it’s first lesbian Bishop;

Im amazed that many Pentecostals are being seduced into a more traditional and evangelical Christianity that places excess at the foot of the Pentecostals. Its obvious to me that ministers are looking more for acceptance and a type of Christianity that offends nobody and includes everybody. The idea that the operation of the gifts of the Spirit don’t make sense and therefore best kept as a secret is nothing more than quenching the Spirit. Pentecostals were known for the direct personal experience of God through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Lets remind ourselves of of the 4 key beliefs of the pentecostals. It was known as the foursquare Gospel;

1. Jesus saves (Jn 3:16)

The message is exclusive and only inclusive for those who truly repent of their sin and in obedience follow Christ. The modern Gospel promotes ecumenicalism and and hyper grace with eternal security which enables the “Christian” to walk in rebellion as obedience is not required as grace is available continually. We know obedience does not qualify anybody for forgiveness but for those forgiven God calls them to a life of obedience. Its only Jesus that saves and nobody or anything else.

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4)

This doctrine is paramount within the beliefs of Pentecostals and there are so many today afraid even to teach it let alone pray for their people to experience it. The physical initial evidence was that those baptsied in the Holy Spirit spoke in other tongues (Glossolalia). Pentecostals understand this infilling to be subsequent to salvation which allows those who have been filled to experience spiritual gifts which are described in the Bible.

3. Divine Healing (James 5:15)

It’s clear that healing is not only restricted to Christ and his Apostles but the believers of the New Testament church were to also believe and pray for divine healing. The emphasis placed by pentecostals was on Physical healing, that God could through the laying on of hands perform creative miracles.

4. The Second Coming of Christ (Thessalonians 4:16-17)

This doctrine played a huge part in motivating the preaching of the Gospel in evangelsim as pentecostal preachers believed that Christ would return and that time was short. At almost every service the second coming of Christ would be preached and expounded calling the listeners to prepare themselves for His return.

If you were to ask me Richard are you Pentecostal my answer would most deifintely be YES! I passionately believe in the Foursquare Gospel and have been preaching it ever since I experienced it for myself. There are times when reformed theology and traditionalism attracts me but whilst they have elements of sincere truth they lack something of the power of God. The root of reformed theology is simply that the work of the Holy Spirit is restricted to sanctification only and that the gifts have passed away. Traditionalism has too many idols to even start commenting on albeit those in it are sincere.

My warning is to ministers who have been seduced by the spirit of religion and reformed theology that has caused you to reject your roots and become anti-pentecostal don’t reject your roots rather return to them and water them well with prayer and worship, and don’t be led away by the seduction of a better ‘Christianity’.