To the Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches by Todd Hunter

To the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of North America:

From the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus Christ—who sent the promised Holy Spirit, that out of your innermost being shall flow streams of living water for the sake of the world. I know your century-long praiseworthy acts. Even when most of the world and some of the church believed that I merely spun this world into existence like a child’s top and then walked away, you faithfully and passionately embraced the visible, mysterious work of the Spirit. You demonstrated that I still have a daily, real relationship with Christians through the Holy Spirit. By welcoming my presence you have demonstrated to those who have eyes to see that confidence in my loving deeds—of healing, releasing the oppressed and demonized, proclaiming the favor of my kingdom, and humbly practicing the gracious gifts of the Spirit—produces vibrant, worldwide, disciple-making churches.

Yet, I hold this against you: You pit preaching and “ministry in the Spirit” against each other as if they are opposed. But the Bible is the Spirit’s book. God always works in agreement with his Word. The Spirit inspires it, he shines God’s light on it, he speaks through it, and he gives us the power to obey it.

So, preach the Word! Test the spirits. Don’t fear thinking. These three produce discernment, which counteracts gullibility and faddishness. Having done these you will make disciples that are well-nourished and properly fed, able to be salt and light and my “good seed” sown in the soil of the world.

Therefore, don’t say, as if proud of it, “The move of God in the service was so powerful today that I didn’t even get to preach!” When that happens too often, my followers develop habits of living that leave me at church and out of the routine of their lives—the very place my Word and Spirit should have their most profound impact.

Keep following my voice. Apprentice yourself to me, Word and Spirit. Pursue my new way of living in the righteousness and power of my kingdom. Disciple others to do the same.

Five-hundred million strong, you are a powerful force to express my kingdom as you hold my Word and works together for the sake of lost people. Experiencing my presence and training yourself to walk with the Spirit is, by my design, a strategic sign of my kingdom.

When others discover the emptiness and loneliness of believing in a distant God, they will begin to look for expressions of faith in the real God who is tangibly there and evidenced in your lives. Be humble people. Be experientially connected to me. Demonstrate growing character in me. Order your lives around thoughtfully living out my Word as your intelligent guide for life. Make it your intention to be communities of faith that will themselves be compelling evidence for Christianity in a world spinning out of control.

Copyright © 1999 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

Revelation NOW: What happens when you treat Revelation like other books of the Bible—looking at its historical context before applying its message to our day? Instead of an end-of-the-world preview, you'll find wisdom to help churches stay faithful in a hostile environment.

Cover Story

Apocalypse Now

New President Promises Reforms

Stop the Dating Game

What Hal Lindsey Taught Me About the Second Coming

Is Revelation Prophecy or History?

Called to Hate?

Church Leader Worships Whites

Time Out

Classic & Contemporary Excerpts from October 25, 1999

A Quaker at War with Himself

A Nation That Sang Itself Free

Getting to Know Me

To the Church That Endures Persecution by Steve Haas

Business Funnels Profits to Churches

Church Shooting Creates New Martyrs

In Brief: October 25, 1999

Porn Store Reborn As Church

Virtue Folds

Church Aids Refugees Despite Violence

Lutherans and Catholics Sign Declaration on Justification

Christian Journalists Ponder Calling

Religious Freedom Report Released

Editorial

Moms Without Marriage

Wire Story

Pro-Life Pharmacist Sues Kmart

Wire Story

Priest Killed for Illegal Conversions

The Millenial Book Awards

Extending the Dream

Letters

Baptist Foundation Faces Fraud Charges

Interview: George W. Bush on Faith-Based Plans

Christian Filmmakers Flock to End-times Features

Editorial

Make Disciples, Not Just Converts

Wire Story

Africa: Can Christianity and Islam Coexist and Prosper?

Apocalyptic Palette

You've Got Mail

To the Suburban Churches of North America

To the Church Called Mainline by William H. Willimon

To the Inner-City Pastor & Church by Gardner Taylor

To the Rural Church by Susan Wise Bauer

To the Church Which Seeks Seekers by John Ortberg

View issue

Our Latest

High Time for an Honest Conversation about THC

Legal cannabis may be here to stay, but the Christian conversation is just getting started.

The National Guard Debate Needs a Dose of Honesty

Criticizing federal overreach while remaining silent about local failures does not serve the cause of justice.

News

Saudi Arabian Prison Frees Kenyan After ‘Blood Money’ Payout

A Christian mother relied on the Muslim practice of “diyat” to bring her son home alive.

Why Fans Trust Forrest Frank

The enormously popular Christian artist says he experienced miraculous healing. His parasocial friends say “amen.”

How a Missionary Family in Lebanon Produced an American Hero

Bill Eddy’s Arabic acumen served US interests and forged Middle East ties.

Eight Divine Names in One Glorious Passage

Hebrew terms for God appear across the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah brings them all together.

The Bulletin

Venezuelan Boat Attack, Payday Loans, and USAID Fire Sale

The Bulletin discusses the attack on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, predatory lending, and the destruction of items from cancelled USAID projects.

Why an Early American Missionary Family Was Beloved in Lebanon

Over five decades of multigenerational ministry, the Eddys pioneered health and educational outreach.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube