Category: Uncategorized

Pentecostals believe that the spiritual gift (Greek: charisma) of prophecy is a special (supernatural) ability given to them. They believe that the gift of prophecy is the ability to receive direct revelation from God.  However, this special gift of prophecy ceased after the Apostolic age.  Of course, Jesus Christ is the true Prophet since He… Continue reading Spiritual Gift of Prophecy?

One of the 9 spiritual gifts listed in 1 Cor 12 is to discern spirit’. Pentecostals believe that this gift is a special (supernatural) ability given to certain people. They believe this gift is to detect whether people are speaking by the Holy Spirit or by evil spirits. It is true that in the Apostolic… Continue reading Discerning of Spirits – What it Means Today

An important teaching of Pentecostals and Charismatics is casting out of demons. They believe in deliverance ministries. These ministries supposedly heal people from demonic oppression and obsession.  This activity is also an important ‘church growth’ strategy in the Pentecostal churches. Once saved, the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian (Baptism of the Holy Spirit).  This indwelling… Continue reading Demon Possession Today

In Matthew 12:9-14, the Bible reveals that Jesus Christ healed a man with a withered hand. This was a supernatural healing of Jesus Christ. Supernatural healings were prevalent in the time of Christ and the Apostolic Age. However, supernatural healings ceased once the New Testament and the Bible was completed. Pentecostals do not understand that… Continue reading Healing of the Withered Hand

Supernatural healing is very prevalent in Pentecostal churches and the Charismatic movement. Supernatural healings, including the healing of the lame were gifts that ceased after the apostolic church. But, healings (e.g., healing of the lame) have an important symbolic and spiritual meaning for Christians today. The healings in the Bible were symbolic for grander spiritual… Continue reading Healing of the Lame – Symbolism

Many people believe that church leaders have the power to physically heal people with anointing oil.  This is prevalent in Pentecostal churches. But, many charismatics in other mainline and independent churches also believe in this anointing oil.  This belief is primarily based on an incorrect interpretation of James 5:13-16.  On the surface, this passage indicates… Continue reading Anointing Oil for Healing?

Supernatural healing is very prevalent in Pentecostal churches and the Charismatic movement.  However, these healing are dubious. Rather, healings were a gift that ceased after the apostolic church, which was used to write the New Testament. Supernatural healing today is a false sign. Healings in the Bible also serve as important portraits of spiritual truth.… Continue reading Symbolism of Healings

There are many occurrences in the Bible involving hands being laid on another. Many erroneously believe this is a miraculous gift that results in physical healings. But, this is not what the Bible teaches. Laying on of hands was an apostolic gift in the early church which ceased upon completion of the New Testament. However,… Continue reading Laying on of Hands

What is the former and latter rain?  Many have used the ‘latter rain’ to flatter themselves that they have a special mission for God.  Notably, Pentecostals often call themselves the latter rain.  However, the true ‘former rain’ is the explosion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ started on the Day of Pentecost in the 1st… Continue reading Former and Latter Rain

In Acts 2, cloven tongues of fire sat on the heads of the 120 disciples. This occurred on the Day of Pentecost when the disciples were gathered in the upper room. The meaning is often misunderstood as representing signs and wonders and the passion of God’s people. But, the spiritual meaning is something different. It… Continue reading Cloven Tongues of Fire