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John Walters | PentecostalTheology.com
John Walters [04/22/2015 4:37 PM]
Thanks Sharon. Me and my wife are listening to a series of sermons by David Pawsons on the Holy Spirit. It is all a bit apprehensive for us with not having any experience in our church on these issues. We trust in God!!
Jeffrey D. Madison [04/22/2015 8:28 PM]
John, just be wary, some of Pawson’s doctrines are outside of the parameters of what the majority of Pentecostal churches believe. If you have questions I am sure that one of the pastors at the A.G. church in your neighborhood would love to assist you, or if needed, we could Skype.
Glynn Brown [04/23/2015 7:28 AM]
I grew up in the church of God,and have attended the AOG churches for years. There’s plenty of freedom as far as spiritual gifts are concerned. However there’s almost no freedom concerning anything else. It’s a traditional denomination and is somewhat legalistic. The churches that I’ve attended only wanted traditional hymns and southern gospel,if you like praise and worship you will be disappointed. They teach against all forms of alcohol in any amount and secular dancing,so don’t expect a lot of personal liberty.
John Walters [04/23/2015 7:36 AM]
Ok thanks, which doctrines fo you mean please? We have listened to him in relation to Israel through to the Holy Spirit. Thanks
Jeffrey D. Madison [04/23/2015 2:47 PM]
John, Pawson’s teaching on salvation is a little outside of the box in that most churches teach salvation by faith alone. Pawson tries to turn salvation into a systematic process that includes repentance, confession of faith, water baptism, and Spirit baptism. His claim is that in order to live the full Christian life one must experience them all. I have no issue with this logic in that every believer should experience, and or do these things. The issue lies in his emphasis on water baptism as the initial source of regeneration. Here the majority of churches hold to salvation through the confession of faith and repentance alone. Honestly, I have not heard any of his teachings on Spirit baptism, but I am sure that I could nitpick a those too, lol. Frankly, my overall worry is that you are going to move from one exclusionary community to another. Pawson’s teachings is fun theology, in that they give us something to think about. Nevertheless, they can be dangerous because they focus on a works based salvation (works as in catholic works of receiving sacraments).
John Walters [04/23/2015 4:01 PM]
Thanks Jeffrey, I will bare your comments in mind. Thanks for the reply
Julius Streeter [04/23/2015 5:28 PM]
he assembly of God is a pioneerpentecostal group with good track record and Pastor DavidWlikerson demonstrated lifetime of pastoral care with books such as “Crossand the Switchblade” “The vision” useful tracts like “A positive cure for drug addiction” and “Hope for the homosexual”,check out the A.O.G. also derek prince ministry, Guy Duty google A.O.G. investigate rather than believe contrary reports, seek and you shall find.
Mary Ellen Nissley
I am convinced that churches vary so much within denominations that you really need to just pray and follow the leading of the Lord.
When I was being led out of the Mennonites, I didn’t know WHERE to go! I felt so desperate! All I wanted was a place where the Holy Spirit was allowed to move and use me… and a place where I would feel I could bring other people.
I would never have chosen a Church of God, especially had I known their officially-stated polity, and had I known the overall flavor of worship in the denomination.
I detest scripted dance and entertainment in church. I love services that go as long as possible, flowing in the Holy Ghost! And above all, I love to feel His presence like a heavy weight of glory.
And, amazingly, this little mountain church has all the above, and more love and acceptance than I thought could be possible.
I was led here simply by prayer and listening to those around me. God was faithful to lead me, and I know he will lead you, too.