Pentecostals

Pentecostal Christians take their name from Acts 2 and its description of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which occurred among Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost.

For Pentecostals, this baptism of the Spirit is essential in the life of each Christian, more important than the symbolic baptism in water. The book of Acts reports that baptism in the Spirit was a key feature of the early Christian’s experience.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the various “spiritual gifts” Christians have, including speaking in tongues. These gifts are important to Pentecostals and are evidence of having been baptized by the Spirit.

Many denominations consider themselves Pentecostals, including the fast-growing Assemblies of God. Pentecostals are similar in many ways to charismatics (see 328).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Light which Redeems the Soul

Jimmy Swaggart

The darkness that was here prevalent was taken away only by the Spirit of God, as He moved upon the face of the waters. As someone has well said, The Moving of the Holy Spirit is the first sign of life.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Beginnings are one thing, while endings are another!

Jimmy Swaggart

On this first day of a brand-new year, which is a new beginning of sorts, the Lord offers to every person a brand-new beginning in their life, irrespective as to what the past has been. Millions this year will make New Year’s resolutions, resolutions which invariably will not be kept.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Place Called Home

Colin S. Smith and Tim Augustyn

The book of genesis is part of the revelation god gave to moses at mount Sinai, so when it says eden was “in the east,” we are talking about a location somewhere east of Sinai.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

God’s Heart and Ours

Chris Tiegreen

One of the primary ways God accomplishes his purposes on earth is through the prayers of his people. And one of our primary motivations for prayer is the desires in our hearts.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Secret of Strength and Happiness

Timothy Keller

Psalm 1 is the gateway to the rest of the psalms. The “law” is all Scripture, to “meditate” is to think out its implications for all life, and to “delight” in it means not merely to comply but to love what God commands.