What and how did the doctrine of eschatology impacted or impassioned the Pentecostal movement in the past and the present?
The Pentecostal movement has always considered itself an end time movement. In his book "pentecostal spirituality", Steve Land says that: "Pentecostals have typically understood their entire life in Christ under the rubric of 'Last days ministry'."
I think one of the reasons why the Pentecostal movement thrives even till today and has spread worldwide despite its great but short years at Azusa Street is because of it's world-evangelism urgency. As Blumhoffer expressed: "Above all, Azusa Street was a missionary movement." However what fueled this urgency and movement is their view of Pentecostalism as an endtime event. Well expressed by Margaret M. Poloma when she said: "For most Pentecostals the future determines the present, their view of eschatology governs their view of current events." Pentecostals seems to have and hold on to the conscious understanding that Jesus had empowered his church in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy for one last great revival before the end was the power that energized them into mission. The Pentecostal view of eschatology birth forth an energy created with a clear consciousness of the end in mind. One way to understanding its impact is that if one considers the eschaton as something that is soon to be fulfilled, then the passion of the church for lost soul should also be affected. Hence even presently, Pentecostalism has been so moved in this area that it is one of the fastest growing movements in the world. After only one century, the Pentecostal/charismatic movement had grown at such an amazing pace that by the year 2000, they were second in size only to the Roman Catholic Church as a worldwide family of churches.
in the past they belive Christ coming was in their time and today we too believe that because of the news of war we say the prophecy of end time is coming to its fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteSince the past til the present how did this certainty of Christ coming in their time was maintained?
Hi Jase,
ReplyDeleteYou have quoted that "what fueled this urgency and movement is their view of Pentecostalism as an end-time event". After a century on Pentecostal movement, instead of seeing a greater sense of urgency the current state displayed otherwise. What in your opinion you think has been the problems in holding back Pentecostals today to be as enthusiastic as before?
Hi Freddie,
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think that the current state is displaying otherwise? what are you basing it from? because usually when i go to check the surveys done on pentecoalism movements, the reports i usually see are positive. maybe you have a different perspective, feel free to share.
hi...
ReplyDeletehmmm fast growing churches... yes there are more mega churches this days. But i do feel that the eschatological impact is fast declining too.
Just give a thought to this. In a mega church how many times do you think the pastor preaches on this subject? Not surprising if it's only once or twice a year.
Hey Jase,
ReplyDeleteWe seemed to have similar views regarding "having the end in mind":)Back to my question: Do you really think that Pentecostal churches here has done enough on their part in preaching the eschatological doctrine? Has it created such awareness in comparison with the earlier Azusa years and among the 21st century churches to evangelize?
Hi Jase,
ReplyDeleteWell, firstly from my personal observation in over the last 25 years having traveled many places and churches in ministry (both local and overseas). Secondly, the current situation in churches in my home-town in Ipoh. Thirdly, from comments of pastors of many different churches. I understand your personal perception maybe that your church is doing activtly well (if that is so- Praise the Lord!); I can be stand corrected. May i asked beside some statistic figures and reference books; have you read any latest articles, books or churches survey lately? maybe the statistic growth of Christianity? I would be glad you have can give some references that i may able to refer to it. My concluding comment, the younger generation tends to have indifferent attitudes posibly influnced by post-modern culture today. I too striving to understand the youth problems in my own church today. Any suggestions?
Hey man,
ReplyDeleteGood view. But has the eschatological passion wavered? how do you keep the fires of passion still burning for so long?
hey,
ReplyDeletei think there is a decline in teaching the church members about eschatology in church. we are more of preaching what the people want to hear (not all but some). with the younger generation being indifferent toward this doctrine, what would you see happening in the future when this generation takes over the reign and moves the church?
Hi Jase,
ReplyDeleteStudying on eschatology thrive the church to mission. To answer to the question how do we keep the fire of passion still burnning for so long is through the work of the Spirit. We, the church, should move with the Spirit, and not just with what the youth or the people want. Therefore, it is our challenge that the church need to hear more about the end time. Truly, it is our strength, as pentecostal.