Dr Paul Allen

  WHAT IS THE PENTECOSTAL DISTINCTIVE? ACC REMIT 2025 A. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is a transformative experience, distinct from and subsequent to salvation.  It is available to all believers and accompanied by the   initial evidence of speaking in tongues .  It results in empowerment for effective witness to the world. B. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is a transformative experience, distinct from and subsequent to salvation.  It is available to all believers and accompanied by the sign of speaking in tongues as the  Spirit gives utterance.  It results in empowerment for effective witness to the world .   WHAT IS THE CHANGE? The change: from "initial evidence of speaking in tongues' to the "sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance." WHERE DOES 'AS THE SPIRIT GIVES UTTERANCE' APPEAR? On the day of Pentecost, the people were overwhelmed and dominated by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5)...

Does the Holy Spirit Choose Not to Baptize People, or Are People the Problem? From a Pentecostal perspective, including that of Donald Gee and other scholars, the issue is not that the Holy Spirit chooses not to baptize certain people but that individuals may encounter personal barriers to receiving. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a promise available to all believers, not a selective gift withheld by God. God’s Desire to Baptize All Believers Pentecostals believe Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift available to all who believe in Christ. Acts 2:39 states: "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (NIV) This verse supports the view that Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not limited to a select few but is meant for all believers. Scholars such as Donald Gee emphasize that God does not withhold the Holy Spirit arbitrarily; rather, the responsibility often lies with the individual (Gee, Pentecost , 1932). Human B...

According to Donald Gee and other Pentecostal scholars, why do some people not receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues? Donald Gee, a well-known Pentecostal scholar, along with other Pentecostal theologians, identified several reasons why some people do not receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Some of these reasons include: 1. Lack of Understanding or Teaching Gee emphasized that some believers do not receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit because they have not been taught about it. Misconceptions, fear, or lack of biblical teaching can hinder faith and expectancy. 2. Unbelief or Doubt A common reason cited by Gee and other Pentecostal scholars is unbelief. If a person is sceptical about the experience or doubts that speaking in tongues is for today, they may struggle to receive. Faith is essential to receiving the Holy Spirit (Mark 11:24). 3. Fear or Overanalyzing the Experience Some individuals fear losing control or ...

Every Christian believer who seeks baptism in the Holy Spirit is eligible. The Holy Spirit is always willing to fulfil this promise, but most people are not.   “For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Him” (Acts 2:39 NRSV).  Every believer has the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to pursue a Spirit-filled life. The only conditions for receiving the promise are repentance and faith. Therefore, it is available to us today.  The Holy Spirit is willing, but we are the problem, not the Holy Spirit.  Holy Spirit baptism signals entrance into the Spirit-filled life. Jesus demonstrated a sense of urgency for His disciples to receive all the Father promised. He said, “And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 NRSV). Further, He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Sp...

  Tongues: Denominational Perspectives and Current Practices Christian denominations and movements have varying beliefs regarding tongues as initial evidence vs. tongues as a spiritual gift . Below is a comparison of major traditions and their teachings. A. Classical Pentecostal Denominations (Believe in Tongues as Initial Evidence) These groups originated from the Azusa Street Revival (1906) and emphasize tongues as the initial evidence of Spirit baptism. 1. Assemblies of God (AG) Official Belief: Spirit baptism is a distinct, post-salvation experience. Tongues is the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism. Tongues in 1 Corinthians 12 is a separate gift given selectively. Key Document: Assemblies of God Position Paper on Baptism in the Holy Spirit Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6 Theological Authorities: Stanley M. Horton, William W. Menzies 2. Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Similar to AG, but with a stronger emphasis on holiness living ...

This comprehensive analysis provides citations and an extensive bibliography, covering biblical exegesis, historical perspectives, theological arguments, and scholarly sources on  speaking in tongues as initial evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit vs. a spiritual gift . I. Biblical Exegesis: Acts vs. Paul’s Letters A. Tongues as Initial Evidence (Pentecostal View) Key Scriptures Acts 2:1-4 (Pentecost) “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Pentecostal Argument: The first time believers were baptized in the Spirit, they spoke in tongues. Acts 10:44-46 (Cornelius’s Household) “For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.” Pentecostal Argument: Tongues was the proof to Peter that Gentiles had received the Spirit. Acts 19:1-6 (Disciples in Ephesus) “When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues an...