Dr Paul Allen

Certainly, the Holy Spirit is present in conversion. Paul says, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). We know that every Christian experiences a measure of the Holy Spirit’s power. But the Scriptures plainly teach there is spiritual power available beyond our experience of conversion.  Obviously, Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, but the Lord sent Ananias to him to pray for him to get his sight back and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 9:17). And while the Samaritan Christians were soundly converted under Philip’s teaching, still it was through prayer and the laying on of hands that they received the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 8:14–17). Let us stress that this deeper experience of the Holy Spirit in no way refutes or denies any experience the Christian may have had before. It simply opens unto us a whole new realm of spiritual possibilities. Many Christians seem to feel that since their conversion was so wonderful, this m...

Anyone familiar with the debates over the doctrine of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit will know just how important this monograph is. James Dunn sparked an entire conversation with the publication of his doctoral research in 1970. Since its publication it this volume has become one of the most significant academic works on the issue and remains a standard of some importance. The evidence of its importance is seen in its careful exegetical work. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a valuable academic work because it forces readers to wrestle with the actual details of the relevant passages on this much-debated doctrine. The book is a careful exegetical study of the various events and passages that provide the case study for this doctrine. Across the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles, Dunn meticulously interacts with the lexical and syntactical issues of the text to make his case. His case simply being that baptism in the Holy Spirit was a conversion-initiation experience, contra Pentecostalism. He w...

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 ...

Baptism with the Holy Spirit also called baptism in the Holy Spirit or infilling the Holy Spirit, is a significant concept in Christian theology, particularly in Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions. Here’s an overview of what it entails: Biblical Basis John the Baptist’s Prophecy : Matthew 3:11 (NIV) : "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33 : These gospels make similar statements, emphasizing that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ Promise : Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) : "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 1:8 (NIV) : "But you will rec...