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Pentecostalism, baptism in the Spirit and revival

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The 20th century was marked by the emergence of a cluster of renewal movements, including the Pentecostal movement, the neo-Pentecostal (charismatic) movement, and the restorationist (‘house-church’) movement.  There is no denying the vitality and appeal of these developments.  But an important question presents itself to the student of revivals.  It is this:  To what extent, if at all, do these movements represent genuine revivals?

A number of popular writers on revival stride unswervingly through this issue by including accounts of such-like movements among their descriptions of revival, without pausing to consider whether this is a proper thing to do. …

‘Curbing a Frisky Theology’

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As David Day says in A Preaching Workbook, the preacher may be tempted to pass off his own opinion as if it were the word of God.  “Here are three points which I am prepared to attribute to the Holy Spirit and inflict on you” (Goldingay).

Of course, we preachers cannot keep ourselves completely out of the frame.  Our sermons communicate our theology.  As in flower-arranging, there is scope for variety – not only in the choice of blooms, but also the arrangement of them. …

Mark 10:45 – ‘A ransom for many’ – sermon notes

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The 2nd of a pair of sermons on Mark 10:45  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If everything that God had ever done was published in newspaper form, what would the main headline be?  If it were possible to compile a list of God’s ten greatest achievements, what would be at the top of the list?  Surely, it is the work that God has done for us in Christ, in securing our salvation.…

Mk 10:45 – “Not to be served, but to serve” – sermon notes

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This is the 1st of a pair of sermons on Mark 10:45  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Picture the scene: the road leading to Jerusalem is thronging with people, all making their way up to the holy city for Passover.  Jesus is heading in that direction too, and he has a look of resolute determination as he strides towards those momentous events of Holy Week. …

Problems associated with revival

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Having considered in general terms the mixture of good and evil which occurs in revival, we must now mention some of the specific problems which may occur.  These are of two kinds: extrinsic and intrinsic.

A. Extrinsic problems

Some of the problems which can occur in connection with revivals are extrinsic, in that they originate in those who are outside the stream of revival and who are opposers of the work.

1.  The first problem to be noted is that of resistance to change. …

Acts 2 – Look at Peter now! – sermon notes

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In the Gospel narratives, we have seen Peter

  • by the sea of Galilee, being called from his fishing nets
  • on mount Hermon, witnessing Christ’s transfiguration
  • on the mount of Olives, seeking to defend Jesus with his sword
  • in the garden of Gethsemane, sleeping while Jesus prayed
  • in the courtyard of the high priest’s house, denying his Master
  • back by the sea of Galilee, gently restored to fellowship with the risen Jesus

But look at him now!…

Quotes on Death

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1.  A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic. (Stalin)

2.  Ah! Is this dying?  How have I dreaded as an enemy this smiling friend? (Thomas Goodwin)

3.  When Christ calls me home I shall go with the gladness of a boy bounding away from school.  (Adoniram Judson)

4.  If a man that is desperately sick today, did believe he should arise sound the next morning; or a man today, in despicable poverty, had assurance that he should tomorrow arise a prince; would they be afraid to go to bed…?…

2 Sam 11:1-15 – David and Bathsheba – sermon notes

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One of the pieces of evidence in favour of the trustworthiness of the Bible is the remarkable honesty with which it tells us about its heroes: Abraham, Moses, Peter, Paul – the portrait of each and every saint is painted warts and all.  We are told of their failures as well as their triumphs.  So it is with David, shepherd, giant-killer, poet, soldier, and king: here is a very great man; here is ‘a man after God’s own heart’. …

Evaluating Revivals

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In this section, some further attempt will made to identify the principles which will help us to evaluate revivals; which will help us, in other words, to distinguish between good and evil, truth and error.

The need to evaluate spiritual movements

We are living in an age when few Christians are able or willing to apply Scriptural tests to spiritual phenomena.  They will often quote the words of Christ, when he said, “judge not, that you be not judged” (Mt 7:1), as though we should accept all behaviour, all doctrine, and all professions of faith without question. …

Love of self

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The Puritan John Milward posed the question, In what sense is it lawful to love oneself?  In answering the question, he points out that Scripture teaches the sinfulness of self-love, 2 Tim 3:1-4.  The worship of self is idolatry of the most common and destructive kind.  But, although love of the sinful self is hateful, love of the natural self is good, as all divinely created things are good.

We love our bodies, and are bound to care for them, Eph 5:29; cf.…