There was a little extra zest behind the “P” when he said, “I’m Pentecostal.”I hadn’t asked Andre about his denominational affiliation. I had asked, “Are you a Christian?” His response made me smile. I sensed he was asserting his higher-octane version of our common faith.
I responded to Andre, “I’m a Pentecostal Lutheran.” I got the thumbs-up look, along with an approving toned, “Oh.” Kind of an accepting, verbal secret-handshake.
Andre didn’t ask about what I meant by being Pentecostal Lutheran. He might be surprised by my interpretation.
Likewise, I didn’t ask him either.
I do know a central thread of Pentecostalism comes from Acts 2: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” This refers to speaking in tongues.
Also another experience I’ve seen at Pentecostal churches is typically called: “Being slain in the Spirit.” Considered a touch from God, coming through a Godly person; causing the other person to end up lying on the floor.
My point isn’t to agree or disagree with these. Or the numerous other facets of Pentecostalism.
My all-time favorite high-octane Christian, the Apostle Paul wrote: “I affirm by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”
My all-time favorite high-octane Christian, the Apostle Paul wrote: “I affirm by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”
We have to live in a way that grinds against our human nature…we die.
When the intrigue of our church experience ends, which for some includes speaking in tongues and lying on the floor; how do we live? On Monday morning? At school? At Wal-Mart?
Something Godly may have happened on the floor. At church on Sunday. If it did, take it out the door. The world needs to see less of us, and more of Jesus in our lives.
Die daily.
