Bible Question:
I was born and raised in a Full Gospel Church. Everyone in that church was Pentecostal, my family is Pentecostal, and I have always been told I am Pentecostal. I am recently attending a church that is "Assemblies of God." There are so many different kinds of Pentecostals that I get mixed up and dont know which one I belong to. I know I'm not United Pentecostal. I have been told that I am "Church of God" Pentecostal. I have read that the "Church of God" excludes costly clothes, cosmetics, and women wearing shorts or slacks. However, I wear all three and dont agree with that. From reading about "Assemblies of God" Petecostal it seems about right for me. But I cannot be sure. I believe in the trinity and I believe in speaking in tongues. But some Pentecostals believe if you dont speak in tongues and you are not baptised then you cannot be saved and make it to heaven. I believe a person may have the GIFT of speaking in tongues, but I dont believe you MUST speak in tongues in order to be saved. I dont know much about baptism so I cant comment on that. Some Pentecostals dont believe in the trinity and some do. I am one of those who do believe in the trinity. I know this is a lot, but I'm very confused with what denomination I belong to. Pentecostal seems right, but I would like to know exactly what type of Pentecostal I am. If you could give me any information I would highly appreciate it. Thank you. |
Bible Answer: SugarKissesOmy What you need to do is some reading. You need to read the doctrinal truths each Pentecostal denomination in your area hold to. Then you need to talk to the pastor of the church you feel your being lead to, finding out what that individual church abides by. For instance the Assemblies of God have 16 doctrinal truths you can read them at AG.org. Since each Assembly of God church is sovereign an affilated church is required to hold these truths but such things as dress or service type are unique to each church. The Church of God has 22 and you can read them at ChurchofGod.cc . Then there are church standards or church laws each denomination and church has. You mentioned the Church of God and prohibition about jewelry and shorts. 20 years ago that would be true but today the Church of God has changed their focus and these things have become more common. However an individual church may still be focused on these. That is why you need to talk to the pastor. Then there are indepentant Pentecostal churches and here you really need to talk to the pastor and use a lot of discernment. There are other Pentecostal denominations but you eliminated them by saying what you hold and don't hold to. Pray about this, God will lead you to where you need to attend. EdB |