Becoming An Ex-Pentecostal

[the raven]

Those who become ex-pentecostal simply show what is in their hearts. Be it offense, lack of first love, bitterness, etc. The bottom line is they no longer want truth nor the responsibility which comes with it.

Remember: At the judgment, one will give account to God of their own life and its obedience to God's word. Not reasons one could not obey based upon other reasons, however good they may be to the carnal mind.

If you do not want to live for God according to his word...be honest! If it is due to offense...GET OVER IT! "Great peace have they which love thy law and NOTHING shall offend them." Psalm 119:165

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by the raven

Those who become ex-pentecostal simply show what is in their hearts. Be it offense, lack of first love, bitterness, etc. The bottom line is they no longer want truth nor the responsibility which comes with it.

Remember: At the judgment, one will give account to God of their own life and its obedience to God's word. Not reasons one could not obey based upon other reasons, however good they may be to the carnal mind.

If you do not want to live for God according to his word...be honest! If it is due to offense...GET OVER IT! "Great peace have they which love thy law and NOTHING shall offend them." Psalm 119:165

I think many folks have differing interpretations for what it means to be "Ex-Pentecostal" ...

For some, "Pentecostal" doesn't mean one's experience with God, but rather it's a way of describing the social climate that surrounds them at church. When you say "Pentecostal" to them they envision big hair and fashionable (or not!) suits.

When asked to describe "Pentecost" they describe a church service, Sunday School picnic or baptism. The sights, the sounds, the expressions on people's faces and the things that are said are described. They don't really delve into the metaphysical world, "Pentecostal" is a human culture for them like a Polka or Cinco de Mayo.

When they are hurt by "The System" they see the human drama involved.

Psalm 119:165 doesn't really apply here, IMHO. The "nothing shall offend them..." means that there will be no stumbling block that can deter their determined course. For myself, the "offense" that threw me for a loop actually deepened my faith and confidence in God Himself. However, it also knocked the blinders from my eyes that kept me from seeing Pentecostal culture for what it is at times.

[the raven]

Originally Posted by pelathais

I think many folks have differing interpretations for what it means to be "Ex-Pentecostal" ...

For some, "Pentecostal" doesn't mean one's experience with God, but rather it's a way of describing to social climate that surrounds them at church. When you say "Pentecostal" to them they envision big hair and fashionable (or not!) suits.

When asked to describe "Pentecost" they describe a church service, Sunday School picnic or baptism. The sights, the sounds, the expressions on people's faces and the things that are said. They don't really delve into the metaphysical world, "Pentecostal" is a human culture for them like a Polka or Cinco de Mayo.

When they are hurt by "The System" they see the human drama involved.

Psalm 119:165 doesn't really apply here, IMHO. The "nothing shall offend them..." means that there will be no stumbling block that can deter their determined course. For myself, the "offense" that threw me for a loop actually deepened my faith and confidence in God Himself. However, it also knocked the blinders from my eyes that kept me from seeing Pentecostal culture for what it is at times.

Interesting post and well written I might add. Having been through several "System" experiences and the human drama involved, I agree that if ones heart and motives are anchored in a true love for a relationship with God then the faith and confidence is deepened.

However being one of those who at one time left the Pentecostal/Apostolic experience via foster homes and night clubs and then returning to appropriate the grace and mercy of God again, I must say that at no time did I disagree with the culture (separation from the world, salvific doctrinal absolutes, etc.) of Pentecost but rather I chose to abdicate the relationship because of self will and the disposition I had towards sin and its convivial propensities.

Nonetheless, we will all give account of our deeds, motives and obedience to God's word at the judgment hence we ought to serve the Lord with fear rather than a humanistic, philosophical approach which is at odds with the scripture.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by the raven

Those who become ex-pentecostal simply show what is in their hearts. Be it offense, lack of first love, bitterness, etc. The bottom line is they no longer want truth nor the responsibility which comes with it.

What a stupid remark. Not wanting truth? The truth is that leaving was THE most difficult thing I've ever done. I left because I felt that I was moving toward greater truth not the lesser.

[Light]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

What a stupid remark. Not wanting truth? The truth is that leaving was THE most difficult thing I've ever done. I left because I felt that I was moving toward greater truth not the lesser.

What is that greater truth? Was your dad in error?

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by Light

What is that greater truth? Was your dad in error?

As much as it pains me I have to say I don't agree with what he taught.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

As much as it pains me I have to say I don't agree with what he taught.

Doesn't take a thing away from your love and admiration of him!

[the raven]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

What a stupid remark. Not wanting truth? The truth is that leaving was THE most difficult thing I've ever done. I left because I felt that I was moving toward greater truth not the lesser.

I have no doubt that leaving was the most difficult thing you have done - as it was with the prodigal and for anyone who has left truth, myself included. The issue is not leaving but returning. If indeed you feel that by leaving the essentiality of Acts 2:38, separation from the world and living a life pleasing to God; than you are open to deception.


As the only one in my family left serving God, I have seen the other 6 enter into various delusions and my father pass away in delusion. These issues are not semantics with me nor my personal interpretation. I was a backslider 14 years ago. I understand emphatically what it takes to come out from among them and be separate.

My remark was relegated as stupid, I will not descend to personal attacks however truth has never been based upon feelings (I will not get into a post modernist debate with anyone either). Truth is the word of God and a revelation of the same in which sincere, humble and thankful people partake.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by the raven

My remark was relegated as stupid, I will not descend to personal attacks however truth has never been based upon feelings (I will not get into a post modernist debate with anyone either). Truth is the word of God and a revelation of the same in which sincere, humble and thankful people partake.

You made it personal when you said

Those who become ex-pentecostal simply show what is in their hearts. Be it offense, lack of first love, bitterness, etc. The bottom line is they no longer want truth nor the responsibility which comes with it.

I did not leave over petty disagreements over supposed 'holiness standards'. I left over our disagreement as to what TRUTH is. Believe me if I took the easy road I would have stayed. "Responsibility"? It is because of being responsible that I took the road that I did.

It's good to know that people who disagree with you are neither sincere, humble or thankful.

[the raven]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

You made it personal when you said

I did not leave over petty disagreements over supposed 'holiness standards'. I left over our disagreement as to what TRUTH is. Believe me if I took the easy road I would have stayed. "Responsibility"? It is because of being responsible that I took the road that I did.

It's good to know that people who disagree with you are neither sincere, humble or thankful.

Again you are resorting to personal attacks. While I used a broad brush in my comments, it was dipped in the ink of experience both personal and ministerially. Your usage of ex-pentecostal leads me to conclude your rejection of the Acts 2:38 message and holiness both inward and outward - if this is not what you meant, then I stand corrected.

However, if it is a battle of wits you prefer, I refuse to fight an unarmed man.

Your sincere, humble and thankful servant!

The Raven