I've studied church history for many years. I'm not a scholar, simply a student, which doesn't make me an expert in the area. However, from my observation of the current trend in "apostolica" and even classical pentecostalism, I think the "fear factor" is in play all too importantly.
In church history, there has always been a trend when God moves or pours out His Spirit or Truth. It goes like this:
God pours out truth upon people(s) hearts and minds. They are refreshed, excited, on fire! They find others who have received the same "revelation." They unite around their common bond, which was the "revelation." Since it was from God, it propels them forward and allows life to be in the group. Conversions take place. Growth happens. The "revelation" becomes the "trademark" of the group. Soon, the group solidifies and becomes a loose knit organization. Growth continues until the group becomes formal organization. It is no long loose knit, it is close knit.
Much energy and teaching revolves around the "revelation" and much energy is spent in protecting, codifying and institutionalizing the "revelation." However, God is not finished. So..........
God brings more revelation and the group is so busy protecting the last "revelation" that they do not accept the additional revelation that God wanted to build on the "last" one.
A few hungry people receive the additional "revelation" and unfortunately are labeled heretics by the established group. Those in the group who have embraced the additional "revelation" are ostracized and retain the heretic label. Those folks leave the group, while retaining the previous "revelation" and rejoicing over the new revelation/truth which brings new life, excitement, conversions etc.
This process repeats itself over and over and over and is the reason why there are so many splits not only in Christendom, but in Pentecostalism and Apostolica.
The FEAR FACTOR comes into play because the FEAR is that they will lose the former truth etc, and become compromisers.
Let me quote from an excellent old book entitled: The Church's Debt to Heretics, Rufus M. Jones. 1924 pg 12.
"When does the term "heretic" rightly apply? When does a man cease to be counted safe and become a heretical adventurer? Not, of course, until certain truths have been accepted as sacred and have won a group of adherents who believe them to be both true and essential to life and salvation."
There is really only one thing which frightens me, and that is that I miss what God is doing because I am so caught up in what I think I'm doing for Him.
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