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John’s Place in the Development of Early Christian Pneumatology
By Robert Menzies John 20:22 has held a special place in the hearts and theology of many Pentecostals. Pentecostals have traditionally pointed to this text in order to support their contention that there is a baptism in the Spirit subsequent to conversion. The pattern appeared very straight-forward: John 20:22 records a pre-ascension…
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Acts 2:17-21: A Paradigm for Pentecostal Mission
By Robert Menzies Originally published in the Journal of Pentecostal Theology 17 (2008), 200-218 Not long ago I had one of those epiphany moments. A moment when, in a flash, previous perceptions are challenged and a new paradigm, a new way of looking at a particular issue, comes into focus. It happened during a beautiful evening last May….
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Review of Maynard-Reid’s Complete Evangelism: The Luke-Acts Model
Title: Complete Evangelism: The Luke-Acts Model Author: Pedrito U. Maynard-Reid Publisher: Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1997 Release Date: Feb. 1, 1997 Pages: 176 pp., pb. In his discussion of evangelism, Maynard-Reid shifts attention from Matthew to Luke-Acts, arguing that Luke's evangelistic model is more holistic than Matthew's and more attentive to social concerns. The shift illuminates both Luke-Acts and contemporary discussion of evangelism, particularly as it relates to social action. Maynard-Reid includes a historical overview in which he argues that separation between evangelism and social action is a recent innovation, but he devotes the bulk of the book to a reading of Luke-Acts that grounds his call for a "contextual and incarnational" missiology. The book is accessible to a general audience and will appeal to readers with an interest in New Testament interpretation as well as those with an interest in evangelism. - Steve Schroeder Reviewer: Robert P. Menzies teaches New Testament at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (Baugio City, Philippines) Book Review: 3,353 words Complete Evangelism: A Review Article In Complete Evangelism: The Luke-Acts Model, Pedrito U. Maynard-Reid issues a passionate call for Evangelical Christians to see the evangelistic task as necessarily encompassing word and deed, proclamation and social action. As the Jamaican-born author builds his case,…
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One for the Road – “An Elephant in the Room”
An elephant in the room. Everyone knows…but no one is talking. It might be an indiscretion that has come to light…a terminal disease that has just been diagnosed…or information that is known – but uncomfortable to discuss. For the early church it might have been eating food sacrificed to idols…the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church…or the relationship between law and grace. So…what do you do with an elephant in the room? Pray for wisdom. There is a time to speak…and…
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One for the Road – “Traffic Control”
Traffic control…at the entrance to your mind. Without it…your life will be ruined. The Bible says that you will become what you think. Think hate – you’ll become hateful. Think revenge – you’ll become vengeful. Think lust – you’ll become lustful. That’s why you must control the traffic at the entrance to your mind. So…it’s time for traffic school…to learn the rules. And then be sure they are enforced. Here are the rules: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is…
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One for the Road – “Obstacle Courses”
Obstacle courses. They’re designed to slow you down…and test your patience. Life is like that. Try as you might…life is filled with hindrances – uncertainties – and disappointments. It’s nothing new. Moses faced food and water shortages. Daniel fought lions and angry magistrates. Paul faced stones and shipwreck. That’s life…then and now. So…you can dream of a life of tranquility…perfect health — plenty of money — trustworthy friends…
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One for the Road – “Here to Eternity”
Here to eternity. It’s a small step for the righteous. The Bible speaks of death…as a gathering to the fathers. It also says that God is not the God of the dead…but of the living. Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. They are paraded as proof. The life of the righteous never ends. Death is only a change of address. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And…the transition is easy: “When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his…
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Ecclesia Theological Seminary – 70th Anniversary Celebration Our friends at Ecclesia Theological Seminary in Hong Kong have established the first Pentecostal Journal in Chinese. The Chinese Journal of Pentecostal Studies was officially launched on October 15 as part of the 70th anniversary celebration of Ecclesia Theological Seminary. Click here to view the first issue of this journal. [caption id=”attachment_981″…
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Interview for Pentecostal Theology Website in Brazil – Ft. Robert P. Menzies
Gutierres Siqueira is Brazilian and the editor of the Brazilian “Pentecostal of Theology” website, which is of course in Portuguese. You can check out the website at www.teologiapentecostal.blog. Gutierres asked if he could interview me, Robert Menzies, for their website. He sent me nine stimulating questions and has translated my responses into Portuguese for their website. I offer the…
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One for the Road – “Stranger”
Stranger. Acquaintance. Friend. These words describe how people relate to Jesus. Stranger. There is no knowledge of Jesus. They have never heard about Him. He’s a stranger. Acquaintance. These people know about Him. They may even go to church. There is no shortage of opportunity to know Him. But…He remains only an acquaintance. Friend. These are those who know Jesus in a personal way. They have been born again. There is a heart relationship. These are…
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