A Brief overview of the Chara

“Religion is not what you will get after reading all the scriptures of the world. It is not really what is grasped by the brain. It is a heart grasp."

To help clarify some terms let us first check with good old Noah Webster. Webster’s Dictionary defines “born again” as this:

“ 1. Committed or recommitted to faith through an intensely religious experience: a born- again Christian.2. Reactivated or revitalized…”

Webster’s also defines “Charismatic” as the following:

“ Characterizing Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.”

We all have labels that we use that are predisposed in our society. Some labels draw us closer together while others push us apart. The media portrayal of “ born againers” is of this weird, radical, somewhat unknown religious group with right wing extremist’s tactics. This can also be associated to some major religious leaders who have thrown themselves and their churches in the spotlight through political involvement. This is not to mention the ministers who have been less then

. . .
(Acts2: 1-4, NIV)

When American Methodism was founded in 1784, the church accepted Wesley’s mandate to reform the continent and spread scriptural holiness all over the regions. In every continent, holiness people flocked to altars to receive their own personal Pentecost. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to Spirit. A general attitude of seeking deeper and further spiritual grace seemed to permeate the movement as the new century was about to dawn. One has priesthood; the other has pastors and deacons. From Azusa Street, the Pentecostal experience spread around the world as holiness people by the thousands received the Pentecostal baptism with the Holy Ghost with the apostolic sign of speaking in tongues.

The last major holiness revival among Methodists and other mainline Protestant churches came after the formation of the National Holiness Association in Vineland, New Jersey, in 1867. The atmosphere of the book of Acts became the norm for thousands of people around the world Everywhere, the restoration of the charismata was understood as proof positive that the second advent of Christ was near. The term and movement came into its own in the mid 60’s, as laymen and ministers in mainline churches began experiencing the manifestation of spiritual gifts as they did in the book of Acts on the day of Pentecost. For over a century Methodist preachers and churches throughout the nation promoted the holiness cause.

The Pentecostal movement received worldwide influence in Los Angeles, California, in the Azusa Street revival led by the African-American holiness evangelist William Joseph Seymour. What similarities and differences do they share?

Handout #2

New York Time/CBS News Survey July 17-99, 1999

Question: What values do you consider to be very important in life?

Being responsible for your actions 97 %

Being in good health 91 %

Being able to stand up for yourself 89 %

Being able to communicate feelings 78 %

Having faith in God 75 %

Having children 71%

Having a fulfilling job 70 %

Being a good neighbor 68 %

Being financially secure 65 %

Being married 62 %

Being religious 56 %

Having enough time for yourself 52 %

Being involved in the community 35 %

Having lots of friends 28 %

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The apostle John, in John Chapter 1, verses12-13 wrote:

Yet to all that received him to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God¾children not born of natural descent, nor human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Before you form an opinion on a particular group or religion, do some research, check out the history, and look into the facts. The Pentecostal Holiness Church was one of these holiness groups in America, which began after 1894 as a result of the controversies over the question of sanctification.

Common topics in this essay:
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Approximate Word count = 1662
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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