Pentecostal Congregations

Dr. Couch, I have over the years really admired your biblical knowledge. I remember when we went to your church and had come out of a Pentecostal congregation. Some of my relatives believe that speaking in tongues is part of salvation, as well as the belief of the United Pentecostal and Oneness people. What information do you have on this subject? Almost all of my family has been brainwashed on the issue. – D.E. ANSWER:  I recommend the latest commentary in the series I have been working on as general editor, and that is The Book of First Corinthians by a great scholar, Dr. Dan Mitchell, AMG Publications. Also, my book entitled The Holy Spirit really explains the issue of "Speaking in Languages." And no, it is not required for salvation, but too, the subject is terribly misunderstood. Paul is not saying in 1 Corinthians 12-14 what they want the passage to say.      Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch

What is the Difference Between a Pentecostal and a Charismatic?

Dr. Couch, what is the difference between a Pentecostal and a Charismatic? 

 

    Some of the differences have to do with practice and not doctrine. The Charismatics are "modernized" Pentecostals. The Jim Bakkers had a Pentecostal heritage but "came out of the closet" with Tammy Fay wearing make up and dressing extremely flashy. Many Pentecostals still believe in no makeup and dress in sackcloth and ashes! Doctrinally they are the same as far as I can tell. However, the Pentecostals really dislike the teaching that you can materialize what you want to just saying it. The name it and claim it thing! 

    I had a distant relative who was Pentecostal, who disliked Charismatics. He thought they were too showy. He felt if he sinned he would lose his salvation. He lived constantly in fear, studied the Bible only on the surface because he repudiated "the learning" of the Scriptures. I was influencing him and believe he was changing doctrinally. In a short time he would have given up his false tongues speaking, but he passed away before that happened. It was a terrible thing to see how shallow he was in terms of scriptural study. They all are. He had a lot of problems in his life, which they all do, though they try to deny this lest they lose their salvation. 

    Two of the best Bible teachers in America were charismatic, whom I will not name. They both have authored many, many books. You would know the names right off if I mentioned them. Before I met them they had given up their tongues speaking. I asked them why and they answered, "Because of the study of the Word of God. They saw what we were doing was wrong, was emotional and not biblical!" Sitting around the dinner table they would "speak" in tongues to show how they could turn it off and on at will! 

    Thanks for asking.

    Dr. Mal Couch,