Charismatic churches emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but what does the Bible say about this movement? Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about spiritual gifts, their role in the church, and how believers can use them to glorify God.
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What Does The Bible Say About Charismatic Churches
Acts 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
This verse describes the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where believers spoke in tongues. It highlights the charismatic experience of being filled with the Spirit and the manifestation of spiritual gifts.
Charismatic churches emphasize the ongoing work and presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, and this verse serves as a foundational example of the supernatural encounters experienced in charismatic worship.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
This passage highlights the various spiritual gifts that are distributed among believers by the Holy Spirit. It illustrates the diverse and supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s power, including speaking in tongues, prophecy, and miraculous healings.
In charismatic churches, these gifts of the Spirit are encouraged and sought after, as they are seen as important tools for edifying the church and advancing the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
This verse encourages believers to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy and not to forbid the speaking in tongues. However, it also emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and decency in the exercise of these gifts.
Charismatic churches value the active participation of believers in the spiritual gifts, but also recognize the need for accountability and proper stewardship of these gifts within the context of worship services.
1 Corinthians 2:4
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power in the preaching and teaching of the gospel. It highlights the reliance on the supernatural work of the Spirit rather than human wisdom or eloquence.
In charismatic churches, there is an expectation for the Spirit’s power to be evident in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, as it is believed to bring conviction, transformation, and the manifestation of spiritual gifts.
Ephesians 5:18-20
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This passage exhorts believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to express their worship and gratitude to God through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. It emphasizes the connection between the Spirit’s filling and the expression of worship.
In charismatic churches, the practice of speaking in tongues, singing, and rejoicing in the Lord is often emphasized as a means of engaging with the Spirit’s presence and experiencing intimacy with God.
Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Jesus promises that believers will experience miraculous signs as evidence of their faith. These signs include driving out demons, speaking in new tongues, protection from harm, and the ability to heal the sick.
In charismatic churches, this verse is often referred to as a commissioning for believers to walk in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, expecting divine interventions and delivering the love and power of God to those in need.
Acts 4:31
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
Following a time of prayer, the Holy Spirit came upon the early disciples, filling them afresh and empowering them to speak the word of God with boldness and authority.
Charismatic churches see this verse as a model for seeking the ongoing infilling of the Holy Spirit, resulting in renewed boldness to proclaim the gospel and operate in spiritual gifts.
Acts 19:6
“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
In this instance, the Apostle Paul laid hands on a group of disciples, and they received the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying.
This verse is often cited in charismatic churches to demonstrate that the impartation of the Holy Spirit can occur through the laying on of hands, leading to the activation of spiritual gifts and manifestations.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-20
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.”
Believers are urged not to suppress or hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They are encouraged to test and evaluate prophecies but to hold on to what is good and aligned with God’s Word.
Charismatic churches emphasize the importance of discerning and embracing the work of the Spirit, while also exercising wisdom and discernment to ensure that all manifestations align with biblical truth.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse highlights the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Charismatic churches value the development and manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life, alongside the exercise of spiritual gifts.
John 16:13
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth who will guide believers into all truth. He is described as bringing revelation and insight, revealing things that are yet to come.
In charismatic churches, an emphasis is placed on the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance, seeking His direction in decision-making and trusting in His prophetic revelation.
Romans 12:6-8
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
This passage highlights the diversity of spiritual gifts and encourages believers to exercise them faithfully for the benefit of the body of Christ.
In charismatic churches, the understanding of spiritual gifts as manifestations of the Holy Spirit is emphasized, and believers are encouraged to discover and utilize their specific gifts with sincerity and dedication.
Acts 8:17-18
“Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.”
The apostles Peter and John laid hands on believers, who then received the Holy Spirit. Simon, witnessing this, attempted to obtain the ability to impart the Holy Spirit through financial means.
This passage highlights the potential for misuse or misunderstanding of spiritual gifts and emphasizes the importance of guarding against manipulative practices in charismatic settings.
1 Corinthians 14:27-28
“If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”
Paul provides guidelines for the orderly exercise of the gift of tongues in a corporate setting. He emphasizes the importance of interpretation and limits the number of individuals speaking in tongues during a gathering.
Charismatic churches use this passage to teach about the importance of maintaining order and edification within the context of corporate worship and the exercise of spiritual gifts.
Acts 10:44-46
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
As Peter preached the gospel to the Gentiles, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in tongues and praise God.
This verse demonstrates that the Holy Spirit’s work and manifestation are not limited by cultural or ethnic boundaries, and it is often referenced in charismatic churches to emphasize the inclusive nature of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
1 Peter 4:10-11
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
Peter encourages believers to use the spiritual gifts they have received to serve others and bring glory to God by faithfully exercising those gifts.
In charismatic churches, this verse is often referenced to underscore the importance of stewarding and utilizing spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Paul highlights that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weaknesses and even intercedes for them when they are unsure of what to pray for.
In charismatic churches, there is an emphasis on the Spirit’s role in prayer, including praying in tongues and relying on the Spirit’s guidance and intercession in times of difficulty or uncertainty.
James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
James instructs believers to call upon the elders of the church for prayer and anointing with oil when they are sick. He expresses confidence that the prayer offered in faith will result in healing and forgiveness.
In charismatic churches, the practice of anointing the sick with oil and praying for physical healing is often embraced as a means of demonstrating faith in God’s healing power.
Luke 11:13
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Jesus assures His disciples that if they ask the Father, He will give them the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the willingness of God to empower believers through the Spirit.
In charismatic churches, this verse is often used to encourage believers to pray and ask for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence in their lives.
1 John 2:27
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
John speaks of the anointing believers have received from God, which remains in them and teaches them about all things. He emphasizes the authenticity of this anointing.
In charismatic churches, this verse is often referenced to highlight the personal and direct leading of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, guiding them into truth and understanding.
Zechariah 4:6
“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD… Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit—says the LORD Almighty.’ “
This verse emphasizes that the work of God is not accomplished through human strength or ability but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Charismatic churches often employ this verse to emphasize the reliance on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and guidance for effective ministry and witnessing.