Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

June 20, 2001

Hi Friend,

Since you wrote me anonymously, I'll respond without the use of a
name. It is my pleasure to respond to your inquiries.

> Bro. Buddy,
>
> We have talked many times and I value your help.

Thank you.

> I have been provoked to write this by reading the letter in your "Ask
> the Pastor " section entitled "Questions about Pentecostalism". Where I
> agree doctrinely with the stand about tongues I noticed you were asked
> about the reason for the loss of first love for all this.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: That article can be found at:
http://www.ChristianChallenge.org/ask/pentecostal.html

The loss of first love can be a combination of things, but it is often a
result of confusion. Believers who come to the Lord in a group that
fails to teach the gospel properly, will run for awhile simply on a zeal
from their new life. But afterwards the untrue teachings began to
press in on then. These 'bad' teachings produce bondage and not
the true freedom that comes with the gospel.

> My wife and I both have now experienced such an emotional drain and
> slow wearing down of our spiritual life. It is now almost little more
> than empty works. We have changed very little other than tongues and
> high emotional services.

I know the drill. Happened to me. It is common for people who are
getting their eyes opened to the excesses of pentecostalism. You
always feel like something is amiss, but can't quite put your finger
on it. The 'amiss' is bad teaching.

> But yet our level of consecration to Bible reading, prayer etc. etc.
> is way down. We do family alter every night but seem to almost never
> make church. Every church we have been to just leaves us more empty.

The emptiness is not a result of the church you are attending. Your
spiritual life needs to be replenished. Most of all you need to have a
true sense of direction from the Lord. It may be time just to 'be still.'
Sometimes the Lord will draw us to the side for the purpose of
drawing us to Him on a personal basis. This may be what you are
experiencing right now.

> We are far from looking for the perfect church but just anywhere we
> can find PEACE. It is tempting at time to return to Pentecostal just
> because of emptyness but I know one service of babbling would do me in
> for that.

I understand. Keep in mind what I said about the Lord drawing you
to Him.

> Is "real christianity" so much less (understand I fear for my
> children. If they don't have something real all I can read in history
> and have experienced personally will be lost with me.

Biblical Christianity was never intended to be a religion. It is the
experience of Jesus Christ. But it is also true that the Lord 'flocks'
His people. All this in good time.

> They will never know the presence of God that causes one to fall
> prostrate or consume you to pray all night. To make you live different
> than everyone else - not just saying it. That inward spiritual drive
> that causes saints to sing aloud with all their heart.

What you are describing is genuine, but keep in mind that a walk
with the Lord is multi-faceted. Don't confuse 'falling prostrate' or
'praying all night' as being the norm. Those things can have their
place, but the essence of our walk is best described by the prophet
Isaiah. He says, "And the work of righteousness will be peace, and
the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever."

> I am discouraged! Not many can understand this. Only someone who has
> left pentecost could answer it.

I well understand. The process of leaving pentecostalism is difficult,
but it is well worth the journey. It isn't a matter of throwing away the
good things you received. It is a matter of going on with the Lord. At
some point you have to cut the strings that bind. Cutting the strings
means to face the future in full trust, and not letting the past cling to
you anymore.

> I know because I see many who have somewhat agreed with examples like I
> have given but somehow they define their meaning differently. Some can
> say the same but do not mean in action the same.

There is no norm in this. Every life is different. Much depends on
our personality, where we have been, where we are now, and
myriads of circumstances and events that make up our life. But this
is not confusing for the Lord. And you need to keep that in mind. He
knows you much better than you know yourself. Trust Him to
accomplish His purposes in your life.

> Sincerely confused!

Sometimes we just need an ear. Let me know how I can help.
Perhaps you just need someone to help you process things.

> Plus its hard when you have known what you believe and defended it time
> after time - quoting scripture - preaching to others - and now
> wondering - "What is truth?"

You did exactly what every pentecostal does. We defended our
church doctrines. But your question is important. Truth is summed
up on one word alone. Truth is Jesus Himself.

The Lord bless you,

Bro. Buddy