Pentecostal-Charismatic Glossary
- Below are brief definitions of some of the main terms and topics in “Pentecostal Sermons and Bible Studies” by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D. The sermons and Bible studies on this website are the result of nearly 5 decades of Pastor Feeney’s study and ministry. They are offered with the humble acknowledgment that the Bible is perfect, but no mortal man’s interpretations of it can be guaranteed perfect.
These are the two foundational ministries in the Church from among the "fivefold ministry" listed in Ephesians 4:11. They continue to be valid, present-day ministries in the Church today. Christian prophets are sensitive to the revelation of God's prophetic word. Apostles are, in the words of the apostle Paul, "wise master builders."
Those who have repented of their sins and received Jesus Christ by faith as their personal Savior should be baptized — that is, fully immersed in water. Baptism is likened spiritually to the believer’s “old man” being buried with Christ and arising with Him to walk in newness of life.
One of the Church’s high and holy callings is to be presented to Jesus Christ as His chaste, radiant, spotless Bride. This is a spiritual parallel to the love, commitment, and intimacy between a man and his wife.
Charismatic
The word “charismatic” today has come to be roughly synonymous with the term “Pentecostal” (see below). It basically identifies those Christians who believe in the present-day manifestation and validity of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit (see below).
This term refers to the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ. It maintains that He is God the Son, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Millions of Christians (including this writer) believe that Jesus bore both our sins and our sicknesses. The healing of sick and infirm bodies is available today to those who in sincere faith will look to the Lord Jesus for healing.
The classic biblical list of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit is: the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. The position of this writer is that these gifts remain valid and are to be manifested today.
The term “Pentecostal” refers to the Acts chapter 2 historical account of believers being “filled with the Spirit” with the evidence of speaking in tongues (see below). In this experience, which is still valid in our time, the Holy Spirit imparts divine power to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Speaking in Tongues (glossolalia)
When a believer is filled with, or baptized with, the Holy Spirit, he or she will speak with new “tongues,” that is, languages. These languages are given by the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They may or may not be understood by the hearers, but they will be languages unknown to the speaker.
Shortcuts to Major Topics:
Christian Living
Doctrine & Theology
Evangelism
Faith
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Healing
Hearing from God
Holy Spirit | Pentecostal Topics
Jesus Christ
Ministry
Power of God
Prayer
Salvation
The Church
Various Topics Not Listed Elsewhere
Victory over the Devil
Word of God
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Pentecostal Sermons and Bible Studies
by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.