Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal Experience

This book is divided into two parts: Part One, Theological Foundations, and Part Two, Theological Affirmations. The first part is comprised of six chapters. The first chapter covers the recent history of Pentecostalism with its roots in the holiness movement and fundamentalism, the latter being subdivided into Protestant Orthodoxy and Evangelical Revivalism. Also discussed are the characteristics of early Pentecostalism which includes, of course, the Baptism in the Spirit, and others such as a commitment to evangelism and missions, strong faith, premillennial expectancy, the reality of God's presence, enthusiastic worship, rich fellowship, and biblical authority. The formation of Pentecostal denominations are also discussed, including the formation of the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. Then the Charismatic Renewal is expounded on, including the "Third Wave" Charismatics, a term that was coined by Peter Wagner. The on-going hermeneutical tension between classical Pentecostals and the larger Evangelical community, on the one hand, and the growing Charismatic community on the other, is noted and forms an important preface to the rest of the book. The next three chapters discuss hermeneutics and how current Pentecostals see the need to argue for Luke's contribution to Pneumatology distinct from the apostle Paul since much of Pentecostal theology, with it's emphasis on empowerment through Spirit Baptism, derives principally from Luke's two texts, Luke and Acts. The Menzies basically argue that "Luke never attributes soteriological functions to the Spirit" (like the apostle Paul does later in his writings) "and that his narrative presupposes a pneumatology excluding this dimension (e.g., Luke 11:13; Acts 8:4 - 17; 19:1 - 7)." To put it positively, "Luke describes the gift of the Spirit EXCLUSIVELY in charismatic terms as the source of power for effective witness" (pg. 70). Chapters 5 and 6 are exegetical replies to James Dunn and Max Turner, respectively. In chapter 6, the Menzies further clarify their position of Luke's understanding of the gift of the Spirit by defining it as "a prophetic enabling that empowers one for participation in the mission of God" (pg. 89). This has three main thrusts: "the gift of the Spirit in Luke-Acts is nonsoteriological (or charismatic), prophetic, and missiological" (pg. 89). Each of these is expounded on. In Part Two, Theological Affirmations, there are 9 chapters that expound on more specific Pentecostal concerns. Chapter 7 covers the issue of subsequence, chapter 8, the issue of tongues as evidence, and chapter 9, the availability of tongues for all believers. Chapter Ten, Signs and Wonders, addresses itself specifically to Third Wavers who generally consider Spirit Baptism as synonymous with conversion as do many non-Pentecostal Evangelicals. Third Wavers are also known for their emphasis on signs and wonders. The Menzies point out that Luke's perspective on

William and Robert Menizes have turned a significant corner for Pentecostal theology with this book. Pentecostal theology is defined very clearly as centering on the charismatic nature of the gift of the Spirit as Luke understood it, and the reception of the gift subsequent to conversion. Perhaps the most significant contribution is articulating the rationale for Pentecostal theology as being the foundation for a universal expectation of empowered witness.The major streams of current scholarship, both Pentecostal and Evangelical, on Pentecostal issues is woven together in this book, presenting pastors and Bible students with the most current examination of Pentecostal issues to date.An outstanding read.