Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal Experience

by William W. Menzies; Robert P. Menzies

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2000

Overview

This book is a fresh, scholarly, and definitive look at what Pentecostals believe and why.

The times have long passed when Pentecostals were viewed as Protestantism’s untouchables. Today, the shock waves from Azusa Street have influenced countless Evangelicals worldwide. But if dialogue between Pentecostals and Evangelicals has awakened within the latter a thirst for the power of God’s Spirit, it has challenged Pentecostals to examine their theology more deeply in the light of his Word. Just how firm is the biblical foundation on which they stand? Spirit and Power provides a cutting-edge look at Pentecostal theology. It addresses the concern expressed by its authors and echoed throughout charismatic churches today: “Although our Pentecostal forefathers intuitively grasped the correlation between the reality they experienced and the promise of Acts 1:8, they did not always articulate their theology in a manner that was convincing to other believers committed to the authority of Scripture.” In response, theologians William and Robert Menzies explore Pentecostalism in a scholarly and current light. Spirit and Power is no mere paraphrase of dated approaches. It is a fresh and penetrating look at the whys and wherefores of Pentecostal doctrine that sets a new standard for Spirit-filled theology. Whatever your persuasion may be as a Christian, this book’s thoughtfulness, balance, and biblical integrity will help you appreciate more fully the strengths of the Pentecostal stance. Laying the groundwork for an accurate understanding of Luke’s writings in particular, the authors help you grasp the foundations of Pentecostal theology from the standpoints of history, hermeneutics, and exegesis. Then, in Part Two, they give you an in-depth look at specific Pentecostal concerns: the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a blessing subsequent to salvation, evidential tongues, signs and wonders, healing in the atonement, and more. You’ll deepen your understanding of the basis for Pentecostal beliefs. And you’ll gain a feel for the mutually beneficial dialogue that continues between Pentecostals and Evangelicals today.

Key Features

• Discusses baptism in the Spirit, conversion, and initial physical evidence
• Addresses specific Pentecostal concerns
• Analyzes the foundations of Pentecostal theology from standpoints of history, hermeneutics, and exegesis

Contents

Part One: Theological Foundations

• History: Understanding the New Context
• Hermeneutics: The Quiet Revolution
• Hermeneutics: Luke’s Distinctive Contribution
• Hermeneutics: Jumping off the Postmodern Bandwagon
• Exegesis: A Reply to James Dunn
• Exegesis: A Reply to Max Turner

Part Two: Theological Affirmations

• The Issue of Subsequence
• Evidential Tongues
• Tongues: Available to All
• Signs and Wonders
• Healing in the Atonement
• The Providence of God
• Spiritual Gifts: Essential Principles
• Baptism in the Spirit and Spiritual Gifts
• Baptism in the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit

Product Details

• Title: Spirit and Power: Foundations of Pentecostal Experience
• Authors: William W. Menzies and Robert P. Menzies
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2000
• Pages: 240
• Christian Group: Pentecostal/Charismatic
• Resource Type: Introduction
• Topic: Theology

About the Authors

William W. Menzies (Ph.D., University of Iowa) is an Assemblies of God educator and missions consultant. He taught at Central Bible College, Evangel University, and Assemblies of God Theolgocial Seminary. He has been a consulting editor for Christianity Today.

Robert P. Menzies (PhD, U. of Aberdeen, Scotland) is Director of Synergy, a rural service organization located in Kunming, China.