Any Pentecostal Protestants?

[honeysuckle]

I was baptized a Baptist, then convinced to begin attending an Assembly of God church because it was superior to the Baptist church, because the Assembly of God church preached the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Let me say, I do believe the Holy Spirit is present and working in these free-for-all, speaking in tongues, types of services. I think there is a lot of theological error, but God is definitely present. I would never deny that.

However, for anyone who is a Protestant of this kind, roving around, convinced that Catholics are not really Christians, let me tell you, that the Holy Spirit is far more present, real, and active in the liturgy and Eucharist than it ever was in the free-for-all worship services.

I just want to invite you, if this is you, to attend Mass. I wish you could have attended Mass yesterday. We read several pages of the gospel, straight from the gospel, about the Passion. God’s Grace is given full reign to work effectively in our lives in the liturgy and Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit just penetrates every word and action of the Mass.

If you are a Pentecostal Protestant, have you gone to Mass lately?

 

[Syele]

I was baptized a Baptist, then convinced to begin attending an Assembly of God church because it was superior to the Baptist church, because the Assembly of God church preached the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Let me say, I do believe the Holy Spirit is present and working in these free-for-all, speaking in tongues, types of services. I think there is a lot of theological error, but God is definitely present. I would never deny that.

Care to elaborate which thins are Theological error?

However, for anyone who is a Protestant of this kind, roving around, convinced that Catholics are not really Christians, let me tell you, that the Holy Spirit is far more present, real, and active in the liturgy and Eucharist than it ever was in the free-for-all worship services.

I attend Assembly of God but I do not go “roving around, convinced that Catholics are not really Christians” whatever made you believe all AoG people are convinced of such a thing? Just cause you happened upon one anti-Catholic Congregation? Baptists are more known for anti-Catholicism than AoG Churches… But it can be found in any denomination!

I just want to invite you, if this is you, to attend Mass. I wish you could have attended Mass yesterday. We read several pages of the gospel, straight from the gospel, about the Passion. God’s Grace is given full reign to work effectively in our lives in the liturgy and Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit just penetrates every word and action of the Mass.

I attended Mass every Sunday for 6 years. the amount of scripture read is about equal to my current Church. I glad you liked the Mass. I like the liturgy and attend the Episcopal Church two or three times a year cause I like liturgy and AoG has no Lent services. But you liking the mass so much hardly proves that AoG are all anti-Catholic.

If you are a Pentecostal Protestant, have you gone to Mass lately?

Not lately. I am not really welcome there as I have no intention of converting to Catholicism. I’d rather go to an Anglican or Episcopal service since I am allowed to participate in Holy Communion with them, and they are not convinced I’m bound for hell.

 

[honeysuckle]

Care to elaborate which thins are Theological error?

equip.org/site/c.muI1LaMNJrE/b.2759553/k.BD5A/DP245.htm

I attend Assembly of God but I do not go “roving around, convinced that Catholics are not really Christians” whatever made you believe all AoG people are convinced of such a thing? Just cause you happened upon one anti-Catholic Congregation? Baptists are more known for anti-Catholicism than AoG Churches… But it can be found in any denomination!

Don’t put your words into my mouth. I never said ALL. NOR did I make any statement about AOG being anti-catholic.

Not lately. I am not really welcome there as I have no intention of converting to Catholicism. I’d rather go to an Anglican or Episcopal service since I am allowed to participate in Holy Communion with them, and they are not convinced I’m bound for hell.

Why would you think you are not welcome there? Doesn’t matter, as you don’t share my experience of the Holy Spirit being present in a more real way in Mass then it was in emotionalism of Pentecostalism.

I have never understood why people are so offended at closed communion. In our church, during RCIA, we went through the communion lines with our hands folded against our chest like a child who has not yet taken first communion, and received a blessing from the priest. All non-Catholics were welcome to receive this blessing.

 

[Syele]

Don’t put your into my mouth. I never said ALL. NOR did I make any statement about AOG being anti-catholic.

you said:

for anyone who is a Protestant of this kind, roving around, convinced that Catholics are not really Christians,

If “this kind” does not mean AoG, then you didnt make yourself very clear, and how is being “convinced that Catholics are not really Christians” not anti catholic? You didnt say ALL but your statement was VERY general and negative.

Why would you think you are not welcome there? Doesn’t matter, as you don’t share my experience of the Holy Spirit being present in a more real way in Mass then it was in emotionalism of Pentecostalism.

I think I was not welcome there because the Priest told me that the man who baptized me was going to hell and that Protestants are stupid and ill-educated. He then gave me a test with trick questions and weighted it so I’d fail no matter how I answered. Yeah, I should have felt really welcome…

I have never understood why people are so offended at closed communion. In our church, during RCIA, we went through the communion lines with our hands folded against our chest like a child who has not yet taken first communion, and received a blessing from the priest. All non-Catholics were welcome to receive this blessing.

When I attended regularly I did go up for blessings. What use are blessings from a person with hatred towards me?

I know that Priest was an exception to the rule as far as priests go, and
I’m not offended by closed communion, but I see no reason to regularly attend a Church where 1. I am not a Member 2. I am not welcome 3. I cannot participate. I am not unusual in that. You don’t see lots of Catholics at Baptist services either.

 

[honeysuckle]

I think I was not welcome there because the Priest told me that the man who baptized me was going to hell and that Protestants are stupid and ill-educated. He then gave me a test with trick questions and weighted it so I’d fail no matter how I answered. Yeah, I should have felt really welcome…
.

Just some feedback for you: When I read your words, I get a very strong sense of your bitterness.

If you are in a church where you feel in communion with Christ, then that’s all that matters.

 

[Syele]

Just some feedback for you: When I read your words, I get a very strong sense of your bitterness.

If you are in a church where you feel in communion with Christ, then that’s all that matters.

I do not believe I am bitter, But you asked me why I didn’t feel welcome there. And I gave the honest truth of why I didn’t.

 

[pdholden]

I’ve often wanted to attend Mass, but the prospect is intimidating. Catholic parishes don’t really seem to put out the welcome mat for those interested. I’m not saying that this is reality, but it is perceived that if you’re a visitor, you sit in the back and shut-up. I’ve often visited many parishes’ websites hoping that they’d have a page for visitors telling them what to expect and what they expect from visitors, but I’ve yet to find one. This isn’t a condemnation… just an observation. So… any thoughts?

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

 

[ibkc]

I’ve often wanted to attend Mass, but the prospect is intimidating. Catholic parishes don’t really seem to put out the welcome mat for those interested. I’m not saying that this is reality, but it is perceived that if you’re a visitor, you sit in the back and shut-up. I’ve often visited many parishes’ websites hoping that they’d have a page for visitors telling them what to expect and what they expect from visitors, but I’ve yet to find one. This isn’t a condemnation… just an observation. So… any thoughts?

Hmmm, when I was searching for a parish I liked, I never encountered a “sit in the back and shut up” attitude. The ‘worst’ I experienced is no one seeming to notice the newcomers at all, which didn’t bother me because I tend to be shy, and prefer to be unobtrusive. We never got funny looks for not knowing all the gestures, or for not going up for communion.

One parish in particular was extremely Protestant in character. Before the mass started, they asked newcomers to stand up, and the whole congregation stared at us and applauded! I didn’t like that at all, but it might make other people feel welcome. The point is, don’t be afraid to go to Mass! If one church doesn’t feel right to you, then try another.

 

[Hisalone]

I was baptized a Baptist, then convinced to begin attending an Assembly of God church because it was superior to the Baptist church, because the Assembly of God church preached the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Let me say, I do believe the Holy Spirit is present and working in these free-for-all, speaking in tongues, types of services. I think there is a lot of theological error, but God is definitely present. I would never deny that.

However, for anyone who is a Protestant of this kind, roving around, convinced that Catholics are not really Christians, let me tell you, that the Holy Spirit is far more present, real, and active in the liturgy and Eucharist than it ever was in the free-for-all worship services.

I just want to invite you, if this is you, to attend Mass. I wish you could have attended Mass yesterday. We read several pages of the gospel, straight from the gospel, about the Passion. God’s Grace is given full reign to work effectively in our lives in the liturgy and Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit just penetrates every word and action of the Mass.

If you are a Pentecostal Protestant, have you gone to Mass lately?

I could not disagree with you more.

It was after being baptized in the Holy Ghost that I left Catholicsm. Every day I see more and more how they have left Gods vision for His church .
Catholics claim they have caried the faith of the apostles through time to present it to us today, yet when I read the bible I see that it is encouraged to speak in tongues and to prophisize. I read that God gave these sprirtual gifts to the church to built it up to fortify it. Yet the Catholics have abandoned the very gifts God gave to His church so that He could build it up.

 

[pdholden]

I could not disagree with you more.

It was after being baptized in the Holy Ghost that I left Catholicsm. Every day I see more and more how they have left Gods vision for His church .
Catholics claim they have caried the faith of the apostles through time to present it to us today, yet when I read the bible I see that it is encouraged to speak in tongues and to prophisize. I read that God gave these sprirtual gifts to the church to built it up to fortify it. Yet the Catholics have abandoned the very gifts God gave to His church so that He could build it up.

I have 2 questions:

1. Many Protestant denominations don’t believe in active spiritual gifts, so is that your only reason for leaving the Catholic church?
2. There are Catholics who are Charismatics, so do you have any thoughts on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal?

Just curious…

 

[Hisalone]

1. Many Protestant denominations don’t believe in active spiritual gifts, so is that your only reason for leaving the Catholic church?
2. There are Catholics who are Charismatics, so do you have any thoughts on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal?

Just curious…

I left because I wanted to persue this Holy Ghost. I found the best teachings on the spiritual gifts and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit were by Protestants.
I remember going to a Pentacostal camp where equal numbers of Black, white and Asian worshipped and danced before God. I remember thinking this is what heaven will be like no racial barriers, I grew up in a large Catholic parish that was suburban and 100% white. Many churches are segreagated and it cuts both ways, yes I know there are many mixed Catholic parishes but that wasnt part of my experience.
I also struggled with some internal issues and constantly sought consol from priests, who frankly for the most part not much help. There was a large Catholic Charismatic community near me. I attended some of their meetings but they never made much of an impression on me.
Later I found out that they split and all but dissolved over their own internal issues.
I firmly believe that God places us where we belong
Some He will place in Protestant Churches and some yes I believe He leeds some to Catholicism.
I also believe in heaven their are no denominations and we will not recieve more or less a reward for being part of any denomination or church. Our reward depends on how faithfull we carry out Gods plan for our lives.

 

[honeysuckle]

I’ve often wanted to attend Mass, but the prospect is intimidating. Catholic parishes don’t really seem to put out the welcome mat for those interested. I’m not saying that this is reality, but it is perceived that if you’re a visitor, you sit in the back and shut-up. I’ve often visited many parishes’ websites hoping that they’d have a page for visitors telling them what to expect and what they expect from visitors, but I’ve yet to find one. This isn’t a condemnation… just an observation. So… any thoughts?

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

Yes. Look at the parish site for RCIA and contact the director. If the parish you are visiting does not have a healthy RCIA program, find a parish that does have one.

Catholics put out a nine-month long welcome mat. If RCIA is followed correctly, the parish dedicates a complete catechesis class to you, breaking open the word on Sunday, and not only an RCIA director, but a sponsor who is assigned to you. That is a whole lot of dedicated time and effort made specifically to bring people into the Church.

You do not have to actually join RCIA to ask questions about Mass, and request that someone help you through your first service. I would be more than happy to help a visitor who wants to participate in Mass (except for taking communion), and I am certain that a good RCIA director would be delighted to assist you.

You are not obligated to genuflect, or say the Nicene creed, or even kneel, if you do not feel comfortable doing so. Most people will know you are Protestant or of another religion right away and will think nothing of it.

Keep in mind that the RCIA program from August-October is designed specifically for inquirers who have not dedicated themselves to joining the Catholic church, so you could attend meetings and ask questions during this time.

The feeling of not being “welcome” is simply because you are in unfamiliar territory. There are many truly Christian, spirit-filled Catholics who love and want you as a part of their family. Granted, I am sure there are some legalistic people who just follow a religion out of tradition, but there are downfalls to every denomination. If you join the Assembly of God, then sure there is the spontaneity and intimacy of the worship service, and that’s what some people need, but there are also the dangers of falling into blind subjectivism and prosperity gospels. So, if you personally feel the Holy Spirit very strongly in Mass as I do, then by all means don’t let your discomfort with what is unfamiliar keep you away.

 

[angelusm]

In the CC there’s not only baptism in the Holy Spirit (since 1967) but much, much more than protestant denominations can offer.

 

[Hisalone]

Chap 12
8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 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. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Chapt 14
2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

21 In the Law it is written: “Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

This is lost to Catholics.

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.

 

[honeysuckle]

Chap 12

This is lost to Catholics.

Your attitude here is very arrogant. This is spiritual pride, and spiritual pride is one of the denominational pitfalls of the Pentecostal movement. Not to imply that there aren’t positives- just to emphasize this is an inherent danger associated with this particular Christian movement.

In fact, I sometimes speak in tongues during the Luminous mysteries of the Rosary.

 

[Syele]

equip.org/site/c.muI1LaMNJrE/b.2759553/k.BD5A/DP245.htm

UGH! you lost me at

One of the newest absurdities is the phenomenon of gold-tooth fillings — that’s right, gold fillings! “Fallings in the Spirit” may well have been eclipsed by “fillings in the Spirit.”

Absurd? Definitely! AoG teaching? No way!

I dunno who “Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship” is but I’d stay far away from them too!

 

[honeysuckle]

He’s talking about two different movements that started in the 1990s. One was the revival identified with the Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, FL. The other is the Toronto Blessing associated with the Vineyard churches. The Vineyard churches have since broken out into different sub-denominations.

It’s an extreme form of Pentecostalism, and should not be understood as typical of AOG churches. However, it does represent how Pentecostalism can veer in the direction of error when great emphasis is placed on emotional and subjective experience, without discernment or direction. The dangers inherent in placing great emphasis on the subjective, emotional, experience in Christianity is substituting emotional experience for the true fruits of the spirit. In these movements, real revival and real change in people’s lives leading to greater holiness in daily living was often absent.

However, people who have had bad experiences with very traditional, structured forms of worship, (such as Cradle Catholics who never had a relationship with God or understood their sacraments when they were Catholic) often think Pentecostalism is the only way to experience religion.

 

[Hisalone]

Your attitude here is very arrogant. This is spiritual pride, and spiritual pride is one of the denominational pitfalls of the Pentecostal movement. Not to imply that there aren’t positives- just to emphasize this is an inherent danger associated with this particular Christian movement.

In fact, I sometimes speak in tongues during the Luminous mysteries of the Rosary.

Its interesting of the many comments I have made on this thread you take this one----out of context.
God gave the spiritual gifts to edify --to build up His church.
For the most part the spiritual gifts are lost on Catholics.
Did you go to Toronto?
Brownsville?
Ever been to a Rodney Howard Brown meeting?
Ever rebuke the spirit of judgement?

 

[Lampo]

This is lost to Catholics.

I think you might enjoy reading this website. You can also receive a free book by Matthew Kelly.
Catholics Come Home

 

[honeysuckle]

Well, I would agree it’s not usual for Catholics to use the gifts of the spirit today. However, historically, this was not the case. (Think of the many Catholic mystics that are part of our history).

As a matter of fact, I was part of a Vineyard Church, and while I did not personally go to Brownsville, several in my church did.