Authentic Pentecostalism has gone out of style for some folks in America but one preacher is determined to preserve its traditions and leave behind a wake of young Pentecostals.
“I started out as a Pentecostal preacher and I don’t care how far out of style it gets, I’m going to end as a Pentecostal preacher,” said the Rev. Don Nordin, senior pastor of Christian Temple Assembly of God, Houston, during the 2010 Assemblies of God Prayer and Bible Conference last week.
Born and raised in a Pentecostal home, Nordin sees Pentecostalism booming everywhere except in America. Though the Assemblies of God, one of the country’s largest Pentecostal denominations, has seen membership gains for the past 19 years, the Holy Spirit-filled believers have been receiving some bad press lately.
Some Pentecostal leaders have been called out for lavish lifestyles, believers have failed to demonstrate the power of Pentecost, legalism has been championed, and “the quacks” have been allowed to continue, Nordin lamented. (more)
Sola Dei Gloria 
For someone who has never heard pentecostal preaching:
I’ve never heard of Tommy Bates, and he may well be a man of integrity. But it’s worth noting that there was a lot of hot air and very little substance in what he says on this video.
And I’m always extremely concerned when I hear someone speaking in a monotonous rhythmic voice, as he does during most of this talk. It’s a hypnotic technique, pure and simple, and as such it’s totally unacceptable. (Quite apart from the fact that it’s unnatural and hard to listen to).
Put it this way – as a charismatic/pentecostal christian, there’s no way I’d belong to a church where that’s what we get every sunday.
The best preaching ive heard in a mighty long time.God himself us not in the,church.why would,sinners want something that christians dont want.I need the word the annointing.im a backslider an i must get back.the annointing breaks the yolks strongholds spirits an i need that Bad.nowhere to go.pray for me please….thank you rev tommy bates
Prayed for you Donna. May God strengthen you through his word and Holy Spirit.
If you liked this video, over at youtube you can find many more sermons by Tommy Bates.
I prefer the honorable Bishop Fulton Sheen over the shouter Tommy Bates. Despite minor parts of his theology, at least he teaches something actually useful. There is nothing to learn from getting up and shouting Hallelujahs as a emotional response to some guy shouting on stage.
Preachers like Benny Hinn, Paul Crouch, and Ken Copeland, openly deny Jesus as the only begotten Son of God. John Hagee in his book, Defense of Israel, denies Jesus came to be the Messiah in word or deed. William Branham blasphemes by declaring the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is of the devil. These pentecostal preachers are sowing heresies denying the Lord that once bought them by His blood. (2 Pet. 2:1) In my new book, TIL ETERNITY, I expose these false prophets and teachers that are deceiving so many within the body of Christ. I also expose pastors like Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and John MacArthur that teach tongues is demonic. Christianity without the gifts of the Spirit is a lie!
After only watching two minutes of this video, that kind of preaching not only scares me (for those who take it in) but it grieves me. There is so much flash in the pan and hyper-emotionalism to cut through before there is any showing of any milk, bread or meat.
It doesn’t take much effort to hear how legalism is laced throughout his consonance of shouting…
Someone needs to instruct Mr Bates that it is far more effective to Preach the Word, as Paul instructed Timothy. For when the Word is preached, the true grace of God is revealed, and it is the grace of God that teaches one to say NO to ungodliness…
Titus 2:11- 15 says:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”
It scares me when men think it is their job to harness the sheep, keep them bound by rules of “holy living” when the heart may not at all be so inclined.
How I yearn for the preachers of old who would plow for weeks, sometimes months even, tilling the ground of men’s hearts, and then sow the gospel seed once fertile.
Where is the wisdom and patience of the farmers of God?
I believe we’re in a day when it is would be like searching for a needle in a haystack…
The true men and women of God will not be found in a pulpit, but instead rise daily to preach to their wives/husbands, children, relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers and anyone else to whom the Lord God would call.
Hebrews 6:7 says:
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
God bless the preachers who walk in integrity. Men who do not set forth rules from a rule book shrouded in fear, but men who expound on the deep truths of the faith for the sake of His Name, come what may. Men who care not for pageantry or praise from men. Oh, Lord, keep raising them up and sending them forth!
-E
Don’t be frightened E…the old time pentecostal preaching on holiness and its strong, clearly defined doctrinal positions has helped to ‘keep’ me rooted in Christ and his word for 30 years.
I grieve for those who have mistaken the Charismatic movement for authentic Pentecostalism.
why would you judge someone on one video.This is a true man of God.I support his ministry and great things have happened to my family from God.
Tony, you can’t take the things Ricardo says seriously. He use to drop by here, under a number of various “names” in order to instigate arguments. He’s a lost young man who doesn’t know any better. Pray for him, ok?
Yes, i agree, Tommy Bates is a true man of God. He use to preach at our little Northern KY church on occasion before pastoring. This was back in the very early 80’s when he was still young. aha!
The Tommy Bates clip was posted for those who have only been acquainted with pentecostalism through the warped lens of charismatic churches. The two are actually very different.
Having attended old-time pentecostal churches for 30 years, and having visited the more modern charismatic congregations on occasion, i’ll stick with the old-time authentic Pentecostalism.
By the way, i’ve watched Tommy Bates go from a very young evangelist who preached in any little church who would let him, to a mature anointed pastor and preacher in Northern KY.
He also helped run the Pentecostal youth camp in Barbourville Ky for years every summer. My two sons, now 43 and 39, both attended as teenagers. I have respect for Tommy Bates as a man of God. He is a fine preacher who still preaches holiness.
Anointed? What does anointed mean? Does he give an emotional high? I think the truth is that God is something (someone) you cannot experience by any of the senses. He is outside of the senses, outside of all known forms of human perception (except when he wants to show up). So when you feel a thing in your chest and claim it is the spirit, you are saying that your spirit is part of your senses, that the spirit bleeds through to your physical body and triggers an emotional response.
That, I believe, is not justified by any scripture. No scripture ever talks about men rapt at attention because of a “presence”. They are interested because they hear the truth, and the truth resonates within their mind and heart. Sometimes when I hear things, I hear a “ring of truth” in them; A logic in them that cannot be denied. A rationalism, an honesty, that I cannot deny. I feel this in ancient writers sometimes. In philosophers other times. And in the Gospel. The logic comes together, they are all related, the “truth” is related even when it comes from different mouths. A “God” logic, a way of thinking from God is somehow recognizable… But on a level that is beyond emotion and pure human reason. It’s a voice in the wilderness that we recognize, that beckons to us, that makes sense to us on some deep level we cannot fathom. We might resist at first, we might turn away, but on some level we know it for what it is. The Voice of our Master.
Having belonged to both classic pentecostal and charismatic churches, I have to agree with you pj. I actually found the charismatic types more attractive, but also more confused in a theological sense. The pentecostal style of preaching turns a lot of folks off, but most of these guys are very genuine. If you know them personally, you can’t help but like them and hold them in esteem. I have great memories of my years among the pentecostals. Even in pentecostal circles there are problems though, the holiness preaching approach just misses the mark in terms of the fruit it produces. Legalism, which is what this tends to trend toward is usually counter productive.
Dear PJ,
I appreciate your view concerning authentic Pentecostalism and will not question what you hold dear.
My own testimony is such that I was saved at 16 and came in through the Kingdom doors of the UPC in ’79. I am forever grateful for the sincerity and devotion I observed. It is where I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and was water baptized. Even my years of bondage to legalistic rules of conduct and dress in the name of holiness are remembered with fondness! Regardless of how I may have appeared, I know God saw my heart. But when after five years of living in obedience to these things, it was God Who set me free from those externals. Only then did I experience the light of the gospel and the true freedom we have in Christ. My, how the book of Galatians came alive!
I also look back with great affection on some of the preaching I sat under in those days. I am of firm conviction that it was on account of that very preaching that afforded me a solid foundation that has kept me from imploding over the years. And it’s not the word- for- word that I remember so much, though I do recall many key truths, it was rather the anointing of the Holy Spirit that came with such conviction and sweet glory that I remember most. His Presence unified us as a people and and testified to us that we belonged to Him!
But one thing I know now that I didn’t know back then is that true spiritual holiness is a heavenly place to stand in “legally” and experientially, purchased for me by Christ Himself, as I set apart Christ as Lord in my heart. It’s from that position I stand, and from where all my choices and decisions flow, including what I eat, drink, wear, what I say, where I stay and where I go.
I do not doubt the value of being reminded of the “rules for holy living”, as Scripture does the same, but we need to remember that it can’t be presented as something we need to “do” for God, but as something we “are” because He IS.
In Christ’s love,
-E
E, i have testified to the same thing many times. The anointed sermons and teachings, especially at the first Pentecostal church i attended for 9 years, helped lay my foundation. Like you, its been of great value to me also, in keeping me from imploding, or getting off track–for if i do, stray off track,the many biblical truths i learned there comes back to me and sets me back on the right road again.
I was truly blessed to sit under a pastor early on, who was an excellent bible teacher. He loved God’s Word and passed that love for the Word on to the congregation.
Dear E,I just want to say that you an pj by me bei.v a backslider.my nother an father lived as holiness ppl.holiness nit as a religion vut a way of life.it took me so long to get back to God.so long.i thank God hes,gave me another chance.not everybody gets one.theres nobody that preaches the way my mama taught us.i no she kept the sabbath.i know we celebrated no paganism.no pagan hoildays.i no she dressed modest.not showing her body.she was a praying woman an she was filled with the holy ghost when i was15 that was the day she was saved.i no she was so scared to tell my dad at that time caz,we were raised baptist.but finally she did after praying of course.lol..an he come to understand an he was also saved then my brother then me.she an ny daddy both gone to be with jesus.she was in church @ 4:00am in the nirn an had an anurism.my dad died 2 years,before.i blackslude after 7 years but was,never happy caz no preachers was preaching the true gospel.we,only had a few an they were outbof town.one just held ol tent meeting.now here I am. Thinking all these tbn oreachers dont preach agaisnt sin,but grace grace rapture.clothes is,gone lay everywhere,babies gone,fly outvif mothers,arms,planes,will ,crash caz only the pilot is saved.I thought matthew 24 said jesus told them when they said what will be THE signs if your coming.wars an rumors,etc an every knee shalk bow an every tongue shall confess that he is lord.i dont believe in my heart jesus,is,gone sneak in an sneak out.nooo.i think this is s lie of satan.the preachers wont run the congregation off if he preaches agaisnt sin.but they preach prosperity an grace.luve any kind of way my grace is covering it all.he dont see you he sees,jesus.3 gods.im.fustrated.im just a 54 year old who wants to make it in God love him.be hungry for his word,be a light in this,dark world,not compromise sn know the truth always.i dont want to be decieved.its all in vain if i am.but whatvi wanted to say pj an you an vicky is who i read just to get some word.thats,how,desperatevi am.for help.outside the bible.i have a few christian friends but you csnt tell them from the world.except them saying jesus.i dont no,this is one reason i backsl
Donna, thank you for leaving a comment and for the testimony!!
God bless you sweetie! Keep on serving our Lord…we’ll meet one day.
“He loved God’s Word and passed that love for the Word on to the congregation.”
Yes, PJ, describes my same experience. The fire that was in his bones now lives in mine…and it is only those things that are eternal that will last.
After 30 some years walking with the Lord, I have yet to find a church like that of my early days. The clothes, piled-high hairstyles and what’s on the menu at the pot-lucks suppers may well have all changed, but the love of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit always leaves behind a blessing for years to come.
About a year ago I reconnected with a small contingent of brothers and sisters from 20 years ago, my first church, and it was remarkable to witness the same touch of God in the room because of HIS testimony amongst us. Although we have all undergone horrific experiences to varying degrees over the years, including for some the wreckage of divorce and grown children who walked away, there was still a sweet residue of His gracious redemption.
But for the blood that cleanses us from all sin…
Always my hope that God’s Name be praised!
-E
-E
praise the Lord E… 🙂
“THAT” is the true connection, the real unity, only found among those with the same Spirit–the Holy Spirit of God.
Hallelujah!
Ricardo:
The New Testament Greek words for “anoint” are chrio, which means “to smear or rub with oil, and by implication to consecrate or set apart for service”
In the bible people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing or call on that person’s life (Exodus 29:7; Exodus 40:9; 2 Kings 9:6; Ecclesiastes 9:8; James 5:14).
A person was [also] anointed for a special purpose—to be a king, to be a prophet, to be an builder, etc.
Oil [anointing oil] was used in the old testament as a symbol for the Holy Spirit:
The Bible says that Jesus Christ was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and free those who have been held captive by sin (Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38).
After Christ left the earth, He sent us he gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).
Now all Christians are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God’s Kingdom (1 John 2:20).
Jesus walked in the anointing.
after being baptized by John,
and returning from the wilderness,
he entered the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up, demonstrating the power of God’s kingdom, and read ,
It is only the anointing which can break the yoke of bondage;
When operating in spiritual things, without the indwelling anointing of the Holy Spirit, we can end up like the sons of Sceva…powerless:
“And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you, but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” 1 John 2
hope that helps you..
I hope to God you copied and pasted that from somewhere because I know already what anointed means, obviously. Unless you really think I’m stupid or damned (which is possible you think like that). I meant from my statement that you were using the word anointed in a strange way, since you were using it in reference to a man with no talent, substance, vision, or usefulness. Hence the question “What is anointed?” It couldn’t be the same anointed I know of.
True old-style Pentecostalism was the roots of those with whom I first fellowshipped in the 80’s. Read some of the early Pentecostal writings. Not to be confused with biblically-illiterate charismatics, no not at all. I believe i received some of the best of what that tradition exemplified: love for the Word, for a Spirit-given understanding of the WHOLE counsel of God, habits of prayer both private and corporate, concert prayer (not the dry impassionate teaching-in-disguise one- person -talking flowery- while- everyone- else- listens- passively drivel that goes by the name of prayer in many “respectable” reformed tradition churches), true community, and bold gospel sharing. I miss that. Sadly, much of pentecostal church went either into legalistic conformity bondage, or crazy into false third wave apostasy. But neither am I comfortable in cessationist circles or look-down-the-nose-at -everyone-not-signing-onto-our-doctrinal-statement calvinist reform modern protestantism either, though that is with whom we “do church” with right now.
Amen Vicki.
You know what, i consider myself highly blessed. It sounds like you were too. A good solid foundation was laid early in our Christian walk. We were blessed in being a part of what is now known as oldtime pentecostalism.
Its hard to settle for something less now.
The heresy of “tulip” Calvinism isn’t in the Word of God. The falling away from the faith by believers during the Great Tribulation will be the worst in history. ( 1 Tim. 4:1, 2 Thes 2:3-4) Tragically, many saints are going to be overcome by the Beast (Rev. 13:7) because they will be sleeping when the Son of Man gathers His elect. (1 Thes. 5:1-7, Mat. 24:29-31)
Obviously you do not …
😦
Who knows, maybe John (Reformedispy) MacArthur is right and the greatest Greek scholars (Google “Famous Rapture Watchers”), who uniformly said that Rev. 3:10 means PRESERVATION THROUGH, were wrong. But John has a conflict. On the one hand, since he knows that all Christian theology and organized churches before 1830 believed the church would be on earth during the tribulation, he would like to be seen as one who stands with the great Reformers. On the other hand, if you have a warehouse of unsold pretrib rapture material, and if you want to have “security” for your retirement years and hope that the big California quake won’t louse up your plans, you have a decided conflict of interest – right, John? Maybe the Lord will have to help strip off the layers of his seared conscience which have grown for years in order to please his parents and his supporters – who knows? One thing is for sure: pretrib is truly a house of cards and is so fragile that if a person removes just one card from the TOP of the pile, the whole thing can collapse. Which is why pretrib teachers don’t dare to even suggest they could be wrong on even one little subpoint! Don’t you feel sorry for the straitjacket they are in? While you’re mulling all this over, Google “Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty” for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the same 179-year-old fantasy.
Can you imagine the pastors and teachers that know a great falling away is coming but are going to remain silent in order not to cause any division in their churches. What are they going to say at the judgment seat of Christ? Sadly, some will be called great in the kingdom of God. others will be called least- for all eternity!