The concept of 'Second Blessing Holiness' as a theological construction has long been debated. There is no doubt though that this doctrine brought renewal to many churches and even gave birth to new churches in the 18th and 19th century. But that teaching seems to have fallen out of view in most churches these days, even in many of the churches which arose out of the Holiness Movement. In my study of the Book of Acts, it's very apparent that there was more to the Christian life than just believing and being baptized. The book testifies to several events in the lives of believers of being, "filled with the Holy Spirit". In Acts 6, the Apostles instructed the people to choose deacons for the ministry of service who were men of a good reputation, full of wisdom, and "full of the Holy Spirit". It is important to note that while this isn't often quoted as a text to support Second Blessing Holiness, clearly there were levels of Christian experience among the believers. The Apostles wanted to be sure that the Deacons were, "full of the Holy Spirit", as if to say some believers were clearly not full of the Spirit. I think the quote above from Charles Finney, a leader of the Holiness Movement of the 19th Century, has important ramifications for the church of today. He notes that "She (the Church) needs so deep a baptism with those fires of the Holy Ghost". His point then was that the Church had lost her zeal for saving souls and living lives that were "on fire" with the power of the Spirit, such that the world would take notice. The sad truth is that the Church of today seems almost indistinguishable from the world around her. In my lifetime, I have witnessed churches that once taught that there is a second definite work of grace, through which a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, and consecrated for a life of love and service that is beyond just believing, no longer teach such an experience. For those of us who have served and belonged to the Holiness movement, this begs the question... Do we yet believe in Second Blessing Holiness? Or perhaps we never really understood it to begin with. What do you think?

If attendance is any indicator of commitment to the church today, then it would be hard to call the typical disciple of Jesus “devoted” to the church. Most church attenders feel that if they are present twice a month, on average, then they are full-time. In Acts 2:42, scripture tells us the disciples were, “…devoted to the teachings of the Apostles, the fellowship, the breaking of the bread, and the prayers.” In the original Greek language, the word used in this verse for ‘devoted’ carried with it the feeling of a very strong and persevering devotion or love. While the busyness of our modern culture may account for some of the lack of devotion, perhaps a lack of understanding of the true nature of the church has something to do with it also. Scripture tells us the early church was filled with “wonders and signs”. I wonder when and how those things stopped, or at least became fewer and fewer. Do you think God meant for His church to wane in its power and authority over time? Did God just stop doing miracles such that people were being converted and added to the church on a daily basis? Or did believers, over time, fail to keep “devoted” to the teachings of the Apostles alive and well, along with a belief that God is still in the miracle business. I guess we can’t know the answers to those questions for certain. However, we can recognize that the power of the early church was in its living out a Holy Spirit-filled life, and that power is still in business. God wants to empower His church today with a fresh wind from His Holy Spirit, and He still wants to add to the church daily, those who will be saved. Come Holy Spirit, we need Thee! Image credit: https://www.fwbnam.com/fresh-wind/

Most people, if they are honest, have many questions about God - but they are afraid to ask them. Well, maybe they are not afraid, but they don't know where to ask them. Will it be safe to ask them or will people think less of them for having such questions? I have great news for you! This is a safe place to ask any question about God, the Bible, faith, life, etc. Go ahead and ask away. Let's build a discussion around your questions. After all, we will only know God better if we pursue Him. Every member of this site has at least two things in common. 1-you know me. 2-you want to know God deeper or you wouldn't be a part of BIBLE STUDY LIVE. So go ahead and ask...what's on your mind? Shalom Pastor Brad

Hello! Thanks for joining as a member of BRM and BIBLE STUDY LIVE. Here you will find discussions on the Christian Faith and the scriptures. I invite you to engage in this forum with thoughts and questions in any of the categories. Our rules are simple. Everyone has a right to their opinion. However, all opinions need to be expressed with love and respect. Please take a moment and tell me in the poll below what subjects are of interest to you. I'm looking forward to our building a safe place together for you to engage and grow in your faith! Shalom! Pastor Brad