The Pentecostal Facial Muscle - PEFM

Hoovie · #1 03-07-2009, 02:04 PM

Here is a 2004 article by John Charrier The PEFM and Bankrupt Theology That is good enough to read (or reread).

"We serve, not the God revealed in the New Testament, but a cultural Christ—we see Him either as a God who must be appeased or as one that supplies whatever we want."

http://ninetyandnine.com/Archives/20040628/cover.htm

Whaddya think? Is there truth in this story of the furrowed brow?

ChTatum · #2 03-07-2009, 03:01 PM

Interesting read, some of which I find quite plausible. Do we worship Him for who He is or what we feel we will gain from that worship?

Worship leaders often (I have done the same) exhort people to worship to "experience" a move of God. I believe He would enjoy some worship just because....

pelathais · #3 03-07-2009, 03:19 PM

I agree that a low view of Jesus is at work in this phenomenon. The author didn't come right out and say it - but it seems that we place a greater value on our own work and effort than on God's.

Thus, we have have to "pray someone through..." We have to be the ones who effect salvation in the lives of others. Trust in God's work is often absent from our determination and effort.

ChTatum · #4 03-07-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

I agree that a low view of Jesus is at work in this phenomenon. The author didn't come right out and say it - but it seems that we place a greater value on our own work and effort than on God's.

Thus, we have have to "pray someone through..." We have to be the ones who effect salvation in the lives of others. Trust in God's work is often absent from our determination and effort.

Or shake them through, whichever works first. Some folks got the Holy Ghost out of self-preservation....LOL!

*AQuietPlace* · #5 03-07-2009, 06:30 PM

That's a very thought provoking article. Much truth there. I'm 42, been Pentecostal all of my life, and I'm just now beginning to get an understanding of grace, and learning that I don't have to earn my salvation.

The furrowed brow? See it all the time. Wow. Very thought provoking.

A.W. Bowman · #6 03-07-2009, 06:32 PM

I enjoyed the article because it reflects much of my own thinking, I hated the article because it reflects much of my own thinking. The enclosed video also contains much of that same thinking

Revival Hymn

For those of you who may have missed this. It is a powerful sermon and a short interlude followed by a strong theological message.

Now, take the article and video and combine them into one integrated life living message.

James Griffin · #7 03-08-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

I enjoyed the article because it reflects much of my own thinking, I hated the article because it reflects much of my own thinking. The enclosed video also contains much of that same thinking

Revival Hymn

For those of you who may have missed this. It is a powerful sermon and a short interlude followed by a strong theological message.

Now, take the article and video and combine them into one integrated life living message.

Art,

I was struck by the exact same thought.

This message is VERY powerful.

I have a dear pastor friend in Shreveport that was so moved when I sent this he decided to show it to the entire church for one of his services.

It certainly puts everything we do in a whole different perspective.

freeatlast · #8 03-08-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

That's a very thought provoking article. Much truth there. I'm 42, been Pentecostal all of my life, and I'm just now beginning to get an understanding of grace, and learning that I don't have to earn my salvation.

The furrowed brow? See it all the time. Wow. Very thought provoking.

I well remember this article when it was first posted on 90&9. I agree with most of it.

I have used excerpts of it in talking with our worship team. Encouraging to look happy , to smile, not to wrinkle up our faces like we just ate a lemon.

Some OP's look more like they are suffering from constipation than worshiping God.