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Spirit Baptism In the New Testament

Foundational to many aspects of charismatic worship is the concept of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Even where prophecy and speaking or singing in tongues are not regularly practiced as part of worship, the expectancy and vitality of celebration are influenced by the understanding of Spirit baptism.

Use of the Vocal Gifts In Corporate Worship (Biblical)

Speaking with tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, the word of knowledge, and the word of wisdom are among those accompaniments to the baptism in the Holy Spirit that are used in the setting of corporate worship.

Other Spiritual Gifts Associated with Worship (Biblical)

Although not acts of worship as such, the exercise of other spiritual gifts such as healing or the working of miracles may occur in the setting of corporate worship. Worship also aids in the cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit in the Christian's life.

Laying On of Hands (Biblical)

The Christian church has practiced the laying on of hands in the context of worship since apostolic times. In the New Testament, three purposes are associated with this act: healing, the impartation of the Holy Spirit, and commissioning for service.

Anointing with Oil (Biblical)

As used in the church today, the term anointing refers to a special grace given to a believer by the Lord through the Holy Spirit. The practice of anointing a person with olive oil symbolizes this spiritual endowment. It also pictures the power of Jesus to heal, which was conferred on him by the Spirit at his baptism. In the ancient world, olive oil served a variety of purposes.

Slain In the Spirit, "Falling Under the Power" (Biblical)

The experience of being "slain in the Spirit" often accompanies worship in Pentecostal and charismatic churches. It is attested in the history of Christian revival movements, and a certain basis for it may be found in the Scriptures.

Deliverance from Demons (Biblical)

While not regularly practiced in all segments of the charismatic and Pentecostal community, deliverance ministry is prominently featured within some circles. Most leaders within the movement acknowledge its validity as a legitimate continuation of the ministry of Jesus and the apostles.

Worship as Spiritual Warfare (Biblical)

Only recently, in its expanded awareness of entrenched spiritual evil, has the Christian church begun to recover the scriptural understanding of warfare in the realm of the spirit. The Bible clearly reveals the spiritual nature of the struggle against sin and the opposition of demonic powers to the gospel of Christ.

Speaking In Tongues (Biblical)

Speaking in tongues is not a natural gift or talent for languages but a gift from God, a supernatural endowment. Tongues are not ecstatic utterance but an activity under the control of the speaker, offered in obedience to the prompting of the Spirit.