The Troubling History of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement

Split thumbnail showing a faded vintage revival-poster look on the left and a brightly lit open Bible on a wooden table on the right, with the text ‘The Truth About the Charismatic Movement – Justin Peters | Sound Theology & Discernment

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read

The Truth About the Charismatic Movement

Sound Theology & Discernment with Justin Peters
Teacher: Justin Peters

Episode Summary

Is the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement truly a work of the Holy Spirit? In this session, Justin Peters gives a concise historical overview of the movement and evaluates its foundations in the light of Scripture From early revival figures and so-called “God’s Generals” to the rise of modern Word-Faith and signs-and-wonders teachers, Justin traces how false prophecies, failed healings, theological error, and moral scandal have marked the movement from the beginning. He then contrasts this with a truly biblical view of the Holy Spirit, the sufficiency of Scripture, and genuine Christian holiness.

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Episode Highlights

  • Why the history and origins of a movement matter for biblical discernment.
  • The biblical gift of tongues in Acts and 1 Corinthians and its early disappearance.
  • The Holiness movement and the rise of “entire sanctification” and sinless perfectionism.
  • Biographical sketches of key figures often called “God’s Generals.”
  • The development of the three “waves” of Pentecostal and Charismatic renewal.
  • Claims of healing, “miracle stories,” and the difference between psychosomatic and organic healings.
  • How prosperity theology, Word-Faith teaching, and modern apostles and prophets distort the gospel.
  • Why a truly high view of the Holy Spirit leads to humility, holiness, and submission to Scripture.

Key Scripture Passages

  • Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12–14 – Spiritual gifts and the biblical gift of tongues.
  • Acts 3:1–8 – “Silver and gold have I none…” versus modern prosperity claims.
  • Romans 16:17–18 – Warning against those who deceive with smooth words and flattery.
  • 2 Peter 2; Jude – False teachers, greed, and exploiting the vulnerable.
  • John 16:13–14 – The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and leads believers into all truth.

Stay Connected

If this teaching helped you think more biblically about the Charismatic movement, please share it with others, subscribe for more episodes of Sound Theology & Discernment, and pray that the Lord would guard His church through the clear, faithful ministry of His Word.

For more from Justin please visit his page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.

This video first appeared at Justin’s YouTube and is posted here with his permission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqnZQti2bpY&t=1s

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