In religious terms Pentecostalism was probably the most vibrant and rapidly-growing religious movement of the 20th century. Starting as a revivalistic and renewal movement within Christianity, it encircled the globe in less than 25 years and grew in North America and then in those parts of the world with the highest birth-rates. Characterised by speaking in tongues, miracles, television evangelism and megachurches, it is also noted for its small-group meetings, empowerment of individuals, liberation of women and humanitarian concerns. Without the financial and military support of the state (as was the case with communism), it flourished in almost every conceivable socio-political environment. Even in Europe, where religion most frequently appeared tired and out of date, Pentecostalism might draw large crowds or, within mainline Christian congregations, flourish in a more muted charismatic form. When these two forms are added together, Pentecostalism and neo-Pentecostalism are thought to account for around 450 million people. William K Kay outlines the origins and growth of Pentecostalism, looking at not only the theological aspects of the movement, but also the sociological influences of its political and humanitarian viewpoints. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Stop Living Below Your Birthright! It is truly possible for human people to walk in the divine, and Christ came to show us the way. It is by rediscovering our true identity in Him that we can begin to move into the promises of God regarding the miraculous. Bill Johnson not only teaches the supernatural, he imparts it by changing the way we think.If you are not walking in the miraculous, you're living far below your birthright! By laying a carefully constructed biblical foundation for walking in the supernatural power of God, When Heaven Invades Earth provides all the equipment you need to experience miracles every day. And now including a 40 day devotional, Celebrating 10 Earth Changing Years!

Today pentecostalism claims nearly 500 million followers worldwide. An early stronghold was the American South, where believers spoke in unknown tongues, worshipped in free-form churches, and broke down social barriers that had long divided traditional Protestants. Thriving denominations made their headquarters in the region and gathered white and black converts from the Texas plains to the Carolina low country.

Pentecostalism was, in fact, a religious import. It came to the South following the post-Civil War holiness revival, a northern-born crusade that emphasized sinlessness and religious empowerment. Adherents formed new churches in the Jim Crow South and held unconventional beliefs about authority, power, race, and gender. Such views set them at odds with other Christians in the region. By 1900 nearly all southern holiness folk abandoned mainline churches and adopted a pessimistic, apocalyptic theology. Signs of the last days, they thought, were all around them.

The faith first took root among anonymous religious zealots. It later claimed southern celebrities and innovators like televangelists Oral Roberts, Jimmy Swaggart, T. D. Jakes, and John Hagee; rock-and-roll icons Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Little Richard; and, more recently, conservative political leaders such as John Ashcroft.

With the growth of southern pentecostal denominations and the rise of new, affluent congregants, the movement moved cautiously into the evangelical mainstream. By the 1980s the once-apolitical faith looked entirely different. Many still watched and waited for spectacular signs of the end. Yet a growing number did so as active political conservatives.

Mike Bickle has known both the exhilaration and the confusion caused by ministry focused on the exercise of spiritual gifts. As a young pastor not personally inclined toward prophecy, he was taken by surprise by the upsurge of the gift in his own church. Feeling almost ambushed by God, he looked for help and advice, but with little success. Thus began an often painful journey away from "prophetic chaos" toward a clearer understanding of God's order. It is out of this experience he now writes for all those who are interested in seeing prophetic ministry developed in the church today.

Do you ever feel like your prayers are not effective? Does your prayer life lack vitality and consistency?

The secret to a thriving prayer life is not a formula—it is the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. As you learn to engage with the Spirit of God, your prayer life will soar to levels you never dreamed were possible!

In Praying in the Holy Spirit, internationally recognized evangelist, teacher, and healing minister, David Hernandez presents bold answers to tough questions about prayer and offers revelatory insights to help you commune with the Holy Spirit in powerful ways.

This book will help you:

• Overcome common barriers to finally praying in tongues.
• Cultivate a fiery desire to pray.
• Walk in a 24/7 awareness of God’s presence.
• Break off mental and emotional obstructions to prayer.
• Expose deceptive myths about the gift of tongues.
• Discover the incredible power of praying in the Holy Spirit.

Believers don't have to wait for the promised baptism in the Holy Spirit. Following the steps outlined in this book can help them receive this precious gift.

In 2001, a collection of open and affirming churches with predominantly African American membership and a Pentecostal style of worship formed a radically new coalition. The group, known now as the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries or TFAM, has at its core the idea of "radical inclusivity" the powerful assertion that everyone, no matter how seemingly flawed or corrupted, has holiness within. Whether you are LGBT, have HIV/AIDS, have been in prison, abuse drugs or alcohol, are homeless, or are otherwise compromised and marginalized, TFAM tells its people, you are one of God's creations. In Filled with the Spirit, Ellen Lewin gives us a deeply empathetic ethnography of the worship and community central to TFAM, telling the story of how the doctrine of radical inclusivity has expanded beyond those it originally sought to serve to encompass people of all races, genders, sexualities, and religious backgrounds. Lewin examines the seemingly paradoxical relationship between TFAM and traditional black churches, focusing on how congregations and individual members reclaim the worship practices of these churches and simultaneously challenge their authority. The book looks closely at how TFAM worship is legitimated and enhanced by its use of gospel music and considers the images of food and African American culture that are central to liturgical imagery, as well as how understandings of personal authenticity tie into the desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Throughout, Lewin takes up what has been mostly missing from our discussions of race, gender, and sexuality--close attention to spirituality and faith.

God Wants to Talk to You!

Many people go through life wishing they could hear from God. They long to know His plans and purposes for their lives, and they long to benefit from His direction in their daily decisions.

The truth is, you were made to hear God’s voice! God created you for intimacy with Him, and He longs to speak with you, moment by moment!

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” --John 10:27, NLT In his latest book, You Can Hear God’s Voice, author Kevin L. Zadai helps you develop your ability to hear God’s words every day.

• Learn to recognize God’s voice apart from other voices
• Encounter new clarity in knowing God’s will
• Access your many rights and privileges as a believer
• Walk in increased discernment through Holy Spirit power
• Experience transformation by renewing your mind

Frank D. Macchia argues that the Son of God baptized (and continues to baptize) humanity in the Spirit by pouring forth the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. All four Gospels and the book of Acts describe how the Son is sent of the Father and empowered by the Spirit to fulfil this mission; Macchia in turn claims that Christ succeeds by incorporating others into himself and into the love of the Father. The Spirit-Baptized Church proposes a richly pneumatological ecclesiology that is dominated by a Pentecostal confessional concern, while also open to a larger ecumenical conversation. The volume focuses not only on the dogmatic (Trinitarian) foundations and election processes of the Spirit-baptized church, but also on its marks and witnessing practices. As an exceptionally detailed study of the Spirit-baptismal metaphor, this volume is a valuable resource for scholars of ecclesiology, Pentecostalism, and systematic theology.

Landmark, Bestselling Book Now Revised and Updated Does God really speak through dreams? Are there such things today as visions? Absolutely, says author and pastor Jane Hamon. And what is more, God wants you to get the message! This concise guidebook unravels the scriptural meanings of dreams and visions, helping you discern when a dream is a prophetic direction for your life, what to do about a warning, how to recognize false messages--and much more. In this newly revised and updated edition of her popular book, readers are encouraged to look with new eyes at the biblical basis for this everyday language. It is not complicated, says Hamon. The voice of the Lord is speaking. Don't miss what he is saying.

Premier Renewal Leaders Present Complete, Accessible Guide to Healing Ministry
The Bible is full of accounts of miraculous healing. And God is moving as amazingly today as he was back then. Thousands are being healed all over the world--and his children are part of it.
For the first time, premier renewal leaders Bill Johnson and Randy Clark team up to equip Christians to minister healing. Grounded from start to finish in Scripture, Johnson and Clark lay out the rich theological and historical foundation for healing in the church today. Full of inspiring stories, this book offers practical, proven, step-by-step guidance to ministering healing, including how to
- understand the authority of the believer in healing
- create an atmosphere of faith
- receive words of knowledge
- implement the five-step model of healing prayer

The ministry of healing is not reserved for a select few. God's miraculous healing is part of the Good News--and every believer can become a conduit for his healing power.

By acting on the biblical truths contained in this popular book, believers can turn around seemingly impossible situations just by walking in the God-kind of love!

Facing obstacles? Feeling stuck? Transitioning into a new season of life? Let this seasoned broadcast journalist-turned-preacher help you find your poise when your red-light moments arrive.

From childhood, we are trained to associate the color red with negative and even dangerous situations. To grow spiritually, however, pastor Elictia Hart insists we must redefine our responses to red situations. With highlights from her glamorous career as a broadcast journalist for FOX, ESPN, and Entertainment Tonight, along with a balanced look into the lives of beloved heroes in the Bible, Elictia Hart explains how our "red moments" can become "green lights" for trusting God and embracing our divine destiny.

Every television reporter knows when the red light is on, you are on. Red means go. Playing off this insider phrase, Elictia Hart-now a wife, mother, and pastorpassionately shares how God transformed the red flags in her life into victorious banners for personal growth, a deeper faith, and a richer sense of her purpose for his kingdom.

Que es falso y que es verdadero hoy? Como se puede determinar la diferencia? El ser mal dirigido puede afectar su fe y su eternidad. Con Stanley M. Horton y William W. Menzie como guias en Doctrinas biblicas: una perspectiva pentecostal, usted puede distinguir la doctrina biblica del engano satanico. Basandose en dieciseis verdades fundamentales de la Biblia, este estudio le ofrece la oportunidad de crecimiento y estabilidad en la fe, y le ayuda a distinguir a los que siguen a Cristo, de quienes no lo siguen mediante el mensaje que ellos dan. Pastores, maestros y estudiantes encontraran direccion, ensenanza y respuestas a sus interrogantes en Doctrinas biblicas: una perspectiva pentecostal."

This book teaches why real faith is not based upon physical evidence, but upon the Word of God.

Become a Resting Place For God's Presence and Power!

Historically, God has moved mightily through revivals, awakenings, and outpourings of His Spirit. But these legendary moments are only a glimpse into what God desires for you each and every day.

Your everyday life can be a permanent dwelling place for God’s presence.

Todd Smith, pastor of Christ Fellowship Dawsonville and leader of the North Georgia Revival, has firsthand experience in creating a habitation for God. He was on the verge of quitting the ministry when the Holy Spirit began showing him how to create a place in his life for the presence of God to live.

Today, Todd shares these keys with you! Discover how to…

• Shift from revival visitation to Holy Spirit habitation—where God’s manifest presence rests upon you with power.
• Become a carrier of God’s holy fire—where you impact the atmosphere around you.
• Practice core values that protect the presence—keys that help you cultivate and sustain a lifestyle saturated in God’s presence and power.
• Create atmospheres that pass God’s test—discover what the Holy Spirit is seeking in order for Him to manifest His presence.
• Pray three things that position you for supernatural setups.
• Discover the supernatural power and peace that comes when you make your life a habitation for God’s glory!

After an explosion of conversions to Pentecostalism over the past three decades, tens of millions of Nigerians now claim that "Jesus is the answer." But if Jesus is the answer, what is the question? What led to the movement's dramatic rise and how can we make sense of its social and political significance? In this ambitiously interdisciplinary study, Ruth Marshall draws on years of fieldwork and grapples with a host of important thinkers--including Foucault, Agamben, Arendt, and Benjamin--to answer these questions.
To account for the movement's success, Marshall explores how Pentecostalism presents the experience of being born again as a chance for Nigerians to realize the promises of political and religious salvation made during the colonial and postcolonial eras. Her astute analysis of this religious trend sheds light on Nigeria's contemporary politics, postcolonial statecraft, and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens coping with poverty, corruption, and inequality.
Pentecostalism's rise is truly global, and" Political Spiritualities" persuasively argues that Nigeria is a key case in this phenomenon while calling for new ways of thinking about the place of religion in contemporary politics.