Recently, I was questioned on my views of salvation and how I preach it. I figured the best way to try and articulate my thoughts would be to write them down. First, my backstory. I grew up sixth generation pentecostal. As such, I’m extremely familiar with pentecostal theology and its views on salvation. I say views, plural, because there are several views from the past hundred years that the theology has built up from.
Sitting on a pew a couple of times a week, I hear familiar theology as what I grew up in. Yet, even today I see distinctions between the theologies. I wouldn’t say that the pastor at my local church community assembly is ignorant of the scriptures, because that would be untrue. In fact, he is very skilled with knowing verses. Yet, he rarely touches upon certain topics. And while I am not yet sure of the reason, I can gather that the primary reason he hesitates to speak on certain matters is for one reason: doubt.
Doubt is a powerful blocker. It places one into a vulnerable position, one that, if in leadership, cannot be taken lightly. Imagine a preacher that teaches “what the Bible says” while also having a background in ministry. That is, the preacher was taught what the Bible says in the teacher’s point of view.