Against Pentecostalism

This sermon from Refuge Church in Utah presents a strong critique of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements, arguing that they have led to spiritual danger by shifting the foundation of Christian assurance from biblical faith to emotional and experiential evidence. The pastor, drawing from 1 John 5, emphasizes that true assurance comes not from speaking in tongues or emotional highs, but from believing in Christ and loving fellow believers. He traces the historical roots of this shift from the Great Awakening through the Second Great Awakening and into modern charismatic revivalism, warning that these movements have fostered introspection, emotional manipulation, and false spiritual claims, leading to apostasy and self-deception. However, he also defends a Reformed cessationist view that does not reject the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work—citing the Westminster divines’ belief in dreams, visions, angelic visitations, and prophetic impulses as long as they are subordinate to Scripture. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to earnestly desire the Spirit’s presence through faith and love, not spectacle, affirming that the Spirit’s true work is to glorify Christ and build up the church in truth and unity.