Hi Ann, first of all welcome to the forum and glad you found CLE website to learn from. I have a hard time reading the article but I manage to listen to most of the audio teachings. I also listen to audio KJV at times, when it's not possible to read.
I was saved out of the deep occult, and after that I journeyed through most of the denominations out there. I also spend time in the pentecostal denomination, in various churches. I'd agree with Chris and Jeanne that there is nothing good in there.
Most of their practises are demonic: speaking in tongues, falling in spirit, holy laughter, laying hands (when people fall over), etc.
I quess there is enough evidence out there and in Gods word (1 Cor 14) to expose the falsity of the tongues. Have you never wondered why everyone is to be gifted with that particular gift, and nobody is drinking poison, or raising the dead???
MAtthew 7: 15,Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16, Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17, Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18, A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19, Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20, Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22, Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23, And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Very cruel is also the doctrine that if you are not healed in their demonic rituals, you have not enough faith. This destroys the sincere sick people that desperately seek healing in those places. Mar 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Then there is the idea of the prosperity gospel, that when we have Jesus, we have prosperity: money, health, succes, etc. Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I have seen a lot in the occult, and the pentecostals are very similar to what I have seen there. It is witchcraft. They just have the label christianity on there, but it has nothing to do with God. Their supernatural experiences are addictive and people continue to go for the rush, experience, fix and social pressure. It is all about feelings, but salvations is not something you feel, it is something you KNOW. Once you get sucked into the massive' group' experience it is hard to get out. I praise our Lord and Saviour that He managed to pull you out, and I am confident that by reading your own Bible and praying to God for discernment you will grow and be firmly established in His word and Truth. When I was saved I had never even read the Bible, it took me a lot of reading, studying and time, but He lead me all the way and still does! 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.(This annointing not to be mistaken with the one the pentecostals talk about!!!)
Do not feel inadequate or discouraged by the amount of knowledge you do not have but be content with where you are at, and confident that God will lead you in all Truth and that His Truth stands forever.
Ephesians 6: 13, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
((Again praying in Spirit NOT to be mistaken with what the pentecostal teach about demonic gibberish ))
