The Advent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost caused quite a commotion: 120 believers speaking in tongues, every foreigner hearing the wonderful works of God in their native language, and 3,000 people saved! The Church was birthed, and the Holy Ghost was poured into the followers of Christ.
On that day, there were those who were amazed and questioned, "What does this mean?" Likewise, there were those who mocked them, saying, "These men are full of new wine."
But Simon Peter, in his inaugural address to the Church, silenced the critics with the words of the Old Testament prophet, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh."
Peter proclaims, "This is that!" This is what Joel prophesied was coming nine hundred years ago.
The question we face is this: "Is this still that?" The Church was birthed with signs and miracles following them. Was that for only them? Has there really been a cessation of gifts? Is it still for us two thousand years later?
This book, Is This Still That? Defending the Pentecostal Faith, attempts to answer the following questions:
Is there a continuation of signs and wonders?
Where did the Church begin moving away from the supernatural power of the Spirit, and how did they get it back?
How does one receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost?
What is it that the Pentecostal/Charismatic Church is guilty of that makes people doubt our message?