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Bible Quote by Stanley M. Horton

“A third reason behind the preservation of doctrine is that Pentecostals have struggled to balance biblical teaching with their religious experience. Committed to the Reformation principle of biblical authority (“only Scripture”) as the standard for faith and practice, they have nonetheless…” quote by Stanley M. Horton
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““A third reason behind the preservation of doctrine is that Pentecostals have struggled to balance biblical teaching with their religious experience. Committed to the Reformation principle of biblical authority (“only Scripture”) as the standard for faith and practice, they have nonetheless experienced the temptation to elevate personal revelations and other spiritual manifestations to the same level. This struggle is reflected in an early Pentecostal Evangel report, describing the expectations of Frank M. Boyd as an early Bible school educator and instructor at Central Bible Institute (College after 1965): [H]e expected all the students to be more filled with fire and love and zeal and more filled with the Spirit when they left than when they came. He said that when men had the Word without the Spirit they were often dead and dull and dry; and when men had the Spirit without the Word there is always a tendency towards fanaticism. But where men had the Word and the Spirit, they would be equipped as the Master wants His ministers equipped.54 This challenge to instruct believers on how to have mature Spirit-filled life helps to explain the high priority given to publishing.””

Stanley M. Horton

About This Quote

Source Book: Pentecostal Theology, Stanley M. Horton, 1975

Balancing Scripture and Spirit is essential; overemphasis on either leads to deadness or fanaticism.

In simple terms: Both Scripture and Spirit are needed for mature faith.

Key Takeaway

Seek balanced spiritual formation.

Themes

theology balance spirituality

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

theological educational

When to use this quote

  • church teaching
  • leadership training
  • personal devotion

Key Concepts

biblical authority charismatic experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can churches maintain this balance?
  • What practices foster both Word and Spirit?
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