RateItAll: The Opinion Network

The AOG demonination borders between cult and false religion. I attended an AOG church for 20 years before I actually started taking the bible at face value. The amount of sripture twisting and blatant ignorance of God's word to come to many of their doctrinal conclusions is utterly disgusting. I beleive no pastor, church or person ever teaches 100% true doctrine. But where a church teaches a false gospel, the very foundation, then all other doctrines they teach will be based on a false foundation. The AOG church is guilty of teaching works salvation, Lordship salvation, speaking in tongues etc.. This is the very basis of their false religion. They have opened the door to false signs and therefore the door to being decieved. I offended my friends father recently to point he almost cried by asking him for scripture proof that the nonsense blabbering that he speaks is biblical. He had none. (Bare in mind I used to speak in tongues) The bible states that tongues are a miraculous sign to unbeleivers. or more specifiaclly (unbeleiving Jews). And that tounges are always an understood known earthly language. So next time you hear someone speaking in tounges, you may want to ask them what Jews are present, can they repeat what they just said in english please for the benefit of others. There was at least 2 or 3 different types of tongues spoken of in the corinithan church. None of which were the miraculous gift of tongues. there was likely blabbering much like todays tongues. There was normal everyday languages spoken that simply were different from the majority of the attendees, and there was tongues spoken by means of evil spirits. It's funny how the AOG church will twist the scriptures in 1 and 2 corinthians to justify their false toungues practises while at the same time ignoring the rest of corinthians when it comes to woman preachers and men with long hair etc...

After almost 50 years in this denomination, giving, sacrificing, serving on church boards, I am fortunate to be out of this group. The farther I get away, the scarier this group looks. This denonimation contributed to more bondage in my life than anything at the time or since.

Like any church, the scripture can be quoted to "justify" that they are a Bible-based denomination, that their views are the most theologically correct. There's actually a number of heresies that would require some lengthy explanation. But, what makes this group most like a "cult" is their absolute vision of Chrisianity. If you have been lead by the Spirit and God reveals his Word to you in a way that might be a little different from the AG doctrine, you are accused of being "deceived" or Satan is attacking you. How is this any different from any other "cult"? There is actually a district in the AG that has sent a memo to it's pastors that they are not to visit other churches outside of the denomination. I have seen the actual memo. What are they afraid of?

Really, the biggest problem I have with this group is the conflict of teachings. Teach love, but practice judgement. You may be flawed, but thank goodness there's someone around worse than you. There is a heirarchy of sins. Some sins such as gossip or slander are overlooked, but don't dare get divorced in the AG church. Doesn't matter if you have suffered actual abuse, there's always something you should have done to make it work. You should have tried harder.

It's sad and I think it has something to do with the fact that you're always "earning" your salvation. There is so much emphasis placed on works and serving in order to be a "good" Christian. People end up working on their image and stop being real. Not everyone is like that, there are some genuine loving people in the AG church, but I have people like that at work that aren't Christians as well.

These are simply my reflections of my experiences with this denomination. It hasn't been with just one church, it has been my experience with each that I have been a member of. Each person must listen to the Spirit and decide for themselves. But, decide for yourself. Don't just take what is handed from the pulpit has the final word. Research the Word for yourself and expand your research beyond just what is recommended by the church.

I know that the truth has set me free and I have never felt more a part of God's love than I do now.

I attend an Assembly of God Church and just because I attend does not mean I follow everything they say, I must confirm the teaching with the Word of God. I believe that tongues have a place in the church today if your church is winning the lost for the Lord. Tongues were not just for the early church, the Holy Spirit was sent as a comforter after Christ's death. I speak in tongues and yes I agree with Paul in the bible that it is a lesser gift, but a gift no less. I believe in tongues with interpretation. I am cautious when people tell me their beliefs, I must study the Word and pray to God for wisdom. I do not know everything and I am open to instruction from God. I ask for your prayers that God will continue to direct my path and I will also pray for you. I agree about order of the church. I also believe in healing. All healing is by God through Jesus stripes and it is for today. Only God can heal. My daughter was healed from a broken arm, she went to bed with it broken and swollen and awoken with it completely healed. I prayed for her while she lay there that night, feeling helpless. She prayed for God to heal her. I said God if you don't answer the prayer of a child then I am doomed, God did answer her prayer and she was healed! The next morning her swelling was gone and her arm was completely healed, she thanked God for healing her! The doctor and x-rays confirmed the healing. I believe God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! I pray that God will continue to show you the truth through healing and the Holy Spirit as he shown me. Also, even though I have not witnessed God raising the dead, he can do anything. Are we not the disciples of today? If so, can God not use us today? Is God powerless today??? Keep studying your bible, ask God for wisdom and he will give it freely. Trust him, but don't limit him. He is God, he can use us, but the power comes from him, not us... By the way I do seek God, not the Gift, the greatest gift I have ever received is the gift of salvation...by the way there is a difference between tongues and tongues with an interpretation. Yes, many seek the gift and not the giver, this is true and wrong. But this does not mean that tongues are not real or of satan. Dont confuse tongues with the Tower of Babel. For you Baptists that say, when that which is perfect has come, these things will pass away, well this is not talking about tongues or the Holy Spirit, it is talking about Jesus return (then and only then will the Holy Spirit be taken away). Yes, Paul did make those statements about tongues, saying as I said it is a lesser gift...but still a gift. I have attended many different denominations. I have also attended the AG denomination for most of my life. Although no church is perfect the AG church I attend is great. A sound bible based church doctrine and wonderful worship. If you don't believe in the gift of tongues, then you must not believe in the bible, because it's there. Although tongues are a lesser gift it has a place in a Christians walk with the Lord. To call the AG church a cult is sad and could not be further from the truth. God bless you as you seek the truth.

Follow Jesus, I agree with maybe 65% of there teaching. It's a good thing that I have never found the perfect Church
because they probably won't let me in.

Excellent doctrine and most of the AG churches I have attended were great.

Always loved A/G churches. They teach it like the Bible says it is.

One of the best denominations because they have excellent doctrine. Yes, they are a part of the Pentecostal movement, but what a great thing!

same as the pentecostal. just tv money beggars. isn't paul crouch and his halloween wife members of the beg-a-cult. I rest my case before the three who did not agree with me. AND don't forget Jim and Tammy. Tammy is still around runing for 2nd in the "cry at phone numbers" award. Her and that make up artist Jan!

They are a fine denomination. They have millions of churches and most are not on TV, so they are not asking for money as someone suggested. The TV evangelists seem crazy and money hungry (some might be, but don't judge them all). I think the ones whose hearts are really in it and love God, are only wanting to help people and get souls won to God so that they will go to heaven when they die. The big plus of a full Gospel church is believing in the Holy Spirit as a person. And someone mentioned the "once saved always saved" Baptist doctrine. Assemblies follows the Bible very closely and although Christ died for everyone in the universe, not all people will accept Him and not all people who believe in Him will stay in that place of belief and not fall. We have human nature of choice. Assemblies does have loving people and pastors for the most part. I love them and also love Foursquare the best.

Great fellowship of Christ followers. Full of life, enthusiastic, spirited prayer and worship time. Downfall, I think, is the belief that one can lose their salvation. This would mean that Christ did not die once and for all.

I've been a member of 2 A/G churches and believe they are correct in their doctrine and theology.

Have to agree with RevKen. In my opinion, from what I've studied, Assemblies of God is the closest to "right theology" as any church, though I do think Foursquare is equally good. They have taught me so much, helped me in so many ways and the people are loving and friendly for the most part. What I don't like is the new music - too fast and wild to be able to worship God. So many people are trying to win teen souls that they neglect the older generation many times, but that's not just A/G - it is everywhere.

Here, I am afraid, we have a true cult. I have personally investigated this group, and even though I don't scare easily, this group gives me the "willies." I think that this is the largest Pentecostal group in the USA and maybe the world. Much has been written on RIA about speaking in tongues, dispensationalism, rapture, and the other heresies from orthodox Christianity, and this group has them all. I shall not elaborate here. Their preachers do provide good entertainment on television, however. Jimmy Swaggart was their leading light and that should tell you something. The diabolical speaking in tonges business should be enough to drive any good Christian out the door of any AG church. Of course, if you rummage around in the Bible, you can find support for any position. I am sure the AG defenders shall weigh in quoting chapter and verse.

I was raised Baptist and changed to A/G at age 25. Still there many years later.

I have read all of your comments & I must say that all of you have valid points, but some misunderstandings. Some of you have been hurt in the past by someone in an A/G church & for this I am sorry. But before you make a total judgment against the A/G, I think there needs to be some clearing of the air. To If the shoe fits, Sorry for any misunderstanding. The Bible says when you receive Christ, the Spirit live in you period. Baptism has nothing to do with salvation. Some A/G churches are wilder & some milder. Find a church that you feel comfortable in, A/G or not. To Gone Away, Valid point! Parlor tricks are a mockery of God's mercy. It is an embarrassment to the ministry & the A/G scrutinizes their ministers closely. However, a few do slip through the cracks & it puts a bad taste in the mouths of anyone who doesn't know any better. The book of Matthew states that some of those that perform miracles in the name of Christ (ministers)won't make it to heaven because they themselves did not have the right relationship with Christ. To Ignatious, Please forgive us. If it was not stated, you should NEVER have been asked to give OR made to feel guilty to give. You were a guest! You were homeless! You would be welcomed to sit at my table in my home & eat as much as you would like. We don't do canned stew, I wouldn't expect you to either. The offering should be given with a JOYFUL HEART according to your ABILLITY. To Helmut, Jesus said he would return . . . When? Who knows. Paul, during his last days on earth said, He would return. The verbiage Paul used was in the tense that it was present...at anytime. But Paul went on to his glory. I try to live each day as if it were my last because I too could die before the rapture of the church. Scripture states that the REASON Jesus delays is because of His mercy for the lost. The church could hasten His coming if we would just do our job...tell the lost about Christ. The CHURCH never saved anyone...Jesus does however. It sounds like you should keep the relationship close with your pastor. He can help you tolerate & understand those that are annoying. :o) To Sfalconer, Less than 1% of our pastors or churches fall into this category. As far as turning our backs on those that made some bad choices & sinned, we need to clear the air. Both of these men had moral failures. Both were required to go through counseling & spend 2 years with a minister that they would be held accountable. Swaggert chose not to because of his TV ministry. He felt that 2 months of counseling was enough. By the way, he was caught again 6 months later in the same position. Baker was going to go through a restoration process, but was arrested for misappropriation of funds, not his affair. The A/G provides counseling for those who request it, or for those that require it (as in the case of moral failure). We are very strong activists in recognizing the need of counseling for our ministers, however, pride keeps many of them away. We never think twice about putting our car in the shop for a tune-up, but think we are weak if we see a councilor. To Donovan, Good job son! A Baptist missionary friend of mine gave me a Baptist statistic, that 40% of their missionaries are Spirit filled. The Korean Presbyterian Church is Pentecostal. Several Catholic churches stateside are experiencing Pentecost, not to mention several Anglican Churches in England. Revival is sweeping the world which I have seen first hand. However, here in the states, we have become very self-centered with a very LIMITED world view...NO MATTER WHAT DENOMINATION YOU ARE. So, to all who wrote & all who will write, I pray God's blessing & mercy on us ALL!

Flashy with lots of entertainment but little substance. Lots of buildings and schools but they turn there backs on their own members. Jimmy Swaggert and Jim Baker, need I say more.

Circumstances have currently led me to attend an Assembly of God church with my wife. Her family attends and has attended there for years and years and my church has shrunk almost to the point of disbandment (I was raised in the Worldwide Church of God and when our doctrine changed (for the better) we lost many of our congregation). So we attend her church most Sundays. So far, this is what I have been able to ascertain: There are several things that I do not feel comfortable with. First, there is quite a bit of speaking in tongues (no interpreter). I would not have a problem with it if I did not get the impression that it is fashionable to do this, not only to do it but to do it in front of the entire congregation. Often when a member begins speaking in tongues loudly, the church will fall silent and listen to them until they finish. Other times, as much as 10 or 20% of the population will do so almost idly while the pastor speaks above them. Second, I do not like the style of the worship service that has become so popular these days. The songs are all easy enough that nobody has to have music and the words are projected on a screen overhead. I imagine this is mostly because of my musical background and regardless it is just personal preference. The thing I do like about the church is the pastor. He is a wonderful man and a humble servant of God. He is one of the wisest men I have ever known and he always speaks from the word. However, the church (not so much the pastor, but guest pastors and the youth pastor in their sermons) has had a tendency to hint that these are the last days and that Christ will likely return in our lifetimes. I dont know, but I find this presumptuous. I also think that, whether conciously or otherwise, they kind of use this as a scare tactic and that bothers me. Overall it's a nice church with nice people, I guess I will continue to attend now, but Im not sure I would feel comfortable raising children in this church.

Having been raised in this sham of a religion, or at least the church I went to as a child, I can say that this doctrine did more to pervert my understanding of what God really intends for mankind than any other I have studied. Almost cultish in its' processing of its members. Pew jumpers, screamers, and then there is the matter of tongues. I was told that if I couldn't, or wouldn't speak in tongues, the Spirit of God didn't dwell in me. Far be it from me to judge, but there is a twisted mentality housed within this doctrine. And before any one attacks this comment, understand that it is based on my own experiences as a youth and may not be necessarily true for all other churches of this same faith.