SOUND DOCTRINE - INDEX
In this series we intend to examine doctrines with the intent of establishing which are sound and which are false.
Sound doctrine unites believers in Christ, false doctrine divides people from Christ, and conflicting doctrine disrupts unity and fellowship in Christ.
Therefore, each of us ought to purge ourselves of false doctrine and earnestly seek sound doctrine.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(I Thess 5:21)
This is not a matter of personal opinion - nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God. Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.
Question: How much false doctrine can one believe and still be saved?
At the Berean Research Institute, we are not willing to be comfortable with any false doctrines - no matter how few they are, nor how little they may be, nor what cost we may face to rid ourselves of them.
For good reason, Jesus warns us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees:
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:6)
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:12)
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal 5:9)
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. (I Cor 5:7)
Therefore, as we examine various doctrines, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient to these specific commandments of God and to be faithful to his scriptures, overall.
Let's Be Scriptural, In Determining Sound Doctrine.
List of Articles:
OK…. So, you’re a "CHRISTIAN"...
What’s Wrong With Being a “Christian”??
Who is God? - Make it Simple
OK…. So, you’re a "PENTECOSTAL" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Pentecost and the Modern Pentecostal Movement
Examining the Pentecostal Statement of Faith, “What We Believe”
Pentecostal Feminism
Why I left the Tongues Movement - Alfred H. Pohl (Opens in New Window)
“Slain in the Spirit”
“Speaking in Tongues”
My Pastor, the "Spiritual Hippie"
Fake Healers, Apostles & Prophets
Smith Wigglesworth - A Book Review - by Mike Wright
Benny Hinn - "Man of God"?? - Videos
Benny Hinn - Outrageous Claims
Benny Hinn - Politics with China
United Pentecostal Church International
Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Is the UPCI Gospel True?
OK…. So, you’re a "BAPTIST" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
The Eternal Security of the Believer
The Eternal Security of the Believer
Eternal Security
The “Carnal” Christian
The Local Church
The “Local” Church - A Review of Dr. Kirkland's Book
Bible Verses Refuting the "Local Church" doctrine (Opens in New Window)
Calvinism and Arminianism
Calvinism and Arminianism
The god of the Calvinist
Calvinism and Modern Bible Versions
OK…. So, you’re a "CATHOLIC" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Salvation for Catholics
Can a “Catholic” be a “Christian”?
A Warning to Catholic Christians !!
Catholic Booklet - “Be Careful of Protestant Teachings”: a Review
Catholic Doctrines
The Virgin Mary
The Mass - Transubstantiation
Roman Catholic Responses - Refuted
The Judgment of Rome
The Judgment of Rome - The Mother of Harlots
OK…. So, you’re a "JEHOVAH'S WITNESS" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses
Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses - Intro
Question For Jehovah's Witnesses
ENDTIME PROPHECY - INDEX
In this series we intend to examine eschatological (study of endtime) teachings with the intent of determining which are true and which are not.
Perhaps as much as one third of the bible is prophetic, and God said (in reference to those living in the last days), that the wise shall understand (Dan 12:10).
If we knock, the door shall be opened unto us. (Matt 7:7)
It is true that Endtime prophecy has been interpreted in many different ways and by many people, but this is not a matter of personal opinion - the scriptures are not of any private interpretation.
We must earnestly seek to understand God’s interpretation of prophetic scripture. Despite what others say, for some, this may become a matter of salvation - a misunderstanding of this subject may result in the loss of their soul.
At the Berean Research Institute, we believe that God does not waste his words and that he wrote in his Word precisely what he wanted to say to us, even in this matter of prophecy.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10)
It is equally important then, in this area of eschatology, that we study to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Tim 2:15)
Therefore, as we examine various eschatological views, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient and faithful to his Word.
List of Articles:
Bible Prophecy - Relevant Today:
Understanding the Book of Revelation
Where Are We Today in Bible Prophecy?
What Should We Expect Next?
Preterist/Historicist/Amillennial:
Our Letter to an Historicist
Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 1
Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 2
Refuting Amillennialism
Although we do not agree on some issues (in particular with his soteriology), we appreciate the work and research of Irvin Baxter of Endtime, Inc for assembling many of the pieces of our understanding of the Book of Revelation for us.
OTHER ISSUES - INDEX
In this series we intend to address several controversial subjects. As the men of Berea did, we want to receive the word with all readiness of mind and to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11)
For us, this is not a matter of personal opinion nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God.
Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.
We know that we have liberty in Christ Jesus.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor 3:17)
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (1 Cor 8:9)
So, (at the least) we must be careful in exercising our liberty.
Further, the bible teaches us that liberty in Christ Jesus makes us free FROM sin. It does not make us free TO sin.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:1,2)
Moreover, we are commanded to:
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (John 2:15)
So, our hearts shouldn’t even desire those things in the world from which we have been saved.
Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. We who were dead in trespasses and sins he hath quickened.
Why then would we willingly go back into trespasses and sins?
Why would we wander away and become lost again?
(For those who believe in eternal security - please read the articles on OSAS, but in the meantime - why would we even ’behave’ as if we were lost again?)
The question then would be…...are the things we will discuss matters of sin, or are they legitimately matters of personal conscience?
Let’s find out.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thess 5:21)
List of Articles
Issues Common to Most Fellowships:
“Church” Membership
"Brother" Bill and "Pastor"
Lisa's Thoughts on the Depravation of Literature
Social Drinking/Use of Alcohol
Holidays:
Christmas:
Questions About Christmas
Is Christmas Scriptural?
Every Green Trees to Worship False gods?
Explaining to Friends - What is ‘wrong’ with Christmas
Comparison Between the Lord Jesus Christ and Santa Claus
Easter:
Television and Movies:
Watching Television
Mel Gibson - Our “Christian” Hero?
Mel Gibson - Our "Christian" Hero - The Passion of the Christ - Summary
Creation vs Evolution:
Creation, Evolution and the Gap Theory
Evolution - Fact or Fiction by James L. Melton - (Excellent !)
Robert Howie - Geologist - A Book Review by Mike Wright
Why I Left The Tongues Movement - By Alfred H. Pohl
DEDICATION
To my wife, Minnie,
loving and loyal companion
on life’s journey
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author gratefully acknowledges the help of the following and desires to express his appreciation:
To those who have supported us in this ministry and made the publishing of this book possible.
To the authors and publishers whose materials have been reproduced in this volume.
To Mr. David Cloud for his much appreciated assistance in the preparation of this third printing.
FOREWORD
Many have asked, "Why did you leave the Tongues Movement?" In this book I have attempted to give my major reasons for doing so. These I present, not in a spirit of controversy, but with a sincere desire to help those who are seriously seeking a scriptural answer in these days of bewildering teaching and confusion. Should, through the reading of this testimony, someone be helped, I will be most grateful. All glory to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
--A.H. Pohl, Three Hills, Alberta, July 3, 1982
FOREWORD TO THIRD PRINTING
It is with sincere thankfulness to the Lord that the third printing of this book in English is needed. The response to its message has been beyond anything that I originally had anticipated. Requests for it have come from all parts of Canada and the U.S.A., as well as from a good number of countries overseas. And this is true in spite of practically no formal advertising.
Because of strong demands, a Spanish edition was printed and is now in circulation, and some other language editions are under consideration.
One Christian brother, whose letter is typical of many, wrote: "You will never know how much this book has meant to me. All I can say is `thank you, Lord’ for directing you to put this book together."
May this third printing continue to meet the needs of many, and be a blessing to every reader, in a time when there is an ever-increasing tide of confusion and deception.
—A.H. Pohl, Westbank, B.C., January 7, 1991
17 REASONS WHY I LEFT THE TONGUES MOVEMENT
BY ALFRED H. POHL
After a service one evening a Christian brother, who is a minister in the Pentecostal Movement, approached me and asked, "Can you tell me in a sentence or two why you left the Pentecostal Movement?" He was asking for an impossibility! How could I condense all that was involved in a major, life-altering decision into one or two sentences? I left for a number of reasons, and just simply to itemize them without a good explanation backed up by Scripture would accomplish very little and could actually result in misunderstanding.
In this testimony I purpose not only to list some of the main reasons why I left or why I am not in the Tongues Movement today, but also expand on each one, at least to some extent, as space will allow. References made to tongues-speaking, Pentecostal, Full Gospel teachings will of necessity be more to those of the mainstream of that Movement, although there are many differing views and doctrines in Pentecostalism. This has resulted in the formation of many different Pentecostal-Tongues denominations. All Tongues people are not in full agreement on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
Some ask why I left pastoral work to engage in a traveling ministry majoring largely in teaching the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Much of my ministry now involves messages of warning to God’s people. Is this justified? Is it loving to speak on this subject when feelings are very tender in this area? In answer, I suggest for your consideration the following three reasons:
1. GOD’S MINISTER MUST PREACH THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD
Paul, in Acts 20:20 and 27 said: "I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you," and "I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." I personally believe, that, to a large extent, failure on the part of fundamental and non-Tongues ministers to teach and preach boldly and plainly the true doctrine of the Holy Spirit to our people has; a) been unfair and unloving to our congregations, and; b) in many cases has resulted in these untaught ones being ensnared in wrong teaching, and; c) has contributed to split or divided churches, etc. Let me ask you, why should we not teach the doctrines that we believe in our own churches? We owe that to our people as well as to those who might consider joining. Do they know what they are joining? That could save a great deal of heartache for all concerned later on. Certainly, we must not teach with malice but in love (Eph. 4:15). But failure to give sound teaching on the Holy Spirit to avoid hard feelings now or fearing fanaticism isn’t going to cause our people to "grow up into Him [Christ] in all things" (Eph. 4:15). They will be unprepared for the winds of false doctrine that are bound to sweep over the land.
2. THE MOST LOVING THING GOD’S MINISTER CAN DO IS TO BOTH PROCLAIM AND DEFEND THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD.
This is not only my right but also my obligation! I, as God’s ambassador, am responsible to teach God’s people. Failure to do so may result in some of them being led astray. Who will receive the blame?
3. A TRUE MINISTER OF THE WORD MUST HAVE, ALONG WITH THE THEME OF EXALTING CHRIST, A NOTE OF WARNING.
Paul did. In Acts 20:31, speaking to the Ephesian elders, he said:
"Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." Again, in Colossians 1:28 he said: "Whom we preach (that is, Christ), warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
A note of warning is an important part of the message of God’s minister. It is not easy or pleasant, but essential. If I knew that the bridge down the road was washed out, and I saw you coming down the road in your car heading for danger, what kind of friend would I be if I simply smiled, waved a greeting, and shouted, "Have a good day"? We need to warn because we love God, His people, and the Word of God!
I want to make it clear that I am not a crusader against the Tongues-Charismatic Movement. Rather, I am, if you will, a crusader for the Truth. I believe that, wherever the Scriptures cut across error and false doctrine, we need to take our stand for the final authority of God’s Word. This I had to do, at great cost, in my own life. I am not against Tongues people, though I can’t agree with their teachings. But I am making myself available to help them and those who are confused and unsure as to what God actually has for them according to His will expressed in the Scriptures. I believe that the Lord brought me up this road that, knowing by personal experience the pitfalls and problems involved, I might be able to help and minister to others in similar circumstances.
It is my desire also to help many to a realization of what the true Spirit- filled life really is. I believe that we, in the Tongues Movement, made a serious error by putting so much emphasis upon tongues speaking, so much so, that we missed something very important. Being so occupied with what we considered to be the evidence to being Spirit-filled, namely, tongues speaking, we, to a great extent, missed the real meaning and significance of the biblical Spirit-filled life. It is this genuine Spirit-filled life that I am concerned about and want so much to see lived by God’s people today, and I’m sure that many of you share this concern with me.
TWO EXTREMES
There are two extremes, I believe, that we have to avoid: First, when there is no fire in the church—cold, formal, dead; and, secondly, when there is wildfire in the church. Which of these present the greater danger? Certainly cold, dead formalism does not produce fruit and life.
But, on the other hand, think of the harm and reproach that is produced by an unbalanced, extreme, fanatical type of church activity. A good rule to follow is: "AVOID EXTREMES!"
In 1 Corinthians 14:26 we are told: "Let all things be done unto edifying," and in verse 40 we read: "Let all things be done decently and in order." I know a little about the "wildfire" extreme, and know what harm it can do.
But it is also dangerous to slip into the other extreme of being too cold and formal. Let us remember that we are the possessors of eternal life. We believers in Christ have that "abundant life" Christ spoke of in John 10:10. Let us be reminded that there is a real, genuine, scriptural, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, Spirit-controlled life that each of us who are believers should know in our everyday activity and experience (Eph. 5:18).
Many today are questioning and desiring greater depth and reality in their Christian lives. This is very commendable! As they see coldness and perhaps very little emphasis on the Spirit-filled life in their churches, they begin to ask whether their answer might not be in the Charismatic Movement.
It is to meet some of these needs that I am directing my ministry now as the Lord enables.
May I here just briefly suggest the solution to this problem? (I will expand on this further toward the end of this book.) The answer for these Christians will not be found in fanaticism but in a right understanding of Bible teaching on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and His work in the believer and in the church. All that we need we already have potentially in the INDWELLING Holy Spirit. Now, it is up to us to appropriate it or yield to the Holy Spirit’s ministry in and through us.
The answer, I repeat, is not in the extreme of fanaticism or "wildfire."
PERSONAL HISTORY
Now for a brief view of my personal history in the Tongues Movement:
I belonged to the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada, Incorporated. I was raised in it from childhood, was saved and baptized in it, ordained in it, preached in it, taught in our Bible school for five years, and was our denomination’s missionary-secretary for five years—during which time I visited and spoke in most of our churches across Canada.
I thoroughly enjoyed my work and responsibilities in the Bible school, teaching the Word of God to eager young students. Along with other Bible subjects I taught Missions. I would teach in the school during the winter months and in summer I traveled and ministered in the various churches and camps in the interest of missions. My heart was in missions and I loved the work. I had the joy of seeing a goodly number of our students and others respond to the missionary call, and then to send them out to the mission fields. I was completely satisfied, and seemingly I had found my "niche" in life and in the Lord’s work.
But why then did I leave?
I will endeavour first of all to list the major reasons, and then elaborate on each one. However, it will be impossible to look at each reason thoroughly in the scope of this testimony.
I LEFT THE TONGUES MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF:
Reason # 1--Sincere convictions regarding their doctrines, emphases, and practices
Reason #2--An unsound biblical basis for their doctrine of the Holy Spirit
Reason #3--An over-emphasis of one gift of the Holy Spirit
Reason #4--An under-emphasis of other doctrines, particularly the cross-work of Christ
Reason #5--Their "experience" orientation
Reason #6--The undermining of the personality of the Holy Spirit
Reason #7--Spiritual pride and disunity produced by their doctrine
Reason #8--The teaching that tongues speaking is a sign of spirituality or even of salvation
Reason #9--Sign-seeking instead of faith
Reason #10--Questionable activities practiced and condoned
Reason #11--The fear of questioning the so-called activities of the Holy Spirit
Reason #12--The view that the Corinthian church was a model church
Reason #13--The danger of claiming extra-biblical revelation
Reason #14--The excesses and deceptive practices condoned in divine healing campaigns
Reason #15--The tendency to blind, unquestioning devotion to popular leaders
Reason #16--The possibility that the Charismatic Movement will be instrumental in producing the prophesied world ecumenical church of the last days
Reason #17--Their distortion of the true Spirit-filled life
Charismatics: Whither Bound?
Helpful Books on the Charismatic Movement
17 REASONS WHY I LEFT THE TONGUES MOVEMENT
By Alfred H. Pohl
202 - 33401 Mayfair Ave., Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 6Z2 Canada
Box 856, Three Hills, Alberta T0M 2A0 Canada
Copyright 1982, 1984, 1991 By Alfred H. Pohl
First Printing September 1982
Second Printing April 1984
Third Printing May 1991
USED WITH PERMISSION - Minnie Pohl
- January 17, 2008
