An Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) chatbot allows people to ask it questions of practically any kind, and it “works by processing large amounts of text data and using patterns in that data to generate responses that are relevant and coherent” (chatgpt.com). The most widely used chatbot is called ChatGPT: “As of September 2024, ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool in the world. The AI chatbot receives 3.1 billion monthly website visits from over 180 million users” (explodingtopics.com). ChatGPT was also ranked the “best overall” A.I. chatbot of 2024 (tomsguide.com). This writer asked ChatGPT about modern Pentecostal churches, and the chatbot had much to say. The formatting and wording of its answers have not been altered in any way.
Question for ChatGPT:
What are differences between modern Pentecostal churches and the churches of Christ that existed in the first century A.D.?
ChatGPT said:
Modern Pentecostal churches and the churches of Christ in the first century A.D. differ in significant ways, particularly in worship practices, spiritual gifts, baptism, salvation, and church organization. Here’s a comparison based on biblical adherence:
1. Authority of Scripture
- First-Century Church: Followed the inspired teachings of the apostles and prophets, which were later recorded in the New Testament (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). No additional revelations beyond those given by Christ and His apostles.
- Pentecostal Churches: Believe in continuing revelation, often emphasizing prophecies, visions, and modern-day apostles. Some claim to receive direct messages from the Holy Spirit beyond the Bible.
✅ Key Difference: The early church relied on apostolic teaching, while Pentecostals often claim extra-biblical revelations, which contradict the Bible’s teaching that revelation is complete (Jude 3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Miraculous Gifts & Speaking in Tongues
- First-Century Church: Miraculous gifts, including speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing, were given by the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6). These ceased after the apostles died and the New Testament was completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
- Pentecostal Churches: Teach that miraculous gifts still exist today, including speaking in unintelligible tongues (ecstatic speech), divine healing, and prophecy. Many claim to receive direct messages from the Holy Spirit.
✅ Key Difference: In the first-century church, tongues were real languages (Acts 2:4-11), while modern Pentecostal “tongues” are often gibberish with no linguistic meaning. Also, the Bible teaches that miraculous gifts ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), but Pentecostals claim they continue.
3. Baptism & Salvation
- First-Century Church: Taught baptism by immersion for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16). Baptism was essential for salvation.
- Pentecostal Churches: Most teach baptism but do not consider it necessary for salvation. Many emphasize Holy Spirit baptism as a separate experience from water baptism. Some Pentecostals practice sprinkling instead of immersion.
✅ Key Difference: The first-century church required water baptism for salvation, while Pentecostals often focus on Holy Spirit baptism and emotional experiences instead.
4. Worship Practices
- First-Century Church: Worship included prayer, teaching, a cappella singing, weekly Lord’s Supper, and giving (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; Colossians 3:16).
- Pentecostal Churches: Use instrumental music, emotional worship, spontaneous speaking in tongues, and healing services. Many emphasize dramatic spiritual experiences over biblical teaching.
✅ Key Difference: The early church worshiped in an orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40), while Pentecostal services are often chaotic, emotional, and focused on experiences rather than biblical doctrine.
5. Church Organization
- First-Century Church: Each congregation was independent, led by a plurality of elders (bishops) and deacons (Titus 1:5-9; Philippians 1:1). No denominational hierarchy or centralized leadership.
- Pentecostal Churches: Many have modern apostles, prophets, and pastors leading their churches. Some Pentecostal groups have denominational structures, such as the Assemblies of God and Church of God.
✅ Key Difference: The first-century church had elders in each congregation, while Pentecostals often have one-man leadership (pastors) or self-proclaimed apostles.
6. Emotionalism & Experience-Based Faith
- First-Century Church: Faith was based on God’s Word and rational teaching (Romans 10:17; Acts 17:11). Worship and doctrine were structured and orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40).
- Pentecostal Churches: Place a strong emphasis on feelings, emotions, and personal experiences. Some teach that a Christian must have a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” experience to be fully saved.
✅ Key Difference: The first-century church focused on doctrine and biblical teaching, while Pentecostals emphasize personal experiences and emotions over clear biblical instruction.
7. Name & Identity
- First-Century Church: Simply called “the church”, “church of Christ” (Romans 16:16), or “church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2).
- Pentecostal Churches: Use names like Assemblies of God, Church of God, Full Gospel Church, Apostolic Church, etc.
✅ Key Difference: The first-century church had biblical names, while Pentecostals use denominational titles not found in Scripture.
Conclusion
✔️ The first-century church and churches of Christ today follow the Bible more closely than Pentecostal churches.
Here’s why:
- They relied on Scripture alone, while Pentecostals seek extra-biblical revelations.
- Tongues were real languages, while Pentecostals practice unintelligible speech.
- Baptism was essential for salvation, while Pentecostals minimize or ignore its necessity.
- Worship was orderly and structured, while Pentecostal worship is often chaotic and emotion-driven.
- Each congregation was led by elders, while Pentecostals often follow charismatic pastors or self-proclaimed apostles.
Concluding thoughts from Jason: There is nothing inherently sinful about the descriptions “church of God” or “assembly of God,” which are in the Bible, but because of the error often associated with modern groups wearing these names, it is often not expedient to use those descriptions today. Also, some Pentecostal churches may have a Scriptural name on the sign where they worship, but the name is only one of many critical criteria required to follow God’s Word. Some of the wording ChatGPT chose could be improved upon, and not all Pentecostal congregations are exactly the same, but overall, its assessment of Pentecostal churches is unbiased and accurate. There are other critical differences between the churches of Christ and Pentecostal churches, but these are some of the clearest differences. The reader is kindly encouraged to investigate and visit a local church of Christ and see firsthand if they truly follow God’s Word. Please contact me if you need help finding a sound congregation in your area. “…The churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16).