Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

Pentecostals were considered a lower class of Christians, often on the lower economic ladder, and were considered an uneducated bunch whose spiritual superstitions led them to believe in miracles and God’s supernatural power. As the years have passed, many in Pentecostal/full gospel congregations have received college and university educations and are in positions in the community, the state, and federal government. They have been economically blessed—and the movement includes countless millionaires who worship in their congregations. The majority of people who are charismatics were raised in the church, and they still believe in the gifts and in speaking with other tongues. Today, there are hundreds of millions of believers around the world who believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking with tongues. In the Book of Acts there are three direct and two implied references to individuals and groups of people being filled with the Spirit and speaking with tongues:

• Acts 2:1–4: About one hundred twenty believers, including the apostles (Acts 1:15) were initially filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and they all spoke with tongues. • Acts 10:34–46: Cornelius, an Italian centurion, and his entire household were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues.