When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Pentecost, which means "fiftieth", was second of the three most important annual feasts in the Jewish calendar. It occurred seven weeks after the Passover, and was primarily a feast of thanks-giving for the harvest. This feast was also called the "day of First fruits" and "the feast of weeks." The Jewish community still celebrates this annual feast, known today as Shavuot.

As the Apostles and others were gathered on this particular day of Pentecost, something very different occurred, the Holy Spirit descended upon them and the church was born. From now on this group, who just weeks before were afraid to be seen, would no longer hide behind closed doors. The Spirit of the Living Christ from this point on will enable them to go forth with the boldness to proclaim the Gospel. The world was changed forever!

Does the fire still fall? Does the Holy Spirit continue to empower followers in ways that bring change to the world?

The answer is an emphatic Yes!   Each and every person who accepts Christ is given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He indwells each of us and is ready, willing and more than able to guide, empower, comfort and sustain us through all of this life's challenges. He is also able to change the world through us, and the Pentecostal Power observed by those early Christians is available to our generation, here in our culture, as well.

This power has been evidenced in the United States on more than one occasion, emanating from places like North Hampton, MA on the heels of the Great Awakening, Cane Ridge, KY as the Second Great Awakening began, Azusa Street in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, and Manchester, KY just a few short years past. These are just a few examples of the influence of Pentecostal Power and the change it brings to our communities. There are some things we can find in common, not only with that first outpouring, but with each of the times that He has poured out His Spirit upon our nation.

They were gathered together, praying, expecting, communing. When the people of God come together great things can and often do happen. The Bible is full of God's promises concerning the community of Christians joining together in prayer and petition. In Matthew 18:19 we find that prayer is a key, "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven."

They humbled themselves before the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 He promises that "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  God will send His Spirit to those who fall before Him in humility.

They were obedient to God, listening to His call upon their lives.  Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments". A pastor friend once told me that if God calls on you and you don't respond, it is not God who will suffer.   God's plan will come to fruition, whether you respond or not, but the blessing He has in store for you will be lost. If the Spirit is nudging you to action, don't hesitate to answer.

And, they were patient. Waiting, watching, expecting God to move in their midst. "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let you heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm27:14 ESV). Too many times Christians don't wait for the power of the Holy Spirit and attempt to do His work on their own. While the attempts may be genuine, and the work sincere and industrious, little will come of it without God's hand upon it.   When God does pour out His spirit, great things happen and the world is changed.