Pentecost Sunday: Maintaining Our Pentecostal Heritage Series

PENTECOST SUNDAY: MAINTAINING OUR PENTECOSTAL HERITAGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 2:1-4

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:28-29, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Jude 1:20, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Zechariah 4:6

INTRODUCTION:

Pentecost marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church, ushering in a new era of power, boldness, and supernatural ministry. It was the fulfilment of God’s promise and the empowerment of believers to be effective witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Pentecostal experience was not intended to be a one-time event but a lifestyle sustained by continual fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Our Pentecostal heritage is rooted in the fire of the Holy Spirit, the manifestation of spiritual gifts, and a deep hunger for God's presence. It is characterised by vibrant worship, prophetic utterances, healing, deliverance, and bold evangelism. However, in today's fast-paced world, there is a danger of growing lukewarm, quenching the Spirit, and abandoning the foundational truths and power that once defined us.

As Spirit-filled believers, we must be intentional about preserving and cultivating our Pentecostal identity. This message calls us to stir up the fire, honour the legacy of the Spirit, and remain vessels through which God can move in power in this generation.

1. STIR UP THE FIRE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We must never let the fire of Pentecost die out in our hearts and churches.

a) Boldly fan the flame within you (2 Timothy 1:6):

We are responsible for keeping the fire of the Spirit alive by staying spiritually active and prayerful.

b) Avoid spiritual laziness and complacency (Romans 12:11):

Being fervent in spirit requires discipline, consistency, and hunger for more of God.

c) Maintain a vibrant prayer life (Jude 1:20):

Praying in the Holy Ghost strengthens your inner man and keeps your spiritual antenna sharp.

d) Create room for the Spirit in your daily life (Ephesians 5:18):

We must continuously be filled with the Holy Spirit through worship, Word, and obedience.

Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost, the believers were in one accord, waiting in prayer, which invited the mighty rushing wind of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).

2. VALUE AND OPERATE IN SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Pentecostal heritage thrives when the gifts of the Holy Spirit are embraced and rightly used.

a) Recognise spiritual gifts as tools, not toys (1 Corinthians 12:7):

They are meant to edify the Church, not for self-glorification or entertainment.

b) Desire spiritual gifts with a pure heart (1 Corinthians 14:1):

Love must be the motivation behind every spiritual expression.

c) Exercise the gifts with humility and order (1 Corinthians 14:40):

The Holy Spirit does not bring confusion; He works in peace and edification.

d) Train and mentor others in using spiritual gifts (2 Timothy 2:2):

Our heritage is preserved when we intentionally raise others who will continue walking in the Spirit.

Biblical Example: Philip the Evangelist demonstrated the gifts in Samaria—casting out demons and healing the sick—resulting in great joy in the city (Acts 8:5-8).

3. DEFEND THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD

Pentecostal faith is grounded in the Word of God, and we must not compromise its truths.

a) Uphold sound doctrine with courage (Titus 2:1):

In a world of compromise, we must stand for truth even when it’s unpopular.

b) Preach the full gospel with power (Romans 1:16):

The message of salvation, holiness, healing, and deliverance must be boldly proclaimed.

c) Reject false teachings and worldly influences (Colossians 2:8):

Deception dilutes spiritual fire and corrupts our Pentecostal identity.

d) Study and teach the Word faithfully (2 Timothy 2:15):

A strong Pentecostal heritage is built on accurate handling of the Word of truth.

Biblical Example: Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost and preached the Word with boldness, leading to the salvation of 3,000 souls (Acts 2:14-41).

4. NURTURE A LIFESTYLE OF HOLINESS AND CONSECRATION

Without holiness, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit cannot be sustained.

a) The Spirit dwells in a pure vessel (1 Corinthians 6:19-20):

God cannot fill a heart that is defiled or double-minded.

b) Holiness is both positional and practical (Hebrews 12:14):

We are made holy by Christ and must live daily in obedience and surrender.

c) Avoid grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30):

Bitterness, gossip, unforgiveness, and carnality quench His fire.

d) Separate yourself from worldly contamination (2 Corinthians 6:17):

We must come out from the world’s systems and be set apart for divine use.

Biblical Example: The early believers continued in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, and prayer—living holy lives and enjoying favour with all people (Acts 2:42-47).

5. PASS THE TORCH TO THE NEXT GENERATION

Our Pentecostal heritage must not die with us—it must be handed over with fire and power.

a) Teach and model spiritual discipline (Deuteronomy 6:6-7):

Let children see and hear you pray, worship, and walk in faith.

b) Raise young people to value the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28):