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):
God promised to pour His Spirit upon sons and daughters; train them to receive it.
c) Preserve the history and testimonies of Pentecost (Psalm 78:4):
Tell the next generation of God’s mighty works and power.
d) Mentor and disciple with intentionality (2 Timothy 2:2):
A spiritual legacy is built through deliberate investment in others.
Biblical Example: Timothy’s faith was passed down from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, and Paul mentored him further (2 Timothy 1:5).
CONCLUSION:
Maintaining our Pentecostal heritage is not just about preserving tradition—it’s about guarding the fire, power, and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our generation. This legacy is too precious to be treated lightly or allowed to fade into religious formalism. We are called to be torchbearers who live Spirit-filled lives and raise a Spirit-empowered Church.
Let us recommit ourselves to prayer, the Word, holiness, and a life led by the Spirit. As we do so, we will not only sustain the Pentecostal fire but spread it across the nations, fulfilling our divine mandate with power and glory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, rekindle the fire of Pentecost in my heart.
2. Father, make me a vessel for Your Spirit’s power and glory.
3. Help me to value and operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
4. I receive boldness to preach and defend Your Word.
5. Cleanse me from anything that grieves the Holy Spirit.
6. Let holiness and consecration mark my daily life.
7. Restore the hunger for Your presence in our churches.
8. Raise Spirit-filled youth to carry the Pentecostal flame.
9. Strengthen the foundation of our Pentecostal faith.
10. Let the glory of Pentecost be evident in my life always.
