For those who may have no understanding about what the term Pentecostalism means, a graphic description of this phenomenon can be found in Acts 2. That event in itself was a fulfilment of the promise made by Jesus Christ before His ascension, in Luke 24:49 and the prophecy of Joel 2:28.
As in many events in the New Testament, Pentecost (derived from the Greek word Pentekostos, meaning 50) has an archetype in the Old Testament Feast of Pentecost, celebrated on the 50th day or seven weeks after Passover. It is also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest, celebrated to commemorate the early harvest season carried out during Spring (Lev. 23 15-22, Number 28 26-31).
Simply put, Pentecost signifies the coming of the Holy Spirit upon humans who have been reconciled with the Lord (born again) and now endued with power to enable them live the supernatural life in all ramifications as the redeemed of the Lord. The primary evidence of this encounter is speaking in other tongues.
Over time in Church history, the Acts 2 experience has been re-enacted at times when it seemed that the fire had been extinguished, leading to new revivals and powerful manifestations of the Spirit in the saving of souls, healings and miracles, etc.
The Azusa Street revival of the early 1900s in the United States of America stands out as a defining moment in the series of spiritual awakenings resulting from the Pentecostal fire of Acts 2.
It is the Azusa Street experience that gave momentum to the fire that spread to various parts of the world, in what is today known as the Pentecostal Movement, finding expression in subsequent outpourings of the Spirit in diverse parts of the world, including Africa and particularly Nigeria.
Indeed, no other country in Africa has witnessed as much outpourings of the Holy Spirit as Nigeria, giving rise to the birth of many centres or ministries that define the spiritual landscape of the country, with evident impact around the world.
However, not many are in doubt as to the fact that the Pentecostal Movement has lost its original fervency in Nigeria, Africa and even beyond; and the reason is not far-fetched – the message is no longer the same. Whereas once upon a time, men and women sought first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the accompanying manifestations of (spiritual) power for healings, miracles and salvation of souls, today the desire for fame, money, worldly influence (temporal power), etc., holds sway in the body of Christ.
Many Christian leaders have ended up with various shades of scandals; some accused of heinous crimes that were before now only associated with people outside the Christian community. Whereas in time past, Christians went to jail because they refused to deny Jesus, today many Christians have ended up in prisons for perpetrating one criminal act or the other.
We cannot turn God’s law and standards upside down and expect the same result as when we abided by them. Men and women of faith must pay the price to see the glory return once again.
It begins with a return to the old time gospel, and the question should be: Lord what would you have me do, and not Lord what can you do for me? We must return the ancient landmark to its former position if we are to rekindle the fire of Pentecost.
This is a Kingdom Times editorial piece