Proud to be Pentecostal!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
We are a Pentecostal Church!
A church of the Word of God, and a church of the Spirit of God.
Word + Spirit = Power!
Here is something I wrote the other day, whilst preparing for a message in the God is Great series, ”God is All Powerful”:
Our roots are in people who have cried out for the Spirit, who have ached for the anointing so that they can ‘preach good news to the poor’, see communities transformed, with signs and wonders following the preaching of the Word.
Our roots are with those who were not satisfied and knew that in themselves they could not do it…they needed his power.
They were often simple, uneducated, back street people. Many made mistakes that we can learn from. But they saw great things…
Like the many who received the power of the Spirit in a little converted garage in Azusa Street, Los Angeles:
In late February 1906 William J Seymour was invited to begin meetings amongst those hungry for more of God. The group embarked on a ten day fast. Towards the end of this time, one of the group, Mr Lee was healed instantly when anointed with oil and prayed for. He was also baptised in the Holy Spirit and spoke loudly in other tongues, which led to great rejoicing!
When that evening, they met with the others, Seymour began to tell the story of Mr Lee’s healing and infilling of the Holy Spirit.
As soon as Seymour finished, Lee raised his hands and began to speak in other tongues. The entire group dropped to their knees as they worshipped God and cried out for the baptism. Then, six or seven people lifted their voices and began to speak in another tongue…
Some people rushed outside to the front porch, prophesying and preaching. Others, while speaking in tongues, ran into the streets for all the neighbourhood to hear…
For three days they celebrated what they dubbed “early Pentecost restored.” The news spread quickly bringing crowds that filled the Asbury’s yard and surrounded their home…the front porch collapsed because of the weight of the crowd, but was quickly reinforced so that meetings could continue. - God’s Generals by Roberts Liardon
The group found a bigger building on Azusa Street, where there was some spiritual confusion, but the power of God was felt even outside the building, people “dropped to a prostrate position…many rose, speaking in tongues”…
Thousands gathered.
From there, many went as missionaries all around the world, including to places where many of our church have come from! Many were anointed for service. Places were transformed by the power and the love of God.
What now, for us? Today? Here and now?
The prophet Habakkuk in hard times, cries out to an all powerful God:
Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
In our time make them known;
In wrath remember mercy. - Habakkuk 3:2
Is the time near when we will see his power in greater measure?
Let’s seek him more fervently than ever before.
Will you join us us as we seek this great God for himself? On our own, in our families, when we come together in groups or as a whole church.
We must put away all effort to impress and come with the guileless candour of a child. If we do this, God will swiftly respond - A W Tozer
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? - Psalm 85:6
So, we are a pentecostal church.
Stir us again , Lord!
Have a great week. I may see some of you at ten on Friday for our half night of prayer at TLC!
Your friend,
Susan x