We are really good at defining what we’re not as believers.

“Well, I’m not Pentecostal because… But then again, I’m not a Baptist because…” and on we go. So much so we really end up saying, “Well, I’ve just arrived at something so remarkably wonderful, no one can just catch up with my wonderfulness.” 😉

When it comes to being a Pentecostal, I readily admit I’ve had to almost run from the craziness. Yet, at the same time, I am a Pentecostal. I’m not a recovering Pentecostal. I am a growing Pentecostal. I am a sacramental Pentecostal. I am grounded in my firm affirmation of the validity and authority of Scripture. It’s just who I am. I have grown learning from all the other wonderful streams of Christianity. We make a mighty river as the Church. And Pentecostals are a part of that stream. There is no reason to apologize for that, and I’m not an apologist for the crazy stuff in my stream anymore than any other stream is an apologist for the crazies in their camp.

Pentecost Sunday is coming. I am reflecting on the event of Pentecost. I have learned from some great voices in the past and present on the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Two great voices on Christianity in our culture as they reflect on the Holy Spirit:

“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.”  (A.W. Tozer)

The Spirit-filled life is the new-dimensional life of worship, witness, and warfare. And the key to its realization is the anointing Jesus places on your life – like heavenly oil poured over the heads of priests, prophets and kings in ancient times. And that anointing is the result of being filled with, overflowed by, and baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Jack Hayford)