You are only Pentecostal if you possess Pentecost

Many think of “Pentecostal” as being a denomination or a church that we can belong to. However, “Pentecost” is something that you experience, not something you join. All those who truly call themselves Pentecostal possess Pentecost. It is through the baptism of the Holy Spirit that we can receive salvation and become born again. So, it is when we receive this same gift that was poured out at Pentecost that we become Pentecostal. (See Acts 2:1-4; 37-39)

Some ask, “Is it necessary to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit?” If it was necessary for the Apostles, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and other disciples of Jesus Christ to have the Spirit then it is necessary for us to have it also. These disciples had walked with Jesus for three and one half years. They had witnessed, preached, and even cast out devils. They could do these great works because Jesus was there with them. However, when He ascended, another “Comforter” had to be sent (John 14:16). This “Comforter” was just the same as having Jesus walking with them again. “...Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) He comes into us through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

One sad thought is, “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9) This Scripture implies that if we do not have the baptism of the Holy Spirit we do not belong to Jesus Christ.

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11) We will need the baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to go to heaven.

No wonder Isaiah said, “until the spirit be poured upon us from on high.” (Isaiah 32:15) For this reason Jesus commanded the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they possess Pentecost (Luke 24:49).

The word “tarry” means to “continue, defer, delay, long for it, wait, have, make to have, stay, hope, linger, dwell, endure.”

We must be like the friend who came knocking at midnight (Luke 11:5-13). He requested, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. One of my friends has come to visit and I don’t have anything to give to him to eat.”

The other man responded, “I am in bed with my wife and children. Don’t trouble me now. I can’t get up!” But because the man persisted and tarried, he rose up and gave him what he asked for.

From this story we learn:

ASK...it shall be given you.
SEEK...and ye shall find.
KNOCK...it shall be opened to you.
Luke 11:9-10

Jesus wants to open the doors of heaven and give you an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He wants to flood you with the Spirit. Your heavenly Father knows how to give good gifts. He will “give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for the “whosoever” (Acts 2:21).

Sometimes a caravan of travelers will be in the dusty, hot, dry desert, and are about to perish for want of water. When this happens they will let one of the camels go. The instincts in this animal will lead him to refreshing waters. When the animal moves nearly out of sight one of the men will mount his camel and follow. When he is about to be out of sight another will do the same. When the camel discovers the water the man following on the camel will turn and wave to the second; the second to the third, and so on, until everyone has gathered at the fresh water.

This reminds me of the Scripture that talks about the pouring out at Pentecost. “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)

“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 21:6) “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And, let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)