Pentecostal Power: A Century of the Spirit’s Fire
- Ken Kalis
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6
Why I Am Writing This Today
Pentecostal power is unstoppable. From humble beginnings in prayer, the fire of the Holy Spirit has swept the world. This movement began not in cathedrals or palaces, but among ordinary people who hungered for God’s presence and believed His promises.
The Birth of a Movement
In 1906, the Holy Spirit fell on Azusa Street in Los Angeles.It was a small, interracial mission led by William J. Seymour, a Black holiness preacher with a simple message: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
There, men and women prayed together, sang together, and were filled with the Holy Spirit—speaking in tongues just as on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Miracles, healings, and testimonies abounded. The Spirit moved freely, crossing every line of race, class, and gender.
Early Growth and Organization
From those wooden benches on Azusa Street, preachers fanned out across the nation.By 1918, Pentecostal revivals had reached every region of America. The Assemblies of God was organized in 1914 as one of the first fellowships to carry this new fire.
Pentecostal churches spread rapidly—the Church of God in Christ, the Pentecostal Holiness Church, and others—each emphasizing Spirit baptism, holiness, and missions.
Women were among the earliest leaders, including Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, whose Foursquare Gospel ministry reached millions through radio and revival meetings. Her healing ministry brought hope during the dark years of the Great Depression.
A Pentecostal Worldwide Flame
By the mid-20th century, Pentecostalism had become a global movement.From Africa to Latin America, from Korea to the South Pacific, believers were experiencing the same outpouring of the Spirit. In the 1960s and 70s, the Charismatic Renewal spread Pentecostal experience into the mainline Protestant and Catholic churches, reminding the world that “the wind bloweth where it listeth.” (John 3:8)
Today, over 600 million Christians identify as Pentecostal or Charismatic—an astonishing testimony to God’s promise that His Spirit would be poured out upon all flesh.
The Message That Still Burns
The Pentecostal message is simple and powerful:
The Holy Spirit is alive and active.
God still heals, fills, and sends.
Every believer is called to witness.
Christ is coming again.
The movement began with prayer and still depends on prayer. Pentecostalism’s heartbeat is not an institution, but an experience—an encounter with the living God who empowers His people for service.
Reflection and Discussion
Have you personally experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit?
What might God do today if His people prayed with the same expectancy as those early believers?
Closing Prayer
O Lord,Pour out Your Spirit upon us once again.Revive our hearts, renew our churches, and let the fire of Pentecost burn brightly in our generation.Give us boldness to witness, faith to believe, and love to unite Your people in the power of the Holy Ghost.In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
PENTECOSTAL POWER
Lord, as of old, at Pentecost,
Thou didst Thy power display,
With cleansing, purifying flame,
Descend on us today.
Refrain
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing, on us throw open wide!
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified!
For mighty works for Thee, prepare
And strengthen every heart;
Come, take possession of Thine own,
And never more depart. Refrain
All self consume, all sin destroy!
With earnest zeal endue
Each waiting heart to work for Thee;
O Lord, our faith renew! Refrain
Speak, Lord! before Thy throne we wait,
Thy promise we believe,
And will not let Thee go until
The blessing we receive. Refrain
Words & Music:Charles H. Gabriel, 1912
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