Where is the Power of Pentecost?

The Church often wonders why it lacks the power and authority in which New Testament Christians operated. Did the gifts die? We have seen this in not true. People are still divinely healed and set free, just not as regularly as we would expect for those who are submitted to the all-powerful Christ. But taking a closer look at Acts 1 and 2, we find at least three conditions the early church had that are sadly lacking today.

·       Acts 2:1 states that they were all gathered in one place. This is meant to be taken at face value. With the rise of social media, today’s churches have sought to increase their online presence. Following the COVID-19 lockdowns, this continued even more, separating believers from one another’s tangible presence. While I certainly am not suggesting that the Spirit cannot fall in homes, there is something about believers choosing to be in community with other believers, together, in one accord.

·       Acts 1:14 tells us that the gathered believers were of one mind. The phrase “one mind,” is the Greek word homothumadon, which paints a picture of individual members of a symphony coming together to play their part in unison. Unfortunately, getting believers to this place can present a challenge within a single church, let alone across denominational divisions. This can be particularly difficult for people who compare positions within the body, assuming one is more vital than another, or when there is a lack of agreement on exactly what we are praying or seeking God for.

·       Additionally, Acts 1:14 recounts that they were devoting themselves to prayer. As a minister, I can tell you that prayer meetings are the least attended service. Why is that, when prayer can bring about transformation? The united prayer of believers touches history and changes outcomes. Perhaps it is because we have relegated prayer to the realm of supplication – a list of things we want from God that we petition Him for, rather than meeting to seek God on what He wants. Supplication has its place, but there is so much more.

If we were to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, filled to overflowing to be Christ’s witnesses in our world, we must lay aside self, preferring one another, and make a conscious choice to be together, in one place with one mind. This does not happen overnight. It is an intentional decision to pursue Him above all else. If we are to be renewed and refilled, let us revisit and realign our hearts to the passions of Pentecost: a unity of purpose and prayer that the Holy Spirit empowers to bring about transformation in our communities.