February 21, 2020 (Friday)
“Pentecostal Power” is the title of a hymn we have heard sung in our churches. The title has nothing to do with denominations but is referring to the early chapters of the Bible Book of Acts. These chapters describe the events in the early church that took place on the Day of Pentecost, which was a Jewish Feast. The “Pente” in the word, “Pentecost,” labels the special day as the fiftieth day after Passover.
About 7 weeks had passed since Jesus had been crucified, when suddenly the power of the Holy Spirit was miraculously manifested among the Christians, who had been meeting for prayer, just as Jesus had instructed them. All the disciples were enabled to speak in other languages, and the subject of their speaking was Jesus. Multitudes had gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, and they heard people talking in languages with which they were familiar, heralding the gospel of Christ.
Then Peter preached a matchless sermon about Christ and invited those who had crucified Christ to repent and follow Him as their own savior. Thousands responded, and the church of the Lord Jesus Christ came to life. The word began spreading to many other nations, just as Jesus had foretold.
The hymn, “Pentecostal Power” asks us to seek the kind of spiritual power possessed by those early Christians on that day.
PENTECOSTAL POWER
Words: Chas. H. Gabriel (1856-1932)
Music: Chas. H. Gabriel (1856-1932)
circa 1886
1 Lord, as of old at Pentecost
Thou didst Thy power display,
With cleansing purifying flame,
Descend on us today.
Chorus:
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!
2 For mighty works for Thee, prepare
And strengthen every heart;
Come, take possession of Thine own
And nevermore depart. [Chorus]
3 All self consume, all sin destroy!
With earnest zeal endue
Each waiting heart to work for Thee;
O Lord, our faith renew! [Chorus]
4 Speak, Lord! before Thy throne we wait,
Thy promise we believe,
And will not let Thee go until
The blessing we receive. [Chorus]