Receive the Fire: How Pentecost Ignites Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purpose
Are you longing for a fresh move of God in your life? Wondering if the fire of the Holy Spirit can burn again, even under the ashes of disappointment or exhaustion?
At Morning Star Baptist Church of Shreveport, Pastor Theron Jackson’s recent message, “Receive the Fire,” offers powerful hope rooted in the Pentecost story from Acts 2.
The Main Point: You Can’t Manufacture God’s Fire—But You Can Receive It
Too often, we try to stir up spiritual power through our own effort—more meetings, bigger programs, louder worship. But as Acts 2 reminds us, the disciples did not create the fire of Pentecost. They simply waited in humble dependence, and God sent wind and fire from heaven.
“You don’t have to manufacture what only God can send. You don’t have to fake fire. You don’t have to force fire.”
— Pastor Theron Jackson
This fire—symbolizing the Holy Spirit—transformed ordinary, even fearful, people into bold witnesses for Jesus. Where Babel (Genesis 11) scattered and confused, Pentecost united and empowered.
The Fire That Changes Everything
Throughout Scripture, God’s fire means transformation. Moses met God at the burning bush. Israel was guided by a pillar of fire. Elijah called down fire at Mount Carmel. At Pentecost, the fire sat on each believer, not for show, but to change them and send them out.
“Whatever remains in contact with fire long enough can’t remain the same. You take a cold piece of iron and put it in the fire, pretty soon it’s going to turn colors. It starts taking on the characteristics of what it’s been exposed to.”
— Pastor Theron Jackson
The real question for today’s church isn’t “Do you go to church?” or “Do you know the songs?” but:
Is there still any fire in you?
Action Steps: How to Receive and Carry the Fire
Admit your need. The disciples waited because Jesus told them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…” (Acts 1:4, NIV). Before the fire falls, there must be surrender and dependence.
Stay connected to the Source. Don’t chase yesterday’s fire or someone else’s story. Seek God for fresh wind and fire today.
Let God breathe on your ashes. Even if disappointment or struggle has left you feeling cold, God can fan the embers into flame again.
Carry the fire beyond the church walls. Pentecost’s fire didn’t stay in the upper room—it empowered believers to witness across barriers of language, ethnicity, and fear. If God puts the fire in you, your job is to carry it so others can feel the warmth and see the light.
Conclusion and Prayer
Pentecost shows us that God’s fire is not a product to manufacture, but a gift to receive and steward. You may feel like your fire is barely an ember, but if you invite the Holy Spirit to breathe on you, even the smallest spark can burn bright again.
Prayer:
Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Revive any embers under the ash in my life. Set my heart on fire for you again. Empower me to carry your fire into my family, my neighborhood, and my world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Looking for more encouragement or want to join a community passionate about loving God, loving people, and serving the world? Visit Morning Star Baptist Church of Shreveport—where the fire still burns.