We Are Called to Start a Fire
Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-14; Luke 12:49-50
Rev. Diane Housler
Living Out Faith Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
The Fire of Pentecost
The Pentecost worship table at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church reflected the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through symbols of fire, praise, witness, and new life. The display complemented Rev. Diane Housler’s message, “We Are Called to Start a Fire,” reminding believers that the Holy Spirit continues to transform lives and send God’s people into the world.
What comes to mind when you think about fire?
Perhaps it is the warmth of a campfire, the light of a candle, the comfort of gathering with family and friends, or the power of a flame that spreads from one source to another.
Throughout Scripture, fire often symbolizes God’s presence, holiness, power, purification, and transforming work in the lives of His people.
On Pentecost, God used fire to announce the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called not only to receive that fire but also to carry it into the world.
Scripture References
Acts 2:1-14
Luke 12:49-50
Joel 2:28-29
Exodus 3:1-6
Matthew 5:14-16
1 Corinthians 12:4-13
Galatians 5:22-23
Understanding Pentecost
Pentecost was one of the major Jewish festivals celebrated fifty days after Passover.
It was a harvest festival and also commemorated the giving of God’s Law.
Jerusalem would have been crowded with pilgrims from many nations who had traveled to celebrate.
Into this busy city came the sound of a mighty rushing wind.
Tongues of fire appeared over the believers.
The Holy Spirit filled the followers of Jesus.
People from many nations heard God’s mighty works proclaimed in their own languages.
This was no accident.
God was demonstrating that the Gospel was for all people and that the Church’s mission had begun.
Fire Throughout Scripture
Fire appears throughout the Bible as a sign of God’s presence and activity.
God spoke to Moses through the burning bush.
God led Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of fire.
Fire often symbolized purification and holiness.
At Pentecost, fire rested upon the believers as a sign that God’s Spirit now dwelled within His people.
Jesus Himself spoke of a baptism He would undergo, referring to His suffering and death on the cross.
The fire of God is not merely destructive.
It is transformative.
God uses His Spirit to shape, refine, and strengthen His people.
Building a Spiritual Fire
One of the most memorable illustrations from the sermon was the image of building a campfire.
A strong fire does not begin with a large log.
It begins with paper, kindling, and small sticks.
As the fire grows, larger pieces of wood are added.
Faith grows in much the same way.
The Foundation
Salvation
Repentance
Trust in Jesus Christ
Every spiritual journey begins with Christ.
Fuel for Growth
Prayer
Scripture reading
Worship
Christian fellowship
Service
Giving
Witness
These spiritual disciplines help fuel our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.
Protecting the Fire
Every fire must be tended.
Distractions.
Busyness.
Neglect.
Sin.
Isolation.
These can weaken our spiritual growth if left unattended.
The Christian life requires intentional attention to our relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit Changes Us
The purpose of Pentecost was not simply to create an exciting moment.
The Holy Spirit came to transform lives.
The Spirit comforts.
The Spirit guides.
The Spirit convicts.
The Spirit empowers.
The Spirit produces spiritual fruit.
The Spirit equips believers with gifts for ministry.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God continues shaping us into faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
This ongoing work of growth and transformation is often called sanctification.
We Are Not Secret Agent Christians
One of the most memorable statements from the sermon was:
“We are not Secret Agent Christians.”
The Gospel is not meant to remain hidden.
Jesus told His followers to be the light of the world.
Just as fire naturally spreads, God’s love is meant to spread from one life to another.
We are called to:
Share our testimony.
Serve others.
Invite people to worship.
Encourage those who are struggling.
Share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The fire of God’s love is meant to move beyond the wall
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Acts 2 reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers believers for ministry and witness.
Reasons We Believe
God fulfilled His promise by sending the Holy Spirit.
The same Spirit continues to work in believers today.
Obedience in Action
Fuel your faith through prayer, worship, Scripture, service, and fellowship.
Look for opportunities to share God’s love with others.
Walk It Out
Carry the fire of God’s love into the world this week.
Encourage someone.
Invite someone.
Serve someone.
Pray for someone.
Share your story.
Reflective Questions
What is currently fueling my spiritual fire?
What obstacles may be weakening my spiritual growth?
How has the Holy Spirit been at work in my life recently?
What spiritual discipline needs greater attention in my daily walk with Christ?
How might God use my story to encourage someone else?
Who can I invite to worship, Bible study, or a church event this month?
Related Pages
Spiritual Gifts (future page)
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Acts: The Story of the Early Church
Closing Invitation
The same Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost is still at work today.
God continues to transform lives, strengthen disciples, and send His people into the world.
May the fire of God’s love melt us, mold us, fill us, and use us.
Come and see what God is doing at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
