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| Frank Bartleman (1871-1936) |
"The early church came forth from the upper room fresh in her "first love" (Revelation 2v4), baptized with the Holy Spirit, filled with God, possessing both the graces and the gifts of the Spirit, and with 100 percent consecration for God. This was the secret of her power. She was all for God, and God was all for her. This principle will apply in all ages, both individually and collectively. No sacrifice on the altar means no fire. The fire of God never falls on an empty altar. The greater the sacrifice, the more the fire." ~"Azusa Street" by Frank Bartleman
If one has been around the Pentecostal church for any length of time, one has either said or heard someone say that they are glad to be
"...Saved, sanctified, baptized and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and that with [a mighty burning]fire!"
The following is an attempt to display why that saying was important within what became known as the Pentecostal church and circles, and what, if anything, that it means today. One may also reference our previous article "What Does 21st Century Holiness Look Like?" for additional information on the holiness movement.
The turn of the 20th century gave rise to what became known as Pentecostalism in the West. Originally termed "The Apostolic Faith Movement" people from all denominations and faith persuasions were drawn to a place in Los Angeles, California at 312 Azusa St., to witness, analyze and partake in what was a religious phenomena. You see, there was not only shouting, spiritual dancing, and a new level of freedom of worship, there was also an out-flowing of spiritual gifts, beginning with "tongues" according to Acts 2:1-4:
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