In the first outpouring recorded in the New Testament, there were tongues of fire and the sound of a violent wind. Why does this not occur today?
On the Day of Pentecost, “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven” and “they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (Acts 2:4). This preceded and provided a dramatic setting for the first outpouring of the Spirit. However, this happened only once. These phenomena did not recur and there is no evidence that they were intended to recur either in apostolic times or in our day. The single phenomenon dramatically expressed on the Day of Pentecost and consistently present whenever early believers were baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. Does this mean that in our day the outpouring of the Spirit will be void of any demonstrations other than speaking in tongues. No. Some testify of deep groanings in their spirit, or surges of inexpressible joy. Some experience strong emotions of exhilaration. For many it is as if the deep inner wells of their spirits have suddenly been thrown open, and a torrent of praise burs
