The Holy Spirit in the 21st Century



Lesson 13Baptism of the Holy SpiritWE BELIEVE that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the bestowing of the believer with greater power to be an effective witness for Christ. This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the New Birth; it is received by faith, and is accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, as the initial evidence.SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5; 8:15-19; 11:14-17; 19:1-7Baptism of the Holy SpiritThroughout the Old Testament, God anointed certain individuals for such divinely appointed vocations as prophets, judges and kings. The people who worked on the building of the tabernacle were “filled with the Spirit of God.”Exodus 31:1-6; 35:3-35Exodus 31:1–6 (NKJV) Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2?“See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3?And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4?to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5?in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. 6?“And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you: Prophets and national leaders ministered supernaturally when prompted by the Spirit of GodNumbers 24:2 (Balaam); 1 Samuel 10:10, 11:6 (Saul) 2 Chronicles 15:1; 24:20; Isaiah 48:16; Ezekiel 11:24The prophet Joel prophesied, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy you old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both me and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28,29) This prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost – Now the gift of the Holy Spirit is available for all believers, not just for leadership offices. 1. Definition of the term “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”The baptism in the Holy Spirit is related to the biblical expression “baptized in or with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11 (John the Baptist): I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Acts 1:5: for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 11:16 (Peter at Cornelius House): Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'Scriptures that refer to the gift of the Holy SpiritActs 1:8; 19:6…power when “the Holy Spirit comes on you”Acts 2:4, 4:8,31; 6:3,5; 7:55; 9:17; 11:24; 13:9…were filled with/full of the Holy SpiritActs 2:17; 10:45…poured out uponActs 8:16; 10:44; 11:15…the Holy Spirit fell on/came onActs 2:38; 8:15,17; 10:47; 19:2...the received the Holy SpiritMatt 3:11; Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5, 11:16Baptized in the Holy SpiritActs 2:38; 8:20; 11:17…the gift of the Holy SpiritLuke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 2:33… the promise of the FatherLuke 11:13; Acts 5:32; 8:18; 15:8… the giving of the Holy SpiritThe word baptism literally means “dipping” or “immersing” in water. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a powerful, overwhelming immersion in the Holy Spirit that happens to believers only after regeneration. *All true Christians churches will agree that the work of the Holy Spirit is vital in salvation (John 3:5-6) and that the Holy Spirit indwells each believer at the time of regeneration (Romans 8:9; 1 John 4:13). Beyond that , teachings on the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues vary widely. 2. The Holy Spirit in the New Testament a. Jesus’ 6 promises of the Holy Spirit: 1) Luke 11:13: If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" The Promise: The Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him Example: Acts 1:14; 8:15 – the disciples devoted themselves to prayer; Peter and John prayed that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:14 (NKJV) 14?These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 8:15 (NKJV)15?who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit2) Luke 12:12: For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."The Promise: The Holy Spirit will teach the disciples what to say in their defense Example: Acts 4:8 – When addressing the Jewish council, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.Acts 4:8 (NKJV) 8?Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: (Begin to expound to them that all this was done in the Name of Jesus Christ whom they crucified) Luke 21:14,15: Luke 21:14–15 (NKJV) 14?Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15?for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. The Promise: Jesus will give His disciples a word of wisdom for their defense and that no man can resist. Example: Acts 6:10: Stephen’s accusers were unable to cope with his wisdom and Spirit. Acts 6:10 (NKJV) 10?And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (Stephen began to expound on the Egypt exile and Jesus Christ whom they crucified before his death)4) Luke 24:49: (Jesus’ with disciples after resurrection): Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." The Promise: The disciples will be clothed with power to witness. Example: Acts 4:33: And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Clothed: means to be engulfed, arrayed, covered5) Acts 1:4,5: And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." The Promise: The disciples will be baptized in the Holy Spirit Acts 11:16: Cornelius and his household are baptized in the Holy Spirit6. Acts 1:8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." The Promise: The disciples will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to witnessThere were two distinct purpose to Jesus’ earthly ministry: 1) to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29, and 2) to baptize in the Holy Spirit (John 1:33)John 1:29: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:33: I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' b. The Disciples Received Two Separate Workings of the Holy SpiritAnd with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22)All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4) The 1st experience the disciples received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that every believer receives at the time of salvation. The 2nd time was on the day of Pentecost when as a subsequent experience to regeneration, they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. These are the first SCRIPTURAL examples of the two distinct and separate workings of the Holy Spirit in the BELIEVER’S life. c. The Day of PentecostLuke 24:52–53 (NKJV) 52?And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53?and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. Acts 1:14 (NKJV) (Disciples) 14?These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2?And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3?Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4?And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Most of us are familiar with how the Holy Spirit came and filled the believers on the day of Pentecost; but we also need to recognize that there was a spiritual preparation in the heart of each believer just prior to their infilling. Luke 24:52-53 and Acts 1:14 tells us that the disciples and the early believers were in a constant attitude of prayer and praise just prior to their receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit and at the moment they were filled, they began to exalt GOD!Cornelius’ Household – the Gentile Day of PentecostActs 10:1-2; 44-47Acts 10:1–2 (NKJV) There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2?a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 44?While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45?And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46?For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47?“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Cornelius, an Italian centurion stationed at Caesarea, was not a Jewish believer. However, he was a righteous man, exhibiting all the traits of a true believer (Acts 10:2) including much time spent in prayer seeking God. He was in a place, spiritually, to receive more from God. Peter and his companions were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also (Acts 10:45) There baptism was the same kind of experience the disciples had received on the day of Pentecost when Jesus poured forth His Spirit on them (Acts 2:4) Acts 19:1–2 (NKJV) And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2?he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 5?When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6?And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7?Now the men were about twelve in all. Same thing happened to the Twelve Ephesians Disciples as well when we read in Acts 19:1-2, 5-7. We can make two observations about this experience: 1) these men who received the Holy Spirit were Christians, and 2) they experienced the Holy Spirit in the same way as the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost by speaking in tongues and prophesying, or speaking of the wonders of God. If we want more from God, we have to be in a place spiritually to receive more from God. Knowledge is not “Spiritual” but a true relationship is what puts us in a position to receive more.3. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit today. Scriptural Evidence for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.1). At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, He was anointed by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel. (Luke 3:22, 4:18) and likewise, the disciples began their public ministry on the day of Pentecost after they were baptized in the Holy Spirit to empower them. a). Luke 3:22 (NKJV) 22?And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” b). Luke 4:18 (NKJV)18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Acts 2, the scriptures teach about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. In the report on Peter’s preaching on the day of Pentecost, three primary points are made.The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the last days gift, signaling the start of the last dispensation, the dispensation of grace (Acts 2:17)Acts 2:17 (NKJV) 17‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. The gift of the Holy Spirit is potentially universal, crossing all age, gender, and economic boundaries and available from generation to generation (Acts 2:17, 18, 39)Acts 2:17–18, 39 (NKJV) 17‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 39?For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” It is accompanied by signs including speaking in other tongues (Acts 2:19)Acts 2:19 (NKJV) 19I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The scriptures go on to include Peter’s report of the pouring forth of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius’ household, making two primary points.Acts 11:16–17 (NKJV) 16?Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17?If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” Cornelius’ reception of the Holy Spirit is after the pattern of Pentecost (Acts 11:17)Cornelius’ reception of the Holy Spirit is a Spirit baptism (Acts 11:16) Speaking in Tongues.Mark 16:17 (NKJV) 17?And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; Acts 2:39 (NKJV) 39?For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” In Acts 2:4, they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enables them. The word “enabled” is from the Greek word “apophthengomal,”, meaning, “to speak”, usually used in connection with inspired speech, to speak as a prophet. Speaking with other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance is not achieved through a heightened emotional state or through repeating or imitating words and phrases taught by others. The believer speaks by the supernatural, motivating power of the Spirit – “ONE NEEDS ONLY TO RESPOND IN FAITH AND SPEAK OUT AS THE SPIRIT GIVES UTTERANCE.” The different facets of tongues.Acts 2:4 (NKJV) 4?And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV) 2?For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 4?He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Ephesians 6:15 (NKJV) 15?and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Jude 20 (NKJV) 20?But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Romans 8:26–27 (NKJV) 26?Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27?Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 1 Corinthians 14:22 (NKJV) 22?Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NKJV) 39?Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. There are at least four purposes for speaking in tongues:As the initial evidence of having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6)As a God given provision for effective prayer and praise (Romans 8:26-27, 1 Corinthians 14:2,4)As a gift to edify the church when interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:2-12)As a sign for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22)Apart from the personal ability to speak in an unknown language, there is a special gift of the Holy Spirit called, “the gift of tongues”. This gift, used in conjunction with the gift of interpretation, (see 1 Corinthians 12:10) is for public use in meetings and for the benefit of the church.When believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit they will always speak in tongues. However, not all will have the gift of tongues and interpretation that is used in the church assembly (1 Corinthians 12:30)4. Why We Need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. a. For Greater Power to Evangelize Luke 24:49 (NKJV) (Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9)49?Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV) 8?But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Jesus clearly stated the primary purpose for being filled with the Holy Spirit is for more power to evangelize the world. The Greek word for power is “dunamis” meaning miraculous power, abundance of strength, power or might. ALL THE POWERFUL SIGNS THAT WERE EVIDENCED IN THE EARLY CHURCH ARE AVAILABLE TO BELIEVERS TODAY!Info: ON November 20, 1998, “Pentecostal scholar Vinson Synan presented a paper to the Evangelical Theological Society entitled, “Policy Decision on Tongues As an Indicator of Future Church Growth.” Dynan demonstrates in his paper that Pentecostals have been dramatically more successful in planting and growing churches than those who have rejected the Pentecostal understandings of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and necessity of speaking in tongues. His statistics are drawn from the development of Pentecostal missions in the 20th century. In Chile, the Methodist grew to approximately 5,000 members, while the Pentecostals grew to 2,371,000. In Brazil , the Baptists grew at 1,050,000, while the Pentecostals grew to over 21 million. Worldwide, the Christian and Missionary Alliance grew to 1.9 million, while the Assemblies of God has surpassed 25 million. . More current year statistics (2003) show that Assemblies of God worldwide members and adherents have grown to nearly 48 million not to include the 2.7 million adherents in the United States. b. For Greater Power for Life.John 7:37–39 (NKJV) 37?On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38?He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39?But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an end in itself, it is the specific event that introduces the believer to the ongoing process of living a Spirit-empowered life. After being baptized in the Spirit, the believer must continue to respond to the supernatural promptings of the Holy SpiritGod wants to give us a supernatural inner power that flows out of us ad impacts those around us. Jesus described this power as “rivers of living water.” The people we witness to don’t need to hear a set of religious rules and rituals, they need to see a river of life! c. Being Refilled in the SpiritActs 4:31 (NKJV) 31?And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 13:52 (NKJV) 52?And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV) 18?And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, Receiver the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a specific event in the life of a believer but it is not a once-for-all experience; it is to be an ongoing process. The fullness of the Spirit cannot be a one-time experience. Paul tells us to “be filled (literally keep on being filled)) with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) THIS IS THE SECRET TO LIVING A SPIRIT FILLED LIFE. 5. How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy SpiritActs 2:38–39 (NKJV) 38?Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39?For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Luke 11:9–13 (NKJV) 9?“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10?For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11?If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12?Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13?If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Hebrews 10:22 (NKJV) 22?let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6?But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. The scriptures does not give a formula for receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but it is helpful to keep the following pints in mind.All believers are candidatesBaptism in the Spirit is a giftExpectancy and openness facilitates receptionPrayer and praise often lead into the experienceGod’s timing may differ from ours. ................
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