The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is one of more
fascinating subjects in the New Testament. It was the
first major experience that the disciples of Jesus received
after He ascended into Heaven. Upon receiving this wonderful
experience the New Testament church was birthed with the
disciples going forth in explosive power giving witness
to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the preaching
of the kingdom of God..
This is just a Sample, Abbreviated Outline.
You can download the entire Outlines by clicking
on the links below
in either PDF or Word formats:
Baptism in
the Holy Ghost Outline PDF
- Word
Benefits of Speaking in Tongues Outline
PDF - Word
Related Online Messages on the Baptism of the H.S.
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The purpose in this lesson is
to allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves concerning
this wonderful truth, which will show us the reality
of how this experience was received by the early disciples
and how God wants us as 21st century New Testament believers
to receive this experience as well.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
was prophesied by Joel, an Old Testament Prophet, John
the Baptist and also by Jesus. (Joel 2:28-29 Matthew
3:1, Luke 11:9-13)
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
that was prophesied by the Prophet Joel, John the Baptist
and Jesus was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, which
was the birth of the New Testament Church.
Acts 2:1-4 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.
Peter identifies this experience
as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Acts 11:15-16
The major sign given in the
2nd Chapter of Acts that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
had actually come was that they spoke with other tongues,
of which we will discuss later in this lesson.
There Are Two Distinct
Experiences in the Holy Spirit.
The new convert is saved or born
again through the Holy Spirit, but there is yet another
work of grace. We find and example of this in the lives
of the early disciples.
- The early disciples were born
of the Spirit when Jesus breathed on them and said,
"Receive the Holy Spirit". (John 20:22)
- Jesus then told these same
disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive
the promise of His Father. (Luke 24:49)
The Evidence of Having
Received the Baptism of the Spirit.
It is more than taking it by
faith. God gives a tangible supernatural sign in your
body. Your tongue will speak a language you have never
learned. This is called "speaking in tongues".
(Mark 16:17, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6)
The Two Kinds of Tongues.
The apostle Paul elaborates on
this truth quite extensively in the Book of 1 Corinthians.
He explains the difference between tongues as a sign
of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.
- The gift of tongues must be
followed with an interpretation.
- The devotional tongue comes
with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Is The Baptism Of The
Holy Spirit Still For Today?
This is a valid question and
must be answered in the context of New Testament Christianity.
The primary scripture used by those who say the Baptism
of the Holy Spirit with Tongues is not for today is
found in 1 Corinthians 13:8-9
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never
fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail;
whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether
there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
Notice that Verse 8 says,
“tongues shall be done away with as well as knowledge
when that which is perfect is come.” Those
who advocate that the gifts of the Spirit are not for
today say that when the Bible as we know it today was
canonized "that which is perfect" came and
so the gifts or the supernatural manifestations of God
are not needed anymore.
The problem with this thought
is that 1 Corinthians 13:12 identifies very
clearly what Paul is talking about.
It says "when we see face
to face" that which is in part shall be done away
with. Also, if tongues is to be done away with knowledge
must also be done away with. I John 3:2 identifies
what this passage is talking about. It's at the second
coming!
- We have all been called to
receive this gift. (Acts 2:39)
- Have You Been Called by God?
If so then this experience is for you.
- The gifts and callings of
God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)
- This means God can't take
back a gift He has given to the Church.
How Do We Receive The
Baptism of The Holy Spirit?
- Our hearts must be properly
prepared through repentance. (Acts 2:38, Acts
3:19)
- There needs to be a real hungering
and thirsting for it. (Matthew 5:6)
- There must be a sense of expectation.
(Luke 11:9-13)
- There must be an active response
to your faith. (James 2:20)
If you have any questions, please
feel free to email me at ken@straitarrow.net
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