|
Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
"Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" I believe that's a good question, every believer needs to answer. I would like us to take a look at what the Bible says about the Holy Ghost. It seems to be a subject that is not being talked about very much in the church of the 21st century.
Is the Holy Ghost Baptism and the work of the Holy Ghost a relevant part of our Christian lives today? Should we seek the Holy Ghost? Is speaking in other tongues for today? Is it legitimate? What does the Bible say about it?
That's what I'm interested in! I'm not interested in the Holy Ghost with respect to doctrine or as a distinctive of any particular denomination. You can hold the belief in the Holy Ghost as a doctrine and even go to a church that believes and preaches the Holy Ghost but never have been baptized in the Holy Ghost and never spoken in other tongues for yourself.
I remember my grandmother telling me many times, the story of how she first heard of the Holy Ghost. She was much like John's disciples in Acts 19. She had not heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Then in the 1920's, a couple of Christians moved into her community and began preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and this new experience they called the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost." My grandfather told her to stay away from those people that called themselves Pentecostals. He had heard that they did some strange things but she had a thirst in her heart for more of God, so she decided to check these people out for herself. As my grandmother continues her story, a smile begins to spread across her face as she nears the part where she received her baptism in the Holy Ghost. "I remember it very well. Your grandfather and I had just gone to bed. He started to pray, as he had done every evening and as I began to pray, out of my mouth came words I had never spoken before, words in another tongue than English. Your grandfather looked at me with eyes the size of saucers, laid down in the bed again, turned his back to me and never said a word the rest of the night. Things were a bit tense for a day or so but he began to come to the meetings and it wasn't long before he received his baptism also. What days those were, services that went until midnight, 1 am in the morning, house prayer meetings, people getting saved, healed and the whole community came alive with excitement. If someone got sick we just called a group of Christians together and prayed for them until they got well."
Here in Acts 19 the apostle Paul asks these disciples of John the Baptist if they have received the Holy Ghost since they believed. What about you," Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" From this scripture and others, we will see that the receiving of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit if you prefer is an experience subsequent to salvation. It is an experience that believers receive. In response to Paul's question these disciples said, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Paul seeing that they were John the Baptist's disciples told them they were baptized unto repentance but they were to believe on and receive Jesus. Then they were baptized in water in the name of the Lord and also baptized in the Holy Ghost and spoke in other tongues as Paul laid his hands upon them. We can see that the Holy Ghost can be received as an impartation through the laying on of hands, one of the principle doctrine of Christ out lined in
Heb 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
John's disciples were believers, they had been baptized in water and now baptized in the Holy Ghost. Today we have believers in the church in one of these three stages. Believers, baptized believers or baptized in the Holy Ghost believers
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost was prophesied of in the Old Testament.
Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
And Isaiah 28:11-12 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
John the Baptist made preparation for the Holy Ghost
Matt 3:11-17 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John speaks of the necessity of it in his life. He says to Christ," I have need to be baptized with the baptism you baptize with."
Jesus in His ministry promises the Holy Ghost
Luke 11:9-13 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
John 20: 21-23 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
John 14:12-27 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Acts 1:4-8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The disciples of the Book of Acts church possessed the Holy Ghost
Acts 2:1-21 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Peter said it was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy of
Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Peter said the Holy Ghost was God's promise to future generations. This is in direct opposition to those who teach that the baptism of the Holy Ghost and His gifts ceased at the death of the last of the 12 apostles.
We can see the work of the church in the Book of Acts was two fold; get people saved and baptized in the Holy Ghost. This flies in the face of many so called user friendly, seeker sensitive churches that don't want to offend or upset anyone in the church or the community at large. Heaven forbid if something were to happen in the church that someone didn't understand, was controversial or if someone were to take offence. The big problem many people have with the Holy Ghost, if I can express it that way is, "The Holy Ghost is unpredictable. He can't be explained, controlled or manipulated" You can't fit the Holy Ghost into a time slot or give Him a few minutes to do His thing in your program. He doesn't work that way. Jesus, when He was talking about spiritual things to Nicodemus said in
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
No one controls the wind, no one has a monopoly on the wind, no one tells the wind where or when to blow. So it is with the Holy Ghost. When you try to control the Holy Ghost, He simply withdraws the consciousness of His presence.
Sad to say within the Christian Community today, there still exists much misunderstanding and confusion when it comes to the Holy Ghost and the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. On one side of the spectrum of opinion there are those who say the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the accompanying evidence of speaking in other tongues is of the devil. On the other side there are those who say without the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the accompanying evidence of speaking in other tongues, one is not saved and is on his way to a devil's hell.
I have prepared this Bible study to help us better understand the Holy Ghost, as we study from the Word of God, with a pure heart and an open mind. Let us all remember the hardest thing to open is a closed mind. So many times when I go to the Word of God I ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse my mind of any preconceived ideas and wrong teachings and let me be able to see clearly what the Word of God says. This is what I am asking you to do. Don't approach the Word of God trying to prove your point. Go to it and receive what it has to say, without filtering it through your previous teaching and understanding.
The importance of the Holy Ghost to the essential functioning of the Church of Jesus Christ cannot be over emphasized. Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 stated that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to equip Him for ministry and in John 4:19 that He could do nothing of Himself. It is the Spirit that quickeneth, that giveth life. Without the Holy Spirit and the accompanying gifts, the Church lacks the spiritual equipment outlined in 1 Cor.12, which is so necessary for an aggressive and successful attack on the powers of darkness. She is also deprived of that edifying enrichment derived from the manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in her midst.
The Bible is full of God's supernatural dealings with His people. The experience of regeneration, whereby we become born again, new creatures in Christ is supernatural. Christians readily admit that the devil is supernatural in his person, power and activities. Yet some Christians are inclined to shrink from the thought of a supernatural Baptism in the Holy Ghost with the supernatural gift of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. If a person is "called" to be a son of God through faith in Jesus Christ, that person is also in consequence a prospective recipient of the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
Look at Phillip's converts in
Acts 8:4-25 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
And the conversion of the Gentile, Cornelious
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
From these scriptures, it seems the church was interested in getting their converts baptized in the Holy Ghost asap. It was important to Phillip, Peter and the apostle Paul. It was the first question Paul asks John the Baptist's disciples when he meets them. When the fathers of the church at Jerusalem heard of Phillip's success in Samaria they sent John and Peter to go down and lay hands on Phillip's new converts to receive the Holy Ghost. Hearing the Gentiles speak in other tongues was the evidence that Peter needed to convince him that salvation was for all men. What's the problem with the church of the 21st century. Do we believe that we don't need the Holy Ghost to be victorious Christians and to carry out Christ's mandate to make disciples of all men.
We need to understand that Jesus Christ is God's gift to the world
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
and the Holy Ghost is God's gift to the church.
John 14: 15-17 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
If the Holy Ghost is God's gift to the church how come so many in the church have never received the Holy Ghost. Let's list a few reasons
1. Ignorance, unbelief, boubt
a. John the Baptist's disciples said we have not heard that there be any Holy Ghost.
b. In 1 Cor 12:1 we read,"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant."
c. Acts 2:4-12 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
2. Lack of Spirituality
It amazes me that so many born again Christians are so unaware when it comes to the spiritual realm. They are completely oblivious to the spiritual realm into which they have been born. Their new birth experience has been reduced to little more than an act of their wills.
1 Cor 2:4-16 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
John 14:16-20 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. Some Christians can only believe what they can see with the natural eye and believe those things that lend themselves to the understanding of the natural mind.
3. Fear
The Holy Ghost spooks out (no pun intended) many Christians today because Christianity has been reduced to rituals, doctrines, rules, regulations and programs. It has been reduced to the understanding of the carnal mind and the natural man. Be in the presence of someone who manifests one of the gifts of the spirit and people are uneasy. Just for fun, ask a believer to name the nine gifts of the spirit and see how many he knows. Ask him which of the gifts he is seeking. When was the last time someone in your church was used in one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit? Tongues, interpretation, prophecy, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, revelation, gifts of healing, working of miracles, faith
Luke 11: 11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
4. Lack of desire (hunger and thirst for spiritual things)
Comfort is the cry of the North American church. Get me in and out as quickly as you can. Don't inconvenience me. Jesus said "I wish you were either hot or cold but because you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth. He said," Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked"
Luke 11:5-13 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
In Acts 2 Jesus disciples tarried for 10 days before receiving the Holy Ghost which was certainly evidence of their hunger for God and the manifestation of His promises in their life
5. Mocking and persecution
Everyone wants to be accepted. No one wants to be misunderstood or made fun of. Let's not upset the apple cart. Well, the saints of the Book of Acts church were controversial and they turned the world upside down
Acts 2:13-15 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Acts 4:15-18 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
6. False teaching, teaching contrary to the Bible
There are those that teach the Holy Ghost was just for the apostles but any serious student of the Bible would have to admit that many Christians in the early church were baptized in the Holy Ghost and spoke with other tongues. Religious people didn't like that teaching then and they don't like it now.
Peter said the promise is unto you and to your children afar off and as many as the Lord shall call.
When Cornelious received the Holy Ghost, Peter said I see the Lord is no respecter of persons. He still isn't. The Comforter is still available to all His people.
Acts 5:24-42 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
We need to ask ourselves why should we seek to be baptized in the Holy Ghost?
1. Jesus commanded His disciples to receive the Holy Ghost. He said the Holy Ghost would give them power to be His witnesses and we certainly still need that today
We still need that power.
Acts 2:4-8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
2. The Holy Ghost is God's gift to us to assure us that He will be with us forever
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
3. The Holy Ghost is called the Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Reality and it is the Holy Ghost that makes God and the things of the kingdom of God real in our lives.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
4. The Holy Ghost will teach us all things. He will bring us spiritual understanding and bring all things to our remembrance
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
5. The Holy Ghost comes to convict us and reveal sin in our lives.
John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
John 16: 7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
6. The Holy Ghost will guide us into all truth and reveal to us greater things about Jesus and the Kingdom of God
John 16:13-16 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Acts 10:45-46 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
7. The Holy Ghost will enable us to pray in the spirit according to the will of God. When we don't now how to pray in our understanding, we need to pray in tongues
1 Cor 14:14-15 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Romans 8: 26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
8.The Holy Ghost can help us build up our faith
Jude 1: 17-20 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
9. The Holy Spirit is our helper
John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
The Amplified New Testament reads."I will ask the Father and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby) that He may remain with you forever. The Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him, nor know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him for He lives with you constantly and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans-comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless-I will come (back) to you."
Too often when we need help we run here and there trying to find someone to help us when we have a Helper on the inside. Isn't it time we began relying on His help
10. The Holy Spirit is our entrance into the gifts of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor 12: 12:1-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
How to Receive the Infilling of the Holy Ghost
-Line up your mind with the Word of God. Many Christians are kept from this experience by thinking they are not good enough or that they must reach some spiritual plateau before God will bless them with the gift of the Spirit. We must understand that anyone who is saved is ready to receive the Holy Ghost. It is God's gift to His children. Some Christians think they must do something to qualify, that somehow they must gain God's favour or that they must be perfect to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. If Jesus has washed you in His blood, you are ready. I am not trying to endorse carnality but the Bible tells us carnal Christians can be filled with the Holy Ghost. The apostle Paul called the Corinthian Christians carnal but in 1 Cor 1:7 he said "Ye come behind in no gift". We also know that baby Christians can receive the Holy Ghost because Phillips converts in Samaria received. Who needs power more to live lives pleasing to God than carnal or baby Christians?
-Believe that the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is for you today, this minute, right now. The Holy Ghost is received by faith and God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him in faith
-Expect to speak in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance. Open your mouth, fill you lungs with air and lift you voice up to God and begin to speak out whatever sounds seem easy for you to make, regardless of how foreign they may sound to your ears. Yield your vocal cords and tongue to God and begin to praise Him in whatever language He gives you to praise Him until a clear free language comes. -Begin speaking. It is of the utmost importance to understand that God is not going to make you speak in other tongues. He is not going to overpower you or take control of your life. How many times have I seen people come to receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and speak in other tongues with their mouth shut and their teeth clenched. Expect the Holy Spirit to move upon your vocal cords and to put supernatural words on your tongue and lips.
-Open your mouth and speak out in faith co-operating with the Holy Ghost.
-Don't let fear or pride rob you of God's gift. Some Christians because of false teaching fear they might receive something false or counterfeit but take Jesus at His Word.
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
As God begins to open your heart and shed light on His gift of the Holy Ghost, it is important to spend time with other Christians who have "like precious faith". Get around Christians that have already received the Holy Ghost and have them lay hands on you and pray for you to baptized in the Holy Ghost and speak in other tongues.
If you want to get excited about Jesus Christ and in your relationship with Him, get baptized in the Holy Ghost. If you have been baptized in the Holy Ghost but you have lost your joy ask God for a fresh infilling of His Holy Spirit, for a fresh anointing on your life.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues
"If this teaching has helped you, email us and let us know. Blessings"
|
