Baptisim of the Holy Ghost
Acts 2:1-4; 38
Romans 8:9-15
The new birth, according to John 3:3-5, is what saves us. This new birth consists of a birth of water and Spirit, yet one birth. "Except a man be born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". One birth, two elements: water and Spirit.
It is consistent with scripture to say that your salvation is not complete until you have received the Holy Spirit. See Romans 8:9.
Please remember that we must first have faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Next we need to repent. Followed by, water baptism in Jesus name. And last but not least, receive the Holy Spirit.
After fulfilling these obligations, we must then continue in the "apostles" doctrine living a holy and Godly life.
What do the prophets say?
Isaiah: Isa. 28:9-12, 1 Cor. 14:21, Isa. 12:1-6
Joel: Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:16-18
John the Baptist: John 1:33, Matt. 3:11
Jesus: John 7:37-39, Luke 24:19, Acts 3:22-23, John 4:10-14, John 3:1-8, John 14: 16-17 & 26,
John 15:26, John 16:7-13, Acts 1:5, Acts 2:1-4
What is the Holy Spirit? Why do I need it?
A. The Spirit of Christ. Rom. 8:9-11
1. We should never underestimate the power of God's Spirit within us,
2. The Lord will become our constant companion and counsel if we will listen to Him.
B. A seal. Eph. 4:30, Eph. 1: 13, 11 Cor. 1:22
1. The Spirit is given to us to lead and guide us into all truth. John 16:13
2. We must liken to and accept the leading of the Lord. Yet, at the same time remain cautious because not every spirit is of God. 1 John 4:1
C. Our rest. Isa. 28:12, Heb. 4:1-11
D. Spirit of adoption. Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:4-7
E. The Comforter. John 14:6-17 & 26, John 16:7-13
The Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are synonyms.
Why do I need the Holy Ghost?
A. Rom. 8:9
B. Without the Holy Ghost, we will not be caught up with the church. Romans 8:1
C. Without the Spirit of Christ, we are none of His. 1 Cor. 12:3, 2 Tim. 2:19
D. We cannot call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 12:3
What is the evidence of the Holy Ghost?
A. Isa. 28:9-12
B. When the New Testament church begun, they spoke in tongues. Acts 2:1-4
C. In Acts 8:1-25, we see the Samaritans spoke with tongues.
D. The Jews were convinced that Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost when they heard them speak with tongues. Acts 10:46
E. John the Baptist's disciples were re-baptized in Jesus' name and spoke with tongues.
Acts 19:1-6
Are Tongues Necessary?
Tongues in and of themselves do not save. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Spirit baptism and tongues is similar to that of faith and works. We are saved by faith, not works, yet works always accompany genuine faith. Likewise, tongues cannot save us, yet the Spirit baptism produces tongues as the initial sign. Do tongues always accompany the baptism of the Spirit? The Book of Acts indicates this to be so; it describes tongues and nothing else as the initial sign associated with the individual filling. A Spirit baptism without tongues is a nonbiblical concept; the Bible does not discuss this possibility. We should always expect speaking in tongues when someone receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Salvation is found in the born-again experience.
Step #1 Faith. Heb. 11:6
Step #2 Repentance. Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38
Step #3 Baptism in Jesus' name. Acts 2:3 8, Acts 9:5
Step #4 Baptism of the Holy Sprit. Acts 2:38, Titus 3:5, Acts 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 15:1-4
When you receive the Holy Spirit, the evidence to you and the church will be when you speak with tongues. The tongue is the most "unruly" member of the body. Doesn't it make sense that when we receive the Holy Ghost, God would take that which we have little or no control over and use it for His glory? James 3:5-8
In Conclusion:
Much of the New Testament refers to the power of God, the Spirit, the Spirit dwelling in you, and many other phrases and topics. Therefore, we must conclude that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was a major event in the life of the individuals and the operation of the church. If we were to consider the Holy Spirit as an option (which we cannot), we would then have to toss out teachings such as fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?
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