God Encounters #3: Jesus The Baptiser In The Holy Spirit Series

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS #3 – JESUS THE BAPTISER IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

OPENING TEXT:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).

• For the past couple of weeks, we have been considering the Foursquare Gospel:

The red cross - symbol of Jesus the Saviour

The blue cup - symbol of Jesus the Healer

The yellow dove - symbol of Jesus the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit

The purple crown - symbol of Jesus the Coming King

OPENING: This morning we are going to consider Jesus, the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit.

• Personal testimony of the difference the Holy Spirit Baptism made in my life. Before I was filled with the Holy Spirit, I was a ‘secret service’ Christian, and was ashamed of the Gospel. I wouldn’t tell anyone I was a Christian. But after I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I received a new power and boldness to witness for Jesus – I would preach to a dog if it would stand still long enough! (Acts 1:8).

KEY TEXT:

“John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16).

I. THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

Before we consider the Holy Spirit Baptism, let’s look at the nature of the Holy Spirit.

(1) He is a Person – the third member of the Trinity. (Matt. 28:19). He is not a ’bird’ (dove), He is not a force/power, He is not a ’ghost’ (as the old King James Version of the Bible calls Him).

(2) He is a Helper – He comforts us in difficult times (John 15:26a)

(3) He reveals God’s Love to us (Romans 5:5)

(4) He makes us more like Jesus (fruit of the Spirit) (Gal. 5:22-23)

(5) He leads and Guides our life and ministry (John 16:13)

• Consider the most shocking statement Jesus ever made:

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away.” (John 16:7a).

- In Acts 10:38, the Bible tells us how: “God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good & healing all who were oppressed of the devil.”

- How could it be better if Jesus went away?

Jesus explains: “…for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7-8).

- When Jesus walked the Earth, He was one man, in one place, at one time. Now, all believers everywhere have Holy Spirit power upon them!

THREE THINGS WE LEARN ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT:

“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17).

1. The Holy Spirit WITH US

- convicts us of sin, draws us to Jesus & salvation

2. The Holy Spirit WITHIN US

- when we are saved/born again - new creation

“But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me.” (Acts 1:8).

3. The Holy Spirit UPON US

- empowers us for ministry (baptism of the Holy Spirit)

II. A BIBLE STORY THAT ILLUSTRATES THIS TRUTH: Simon Peter

BEFORE THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM:

“69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you." 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:69-75).

AFTER THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM: Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost…

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 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.” (Acts 2:37-38).