Believer's Baptism

Chester First Baptist Church May 2, 2012

Dr. Mike Fogerson

A Personal Testimony

1 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalms 91:1-2 (KJV) (Secret place)

a 10 But You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. Psalms 92:10 (NASB) (Fresh oil / anointing available)

b The Baptism of the Holy Spirit isn’t just for me, but all believers have this baptism.

aa May not be discussed much in Baptist circles, but it is in the Bible.

bb Over the next several Sunday nights and Wednesday nights we’re going to develop an understanding of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Biblical & Historical perspective)

2 I want you to have a working biblical understanding of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

B Pray

I The Old Testament promised the Holy Spirit would come.

A John the Baptist, the last of the Prophets of the old covenant, was born and raised in an atmosphere saturated with the Holy Spirit.

1 He was born to Zacharias / Elizabeth (Both past child-bearing age) according to Luke 1.36. 36 "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. Luke 1:36 (NASB)

a Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, came over (Both prego) when Mary came in the room the Holy Spirit manifested in Elizabeth. (41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Luke 1:41-42 (NASB)) and released a blessing on Mary & unborn Jesus.

b V. 41 says John leaped and the Holy Spirit filled his mom too.

2 46 And Mary said:"My soul exalts the Lord,47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.48 "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave ; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.49 "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.50 "And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him.51 "He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.52 "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.53 "He has filled the hungry with good things ; And sent away the rich empty-handed.54 "He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy,55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever." Luke 1:46-55 (NASB)

a Elizabeth continued to prophecy, Mary was filled and began to sing in the Spirit.

b After john was born, his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. (67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant—70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—71 Salvation from our enemies, And from the hand of all who hate us;72 To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant,73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear,75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways ; 77 To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins,78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death , To guide our feet into the way of peace."Luke 1:67-79 (NASB))

c All of this activity of the Holy Spirit happened before Jesus was born.

B John was reared in an atmosphere were the Holy Spirit was manifest again & again.

1 As the promised forerunner (Spirit of Elijah) it’s interesting to note John the Baptist (God’s prophet of Spirit Baptism) was never released to do miracles. (41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. John 10:41 (KJV))