Holy Ghost Baptism Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Promise of the Holy Ghost

2. Purpose of the Holy Ghost

3. Pentecost and the Holy Ghost

Remarks.

1. There has been many promises of the Holy Ghost baptism starting with the prophesy of Joel and culminating with the teachings of Christ. Joel said: "It shall come to pass..." Joel 2:28-29. John the Baptist also announced this great event, in Matthew 3:11, "I indeed baptize you with water..." And finally Jesus made his promises concerning this event. To the 12 he said, "And, Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you, but tarry ye in Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high," Luke 24:49. The HS was always spoken of as a promise; but never as a commandment. Jesus, nor any of his apostles ever commanded a believer to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. If they did not, than we cannot! Promises are to be fulfilled; while commandments are to be obeyed, Luke 6:46; John 14:15.

2. Next, it is important that we investigate the purpose of this baptism. It was to guide, teach, testify, comfort, and to empower the apostles, to whom alone it was promised. Jesus said unto his apostles: "But ye shall receive power, after 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 parts of the earth," Acts 1:8. The Holy Spirit was to guide the apostles, bring back to their remembrance what Jesus taught them, to comfort them, to testify of Jesus, and to empower them to perform signs, wonders, and miraculous works according to His will.

3. Finally, the day of Pentecost, the first after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus was the time appointed for the fulfillment of this great promise. It was on this day the apostles assembled to receive the anointing of God, and to be empowered to speak and teach his word unto the multitude which had gather at Jerusalem. This baptism consisted to two very important things: 1) first it filled them (the apostles), and 2) it empowered them. They were filled with the Holy Ghost. And were given power from the Holy Ghost to speak with new tongues; and perform signs and wonders before the people. The proof of the apostle’s empowerment from the Holy Ghost, were the signs, wonders and divers miracles they performed, Acts 2:43.

4. Pentecost means fifty; or the fiftieth day after the Passover. See Ex 23:14-17; Lev 23:15-16. "Pentecost - means fifty." Called elsewhere as the "feast of the weeks" because of the seven weeks that intervened between it and the Passover. This was the time that the Jews presented unto God the "first fruits of their harvest." This feast was a kind of Thanksgiving Day, a feast of thanksgiving to God for the bountiful crops that was just beginning to be harvested from their field. This was one of the three days that all Jewish men were commanded to return to Jerusalem. Pentecost was the day after the Sabbath, or seven; thus the "first day of the week." The day the church began; and the first gospel sermon was preached under the "Great Commission," Matthew 28:18-20.

BODY OF LESSON

I PROMISE OF THE HOLY GHOST BAPTISM

A. The first promise we will discuss regarding the Holy Ghost baptism is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, Joel 2:28-29. This by no stretch of the imagination is the first mention of this event or the last. It is however, one of the most important prophecies. Joel said: "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 I pour out my spirit." This promise announces that Jehovah would pour out his spirit on all flesh, both nations; Jew and Gentiles. This outpouring took place once, for all. We’ll see it fulfillment in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:16-18.

B. Next, the promise of John the Baptist. John stated: "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," Matthew 3:11.

1. This promise was to both the disciples of John and to others which stood by. I believe John was mentioning one baptism of the Holy Ghost, and one baptism of fire. The disciples of John would receive the baptism of the HG; and the Pharisees shall receive the baptism of fire. John’s disciples would become the Disciples of Christ.