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).
III. ACTION STEPS FOR MONDAY:
1. RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized (baptismo—immersed) with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5).
• Note – the purpose of the power = to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).
a. HOW DO WE RECEIVE?
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13).
- Jesus said ask, and you will receive! God loves to give gifts to His kids!
b. WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE RECEIVE?
“And when the day of Pentecost had 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 the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4).
- Everyone was filled with the Spirit, and spoke with other tongues.
- Different kinds of tongues – human languages, or heavenly languages (tongues of angels – see 1 Cor. 13).
- Some people think that tongues have passed away and that they are not for the church today. That’s not true.
- Tongues is a gift that enables the believer to edify Himself (1 Cor. 14:2; build up his faith (Jude 20), and allows the Holy Spirit to pray the perfect will of God through him (Romans 8:26).
- The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, “I wish you all spoke with tongues” (1 Cor. 14:5), and thought it was such an important gift, he said, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” (1 Cor. 14:18).
- Even though there is controversy over the gift of tongues in the church today, we will base what we believe on the Word of God, and not the traditions of men.
- Read through 1 Corinthians 12-14 to learn more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
2. BE (DAILY) FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Eph. 5:18).
- In Acts, we learn that Peter was filled with the Spirit at least three times. We are leaky containers, and need to pray for fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit. "I shall be anointed with fresh oil!"
3. READ THE BOOK OF ACTS: Learn more about the Holy Spirit!
Chris Jordan is the lead pastor of Beausejour Community Church in Beausejour, Manitoba, Canada.
For more sermon outlines, and online audio sermons, go to www.beausejourchurch.ca.
