Text: Acts 19: 1-7 (King James Version)
“Father, I am your servant, willing and desiring to be used to bless your people.”
The Fields are white and the laborers are few!
C.H. Spurgeon said, “If God does not save a man by truth he certainly will not save them by lies, and if the old gospel is not competent to work a revival, then we will do without the revival;”
Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye
believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether
there be any Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And
they said, Unto John's baptism.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.
Let’s pray. Father, Open my eyes so I can see Your truth.
Open my ears so I can hear Your voice.
Open my mind so I can understand Your Word.
And open my heart so I may receive all that You want me to receive. AMEN
I know that the reason so much false doctrine is in the church, Is due to the fact that this vitally important doctrine is not hardly ever preached, or taught anymore. Many "Pentecostals" have even begun to teach," you do not have to speak with tongues to be filled with the Spirit". Many teach one of so many other lies that are reaping havoc in this present age. Christians, get back to your bibles!
Most churches are like the disciples in our text they," know not whether there be any Holy Ghost". And many of the churches who teach on the Holy Ghost, do so with an unscriptural "traditional"slant, If your tradition is by "men" and not GOD, careful, you may be a heritic.
I urge you to hear what the Spirit of God wants to share with you today. If you are a "born-again" Christian, then this word is for you. God bless the listeners today I pray, in Jesus Name! amen.
Acts 19:1-2 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
This is my question to you. Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? Maybe you are like these disciples mentioned here and you are not sure whether this experience is for you or not.
Acts 19:2 …he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit."
My purpose in this message today is to assure you that this is an experience God desires for you to receive and enjoy. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for you today just as it was for the 120 disciples who received it on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4 Now 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.
In this passage we have the record of how the 120 in the upper room first received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It says, "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues." Peter says in verses 38-39 this promise is to everyone to whom the Lord calls, which means it is for you today! God wants you to be baptized in His Spirit.
Acts 2:38-39 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. "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
It is my conviction that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something that God wants every believer to experience. It is to be major part of our life and fellowship in the Lord Jesus Christ as we are involved in carrying out His will and purpose. We are not complete without it. It is indispensable in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. We all desperately need it just as much as these early disciples did. It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that gives us the power to carry out His will in our lives.
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
There are people here today who have never received this wonderful gift that God wants to pour into you freely. I encourage you now to allow the conviction of the Holy Spirit to stir the desire and faith to receive this wonderful gift today.
II. What Is The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit?
1. Baptism In The Holy Spirit Is A Full Immersion Into God's Spirit.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than just being born again of the Holy Spirit. It is a total infilling of The Holy Spirit. The very word baptism means to be fully whelmed or immersed as in water baptism. In water baptism a person in fully immersed into water and in Spirit baptism a person is fully immersed into the Spirit of God.
It is an experience that is subsequent to the new birth. We find in the scriptures that the disciples were both born of the Spirit and baptized in the Holy Spirit. One example of this is found with the people of Samaria in Acts chapter eight.
Acts 8:4-6 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
These people were saved, water baptized, delivered of demons, and experienced miracles, yet they did not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit until the apostles at Jerusalem sent Peter and John to them. The apostles in Jerusalem thought it was so important for them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit that they sent Peter and John to minister it to them.
Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
2. Baptism In The Holy Spirit Is Accompanied By Speaking In Tongues.
The scriptures consistently show that whenever the baptism of the Holy Spirit came to believers, it was accompanied by speaking in tongues.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:33 "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
This experience with tongues as the accompanying sign also happened when the Gentile believers were brought into the church.
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Acts 11:16 identifies both this experience and the one in Acts 2 as the baptism of the Holy Spirit that John the Baptist prophesied would happen.
Let's remember that in the gospels the truth of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues is introduced, but there is no indication of what takes place when it happens. We find now in the Book of Acts that when the disciples experienced this truth that both Jesus and John the Baptist prophesied would happen that it was accompanied with speaking in tongues.
Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.
John 7:37-39 Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
III. Why The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit Is Necessary.
As we see from these scriptures, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something Jesus said all believers should receive – “these signs will follow those who believe...” He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.
What is it about the baptism of the Holy Spirit that makes it so necessary to our walk with the Lord?
1. The Holy Ghost Baptism Explained.
A. As plainly seen in The Bible, This was, and is a baptism, unique, and separate to the baptism that places the believer into the body of Christ (and yet, is not even water baptism, as so many think)
Scripture, you ask? Yes, as a matter of fact I do! 1Cr 12:13 For by one Spirit (not a man) are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (emphasis,and notation mine)
If this were water baptism, It would be the Holy Spirit doing the baptism of the believer in the water. NO, This is the new-birth experience Jesus said was essential to be saved.
Jesus further described this "being born of the Spirit", as something we can not see! (John 3:5-8) Well, one can CLEARLY see a man baptizing a believer in a creek, or tank.
Further proving the baptism that puts the believer "into one body" is "the ESSENTIAL ONE" for salvation.
In other words, You don't have to be water baptized to make it to heaven. You should however desire to be water baptized.
And you don't have to be baptized in The Holy Ghost to make it to heaven either. Some teach that this is accomplished at the moment of regeneration, and some even teach that you must "speak in tongues" to be saved. Both of these views are unscriptural, and should be repented of.
The problem; most of these teaching this heresy are either, 1.not saved, or 2. They are teaching on something they know nothing about. (know this, teacher you will stand before God and give account for every word you said to your people, God said; Revelation.22: 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Be careful!
But YOU DO have to "BE baptized, INTO THE BODY", to make it to heaven. Or "Ye must be born again"!
You see, There is...
a.1. One (baptism), that is by the Holy Ghost.
This is the new-birth, when the Spirit of God places you into the body. (see 1 Cor. 12:13 above)
a.2. And one baptism, that is by Jesus Christ Himself. This is the "Holy Ghost baptism" that happens uniquely and subsequently to regeneration. Mat 3:11 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:
John preached to the Pharisees to get their heart right before coming to be water baptized.
a.3. And then there is"water baptism" which is a work of righteousness, (and works of righteousness do NOT save; Titus 3:5), But is that a repentant believer does as an act of obedience, and as a public confession of their faith towards God.
B. While the Bible teaches...
"ONE baptism" - i.e. Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
It also speaks of several baptisms.Heb. 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
b.1. This "fact- (of several baptisms)" is not confusion, but rather is God clarifying that there is "one essential baptism" that places the believer into Christ.
This is the "new-birth" experience. (and contradicts such teachings as taught by the oneness, or churches of Christ who teach otherwise)
C. And so, when the person is born-again, They are a candidate to receive the "Baptism into the Holy Ghost".
(if a person is not saved, they cannot be baptized in the Holy Ghost)- For the world cannot receive Him. Jhn 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
D. After the "initial" outpouring in Acts 2, We see a pattern of events, as it regards those "filled, or baptized in The Holy Spirit (which was A L W A Y S experienced by "believers", or people already saved).
note that "ALL " the obedient believers received this promise...
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
they spoke with OTHER, or unlearned tongues (they did not previously know),
"AS the Spirit gave them the utterance".
E. This is not a "one time" occurrence, nor did it end with any of the apostles as some try to teach,
This was common, and even "high priority" by The apostles that were called of God in "The Holy Bible", to preach his gospel.(as we shall see later in this message)
2. The Prophecies Of The Holy Ghost Baptism.
A. This miraculous gift given to "true-believers" was foretold by God, through His Holy prophets.
(but first, settle this Bible truth into your heart)
"Let God be TRUE, and EVERY man a LIAR",
B. In The Old Testament, He told of this coming great promise. Joel 2:28-32 28 ΒΆ And 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:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
C. In The New Testament, He announced it's soon appearing to His people, And for them to expect, and even wait for this great promise of GOD.
John 16: 7-15
Our Lord's final words before His ascension, He said...
And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Act 1:4,5
D. John made a clear difference in his "baptism", and Jesus' "baptism".
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: Mat 3:11
E. And of course the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy is clearly seen in Acts 2:1-16 ..."this IS that"...
3. The Command's Of Our LORD,
to "His disciples" Concerning The Holy Ghost.
A. Before His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus told his disciples of The "coming Comforter" and of the "baptism in the Holy Ghost". John 16: 7-15
B. After his resurrection, and before His ascension: Jesus who is "The WORD", told his "believers to go, and tarry or wait for the "promise of The Father", and not do anything before this happened.
C. The Holy Ghost baptism was for the believer to be.
Empowered - " you shall receive POWER, AFTER that THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU"!
The Spirit gives the believer the rights, and authority to do the works of Christ.(in the Spirit) e.g. case in point Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Entrusted - "ye shall be witnesses unto me"(note this was speaking of them, after that the Holy Ghost had come upon them)....This is Christ's seal of approval on those who are truly called to share "His Gospel".
Embolded - Boldness to speak the truth in a world full of lies, and deception (they didn't merely come to say something,(they weren't motivational speakers) they had SOMETHING TO SAY!)
(many preachers preach, to "not" offend their congregation, WHY?
They need the Holy Ghost baptism! Then they would understand that..."it is the GOODNESS of GOD THAT LEADETH THEE TO REPENTENCE" Rom. 2:4)
Many pastors are committing spiritual adultery, HOW? they are in the Freemasons which is an evil satanic cult, Why can't they see this?
They need the baptism in The Holy Ghost. Then they would have "discernment".
back to Boldness in Acts 2:14-47: Acts 4:13, 29, 31:
4. The Scriptural Evidence As To "What Is True".
A. Just as The LORD told His Disciples to not do nothing until the Holy Ghost baptism.
And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for thepromise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.Acts 1:4
B. The Early Apostles gave the same attention of This great promise of God for "all the believers in Christ". Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-7 The early church didn't even let anyone wait on tables "without being baptized in the Holy Ghost"REALLY! READ IT HERE Acts 6:3. And look how many "preachers" stand behind pulpits, and not only not baptized in The Holy Ghost, But many blaspheme Him in their teachings.
C. We see all through Acts:That this great promise of God was manifest, after God's WORD is preached under the anointing. Acts 4:31, ; (Acts 8:14-17 READ THIS ONE), Acts 9:10-18; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-7
D. And notice; At the end of Acts there is no "Amen", Why? Because Acts 29 ( or the acts of God's people) are continually being written, Until we see Him face, to face and when that which is perfect will come. The spiritual gifts will be active until the second coming of the LORD. The same God who gave His people His Holy Ghost, Is working in His people today.Acts 2:14-21
5. The Call Of God To YOU, and The Rest of whom the LORD our God shall call.
A. This "promise" is still in effect.
Acts 2:38,39
B. The "recipients" in The Early church did not receive this gift once, and for all. They came, again, and again.
C. This helper, is a great help in earnest prayer.
Romans 8: 26-27
D. This Gift, will work to convict the lost who hear it, and will be convinced of all! ( can you see why Satan fights this Bible doctrine so hard) 1 Corin. 14:22-25
E. This gift is used to edify the believer, and the church. 1 Corin. 14:27-31 see also...
1 Corin. 14: 39,40
F. The Word tells us to... Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
G. So in closing Christian... He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? Act 19:2
IS HE Calling YOU! Come and Receive this promise!
WHY?
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.
