THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. WE BELIEVE!
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
I have a glass of water. I pour water in the glass. I fill the glass to the capacity. The glass is full! I then take the full glass and submerge it in the pitcher of water. Now the glass is not only full, the glass is surrounded by the water. I liken this as the infilling and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE: I BELIEVE IN THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH THE INITIAL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GIVES THE UTTERANCE.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE OLD TESTAMENT RECORDS AND PROPHESIED THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
JOEL LOOKED DOWN THE SCOPE OF TIME. JOEL FORETOLD THE EXPERIENCE OF GOD’S FULLNESS.
Joel 2:28 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.
8 TIMES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT RECORDS THE SPIRIT IS “IN MEN!”
ELISABETH (A WOMAN) WAS THE FIRST PERSON IN THE NEW TESTAMENT TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT. THEN JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS THE NEXT TO EXPERIENCE THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT.
Luke 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
JOHN TEACHES THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE SOON BE AVAILABLE. HE IS COMING to empower the church.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
JOHN THE BAPTIST SAW A NEW POWER COMING TO BELIEVERS.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8
I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
AS JESUS WAS PREPARING FOR HIS ASCENSION--- JESUS SAYS: PREPARE YOUR HEARTS THERE IS MORE COMING TO YOU. THE POWER IS COMING.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen
GATHER IN UNITY, WAIT! TARRY! WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT THE POWER OF GOD’S SPIRIT WILL FALL OVER THE EARTH. GET READY!
Acts 1:4 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. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A GIFT TO RECEIVE POWER --- UNSEEN STRENGTH --- A GREAT POWER TO WITNESS.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that 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 part of the earth.
THE BIBLE TEACHES THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A SECOND (DEEPER) WORK OF GRACE. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS QUALIFICATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS.
GOD REQUIRES A CLEAN HEART TO IN WHICH TO DWELL.
Exodus 19:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
THE PREACHERS WERE NOT LOOKING FOR SINNERS, BUT RATHER DISCIPLES, THOSE FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS. WHEN WE SEE JESUS WE WILL DESIRE A PURE HEART AND WE WILL FIND GOD.
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,
CORNELIUS WAS A PRAYER, A GIVER AND A DEVOUT SERVANT OF GOD.
Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
JOHN WARNS THE BELIEVERS TO FLEE, KEEP AWAY, AVOID EVIL.
We are sanctified through knowing and practicing the truth of the word of God.
John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
TO GO DEEPER WE ARE INTRODUCED TO AN EVIL MAN THAT DESIRES THE HOLY SPIRIT AND IS DISQUALIFIED BY EVIL CHOICE. SIMON THE SOCERER WAS UNCLEAN AND HE MADE THE OFFER TO BUY GOD’S GIFT.
Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
SOME JUMP TO AN INVALID CONCLUSION BY NOT SURVEYING THE WHOLE TRUTH. SOME TEACH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS TRUE FOR THAT DAY AND THEN NEVER AGAIN.
THE FACTS DISPROVE THIS. SEARCH THIS OUT FOR YOURSELF. THERE IS PROOF THAT THE OUT POURING OF THE SPIRIT WAS MORE THAN A ONE TIME EXPERIENCE. THERE ARE 5 OUTPOURINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. 5 NOT 1. EACH TIME THEY SPOKE IN TONGUES
THE FIRST OUTPOURING IS THE HEBREW OUTPOURING.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There are several unique things that occur on the Day of Pentecost. There is a rushing mighty wind. There is a great zeal the thrill of God’s glory. Then there is a visible sign: the tongues like fire. Then they spoke unknown tongues. The only sign that repeats itself after the first out is speaking in tongue.
2. THE OUTPOURING IS ON THE SAMARITANS BELIEVERS.
Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
3. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REST UPON SAUL/PAUL.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
DO WE KNOW IF PAUL SPOKE IN TONGUES. LET US ASK PAUL AND SEE WHAT HE SAYS:
1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
4. THE GENTILE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT CORNNELIUS’ HOUSE. THIS IS ROUGHLY 8 YEARS AFTER THE ACTS CHAPTER 2.
Peter is in prayer when he has a vision with a sheet and Jewish unclean food. He was told he would have visitors and go and do what they asked!
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Peter clearly states how can we refuse to baptize them in water. God had already baptize them with the Holy Spirit and thus qualified them for water baptism.
5. AS WE STUDY DEEPER WE FIND THE 4TH OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHICH WE CALL THE EPHESIAN OUT POURING. THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BEFORE. AGAIN THIS DISPROVES THAT IT IS AUTOMATIC INFILLING WHEN YOU ACCEPT SALVATION.
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, 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. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 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. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.
Teaching are not valid when people teach there is only one outpouring of the Holy Spirit, one time, once for all. We prove in the above scriptures the are 5 outpourings of the Holy Spirit. These 5 outpourings occur over a 20 period from between the outpourings of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. Many deny the written word of God the that proves ACTS IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL.
LET US ALSO ASSERT TONGUES IS AS THE SPIRIT GIVES UTTERANCE.
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.
The precious Holy Spirit is not mocked. He can produce any language He chooses. This can involve inspiration, prophecy, divers tongues, discernment, interpretation and tongues. This is for edification, exhortation, comfort, guidance. The Holy Spirit warned Paul not to go to certain places.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS INTENDED FOR EVERY BELIEVER, THIS IS A PUBLIC GIFT GIVEN TO THE CHURCH NOT JUST TO THE BELIEVER. SOME TEACH THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A GIFT TO THE ELITE, SUPER SAINTS.
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Believers must act in obedience. The Holy Spirit is a lamp, a light that brings harmony and fellowship.
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
God is not a respecter of people. God is the same.
THERE ARE DIVERSITIES OF THE SPIRIT THAT HAVE DISTINCTIONS DIMENSIONS.
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELL IN AN INDIVIDUAL THERE WILL GROW AND PRODUCE CERTAIN FRUITS THAT ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF JESUS CHRIST.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
WHAT GIFT SHOULD A SEEKER SEEK… THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS, CORRECTS, DISCIPLINES, GUIDES, GUARDS AND HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE DEEPER THINGS OF GOD. ANOTHER BENEFIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS IT ENABLES US TO PRAY. WE NEED TO SEEK WHAT GOD DESIRES AND WHAT IS BEST FOR THE CHURCH.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
HOW DO WE PRAY? THERE ARE DIFFERING KINDS OF TONGUES: Devotional, other languages, message and interpretation, moanings and groanings…
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
FEW TEACH BUT THERE ARE GUIDE LINES FOR CONTROL AND ORDER.
The are several teaching about the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. The lessons are interrupted by a lesson on love. The Holy Spirit always operates in Love.
1 Corinthians 14:12 The Holy Spirit edifies.
1 Corinthians 14:13 In public worship we need an interpreter.
1 Corinthians 14: 27--- 2 or 3 at the most.
CONCLUSION: ALL BELIEVERS ARE ENTITLE TO AND SHOULD ARDENTLY EXPECT AND EARNESTLY SEEK THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER AND COMMAND OF JESUS CHRIST OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy spirit is more than optional, he is DESPERATELY NEEDED. God’s Spirit will profit you and the local body. He allows stability and promotes growth. You will be a better person living full of God’s spirit. Don’t stand around GAZING… SEEK THE HOLY SPIRIT’S FULLNESS.
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
