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HELEN SANDERS
7-27-2021
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PART 2
Yesterday we talked about how the disciples received salvation when Jesus breathed on them. I shared how Jesus spoke to me about himself having two experiences and I decided if it was good enough for him it was good enough for me.
The last words of someone are especially important. In Acts 1, Jesus told his disciples that John the Baptist had baptized with water, but they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost in a few days. (Acts 1:5.) He then told them to not leave Jerusalem but to wait to be empowered after the Holy Ghost came upon them to be a witness. (Acts 1:8.) This was the last physical conversation that they had with Jesus. After telling them this he ascended into heaven.
They went to an upper room in Jerusalem where 120 persons including the disciples, the women that followed Jesus, and Mary, Jesus’ mother along with his brothers and sisters came together in unity, in one accord. After voting for someone to replace the traitor Judas, they cast lots and Matthias was chosen to take Judas’ place. They were in that room for about 10 days awaiting the promise that Jesus said would come.
In Acts chapter 2 Pentecost had fully come and the Holy Spirit came into the room with a sound like a mighty rushing wind (Acts 2:2) and flames of fire appeared above each person that was there. They were filled (baptized) with the Holy Ghost and each of them began to speak in languages that they had never learned. Now these were unlearned fishermen, and other common men and women that were not educated that were speaking in unknown languages (tongues).
They came out of that upper room into the streets praising God in these unknown languages. Being Pentecost there were people from all over the known world. They were hearing in their languages spoken by these common people the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:11) Some thought they were drunk and mocked them (verse 12).
Then Peter, the same person that didn’t defend Jesus the night he was arrested, and denied him and ran and hid, stood up and boldly started preaching. He was now the witness for Jesus that the Lord had told him that he would be. He declared that what they were seeing is what Joel had promised. Because of this boldness and his preaching of the scriptures, over 3,000 people received salvation.
Some don’t believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is necessary for today. Others think it is only to pray in tongues and build yourself up in your most holy faith. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to you to give you the power to be a witness. It gives you boldness to proclaim the gospel to the lost. It gives you power to defend Jesus and do the works He has called you to do.
Is it still available today? Absolutely! God doesn’t want you weak in your faith. He wants you to be filled up with the Holy Spirit to overflowing so that when you speak it brings conviction to the lost and brings them to salvation. It is not just for the pastor or teacher, or evangelist, apostle, or prophet only. It is for the common person just like you and me as it was in the book of Acts. It is an absolute necessity to receive it to be empowered to serve Christ.
Some believe that this gift ended in the book of Acts, but how unfair that would be to a Christian to not have what he needs to share the gospel and to also build himself up in the love of God.
Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? In Luke 11:11-13 we are told to ask for the Holy Spirit. Salvation must come first then the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t fill vessels that aren’t saved.
I pray that you receive this if you haven’t already. If you have received it then I challenge you to be the witness that God has given you the power to be.
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