The Holy Spirit-Part 5

Oct 31

We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a sermon group discussion. CLICK HERE to find a discussion group. Enjoy!

Sermon Title: Baptism in the Spirit

Main Scripture: Acts 2:17-18; Acts 1:4-5 & 8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 8:9-17

If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read the provided scripture to catch everyone up!

Summary:

Pastor Ryan took us on a deep dive into the doctrine of Baptism in the Holy Spirit. We learned that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Spirit, the promise of the Spirit, and baptism in the Spirit were all referring to the same experience…the infilling power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers to be powerful witnesses for God. Long ago, God planned to fill us with power through the Spirit and that culminating and pivotal moment began on the day of Pentecost. Pastor Ryan helped us understand the different baptisms and their purposes. The first baptism is to be placed or immersed into the family of God through faith in Christ. The second or third could be either water baptism or Spirit-baptism. Both water and spirit baptism happens subsequent or following faith in Christ for salvation. Pastor Ryan shared how he was blessed to learn that Jesus baptizes us in the Spirit. Jesus dips or immerses us in the Spirit, this implies a personal and close moment where Jesus is once again working on our behalf. We learned that every baptism has a sign or physical evidence and for Spirit-baptism it is speaking in tongues. But the big question that we ended on in this sermon is, why should we seek the baptism in the Spirit? Jesus wants to baptize His followers in the Spirit. The baptism in the Spirit is a birthright and promised gift of power for all believers. The baptism of the Holy Spirit transforms us to be powerful witnesses in a world that Jesus longs to save.

Notes:

Pastor, evangelist, and radio broadcaster of the Assemblies of God, C.M. Ward once said, "Pentecostal is an experience, not a denomination." Somehow being baptized in the Holy Spirit became something that only happens in certain denominations rather than the universal church. I have news for everyone though. People of every denomination are experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit because the Spirit's infilling of power is for all of God's children and not exclusive to a denomination. Baptism in the Spirit wasn’t even a doctrine that was questioned or argued, Spirit baptism was fundamental teaching (Hebrews 6:1-2) and experience in the early church that continues today.

When I learned more about the Holy Spirit’s purpose in my life and why I needed to be baptized in the Holy Spirit it helped me to seek this important promise of power that is for all believers.

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Also called the Promise of the Father.)

Joel prophesied about the promise of the Holy Spirit pouring out on believers: (I’m using Peter’s quote of the prophet Joel on the day of Pentecost.)

Acts 2:17-18 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy.
The last days is a time when Jesus would bring salvation to the world. The last days began with the coming of Christ into this world and will end at His second coming. The last days are a time of prophetic witnessing, calling everyone to turn to God, believe in Christ and experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is a missional period for the church and the Holy Spirit has come to empower us for it.

All four Gospels recorded John the Baptist prophesying that Jesus would baptize us in the Spirit.

Matt. 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Also in Mark 1:8; Luke 3;16; John 1:33

Jesus confirms this baptism in the Spirit:

Acts 1:4-5 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus tells His closest followers to wait for the Spirit to come upon them:

Luke 24:46-49 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The fullness of power, the promised gift of Holy Spirit comes:

Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Spirit, the promise of the Spirit, and baptism in the Spirit is all referring to the same experience, the infilling power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers to be powerful witnesses for God. This doctrine is part of the redemption narrative through our scripture. Salvation is proclaimed throughout the world by Spirit-Empowered witnesses, followers of Christ, for all generations to come… Acts 2:39

What does the word Baptism mean?

The verb baptize (baptizo) literally means “to dip” or “immerse.” “Spirit baptism is an intense spiritual experience through which the lives of believers are immersed into the Spirit of God. They are surrounded, covered, and filled with the power and presence of God. Like a garment that has been dipped and soaked in water or dye, they find themselves surrounded, covered, and filled with the power and presence of the Spirit.” Like being saturated in the power and presence of the Spirit.

How is the Baptism of the Spirit different from other baptisms mentioned in the Bible?

There are three different types of baptism. Ephesians 4:5 is referring to only one way into the body of Christ, context is key there.

1 Corinthians 12:13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

R.A Torrey says, “In regeneration, there is the impartation of life by the Spirit's power, and the one who receives it is saved: in the baptism with the Holy Spirit, there is the impartation of power, and the one who receives it is fitted for service.”

Example: Acts 8:9-17

Context: The church was persecuted and scattered. Phillip went to a city in Samaria and the Spirit was giving him great success there. Crowds witnessed miraculous signs, evil spirits came out of many, and those paralyzed and crippled were healed through his ministry.

How do we know they received and were baptized in the Holy Spirit by Jesus?

The initial physical evidence is speaking or praying in tongues.

Acts 2:4 at Pentecost
Implied by Simon in Acts 8:18
Acts 10:45-46 at Cornelius’ house
Acts 19:6 Believers in Ephesus
Speaking in tongues serves as an outward manifestation, enabled by the Spirit (not forced by us). Tongues have been defined as an inspired utterance whereby the believer’s spirit and the Holy Spirit join in verbal praise and/or prophecy.
Speaking in tongues gives believers assurance that they have indeed been baptized in the Spirit.

Why be baptized?

Jesus wants to baptize His followers in the Spirit.
- Luke 11:13 So if you sinful people 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.”
- Acts 1:4-5; Luke 24:49
The baptism in the Spirit is a birthright and promised gift of power for all believers - Acts 2:39
The baptism of the Holy Spirit transforms us to be powerful witnesses in a world that Jesus longs to save - Acts 1:8
- Dunamis or Dynamis: Dynamite power. The word for power (dynamis) comes from a verb that means “to be able” or “to have strength.” The baptism in the Holy Spirit will bring the personal power of the Holy Spirit into our lives.
- In the book of Acts, power refers to the working of miracles, power for bearing witness to Christ, and power over the devil. Baptism in the Spirit gives us power from the Holy Spirit to influence others to accept Christ.
- Spirit-Baptism is supernatural, charismatic empowerment that equips the church to fulfill its mission in the world.
- God wants His church to be a movement, not a monument.
- If the followers who lived and learned from Jesus needed to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for life and ministry then we do too.

If you’ve tried to be a witness and have been discouraged or unproductive don't quit. Try again but this time ask Jesus to baptize and fill you with the power of the Spirit.

Do you believe this promise and gift is yours as well? Begin to ask, seek and wait with Jesus so He will pour the Holy Spirit upon you.

Takeaways:

"Pentecostal is an experience, not a denomination.” C.M. Ward
Tongues have been defined as an inspired utterance whereby the believer’s spirit and the Holy Spirit join in verbal praise and/or prophecy.
Speaking in tongues gives believers assurance that they have indeed been baptized in the Spirit.
Jesus wants to baptize His followers in the Spirit.
The baptism in the Spirit is a birthright and promised gift of power for all believers God wants
God wants His church to be a movement, not a monument.

Discussion:

What scripture verse spoke to you and why?
When you hear Pastor Ryan say, “Jesus wants to baptize His followers in the Spirit” how does that make you feel about this experience?
What’s powerful about the thought of Jesus being the baptizer?
Why would we want to be baptized in the Spirit?
What was a big takeaway for you from today’s message?
How can we seek the baptism in the Spirit this week?
What questions do you still have about this doctrine?

The most important decision you will ever make!

Are you ready to experience salvation and be transformed we encourage you to say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I see my sin and how wrong it is. I see how without Jesus I’m lost. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me from my sin, my past, this world, and your judgment. I repent, I turn away from that life and I put my faith and life in Jesus! Amen!

We would love to know if you made the decision to accept this wonderful gift from God. Let us know here.

Pray Together

We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!

Calvary Church