Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit – The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a baptism by Christ, by means of the Holy Spirit, whereby we are placed into the body of Christ. The heart of Pastor Alex is not that we would just know more about the Holy Spirit, but that we would truly know Him. The term “baptism of the Holy Spirit” occurs seven times in the New Testament (5X’s as future events (4 gospels and Acts 1), 1X as looking back (Acts 11), and one giving the broad spectrum of what it means (1 Cor 12:13)).
Baptizo means “to dip under or immerse”. In secular Greek, it was used as a reference to dyed fabric. There was a literal transformation of the fabric from one color to another. In the Baptist Church, we believe in water baptism by immersion. When we are water baptized, we are identifying with a local body of believers. At conversation, when we are regenerated in Christ, we are immediately baptized in the Spirit and can identify with the Church Universal.
Remember BIF, the bad guy in Back to the Future, as the angry theologian.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (happens once and is not commanded)
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (happens once and is not commanded)
The Filling of the Holy Spirit (is continual and IS commanded) This is a daily dying of self. We do not need more of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit needs more of us to be yielded to Him.
There is not a normative pattern of the Holy Spirit because His work is unique. What is normative is that God has poured out His Spirit on mankind!
To discuss today
1. Do you want to know more ABOUT the Holy Spirit, or do you truly want to KNOW Him? How do you do that?
2. What is the difference between water baptism and Spirit baptism? Have you received both? When?
3. Do you pursue being filled with the Holy Spirit daily?
4. Will you commit to memorize and meditate on 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”?
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of Your Spirit, that indwelled me at my salvation. Holy Spirit, I want to know You more. Please reveal Yourself to me as I yield my life to you each day. I am grateful for my Baptism of Your Spirit, and I praise You for Your provision for eternity.
