April 13, 2008

Spirit Baptism – Part 2

            Some might think that preaching on Spirit Baptism is unnecessary in the modern era but, on the contrary, it’s quite evident by the personal testimonies of many, many people that this event (happening) is real and intended for the modern church by our Lord. Case in point is the personal testimony we heard today from Bill and Jane Osborne who are far from the ‘kooks’ that some imagine testify to this Baptism of the Holy Spirit in their lives. For more testimonies check out the book “They Found the Secret” that Pasture Scott took a story from in today’s sermon. It’s filled with testimonies of people who portrayed what is being preached in our church.

The pattern of this work by the Holy Spirit is also found in the Old Testament in Exodus 19. The Lord’s appearance in a cloud on Mt. Sinai in verses 9 – 11 was a ‘type’ of “upper room” experience spoken of in Acts 2. Verse 18 of Exodus 19 mirrors the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2: 3.

Also in 1 Chronicles 10 and 11, through the beginning of the reign of David, God was bringing about a new order as He was through the church.

The disciples could be found easily because the leadership and inner circle were all together behind closed doors waiting on what Jesus had promised would be given to them. See Acts 1:12ff.

Here in Acts 2:1-4 we find the power promised by Jesus in Acts 1:8 poured out on this small group of 120 men and women.

In Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 he speaks of this spiritual baptism in verse 13. This coincides with Jesus teaching to Nicodemus in John 3: 4-8.

In John 20:22 Jesus breathes on the Apostles to receive the Holy Spirit. This is no a symbolic act. Something happened here. Something changed but it was different than the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1 – 5.

Jesus prophesies about the work of the Holy Spirit in John 7:37-39.

Jesus promises this power in Acts 1:8. In Acts 2:38 & 39 this power is designated not just for the Apostles or their associates, but for “as many of the Lord our God will call to Himself,” including all of us.

The pastor illustrated that to receive what God has for us, we have to lay some “stuff” down.

What do you propose to lay down in order that you may receive this promised gift of the Holy Spirit?

Well, I’m going to make a list of some of these things and pray that the Lord will help me to lay them down so that I can receive what He has intended for me to have.