TEXT: ACTS 2:1-21
MEMORY VERSE: Matt 3:11 ‘I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire’ (KJV)
INTRODUCTION
Baptism of the Holy Spirit means to be filled of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the bible recorded that the apostles were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongue as the Spirit gave them utterance (Act 2:4). The external manifestation of a sound like a mighty rushing wind demonstrates the active presence of the Holy Spirit in a powerful way. The fire that sat on each of the apostles symbolised the baptism and consecration of the apostles unto God for the work of glorifying Christ and witnessing for him. (Mat 3:11). After the disciples saw Jesus Chris ascended into heaven, they obeyed the Lord’s command and gathered together and earnestly praying in one accord (Act 1:4). This obedience, fervent expectation and desperate desire gave birth to what happened on the day of Pentecost. (Act 2:4)
BELIEVER’S PREPARATION FOR THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
- Desire-John 7:37-39
- Asking- Luk 11:13
- Expectation- Luk 24:47-4
- Faith- Heb 11:6
WAYS TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
- When praying- Act 2:1-4, 4:31
- Laying on of hand- Act 8:15-18, 19:1-7
- When listening to anointed preaching- Act 10:44
- Asking the father- Luk 11:13
EVIDENCE OF BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN A BELIEVER’S LIFE
- Spirit in tongue – Act 2:1-4, 10:44-45
- Manifestation of the fruit of the spirit- Gat 5:22-23
- Boldness -Act 4:13-16
- Witnessing – Act 2:14-18, 8:5
- Manifestation of the gift of the Spirit- 1 Cor 12:7-11
CONCLUSION
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all who have received Jesus as their Lord and personal saviour- they are born again and have the indwelling of the Spirit. The believers at Ephesus were saved before they receive the Holy Spirit (Act 19:2). Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the today’s church can never manifest God’s power as did by the early church.
