Repentance and Salvation

Transcription

1 Repentance and Salvation I. Who needs salvation? Everyone. A. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:22-23 KJV) B. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17 KJV) C. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12 KJV) II. Who can receive salvation? A. For the scripture saith, Whosoever beliveth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Rom. 10:11-13 KJV) B. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8 KJV) III. How to receive salvation. A. Believe 1. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24 KJV) 2. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47 KJV) B. Confess 1. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Rom. 10:9-10 KJV)

2 2. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 KJV) IV. Jesus our salvation A. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways: To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace. (Luke 1:68-79 KJV) B. Salvation is not only forgiveness of our sins but also means safety, soundness, healing, deliverance and preservation. As a believer these are our rights. V. Repentance A. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38-39 KJV) B. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19 KJV) 1. Greek for repent metanoeo to think differently, reconsider 2. Greek for convert epistepho revert, turn about 3. Greek for blotted exaleipho to smear out, obliterate C. Accepting / Receiving 1. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)

3 2. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38 KJV) 3. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43 KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. (John 1:12 KJV) Authors: Pastor Tony Kemp and Pastor Mark Bowman

4 Baptism I. John s Baptism Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1 A. John s baptism was a temporary provision of God designed to 1. Prepare the people of Israel for their Messiah s arrival; 2. Mark the period of transition from the dispensation of the law and the prophets to that of the Gospel of Christ. 3. Conditions of John s baptism: a) Confession of sin b) Repentance from sin c) John s baptism serves as a visible seal and assurance that these conditions had been met. II. Christian Baptism water A. Reasons And Jesus said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. The he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightaway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. (Matt. 3:15-16 KJV) 1. Manner, pattern or method a. Jesus was not baptized as an infant, but at an age of understanding what and why to do it. b. Jesus was immersed. B. It is a God ordained expression of faith and obedience from a sincere, wholehearted commitment. C. An outward act of obedience to the Father. D. Water baptism goes beyond, yet includes all aspects of John s baptism. 1. Baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ representing the family name of God. I. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matt. 28:19 KJV)

5 III. 2. Speaks not only concerning confession of and repentance from sin, but justification and sanctification through faith in Christ s death and resurrection. 3. Christian baptism is an outward act of obedience by which the Christian believer fulfills or completes the inward righteousness which he already enjoys in his heart through faith in Christ s redeeming death and resurrection. Conditions for water baptism. A. Repentance. 1. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-38 KJV) B. Believing faith 1. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16 KJV) 2. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went; and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (Acts 8:26-39 KJV)

6 IV. C. A good conscience 1. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 3:21 KJV) 2. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb. 9:11-14 KJV) 3. This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrate for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). (Heb. 10:16-23 KJV) D. Being taught 1. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28:19-20 KJV) Spiritual significance What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness

7 of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead if freed from sin. (Rom. 6:1-7 KJV) E. Death and burial unto sin 1. One who avails himself of God s grace is dead to sin and old lifestyle. Dead flesh can t sin. 2. Resurrection unto newness of life a) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Rom. 6:11-12,14 KJV) b) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Rom. 8:10 KJV) c) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness. (I Peter 2:24 KJV) d) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 KJV) e) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom. 6:6, 11 KJV) Knowing knowledge of the truth i. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.(hosea 4:6 KJV) ii. Then Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32 KJV) Reckoning counting it done i. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal. 3:27 KJV)

8 f) Salvation involves death, burial and resurrection Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Col. 2:12 KJV) V. Summary A. We are baptized into Christ Jesus, not into any particular church, sect or denomination 1. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal. 3:27 KJV) B. The effect of baptism depends upon the personal faith of the one baptized; it is through the faith of the operation of God. Without faith ceremony is of no effect. C. The believer who is water baptized commits himself to a new life unto God and righteousness, lived in total dependence upon the power of the Holy Spirit 1. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. (Rom. 1:4 KJV) 2. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Rom. 8:10 KJV) Authors: Pastor Tony Kemp and Pastor Mark Bowman Baptism in the Holy Spirit I. God s promised gift A. Only those who are born of God can receive the Holy Spirit. A.1. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for

9 ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:15-18 KJV) A.2. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:32 KJV) B. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience subsequent to the new birth. Only a child of God can receive, and it is not automatic upon receiving eternal life. B.1. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:5-8, 12 KJV) B.2. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16 KJV) B.3. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19:1-7 KJV) C. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not required to receive eternal life. It is commanded and expected by God that all who believe will follow Him and be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

10 II. C.1. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. (Mark 16:17 KJV) C.2. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:9-13 KJV) C.3. And returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things unto the eleven and to the rest. (Luke 24:9 KJV) C.4. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:37-39 KJV) Why Tongues A. Jesus said believers shall speak with new tongues. 1. And these signs shall follow that them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. (Mark 16:17 KJV) B. Baptism in the Holy Spirit moves the believer into the Spirit-filled, Spiritcontrolled, Spirit-empowered life. 1. James 3 C. Evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit 1. Five New Testament accounts of baptism in the Holy Spirit a. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a

11 rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 1:13-14, 2:2-4 KJV) b. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Acts 10:44-48 KJV) C.4.a. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. (Acts 19:1-7 KJV) C.4.b. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it

12 had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (Acts 9:17-19 KJV) C.4.c. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: What, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:14-20 KJV) C.4.d. Of these five, speaking with tongues is the only manifestation common to all accounts where particular manifestations were named. In the last two accounts it states that Paul spoke with tongues (d) and tongues was evidence that the Apostles and others received the Holy Ghost. These directly connect this experience with Jesus as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. D. Objections answered 1. Do all speak with tongues? The scripture makes a difference between tongues as a prayer or a devotional language for speaking to God and divers kind of tongues with interpretation of tongues. A.1.a) One of the manifestations of the Spirit set in the church by God is a message primarily for the church or other individuals. Tongues is available to Christians who will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. A.1.a.a. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit

13 prayeth, but my understanding in unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (I Cor. 14:2, KJV) A.1.b) These verses clearly indicate that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for all who will receive Him. A.1.b.a. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of all sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38-39 KJV) A.1.c) These scriptures also speak of praying in the Spirit as a means of spiritual warfare and building up of the believer. A.1.c.a. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Eph. 6:18 KJV) A.1.c.b. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. (Jude 20) 2. Have tongues ceased? a. I Corinthians 13:8-13 speaks of the fact that when that which is perfect has come, tongues, among other things, shall be done away with. The passage also says that we shall know at that time even as we are known. No longer hindered in how we see things. We have the Bible which is perfect, but our understanding is not. Therefore, tongues are still valid today. The context also speaks of perfect or mature love which is the goal in the development of the saints.

14 a. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Cor. 13:8-13 KJV) b. Ephesians 4:11-16 reveals that Christ has given five ministry gifts in the church until it comes to a certain state of maturity. a. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and even some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph. 4:11-16 KJV) 3. Emotionalism a. No scripture mentions emotion as evidence or a consequence of receiving the Holy Spirit. Emotions may result because man is an

15 III. emotional creature. Physical reactions are mentioned in response to God or demons. The benefits of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. A. Power to witness 1. And, behold, I send the promise of my father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49 KJV) 2. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth form the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. (John 15:26-27 KJV) 3. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 KJV) 4. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. (Acts 6:8-10 KJV) B. Entry into a supernatural / Spirit-filled life. 1. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly things, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:15-20 KJV) 2. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, lord, thou

16 art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, who thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of the holy child Jesus. And when they prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:23-31 KJV) C. Supernatural help in prayer 1. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-27 KJV) 2. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and

17 supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Eph. 6:10-18 KJV) D. Increased understanding of scripture 1. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26 KJV) 2. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13 KJV) E. Guidance in God s will. 1. For as many as are lead by the Spirit of God, they are sons of God. (Rom. 8:14 KJV) 2. John 16:13 see above F. Increase of God s love and the fruit of the Spirit 1. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. (Jude 20) 2. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (I Cor. 14:4 KJV) 3. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying each other. (Gal. 5:16-26 KJV) G. Worship God on His level in the Spirit

18 IV. 1. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24 KJV) H. Power over satan 1. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (II Cor. 10:3-6 KJV) How to receive and minister the baptism in the Holy Spirit. A. Receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit 1. Be born again and believe you will receive a. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17 KJV) b. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier that I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Luke 3:16 KJV) c. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5 KJV) d. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38-39 KJV) 2. Desire the Holy Spirit a. In the last day, that great day of feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth

19 on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of the living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39 KJV) 3. Yield and speak in an unknown language. a. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. (Mark 16:17 KJV) b. And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4 KJV) c. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19:6 KJV) d. No one speaks or drinks with their mouth closed. The Holy Ghost uses your mouth, your tongue, and your voice to give utterance. 4. Receive with an attitude of praise, worship and thanksgiving. a. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (I Cor. 15:14-17 KJV) 5. Receiving by the laying on of hands. a. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:: Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:14-17 KJV) B. How to minister the baptism in the Holy Spirit 1. Check the person s salvation 2. Pray that they receive a. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:15 KJV) 3. Have the person pray and ask for the Holy Spirit

20 a. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:24 KJV) 4. Limit distractions, be in an attitude of worship 5. Read scripture to the person pertaining to the baptism in the Holy Spirit 6. Let the person know they will receive the Holy Spirit when hands are laid on them. Instruct them to yield their tongue. 7. Be led by the Spirit and the Word always. These are suggestions to help them, not rules. Authors: Pastor Tony Kemp and Pastor Mark Bowman