Video Discription |
May 19, 2024, 9:00 a.m. Service, Lead Pastor Andrew McLean.
In this sermon from our series "The Promise," we delve into the often misunderstood subject of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians are confused about the Holy Spirit, mistakenly associating it with odd behaviors exhibited by some individuals. It's crucial to clarify that the Holy Spirit is not weird—people can be, but the Holy Spirit itself is a profound gift from God offering comfort, counsel, intercession, conviction, and power.
The Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual journey. Without a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, we struggle to live our faith effectively, relying solely on our own strength, which inevitably leads to discouragement. My prayer is for each of us to cultivate a daily, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The Great Commission and the Holy Spirit
After His resurrection, Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, instructing us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus emphasized the necessity of waiting for the Holy Spirit before embarking on this mission. In Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4-5, Jesus instructed His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit's power, highlighting the importance of waiting, receiving, and then going forth.
The Concept of Baptism
When we hear "baptism," we typically think of water, but it's much more. Imagine yourself as a sponge, capable of being filled with a substance (the Holy Spirit) and then being wrung out to release that substance onto others. The Greek word for baptism, "baptizo," means to immerse, and the Bible references several baptisms involving the Holy Spirit.
Three Baptisms for Believers
There are three distinct baptisms every believer can experience:
Baptism of Salvation or Repentance:
This is the first baptism, where the Holy Spirit draws us to repentance and commitment to Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:13 states, "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." This baptism is the work of the Holy Spirit leading us to repentance and new birth in Christ.
Romans 2:4 emphasizes that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. This initial step transforms us into new creations, activating the Holy Spirit within us.
Water Baptism:
This is an outward sign of the inner work of salvation. Colossians 2:12 describes it as being buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life. Water baptism symbolizes the death and burial of our old selves and the emergence of a new creation. It’s a public declaration of our faith and an important step in our spiritual journey.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit:
This baptism, mentioned in all four Gospels, involves Jesus baptizing us with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist spoke of it in Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, and John 1:33. The Day of Pentecost marked the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers with a supernatural presence that remains within them.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill God’s mission with strength and power beyond our capabilities.
Experiencing the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a remarkable gift that empowers us for God’s work. Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:45-47 describe the Holy Spirit as a gift for believers, emphasizing its role in empowering and transforming our lives. Jesus promised this gift to His disciples in John 16:7 and Luke 24:49.
Practical Application and Call to Action
The Holy Spirit dwelling within us makes us stronger and better equipped to carry out God’s mission. It’s not about being better than others but about being empowered beyond our natural abilities. The evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit in Scripture is speaking in tongues, which we refer to as a prayer language at our church.
There’s often controversy around the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues due to misunderstandings, bad representations, and spiritual opposition. However, it’s essential to recognize the Holy Spirit as a divine gift meant to empower us for God’s purposes.
Invitation
I invite you to continue exploring this topic in our series and to pray for an openness to receive all that God has for us. If you haven’t experienced the baptism of salvation or repentance, consider taking that step today. If you’re ready to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and your prayer language, pray with faith and openness.
Let’s embrace the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing it to transform us and empower us for the mission God has given us. [lr80Ui69vF4] |