Video Discription |
May 26, 2024, Lead Pastor Andrew McLean.
In today's sermon, we continue our series on "The Promise" concerning the Holy Spirit, beginning with a humorous story about a state trooper who stopped a car of nuns driving too slowly on the interstate. The nun misunderstood the speed limit sign for the interstate number, highlighting how easily we can become confused, much like how confusion exists in understanding the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ today.
Understanding the Three Baptisms
The series aims to eliminate confusion around the Holy Spirit by teaching about three distinct baptism experiences: the baptism of salvation and repentance, water baptism, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Using the term "baptism" makes sense to me, but if you prefer to think of these experiences as stages or steps in the process of being born again, that’s fine. The essential point is recognizing that God wants each of us to experience these baptisms.
Biblical Foundation
The idea is further unpacked using Hebrews 6:1-2, where Paul emphasizes moving beyond basic teachings about Christ to deeper understanding. Paul refers to "baptisms" in the plural, suggesting that experiencing these baptisms is crucial for spiritual maturity and authority.
Historical Context: Day of Pentecost
The birth of the church on the Day of Pentecost is recounted. The Jewish Feast of Pentecost gathered Jews from different regions in Jerusalem, where the Holy Spirit was first poured out on 120 believers, enabling them to speak in different tongues. This miraculous event astonished the bystanders and marked the beginning of the church's mission. Peter clarified that the believers were not drunk but filled with the Holy Spirit, leading many Jews to repent and be baptized.
Acts 2:38 and the Three Baptisms
Peter's response to the convicted listeners in Acts 2:37-38 outlines the three baptisms:
Repentance and Salvation: Repenting from sins and turning to God.
Water Baptism: Following Jesus' example in baptism by immersion.
Receiving the Holy Spirit: The gift of the Holy Spirit must be invited and received.
Further Scriptural Evidence
Acts 8 describes Philip's ministry in Samaria, where new believers experienced salvation and water baptism. Peter and John later prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit, showing the importance of the third baptism. Similarly, Acts 19 details Paul’s encounter with believers in Ephesus who had experienced John’s baptism of repentance but had not received the Holy Spirit. Paul baptized them in Jesus' name, and they received the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying.
1 John 5:7-8: Three Witnesses
1 John 5:7-8 presents the concept of three witnesses in heaven (the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit) and three witnesses on earth (the Spirit, the water, and the blood). This mirrors the three baptisms: the baptism in the Holy Spirit, water baptism, and salvation through repentance.
Practical Application
These baptisms are foundational to every believer’s spiritual journey:
Baptism of Salvation and Repentance: A miraculous work of grace made possible by Jesus' blood, drawing us to repentance and recognizing our need for a Savior.
Water Baptism: An outward response to the inward work of grace, symbolizing the death of our sinful self and resurrection as a new creation. It's a New Covenant counterpart to Old Testament circumcision, signifying a cutting away of the carnal flesh in our hearts.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Empowers us to live righteously, consistent with our position in Christ. The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and writes God's law on our hearts, enabling us to walk in love and righteousness.
Closing Encouragement
Romans 8:1 is highlighted, emphasizing that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk according to the Spirit. Paul’s frustration in Romans 7 with his inability to do good despite wanting to is resolved through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8.
Call to Action
The sermon concludes with a call to openness and readiness to receive all that God has for us. If you’ve never received the Holy Spirit or the baptism of salvation and repentance, now is the time to make that step. The congregation is encouraged to pray for openness and to stand and celebrate what God has done.
Final Remarks
In summary, this sermon underscores the importance of understanding and experiencing the three baptisms as vital steps in our spiritual growth and empowerment. The teachings from Hebrews, Acts, and John support the foundational role these baptisms play in every believer’s life, enabling us to live righteously and fulfill God’s purpose for us. [pj1kHVO6Gn0] |