Baptism in The Holy Ghost (3)

Friday 21st September

Question: What is the significance of the filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?

Points covered in the last discussion:
1. It meant the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise of God in Joel 2:28-29 to pour out His Spirit upon all His people in the end times.
2. Since the last days of this age had begun everyone was now confronted with the decision to repent and believe in Christ.

New Points covered:

3. The disciples were 'endued with power from on high'

    Jesus said this would happen in Luke 24:49, it did happen in Acts 1:8 and the people noticed (Acts 4:13,33). 'Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.' Acts 4:13

Peter and John were totally different after the filling of the Holy Spirit compared to previously. Their boldness made them stand up and speak out in front of people who questioned them and even threatened them. Stephen is another example of someone who spoke boldly after being filled with the Holy Spirit. He was not intimidated by threats (Acts 6) , but instead he had the face of an angel.

See also Romans 15:19, John 16:8

1 Corinthians 14:!3-15, 18-19 and Romans 8:26 talk about speaking in tongues It's an 'unknown tongue' that we have not learned, but have been gifted with. If we pray with the spirit and then with understanding, we know what we said in tongues. Paul encouraged people to pray in tongues but with an interpretation so that the church may be edified.

4. Those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit longed for others to be saved (Just as the Spirit longs for people of every nation to be saved). 

Romans 10:1 'Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.'

 Romans 9:1-3 Paul refers to a great heaviness (burden) in his heart that others would be saved.

Acts 2:28-40 Paul longed for others to be saved and urged them when he spoke

Acts 1:8 Having the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses

5. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples became ministers of the Spirit. They led others into the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 2:38-39 The promise is for all to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Acts 8:17 Believers in Samaria received the Holy Spirit after the disciples prayed for them.

Acts 9:17-18, When Ananias prayed for Saul, he prayed that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 First time for the Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit when Peter was preaching to Cornelius. They spoke with tongues too and then got baptised with water.

Acts 19:6-7 John the Baptist's disciples received the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues after Paul laid hands on them.

The Holy Spirit enables us to do the work of the Lord. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for us today and being anointed by His power is essential for the ministry we are doing.