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By. My. Spirit. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. “ -Zechariah 4:6. Acts 2:1-4. Holy ghost power. Acts 2:1-4.
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By My Spirit “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. “ -Zechariah 4:6
Acts 2:1-4 Holy ghost power
Acts 2:1-4 1When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Foundational • Jesus commanded the apostles to wait on Him to immerse them in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5) • Baptize comes from the Greek word for full immersion, surrounding, dunking • Of the three signs given at the Day of Pentecost, the only one that is repeatedly present is speaking in tongues. We call this the initial physical evidence
Acts 10:44-46 44While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
Unifying • Peter understood Spirit Baptism as a second work after salvation • The way the Jewish believers knew the Gentiles were believers and Spirit Baptized was through speaking in tongues • Spirit Baptism is meant as a unifyer in the church for woks of service, not a divider • You are not a second class citizen in God’s Kingdom if you are not Spirit Baptized, but you should continually seek to be immersed in the Spirit!
Acts 8:14-19 14Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Powerful • Although speaking in tongues is not specifically mentioned, there is some powerful thing that Simon the Sorcerer wants to buy, something visible and noticeable • It was common to use ritual, methodand formula within paganism to gain control over the gods. Simon seeks it for this purpose as a Sorcerer • We must never abuse the Holy Spirit or any of His gifts, or use them for personal gain. They are for service in His Kingdom!
Acts 19:1-7 1And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
Necessary • Paul is almost obsessed with making sure that water baptism in Jesus’ name and Spirit Baptism are accomplished for the Ephesians • Paul teaches on these essentials and makes sure that the Ephesians receive Spirit Baptism • We must realize that Spirit Baptism is essential to our growing in God, like steps on a ladder, we need to take this step with the Spirit
While You Are Waiting • We will notice that in almost every instance, the people waiting on God are worshipping God. Worship opens the floodgates for the Spirit to immerse us! • We must be patient and not attempt to speak on our own, but allow the Spirit to take control • Surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow yourself to be used by Him in power!