Nurture
[Session 9]
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
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Reference here.
[Session 9] Introduction In the last study we ‘explored’ the Holy Spirit. When you become a Christian you are ‘baptised’ or ‘born again’ of the Holy Spirit into Christ through faith in Him and what he has done (1 Cor. 12:13). You can’t belong to Christ unless you have this baptism ‘of’ the Holy Spirit (John 3:5) (Rom 8:9). However, at Life Church we believe that baptism ‘in’ the Holy Spirit is different to salvation and water baptism, although it can occur at the same time as either of these events (Acts 19:2-6) (Acts 11:16).
What is baptism in the Holy Spirit? -
It is a unique encounter, experience or blessing (Acts 10:44-48) It is a gift which was promised by Jesus before he returned to heaven (Acts 1:4-5) (Acts 2:1-4). It is being ‘immersed’ in the power and presence of God’s Spirit (Acts 19:6) (Luke 10:21) (Acts 11:24).
Why should you be baptized in the Holy Spirit? -
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To help you to be Christ’s witnesses, pointing people to Christ through your words and actions (Acts 1:8). To empower you to live victorious lives (Acts 1:8). To fill you with boldness and courage (Acts 4:31). To bring you greater joy (Luke 10:21) (Ephesians 5:18-19) (Acts 13:52). To enable you to receive spiritual gifts (Acts 19:6) (1Cor. 12:4-11). To guide and equip you for life and ministry (Luke 4:1, 14, 18-19) (Acts 10:38).
lifechurch
Nurture
[Session 9]
Prayer
[Session 9]
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
So, what next? (Being baptized in the Holy Spirit) How do you receive baptism in the Holy Spirit? -
Come to God and ask him to fill you with His Spirit (Luke 11:11-13) (Acts 2:38). We receive the Holy Spirit by faith, believing that you have received God’s gift (Mark 11:24) (1 John 5:14-15). Ask a leader to pray with you (Acts 19:6).
How do you know if you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit? -
You are unique, so don’t think you have to copy others, but there should be some visible evidence of the Holy Spirit’s supernatural work in and through you. Outer demonstration: You will receive gifts, like speaking in tongues, (Acts 2:1-4) (Acts 19:6) prophecy, (2 Peter 1:20-21) and healing, (Acts 10:38). Inner transformation: for followers of Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just about external gifts and signs, it’s about growing in character and living a transformed life (Acts 1:38-47) (Galatians 5:22-26).
Conclusion If you have not received baptism in the Holy Spirit, and you would like to, then this is your opportunity to respond to God by simply asking Him to fill your life to overflowing with His presence and power.
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