LESSON 1. THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT.
INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANCE OF UNFORGIVABLE SIN.
Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.KJV
Willie Mullen said tongues of Devil:sick:shot himself as believed impossible to be lost:others followed.
NEVER MAKE A MISTAKE IN NOT RECOGNIZING H.G.gifts
Ii) BECOME SON THROUGH RECEIVING CHRIST.Born of Spirit.
John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV)
(II) GOD THE FATHER WISHES TO GIVE SINCE:
(a) He loves to give
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
(b) HE gives us the means to help others
Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luke 11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
Luke 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Illustration: CALL OF MOSES: Burnng Bush = miracles attract attention: empowered to deliver Nation in answer to prayer. Ex chp 2.
NOT BETTER CHRISTIAN: BUT BETTER EQUIPPED CHRISTIAN.
(c) Father wishes us to know Himself & Jesus in DEEP WAY
2 COR 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
(D) Father God wants to show Himself to the Church & the world
John 15:26 when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Heb 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (
LACK OF SUPERNATURAL LEADS TO SPIRITUAL DECLINE
Prov 29:18 Where there is no
vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
1. WHAT IS THE BAPTISM ?
(A) Greek signifies a TOTAL IMMERSION.
(Illustration of water and Bottle)
Not receiving Spirit in New Birth or ANOINTED, or FULNESS
(i) GREEK IS TOTAL IMMERSION.
New realm of Heaven is entered by the Spirit as we die to old realm
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (KJV)
(B) WE GET FORETASTE OF POWERS OF WORLD TO COME
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (KJV)
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Illustration: Jesus in Jordan with John Baptist. Heaven opened.
When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. NKJV
IN THIS REALM MIRACLES ARE NATURAL TO FAITH
Gal 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (KJV)
(C) THIS GIVES US A HEAVENLY VIEW OF JESUS:
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
THIS VISION SUSTAINED STEPHEN IN MARTYRDOM
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (KJV)
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (KJV)
(D) THIS IS A GIFT AND NOT THE EXPERIENCE OF HOLINESS, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO WATER BAPTISM . (Romans 6 and 1 Peter 3:21-4:5)
Rom 6:1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (KJV)
Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (KJV)
1 Pet 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
It cannot be earned or paid for (Acts 8) , but can be refused to disobedient
IT IS THE SPECIAL WORK OF CHRIST TO BRING IT IN TO US.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptise with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
2. WHY IS BAPTISM OF SPIRIT GIVEN
(a) POWER FOR SERVICE.
The Baptism is given for POWER IN SERVICE
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV)
TO CONTINUE THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TODAY
John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (KJV)
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (KJV)
RESTORATION OF LOST POWER@
(a) Book of acts power
Acts 2:17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,Your young men shall see visions,Your old men shall dream dreams.
NKJV
(b) Rediscovery of power
Lamentations 5:1 Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.KJV
1500 Luther = JUSTIFICATION
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:KJV
1700. Wesley = SANCTIFICATION
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?KJV
1900. Pentecostals. = POWER FOR SERVICE
Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?KJV
1970 Renewal Limitations. Going back to old rather than forward.
1980. Five Fold Ministry & Army of God
Ephesians 4:11-13
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:KJV
(b) RESULTS OF THE EXPERIENCE ARE;
(i) GUIDANCE INTO TRUTH
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV)
(ii) SEAL AND ASSURANCE OF BEING CHILD OF GOD
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (KJV)
(iii) NEW POWER IN PRAYER AND PRAISE
Eph 1 :16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, :19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, :19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, :21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
Compare High Prest clothed & able to pray for the people.
We hear SOUND of Jesus alive in Heavenly Place through tongues.
(iv) GOD COMES UPON US IN FULL POWER AT THE BAPTISM
JOHN 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure (unto him.)
ALTHOUGH WE MAY NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND IT AT THE TIME:
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (KJV)
Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (KJV)
1 Cor 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (KJV)
iv) REST, REFRESHMENT & HEALING FOR BODY & SPIRIT .
Why tongues? This goes beyond natural limitations of being tired
ENABLES US TO PRAY WHEN DRIVING ETC. as MIND NOT INVOLVED
1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in this way, my spirit prays indeed, but my mind has no part in it. TEV
1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive
AMP
THIS IS PROMISED IN TO as a result of tongues.
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Isaiah 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (KJV)
(vi) BOLDNESS IN PLACE OF SHYNESS AND FEAR
2 Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
BAPTISM ENABLES US TO LIVE IN THE POWER OF GOD in power, love and healthy mind.
Word for gifts is not in original Greek.
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.KJV
Greek has “spirituals”
1 Corinthians 12:1 Peri\ de\ tw=n pneumatikw=n, a)delfoi/, ou) qe/lw u(ma=$ a)gnoei=n
(from Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 27 th Edition © 1898 and 1993 by Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart. Used by permission.)
1 Corinthians 12:1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:NKJV
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you, that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
NASB
BAPTISM MEANS IMMERSION IN TO GOD and GIFTS are way sin which God show sHimself acting.
These are NINE WAYS IN WHICH GOD SHOWS HIMSELF ACTING.
NINE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT SHOWING GOD'S FULLNESS NOW OPERATING
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (KJV)
THIS IS DETAILED IN NINE WAYS;
1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; :9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (KJV)
3.HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE RECEIVED IT ? EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM.
ONLY SCRIPTURAL PROOF IS TONGUES
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (KJV)
THIS PROMISE IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS AND REPEATS PENTECOST
Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?KJV
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (KJV)
YOU MUST HAVE BIBLE BACKING TO DEFEAT SATAN
Matt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)
EVEN PETER PREACHED THIS AT PENTECOST:
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; (KJV)
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (KJV)
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (KJV)
TONGUES ARE GIVEN TO ENABLE NEW WORSHIP OF GOD, NOT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. (In Acts 2 this was done in Hebrew)
1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in
the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (KJV)
UNBELIEVERS SOMETIMES RECOGNISE LANGUAGE and this miracles raises their interest
1 Cor 14:22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that
believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for
them which believe. (KJV)
4. MAIN OBJECTIONS ARE ;
(i) NOT ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES
1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (KJV)
This arises from lack of discrimination of the SIGN of tongues to praise God and GIFT of Message in tongues to warn men -- which requires Interpretation and is here specifically mentioned.
cf. Daniel 5:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. (KJV)
Daniel 5:25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE,
TEKEL, UPHARSIN. (KJV)
Daniel 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath
numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. (KJV)
Daniel 5:27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found
wanting. (KJV)
Daniel 5:28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes
and Persians. (KJV)
Daniel 5:29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. (KJV)
Praising in tongues DOES NOT require Interpretation, BUT ALL Christians should receive tongues (as Cornelius did according to JESUS
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (KJV)
Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (KJV)
Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
TONGUES MUST NOT BE FORBIDDEN
1 Cor 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. (KJV)
(ii) BAPTISM IS NOT FOR TODAY
1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
KJV
This view declining as 25 million speak in tongues
Bible promised it for LAST DAY beginning at Pentecost.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; (KJV)
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (KJV)
TONGUES WILL ONLY CEASE WHEN WE COME FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS
1 Cor 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV)
1 Cor 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (KJV)
1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1 Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV)
1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to
face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
BESTOWMENT OF BAPTISM WAS NEVER LIMITED TO APOSTLES AS ANANIAS BESTOWED IT ON PAUL
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. (KJV)
(iii) I RECEIVED IT WHEN I WAS SAVED
THIS IS POSSIBLE IF YOU SPOKE IN TONGUES. Acts 10:45-46
Samaritans received it later through laying on of hands which seems normal way to receive
Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
at Ephesus
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (KJV)
Even children can receive
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. )
(iv) MANY GOOD MEN NEVER SPOKE IN TONGUES
JOHN BAPTIST NEVER DID A MIRACLE , YET HE SAW OWN NEED OF BAPTISM
Matt 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of
thee, and comest thou to me? (KJV)
ALL CHRISTIANS HAD THIS IN EARLY CHURCH
1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (KJV)
LET US FOLLOW BIBLE AND NOT
TRADITIONS
(v) TONGUES MAY BE MADE UP
GOD WILL NEVER ALLOW FAKE EXPERIENCE TO SINCERE SEEKER
Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (KJV)
Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (KJV)
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (KJV)
ONLY A GENUINE EXPERIENCE CAN SHOW UP FALSE ONE
5. HOW DO I RECEIVE ?
ANOINTING OF GOD IS ESSENTIAL
(A) BELIEVE GOD'S PROMISE FOR EVERYONE
Luke 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)
(B) HAVE HANDS LAID ON YOU AS POINT OF CONTACT
2 Tim 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (KJV)
2 Tim 1:6 For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. (ASV)
(C) BREATHE IN SPIRIT, GLORIFY JESUS AND SPEAK OUT ALOUD. SPIRIT WILL GIVE UTTERANCE
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (ASV)
(D) NEVER DOUBT OR FEAR BUT CONTINUE SPEAKING & LIVE HOLY LIFE
Eph 5:13 But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light. (ASV)
(E) HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND PRACTICE THIS EXPERIENCE . This is HOLY anointing oil, not for the world or to be imitated.
.
6. HOW CAN WE KNOW TRUE GUIDANCE ? (A) BAPTISM INTO THE SPIRIT brings us under the control of God, and gives GUIDANCE for other Gifts to work.
(B ) HEALING for example, develops after Baptism in the Spirit.
(i) SIGN OF HEALING is when two Believers AGREE. (Disciples healed sick even before Pentecost)
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (KJV)
Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)
(ii) GIFT OF HEALING is when man of God is guided to heal somebody not believing.
Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is
called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; (KJV)
Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. (KJV)
Acts 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. (KJV)
Acts 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. (KJV)
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (KJV)
Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (KJV)
Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (KJV)
Apostles had passed him on previous occasions without being led to pray for his healing.
GIFT OF HEALING may operate through Christ in YOU feeling the
same sickness in your own body.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
(C) SEEKING GUIDANCE.
After Baptism Jesus was led to seek guidance for this new ministry.
Matt 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted of the devil. (KJV)
Matt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV)
(c) GUIDANCE IS GIVEN BY MEANS OF :
(i) SCRIPTURES.
Christ was obviously studying O.T. Scriptures following Israel's "Baptism" in the Red Sea and journey through wilderness, and his replies to the Devil are all from these books.
After blessing often comes a PERIOD OF TESTING to make us depend more on the WORD OF GOD and less on our feelings.
All Gifts will NOT contradict moving of the Spirit in the Bible.
Isaiah 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? (KJV)
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (KJV)
(ii) SURRENDER TO SOLITUDE.
Although Gifts may only be ministered in meetings, prayer IN THE SECRET PLACE IS ESSENTIAL FOR GUIDANCE ON THEIR USE.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (KJV)
Mark 1:36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. (KJV)
Mark 1:37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. (KJV)
Mark 1:38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. (KJV)
A Morning QUIET TIME with God is essential.
A quiet and confident decision is always best, made after a time of prayer.
(iii) SELF DENIAL.
(1) Matt 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered (KJV)
Fasting must include denial of demands of SELF in every form, for waiting on God with right motives, (cf. Isaiah 58)
(2) Never be above the counsels and advice of others.
1 Thes 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)
1 Thes 5:20 Despise not prophesyings. (KJV)
1 Thes 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (KJV)
TEST ALL PROPHECY by submitting it to other prophets.
Check all prophecy against what God has already shown to you, and the fruits of the character of life in the one giving the message.
Matt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (KJV)
Matt 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (KJV)
Matt 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (KJV)
Matt 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (KJV)
Matt 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (KJV)
Matt 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (KJV)
Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
7.HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT IS FALSE ?
God will only provide, where He has first guided so that it is
vital to know His will.
The DEVIL'S VOICE is recognised by :-
(i) DOUBTS
Matt 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (KJV)
This challenged the Word just given to Jesus by God
Matt 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (KJV)
(1) BAPTISM and TONGUES are presented to us as "misleading nonsense"
(2) Devil suggests GOD HAS FORGOTTEN us and is holding something back from us.
Satan told Eve she would not die:
Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (KJV)
She did not die physically but spiritually, by losing her DEPENDENCE
on God as a child for INDEPENDENCE by sense knowledge:
Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (KJV)
(3) Devil suggests you only "imagined " the experience.
KNOW you are God's child AND KNOW THE SCRIPTURES SO WELL THAT YOU LIVE BY THEM (Matt 4:4)
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (KJV)
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (KJV)
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (KJV)
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (KJV)
GOD will NEVER FORSAKE us:
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)
Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)
GOD does NOT give false Gifts:
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (KJV)
TONGUES shows a GENUINE BIBLE BAPTISM
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (KJV)
TRUST GOD'S PROMISES and continue to speak in tongues.
(ii) DEMONSTRATION IMPULSES.
Devil sets him on High pinnacle of Temple & suggests a miracle:
Matt 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (KJV)
(1) SCRIPTURE is used by Satan to push some big miracle and show off power in front of religious leaders of the Nation.
Do not be UNWISE is use of tongues and new gifts.
1 Cor 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (KJV)
(2) WAIT on God's#time and place, following the leading of God in love .
1 Cor 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV)
1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (KJV)
1 Cor 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (KJV)
1 Cor 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV)
THINK OF OTHER PERSON NEEDING GIFT and how they will respond to what you offe r.
(iii) DESIRE FOR WORLDLY POWER AND WEALTH.
Matt 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (KJV)
(1) Satan suggests "don't be too peculiar" or you "will have to be crucified"
(2) Satan suggests not going too far for God (eg Lot) and make money for yourself in the process
Lot's choice was SELFISH and WORLDLY
Gen 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. (KJV)
Gen 13:11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. (KJV)
Gen 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. (KJV)
Worldly people ceased to respect Lot for his standing:
Gen 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. (KJV)
(3) Present world does have a glory but it is NOT LASTING
OUR GLORY is to be part of the WORLD TO COME now here on earth:
Matt 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away(KJV)
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (KJV)
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (KJV)
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (KJV)
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (KJV)
Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (KJV)
Phil 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV)
Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
(KJV)
Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (KJV)
1 Pet 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. (KJV)
1 Pet 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (KJV)
1 Pet 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (KJV)
1 Pet 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (KJV)
1 Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (KJV)
WHEN IN DOUBT; ASK "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO ?"
Matt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain
the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange
for his soul? (KJV)
LESSON 1. THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT
Unforgivable sin. Matt 12:10:30-32
(I) Become a Son through receiving Christ. John 1:12
(ii) Father God then wishes to give the Baptism of the Spirit, because:
(a) He loves to GIVE Luke 6:35
(b) His loving nature gives means to help others.Luke 11:2-12
cf Call of Moses. Exodus chapter 3 to deliver Nation.
(c) He wants us to known Himself & Jesus in deep way.2 Cor.3:17
(d) He wants to show Himself to the Church & world. Jn 15:26
1. WHAT IS BAPTISM ?
(a) Greek shows a TOTAL IMMERSION. (Water & jug)
(b) Foretaste of Heaven. Heb 6:4-5. Lk.3:21.Jesus in Jordan.
(c) Heavenly view of Jesus. John 16:14
(d) Gift and not Holiness, which is attached to water. Rom 6.
2. WHY DOES GOD GIVE THE BAPTISM
(a) Power for SERVICE. Acts 1:8
(B) OTHER RESULTS include:
(i) GUIDANCE into truth. 1 Jn 2:27 (ii) SEAL. Eph 1:13
(iii) POWER IN PRAYER and PRAISE. Eph 1:16-23.cf.High Priest anointed & wore clothes to pray. Exodus chap 28:34=1 Cor.13:1.” Tinkling cymbal”
(iv) FULL GIFTINGS. John 1:16, 3:34
(v) REST AND HEALING. Isa 28:11-12
(vi) BOLDNESS to witness. 2 Tim 1:7
3. EVIDENCE OF RECEIVING BAPTISM
Tongues is BIBLE EVIDENCE Acts 10:45-46
4 MAIN OBJECTIONS
(i) " Not all speak with Tongues." 1 Cor 12:30
(ii) " Baptism not for Today". Acts 2:16-17
(iii) " I received everything when I was saved." NOT in Samaria. Acts 8
(iv) " Many good men never spoke in tongues." cf John Baptist. Matt 3:14
(v) " Tongues may be made up." Luke 11:11-13
5.HOW DO I RECEIVE ?
(a) BELIEVE GOD'S PROMISE. Luke 11:10
(b) Have HANDS LAID ON YOU. 1 Tim 1:6-7
(c) BREATHE in Spirit and SPEAK OUT aloud. Acts 2:4
(d) NEVER DOUBT but continue speaking. Eph 5:13
(e) HAVE FELLOWSHIP with Tongues speaking people. Heb 10:25.cf HOLY ANOINTING OIL. Exodus 30:31-33
6. HOW CAN WE KNOW TRUE GUIDANCE ?
(A) Baptism Leads to Spirit control.
(B) Healing. (i) SIGN of Healing (ii) GIFT of Healing
(C) Seeking Guidance
(i) Scriptures. (ii) Surrender to Solitude (iii) Self denial
7. HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT IS FALSE ?
(i) DOUBTS Matt 4:3
(ii) DEMONSTRATION IMPULSES
(iii) DESIRE FOR WORLDLY POWER AND WEALTH
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?