Today is Pentecost Sunday, when we remember and celebrate the birthing of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. 120 disciples of Jesus Christ, both men and women, waited in prayer and supplication for the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
“[1] When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Acts 1:5 NLT
“John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a term used to describe a movement of the Holy Spirit upon and within the believer; when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and fills and overpowers and submerges them in Him.
Luke 3:16 NASBS
“John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
The Greek word for baptism is: “baptizō” − This means to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge and sink a vessel or utensil. “Baptizō” means to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe.
“Baptizō” also means to overwhelm (overcome/overpower). However, someone used an ancient recipe for making pickles to explain “baptizō.”The recipe says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (baptô) into boiling water and then ‘baptised’ (baptizô) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. However, the first (dipping) is temporary, and the second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
If you dipped a sheet of tissue paper in oil, the oil would not become like the paper, however, the tissue paper would immediately take on the characteristics of the oil. For the tissue paper to maintain the characteristics of the oil, it must remain in the oil.
This is what happens when we are baptised in the Holy Spirit. He does not only fill us, we are also immersed into Him and soaked in Him, until we begin to take on His nature and characteristics. In being baptised in Him, a work of transformation and empowerment begins in us. The transforming work of the Holy Spirit is summed up in the Fruit of the Spirit, and the Gifts of the Spirit summarise His empowering work. However, to give permanence to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, we must remain in Him and be continually filled with Him.
Immediate physical manifestations of the baptism of the Holy Spirit include speaking in tongues, a boldness to preach the gospel, signs and wonders following the preaching of the gospel and demonstrations of the power of God.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit opens up to us the vast resources of God’s glory and power, to work in and through us, to accomplish His purposes on the earth. Every believer must desire this awesome gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, because the experience would make a real difference in your life.
TODAY PRAY AND DECLARE WITH ME….
“[18] “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, [19] and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:18-19 NLT)
For Further Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28; John 7:38-39; Acts 2; Acts 4:31; Acts 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:18; Ephesians 3:16
CLICK THIS LINK to watch my entire series of teaching on “Knowing The Holy Spirit” on YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3DqWFdJtFWtD7Ud4Hj2DYxf5GZfwFyD5&si=m6feNeWrDL8XPkTf
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)