...about Holy Spirit baptism. This is Part 2 of last week’s article. Luke 24:49 (NKJV) “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." We are talking about Holy Spirit and we are talking about the New Testament experience that is available to every believer…Holy Spirit baptism.Five reasons we should welcome Holy Spirit baptism: We will discuss the last two today.
1. We welcome Holy Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues because it is biblical.
2. We welcome Holy Spirit baptism because speaking in tongues is the initial physical evidence.
3. We welcome Holy Spirit baptism because speaking in tongues helps us communicate better with God.
4. We welcome Holy Spirit baptism because speaking in tongues moves us toward the mission of God. It is so apparent in the Book of Acts to see the connection between Holy Spirit baptism and fulfilling the Great Commission…missions. Once baptized with Holy Spirit, we see disciples who could not even stand for Jesus and now, they are boldly standing and proclaiming the Good News. We can see in Acts 2 where Holy Spirit empowerment transformed Peter become a mighty witness to all who were there at Pentecost. Timothy Laurito “Given the connection in the Book of Acts between Spirit baptism and missional empowerment, we must not overlook the importance of seeking Holy Spirit today. A decline in Spirit baptisms will lead to a decline in missional effectiveness.” If we are not Holy Spirit baptized, we more than likely will not be missionaries or be supporters of the Great Commission. Without Him we just don’t get it. So, speaking in tongues is not just about Pentecostals continuing a tradition, it is about us receiving power to be the effective witnesses God called us to be. If you care for the lost, get Spirit baptized.
5. We welcome Holy Spirit baptism because speaking in tongues gives us a glimpse of our future hope. In the AOG we have emphasized in our doctrine and in our preaching that there is coming a day when Christ will return for those who belong to Him. How are you connecting Holy Spirit baptism or outpouring on end time events or hope? Acts 2:17-18 (NKJV) '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. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.” Holy Spirit preaching led to repentance, water baptism, and Spirit baptism. Matthew 24:14 (NKJV) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
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