PROF.
BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies);
ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com
THE
BIBLE AND BAPTISM {PART 2}
Baptism
of the HOLY SPIRIT and its Evidences
Presenter: Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
{Sunday Director}
Devotional
Text: Acts 2:1-13; 10:44-48
INTRODUCTION:
The HOLY SPIRIT is the third PERSON of the
BLESSED TRINITY, whom JESUS CHRIST, our LORD and BLESSED SAVIOUR refers to as
the GIFT of the FATHER. According to Dr. Luke, “on one occasion, while HE was
eating with HIS disciples, HE gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem,
but wait for the GIFT my FATHER promised, which you have heard me speak about.
For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the
HOLY SPIRIT, {Acts 1:4-5}. No doubt, the cited Scripture is a reference to what
Dr. Luke had earlier reported in the account of his gospel in {Luke 24:41-49},
which was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, {Acts 2:1-4}. Having narrated the
above, let it be remarked that the purpose of the HOLY SPIRIT is to empower the
believer for mission, thus the Holy Scripture says; ... “you will receive power
when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and will be MY witnesses Jerusalem, and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, {Acts 1:8}.
GENERAL
REMARKS
1. The Baptism
of the HOLY SPIRIT is also referred to as the baptism of fire, {Luke 3:16}
2. JESUS CHRIST
our LORD and BLESSED REDEEMER is the ONE who baptises with HOLY SPIRIT and
fire, {Vs. 16}
3. The Baptism
of the HOLY SPIRIT is for every believer, Jew or Gentile, {Acts 10:44-46}
4. The Baptism
of the HOLY SPIRIT often comes with the gift of speaking in new tongues or
languages, {Vs. 44-46; Acts 2:1-4}.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN NEW
TONGUE
The
baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT ushers in the PERSON of the HOLY SPIRIT in to the
life of the believer, whom the Holy Scripture says comes with POWER from on
high {Acts 1:8}, and expresses HIMSELF through diverse languages or tongues;
human {Acts 2:6-11} or angelic, {1 Cor. 13:1}. However, for the fact that
everybody at the upper room on the day of Pentecost {Acts 2:1-4} and in the
house of Cornelius {Acts 10:44-46} spoke in new tongues during baptism of the
HOLY SPIRIT, does not mean everybody must speak in new tongue, with reference
to 1 Corinthians 12:30. Here, a note of caution is necessary that one does not,
by one’s personal volition or reason put off speaking in new tongue, since
GOD’s WORD says we should not forbid speaking in tongues, {1 Cor. 14:49}. Based
on the foregoing, therefore, this lesson asserts that:
(i) Every
believer is expected to speak in new tongue during baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT,
{Acts 2:1-4}
(ii) There could
be traces of certain individuals who may not speak in tongues during baptism of
the HOLY SPIRIT, {1 Cor. 12:30}
(iii) No one has
the right to stop the HOLY SPIRIT from manifesting the evidence of tongue in
one’s life during the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT or in the church, {1 Cor.
14:49}
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY
Baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT is the fulfilment of
the prophecy of the Prophet Joel {2:28}, which the Apostle Peter captures in
his address that explains the advent of the day of Pentecost, as people
witnessed the manifestation of diverse languages, {Acts 2:1-11}. “Amazed and
perplexed, they asked one another, what does this mean? Some, however, made fun
of them and said, “They have had too much wine,” {xs. 12-13}. “Then, Peter
stood up... and addressed the crowd: Fellow Jews and all of you, who live in
Jerusalem, let me explain this to you, listen carefully to what I say. These
men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning. This is what
was spoken by the Prophet Joel: In the last days, GOD says, “I will pour out MY
SPIRIT on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men
will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” {vs. 14-17} confirming the
biblical truth that, baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT is the fulfilment of prophecy.
Having cited the above, let it, as well, be noted that baptism of the HOLY
SPIRIT also comes with the evidence of the;
(i) Ability to
prophecy, {VS. 17}
(ii) Ability to
see visions, {VS. 17}
(iii) Ability to
dream inspired dreams, {Vs. 17}
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND OTHER EVIDENCES
The section one of this lesson already notes that
the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT paves way for the HOLY SPIRIT to personally
dwell in the life of the believer. This, therefore, implies that the HOLY
SPIRIT comes into the believer’s life with DIVINE QUALITIES. By way of
analysis, the HOLY SPIRIT is essentially HOLY, and so, HIS presence generates
the virtue of holiness in the life of the believer, whom the baptism is
administered, refuting, therefore, the concept that one baptised with the HOLY
SPIRIT can still live unholy life. Other evidences of the baptism of the HOLY
SPIRIT are that one, so baptised, can by the virtues of the indwelling SPIRT
bear the FRUITS of the HOLY SPIRIT, which the Bible enumerates as; love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control {Gal. 5:22-23}, as well as
the GIFTS of the same SPIRIT, which the Apostle Paul gives as; word of wisdom,
word of knowledge, faith, gift of healing, gift a miracles, gift of prophecy,
discerning of spirits, gift of tongues, gift of the interpretation of tongues
{1 Cor. 12:4-10} and more. All that have been said in this section holds out
that no-one can claim to have had the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT or have the
SPIRIT dwelling in them, whose life is devoid of holiness, fruits and gifts of
the HOLY SPIRIT. In this connection, one baptised with the HOLY SPIRIT must
have the evidences of the:
(i) Life of
holiness
(ii) Fruits of the SPIRIT, {Gal.
5:22-23}
(iii) Gifts of the SPIRIT, {1 Cor.
12:4-10}
In conclusion, please recall that the
baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT generates the evidences of; zeal for evangelism
{Acts 2:14-41}, gift of tongues {Acts 2:1-4}, life of holiness {1 Peter
1:13-16}, fruits of the SPIRIT {Gal. 5:22-23} and gifts of the same SPIRIT, {1
Cor. 122:4-10}. BE INFORMED!
Church of:
THE HOLY
GHOST MI
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