The Promise of the Father

Acts 1:1-9; 2:1-13 Our reading this week in Acts chapters one and two brings us face to face with the subject of Baptism of the Holy Spirit. People argue much about this subject. Was the experience of the disciples meant to be a once-forall giving of the Spirit to the church? If we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, then what could be the value of another experience called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? What was the purpose of speaking in tongues? Should these same things happen to us today? Realizing there is room for discussion among sincere Christians on these subjects, I will describe what I believe as clearly as I can, using Scripture, quotes from some great teachers, and my own observation over the years. 1) In Acts 1:4, Jesus tells us that what would happen on the day of Pentecost was something that had been promised by the Father. What did the Father promise? Jeremiah 31:31-34 Ezekiel 11:16-21; 36:24-27 Joel 2:28, 29 2) What did Jesus promise? (John 4:13, 14, 7:37-39; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) 3) To whom did the Father promise this> (Acts 2:37-39) 4) Why did the Father send the Spirit? a) to give believers the power to declare Christ (Acts 1:8) b) to continue the miraculous ministry of Chris (John 14:12; 16:7) c) to give believers an inward desire to obey God (Jeremiah 31:31-34) d) to give believers an accurate understanding of God (John 16:13) e) to exalt Christ in our hearts (John 16:14; 14:26) 5) How do I receive this promise of the Spirit? a) remember my qualification is Christ b) determine to be a full disciple c) repent of any known areas of disobedience (an unforgiveness, improper behavior, involvement with occult practices) d) ask God to give me this promise e) focus on opening up to receive, not on getting Him to give f) be patient and persistent if necessary g) be open to get help from others including the laying on of hands

6) How can I tell if its happened? a new awareness of the nearness of Christ (John 14:20) our love and respect for Christ increases (John 16:14) opened spiritual ears to the voice of God hunger to read the Bible and a new level of understanding when reading it inner assurance of salvation increased manifestations of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:8-10) a passion to tell others about Christ a new effectiveness in ministry boldness in spiritual matters a new passion for prayer selfishness and spiritual laziness declines Here are some helpful statements by R.A. Torrey from his book What the Bible Teaches: 1) The baptism with the Holy Spirit is a definite experience of which one may and ought to know whether he has received it or not. 2) A man may be regenerated by the Holy Spirit and still not be baptized withy the Holy Spirit. 3) The baptism with the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Holy Spirit distinct from and subsequent and additional to His regenerating work. In regeneration there is an impartation of the life, and the one who received it is saved; in the baptisms with the Holy Spirit there is an impartation of power and the one who received it is fitted for service. Questions: 1) Have you received this baptism in the Holy Spirit since becoming a Christian? If you havent, would you like to? 2) If you have been baptized in the Spirit tell us what happened and what changes it has made in your spiritual life.