JESUS CHRIST: OUR BAPTISER

 LESSON 3

TOPIC: JESUS CHRIST: OUR BAPTISER

MEMORY VERSE: “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 unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 2:1-21

INTRODUCTION: The period from creation to the birth of Jesus Christ is generally referred to as the age of the Father while from the birth of our Lord to His ascension is the age of the Son. The period from the ascension to the second coming of our Lord is the age of the Holy Spirit. As such, we should not be ignorant of His existence and operation. Jesus Christ is the only baptizer with the Holy Spirit – Mat. 3:11; Mark 1:8. Therefore, in this lesson, we shall study about the baptism. May the Lord baptize us with His Divine Power and make us useful instruments in His hands as we go through this lesson.

Lesson Outlines

1. THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

2. RESULTS OF THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is the endowment with power for effective Christian service. Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8 and fulfilled it in Acts 2:1,2 evidenced by speaking in tongues in fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32. This experience took place on the day of Pentecost.

 Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Holy Spirit distinct from salvation. A man who is saved (born-again) by the act of the Holy Spirit may not be baptized until he undergoes this experience.

 The divine nature of God is imparted at salvation – 2 Pet. 1:4 – but in baptism with the Holy Spirit, the divine power or dynamo is imparted into the life of a believer for effective and result-oriented Christian service. It makes the believer spirit-filled, spirit-motivated, spirit-controlled and spirit-empowered. How can one receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

1. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the one who will give as He had promised – Acts 2:38; 10:44; Gal. 3:2,5,14

2. Thirsting after God’s righteousness – Matthew 5:6.

3. Earnest prayer of faith and importunity – Luke 11:11-13; Luke 18:17.

4. Absolute surrender in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. God gives the Holy Spirit only to those who obey Him – Acts 5:32.

5. In realization of the fact that the Holy Spirit is for every believer, Jesus promised the Comforter to every believer – John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. Therefore, do not let the devil rob you by whispering to you that again, you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You are only indwelt with the Holy Spirit at conversion but at baptism with the Holy Spirit, you are empowered and energized by the Holy Spirit.

6. Sanctified life. Your heart must be pure and holy – Matthew 5:8; Ephesian 4:24.

RESULTS OF THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

(a) Baptism with the Holy Spirit gives the Christian boldness in service and testimony. The Lord does not give us the spirit of timidity but the spirit of boldness of power and of a sound mind – Acts 4:29, 31, 33.

(b) The supernatural power of God is imparted for effective and efficient Christian service – Acts 1:5,8. Without the baptism, there cannot be power for effective profitable service for the Lord. So, seek for the baptism today – Acts 2:41

(c) At baptism, the Holy Spirit bestows different gifts to believers to make them useful vessels – 1 Cor. 12:4-10 – and unless you are baptized, you cannot know your gifts clearly not to talk of using them for the Lord.

(d) The Holy Spirit empowers a believer to make him have a godly life. He quickens his spirit and produces in him a holy living – John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Conclusion

You may not know the usefulness of the Holy Spirit until you have the power. Ask for the Holy Spirit from the Father today and He will give you as He has promised – Luke 11:9-13; Matthew 7:7. If you have been baptized, are you experiencing the result of the baptism everyday of your life? Ask the Lord to strengthen you with the power of the Holy Spirit so that you can become an effective instrument for Him today. Talk to Him about it now. The Holy Spirit is still available to you today.

Questions

1. Why is it necessary to know about the Holy Spirit today than ever before?

2. What is baptism with the Holy Spirit?

3. How can one receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?