The Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

  Book: The Holy Spirit, you and I.

                (Chapter Three)

   The Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

- The Bible tell us about two important baptisms. The Baptism with water, and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

* Both must be sought!

The Baptism with water is Jesus’ orderly and a public testimony that we died to the world and we live for God. 

* I was 19 years old when I was baptized with water on May 25, 1982.

* John Baptist in the Jordan River baptized Jesus. 

He left this orderly to his church before he ascended to heaven. 

No one on earth has the authority to cancel Jesus’ orderly. Jesus did not abolish the Baptism with water. 

After his resurrection, before he ascended into heaven, he reinforce this practice.         (Mathews 28.18-20)

Children and newborn should not be baptized with water because the baptism with water is an act of faith moved by a sincere remorse.

* Children do not need to repent for anything! They are innocent in God’s eyes!

Biblically speaking, the baptism with water is for adults, adolescents, or young people who have already repented.

I baptized Fernandinha, a 10 year old girl , in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, because she implored me to be baptized. 

She is fourteen years old today, and she is a blessing to the church. 

I baptized her mother, Cristina, when she was only fifteen years old in 1991. 

I baptized her father, Fabio, and her brothers in 2008. 

It is a very blessed family and they are all beautiful!

* My daughter, Clarice.

My daughter Clarice was baptized with water at twelve years old. 

A few days later, in April 27, 2003 she was sealed with the baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

It was beautiful!

Jesus’ words for the baptism with water are:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. (Matthews 28.19)

* The Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The second baptism that we should seek is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

John Baptist talked about the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”. (Matthews 3.11)

"Before he ascended into heaven, he reinforced this need: On one occasion, while he was eating with them, 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 baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then they gathered around him and asked him, - Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them: - It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." (Acts 1.4-7)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

* God of Promises.

"One of the truths about God’s character is the faithfulness of His word. God watches for His word, God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change his mind." (Num. 23.19). 

"His word goes out from His mouth but never returns empty."           (Isaiah 55.11). 

What He promised He will fulfill at the right time, no matter the circumstances, age, or vitality.

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” (Josh. 21.45)

* The day of Pentecost.

Peter’s first preaching in Jerusalem happened after the day of Pentecost. 

The day of Pentecost was one of the three annual jewish festivities. It happened fifty days after Easter (Pessah).

On this festive day, one hundred and twenty people who were praying in the cenacle were filled with the Holy Spirit.

“-When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. - Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. "

'They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. - All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them”. (Acts 2.1-4)

After this supernatural experience, Peter made it clear that this was the baptism promised by the Father: “For the promise is unto you”. 

* The Prophet Joel.

A promise made centuries ago in the time of Prophet Joel.

“- Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed. - And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. - Even on my servants, both men and women, 

I will pour out my Spiritwill show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. - The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls”.

 (Joel 2.27-32)

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an endowment and a promise from the Father. The word endowment means gift, something we receive without deserving.

“ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. AND YOU WILL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. – THE PROMISE is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call’”. (Acts 2.38 -39)

* Do not be afraid of reclaiming this promise. 

I reclaimed it in 1984 on a Sunday morning, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Glory to the Father for His promise!

Jesus was baptized with water and in the Holy Spirit on the same day.  Before beginning his ministry on Earth, Jesus was baptized with water and in the Holy Spirit at the Jordan River, in Galilee.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. - But John tried to deter him, saying, 

“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? - Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” 

Then John consented. - As soon as Jesuswas baptized, he went up out of the water. 

At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. - And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”. (Matthew 3.13-17)

* After being baptized with water and in the Holy Spirit, Jesus begin to preach.

“- Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. - He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. - He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day, he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, - and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 

- “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, - to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 

(Luke 4.14-19)

Jesus began his ministry only after being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Many people preach without the Holy Spirit baptism a and the blessing of the church.

* A Sheath of Power.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a sheath of power so we can efficiently preach the gospel. 

Do not preach before receiving this sheath of power. 

It is through the baptism that we receive the power to speak, to feel, and to act supernaturally. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit before he began his ministry.

“- You know what has happened throughout the province of  judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him”. (Acts 10. 37-38)

* Jesus said “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1.8)

* Power = (Dunamis/Dynamite)

The apostle Paul was not in the cenacle on the day of Pentecost, he was baptized after that day. 

Paul was the worst persecutor of Christians until the day he fell before God, and was blinded for three days. 

During this time, the Holy Spirit made Paul reflect on his actions and he completely opened his heart to Jesus. 

* Ananias pray for him.

His brother, Ananias, came to visit and pray for him to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

Paul was baptized in the Holy Spirit and then with water. 

From then on, he began his ministry. 

For Paul, the baptism happened differently. 

* First he was baptized in the Holy Spirit and then with water. 

* Placing his hands on Saul.

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said:

 “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” -

"Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. – At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God”. (Acts 9.17-18,20)

In the house of the centurion named Cornelio, people heard the word of God and were first baptized in the Holy Spirit and then with water. 

God is the one who decides the order according to His sovereignty. Usually, new converts are baptized with water and then oriented to pray for their baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

However, God may change the order. He is the sovereign!

I have seen Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit at the same time I am baptizing with water. It happened in Miguel Pereira, Rio de Janeiro, City.

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. - The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. - For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, -

“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” - So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days”. (Acts 10.44-48)

I will answer, in a very simple way, the most frequently questions I get about this subject:

• What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

It is a sheath of power from on high.

It is through this sheath that we can speak, feel and act.

* Why do we need this baptism?

a) Because we need to be born from water and Spirit. (John 3.3-5)

b) Because we need the power of God. (1 Co. 2.4-5)

c) Because this baptism of fire, burns all our spiritual impurities. (Matthew 3.11)

d) The baptism with water is from Earth. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is from heaven.

• What happens when I am baptized in the Holy Spirit?

The baptism in the Holy Spirit fills me with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2.4)

It is a glass of water overflowing!

It is like boiling milk that overflows and wets everything around it.

It is the flame burning at its greatest heat!

• What is the visible sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

The tongues are a baptism sign.   (Acts 2.1-4; Acts 10.44-48)

* The Holy Spirit in Epheso.

In Acts 19, in the far way city of Ephesus, twelve men were filled with the Holy Spirit:

“- While Apollo was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples -and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” - So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?

“John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”- On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

-When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. - There were about twelve men in all”.   (Acts 19.1-7)

* What do we say with the gift of tongues?

* We praise and magnify God.

“- The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. - For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God”. (Acts 10.45-46)

It is through the gift of tongues that we praise God, speak the mysteries of God, and edify our lives.

“- For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. - But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. -Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church”.          (1 Co.14.2-4)

* How can I be baptized?

A) Do not ask. (Acts 2.1-4)

The Holy Spirit came suddenly, without anyone realizing it was coming. Many people is baptized without even knowing! 

God is king and baptizes whoever and wherever He wants.

B) The Holy Spirit comes under the teaching of the word of God.

“- While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message”.          (Acts 10.44)

C) Ask and seek.

“- If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”. (Luke 11.13)

D) By the placement of the hands.

“-Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. -Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized”. (Acts 9.17-18)

* Who baptizes in the Holy Spirit?

Jesus Christ is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.

“ Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.

 - And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 

‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit’”. (John 1.32-33)

Jesus received also from the Father the right to baptize in the Holy Spirit after his resurrection.

“- God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 

- Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” (Acts 2.32-33)

He is the only one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. (John 1.33)

* What happens after the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

a) Everyone will feel the difference. (Acts 4.13)

b) Courage will be our best trait. (Acts 6.8-10)

c) An inexplicable joy will take over us. (Acts 13.52)

* The baptism in the Holy Spirit is one the great promises to His people. (Acts 2.38-39)

“- The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call”.

It is God’s promise and you and your children must try it. There is only one thing left:Seek His promise!

* Receive the seal from on high!

* Receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit!

Amém.

* Read  too Chapters: Five, Four, Two and One.

* Read too - Chapter Two.

The Unity in the Trinity.

http://prvenilton.blogspot.com/2023/06/book-holy-spirit-you-and-i-chapter-two.html

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