By Steve Murrell
[Paper copies of this booklet are available at church too]
Baptism - A New Life
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... " 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2:38-41
When the crowd asked Peter what they should do in response to his sermon, he gave them a three-fold answer: repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thousands responded and were added to the fellowship of believers. The biblical pattern is that everyone who is baptized is also added. Every baptized disciple is expected to become an active member of a local fellowship.
Water Baptism
The Bible presents several illustrations to help us understand water baptism. Each of these pictures of water baptism show the old life being put away and the new life emerging. In water baptism, we publicly identify with what Christ did for us on the cross, put away the old life of sin, and begin a new life of obedience to Christ.
Burial and Resurrection
Paul compares Christian baptism to a burial. In order to be buried, a person must first die. In the same way. the prerequisite for baptism is death to sin. After we are buried in baptism, then we are raised to live a new life.
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6: 1-4
Crossing the Red Sea
In the same way the Israelites were in slavery to the Egyptians, we were all slaves of sin. The Israelites were freed from their bondage by passing through the Red Sea. Baptism pictures the freedom from sin that Jesus purchased for us on the cross.
"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." 1 Corinthians 10: 1-2
The Flood
Peter teaches that it is not the water or the "removal of dirt" that saved us, but the death and resurrection of Christ.
"who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also --- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ ... "1 Peter 3:20-21
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
It is impossible to live the Christian life apart from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to lead us into all truth.
"But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you .... 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:7,13
Jesus the Baptizer
John the Baptist taught that water baptism was an act of repentance, and pointed out that Jesus would baptize His disciples with the Holy Spirit.
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Matthew 3: 11
Power to be a Witness
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses. A witness is one who not only tells the truth, but also lives the truth.
"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's Gift for Today
Peter taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift promised for every believer, not just for those present during Pentecost.
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The 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
How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
James tells us that we do not have because we do not ask. In order to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must ask-and we must ask in faith.
"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
The Laying on of Hands
Many disciples in the New Testament received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands.
"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Spiritual Gifts
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the manifestation of spiritual gifts. In the biblical accounts of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the most common spiritual gift manifested is the gift of tongues.
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:4
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God .... "Acts 10:44-46
"When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." Acts 19:6
The Gift of Tongues and Prophecy
Tongues and prophecy are both designed for edification or for strengthening. Tongues strengthens the individual and prophecy strengthens the church.
"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy .... 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." 1 Corinthians 14: 1,3
" He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like everyone of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified." 1 Corinthians 14:4-5
"For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind." 1 Corinthians 14: 14-15
"Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." 1 Corinthians 14:39-40
PERSONAL APPLICATION
• Have you repented of your sins?
• Have you put your trust in Christ alone for salvation?
• Have you been baptized in water since you repented?
• Would you like to get water baptized?
• Have you received the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
• Would you like to have someone pray with you to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
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