The Power of the Holy Spirit in Christian Life

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, we find John the Baptist declaring that while he baptizes with water, there is one among them who will baptize with the Holy Ghost. This distinction between the baptism of John and the baptism with the Holy Ghost, as prophesied by John the Baptist, is crucial for understanding the Christian faith. The New Testament paints a picture of a Christian as one who has received the fullness of Christ, and this includes the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This baptism is what differentiates New Testament Christians from Old Testament saints, who, though children of God, had not received this baptism.

Understanding this doctrine is vital, not only for personal spiritual growth but also for the revival of the Christian Church in a world increasingly hostile to God. The Church's powerlessness in the face of sin and godlessness can only be remedied by a revival, which begins with individual Christians experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The baptism with the Holy Ghost is not synonymous with regeneration; one can be a believer without having received this baptism. This distinction is often contested, but it is essential for a robust Christian life.

The book of Acts is crucial for understanding this doctrine, as it records the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. The events in Acts are not merely historical but serve as a pattern for what the Church should expect. The Epistles presuppose the experiences recorded in Acts, and the teachings within them are based on the assumption that believers have received the Holy Spirit. This is evident in the way the Epistles address issues arising from the baptism with the Spirit, such as those in the Corinthian church.

The assurance of salvation is another significant effect of the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This assurance is not automatically present in all believers, as some may lack it due to various reasons, including psychological conditions or incorrect teachings. However, the baptism with the Holy Ghost provides a deep assurance and joy that is meant to be the norm for Christians. This distinction between saving faith and assurance of faith is crucial, as it prevents the exclusion of believers who may not yet have full assurance.

Finally, the ultimate proof of this distinction is found in the life of Jesus Christ. Though eternally the Son of God, He received the Holy Spirit at His baptism to empower His ministry. This demonstrates that the baptism with the Holy Ghost is essential for the work of the ministry and the Christian life.

Key Takeaways:

- The baptism with the Holy Ghost is distinct from regeneration. While all Christians have the Holy Spirit, not all have experienced the baptism with the Holy Ghost, which empowers and assures believers in their faith. [05:34]

- The book of Acts is not just historical but serves as a pattern for the Church today. The experiences of the early Church with the Holy Spirit are meant to be normative for Christians, providing a model for revival and spiritual empowerment. [09:52]

- Assurance of salvation is a significant effect of the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This assurance is not inherent in all believers but is a result of the Spirit's work, providing joy and confidence in one's faith. [20:22]

- The distinction between saving faith and assurance of faith is crucial. Many Christians may believe without having full assurance, and this distinction prevents the exclusion of those who lack assurance from being considered true believers. [24:03]

- Jesus Christ's reception of the Holy Spirit at His baptism underscores the necessity of the baptism with the Holy Ghost for ministry and Christian living. This empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's work. [44:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to John the Baptist's Declaration
- [00:30] - The Distinction Between Baptisms
- [01:09] - Importance of Understanding the Doctrine
- [02:02] - Old Testament vs. New Testament Saints
- [03:05] - The Urgent Need for Revival
- [03:38] - General Principles of the Doctrine
- [05:01] - Controversy and Clarification
- [06:10] - The Role of the Book of Acts
- [07:43] - Fulfillment of the Promise
- [09:04] - The Pattern for the Church
- [10:06] - Revival as a Return to Acts
- [11:08] - Epistles Presuppose Acts
- [13:12] - Misunderstandings and Corrections
- [18:42] - The Importance of Assurance
- [24:03] - Saving Faith vs. Assurance of Faith
- [40:07] - Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Example

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:26-33
2. Acts 1:8
3. Acts 2:1-4

#### Observation Questions
1. What distinction does John the Baptist make between his baptism and the baptism that Jesus will perform? ([00:11])
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between Old Testament saints and New Testament Christians in terms of the Holy Spirit? ([02:02])
3. According to the sermon, what role does the book of Acts play in understanding the baptism with the Holy Ghost? ([07:43])
4. What is the significance of Jesus receiving the Holy Spirit at His baptism according to the sermon? ([40:07])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest that the baptism with the Holy Ghost is essential for the revival of the Christian Church? ([03:05])
2. In what ways does the sermon argue that the experiences in the book of Acts should be considered normative for the Church today? ([09:52])
3. How does the sermon differentiate between saving faith and assurance of faith, and why is this distinction important? ([24:03])
4. What does the sermon imply about the necessity of the baptism with the Holy Ghost for effective ministry, as demonstrated by Jesus' life? ([44:21])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced the baptism with the Holy Ghost as described in the sermon? If not, what steps might you take to seek this experience? ([05:34])
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for revival in the Church. What personal changes can you make to contribute to a revival in your community? ([03:05])
3. How can the experiences of the early Church in the book of Acts inspire your daily walk with Christ? What specific actions can you take to live out this inspiration? ([09:52])
4. Consider the distinction between saving faith and assurance of faith. Do you feel assured in your faith? If not, what might be hindering this assurance, and how can you address it? ([24:03])
5. Jesus' reception of the Holy Spirit empowered His ministry. In what ways do you seek empowerment from the Holy Spirit for your own ministry or daily life? ([44:21])
6. The sermon suggests that assurance of salvation brings joy and confidence. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and confidence in your faith this week? ([20:22])
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel powerless or ineffective. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring transformation and empowerment in that area? ([03:05])

Devotional

Day 1: The Empowering Baptism of the Holy Ghost
The baptism with the Holy Ghost is distinct from regeneration, offering believers a deeper empowerment and assurance in their faith journey. While all Christians have the Holy Spirit, not all have experienced this baptism, which is crucial for a robust Christian life. This distinction is often misunderstood, but it is essential for personal spiritual growth and the revival of the Church. The baptism with the Holy Ghost provides believers with the power to overcome sin and live a victorious Christian life. It is not merely an optional experience but a vital aspect of the Christian faith that enables believers to fully experience the presence and power of God. [05:34]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel powerless, and how can you seek the baptism with the Holy Ghost to empower you in those areas today?


Day 2: The Book of Acts as a Model for Revival
The book of Acts is not just a historical account but serves as a pattern for the Church today. The experiences of the early Church with the Holy Spirit are meant to be normative for Christians, providing a model for revival and spiritual empowerment. The events recorded in Acts demonstrate the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit and serve as a guide for what the Church should expect. By returning to the principles and experiences of the early Church, believers can experience a revival that empowers them to face a world increasingly hostile to God. [09:52]

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV): "‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles and experiences of the early Church in Acts into your daily life to foster personal and communal revival?


Day 3: Assurance of Salvation through the Holy Ghost
Assurance of salvation is a significant effect of the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This assurance is not inherent in all believers but is a result of the Spirit's work, providing joy and confidence in one's faith. Many Christians struggle with assurance due to various reasons, including psychological conditions or incorrect teachings. However, the baptism with the Holy Ghost offers a deep assurance and joy that is meant to be the norm for Christians. Understanding this distinction between saving faith and assurance of faith is crucial, as it prevents the exclusion of believers who may not yet have full assurance. [20:22]

1 John 3:24 (ESV): "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek a deeper assurance of your salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?


Day 4: Distinguishing Saving Faith from Assurance of Faith
The distinction between saving faith and assurance of faith is crucial for a healthy Christian life. Many Christians may believe without having full assurance, and this distinction prevents the exclusion of those who lack assurance from being considered true believers. Assurance is a gift of the Holy Spirit that provides believers with confidence and joy in their faith. Understanding this distinction helps believers to support and encourage one another in their faith journeys, recognizing that assurance may come at different times for different people. [24:03]

Hebrews 10:22 (ESV): "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How can you support a fellow believer who may be struggling with assurance of faith, and what practical steps can you take to encourage them today?


Day 5: Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Example of Empowerment
Jesus Christ's reception of the Holy Spirit at His baptism underscores the necessity of the baptism with the Holy Ghost for ministry and Christian living. Though eternally the Son of God, He received the Holy Spirit to empower His ministry, demonstrating that this empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's work. As followers of Christ, believers are called to seek the same empowerment to effectively carry out their God-given missions. This empowerment is not just for ministry leaders but for all Christians who desire to live a life that glorifies God. [44:21]

Luke 4:18-19 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Reflection: In what ways can you seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill your unique calling and mission in life, following the example of Jesus Christ?

Quotes

A Christian is one with was received of his fullness and Grace upon Grace the New Testament gives us a picture and a portrayal of what a Christian should be and obviously in that connection nothing is more vital and important than that we should understand this teaching this Doctrine concerning the baptism with the Holy Ghost. [00:01:28]

We see a Christian Church more or less powerless ineffective in a world of sin and shame in a world that is increasingly manifesting in horrible and horrifying manners godlessness and hatred and antagonism to God and there is only one hope for such a world and that is a revived Church. [00:02:42]

Clearly from the teaching of the Old Testament and the new it is possible for us for one to be a believer and a Christian without having received the baptism of the Holy Ghost now I gave you the evidence of for that last Sunday morning let's be clear about this again you can't be a Christian at all without having the holy spirit in you. [00:03:39]

The book of The Acts of the Apostles is to show us the Fulfillment of This Promise concerning the baptism with the Holy Spirit it had been promised it's called the promise of the father in the very first chapter of act as we've seen several Sunday mornings our Lord himself after the resurrection just before the Ascension he turns to his disciples. [00:07:34]

A Revival is to say that it is the church returning to the book of Acts it's a repetition of the book of Acts a kind of repetition of Pentecost it is the spirit being poured out again upon the church and this of course is a very vital and essential bit of Doctrine but to go still further and this to me is perhaps the most important point of all. [00:10:06]

The teaching of the Epistles always presupposes what we read of as having happened in the book of The Acts of the Apostles now I can prove this to you quite simply take for instance the first epistle to the Corinthians look at that great epistle what is the teaching of this epistle what is it based upon well obviously it is based upon the fact that the members of the church at Corinth had been baptized with the spirit. [00:11:21]

The greatest need I say at the present time is Christian people who are assured of their salvation if we confront the world saying well I hope I'm saved I'm not sure but I hope well we'll be depressed and we'll depress others and we Shan attract the thing that was so obvious about the New Testament Christians was their Spirit of joy and happiness and Assurance their comfort. [00:19:36]

One of the main effects of the baptism with the spirit as you see for instance in Acts 2 or anywhere else is that a tremendous assurance and certainty is given to men and women so you see we are entitled to say this if you identify the baptism with the spirit with belief in the Lord Jesus Christ into salvation you are automatically saying that there is no difference between saving faith and an assurance of faith. [00:20:16]

The Bible never says that we are saved by Assurance we are saved by faith in other words there are many Christian people who have come to see and to know that they are sinners that they're under the wrath of God that they're helping that they're hopers and who are afraid of the Judgment who realize furthermore that should they spend the rest of their lives in a monastery trying to live a good life and to please and to satisfy God and to work up righteousness they'll be no further on at the end than they were at the beginning. [00:24:14]

The ultimate the final proof of this vital distinction between region generation and the baptism of the spirit the teaching which says that you can be regenerate and still not baptized with the spirit the ultimate proof of this is none other than the case of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ himself it's interesting to notice that people who don't recognize this distinction never refer to him at all in this matter. [00:39:11]

Our Lord is eternally the Son of God but though he is the Son of God to do his work as the Messiah in the likeness of men in the form of a servant he needs this baptism with the spirit and so the spirit Came Upon him even as It Came Upon the disciples and the 120 in the upper room even as It Came Upon Cornelius and his household even as it comes upon people in every time of Revival. [00:44:37]

God started the Christian church by pouring down his Spirit upon her so the New Testament Church is a church that is baptized with the spirit and all the teaching of the New Testament assumes that this is what the church is meant to be she often isn't she often hasn't been anything like this in the in her long history she isn't like this today but this is what she should be like. [00:51:03]

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Transcript
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