INTRO
3 Baptisms
1 Cor. 12:13 by the Spirit into the body not visible
Mark 1:9 by person into water visible
Mark 1:8 by Jesus into Holy Spirit audible
Main Focus: We are empowered with supernatural ability through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
1) WHAT IS SPIRIT BAPTISM? – Acts 1:8
A. Spirit Baptism is a spiritual encounter different and separate from salvation, empowering you with greater anointing for ministering to others.
B. Spirit Baptism happens five times in Acts:
i. Acts 2:4 – Pentecost in Jerusalem
ii. Acts 8:17 – Converts in Samaria
iii. Acts 9:17 – Saul (Paul) in Damascus
iv. Acts 10:45-46 – Gentiles in Caesarea
v. Acts 19:6 – Converts in Ephesus
C. Everyone who received Spirit Baptism in the Bible (Acts) was clearly already born again.
D. Jesus promised to take the same Holy Spirit (who has lived inside of you since salvation), and drench you outwardly in His person and power!
E. Illustration: Get a clear pitcher of water and a small, empty glass. Explain that when you are saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you, then pour water from the pitcher into the glass. Explain further that when you are baptized in the Spirit, you are outwardly immersed in the Spirit, taking the glass you just filled and placing the entire glass inside of the pitcher. The Holy Spirit is now inside and outside, surrounding your life.
2) WHO MAY RECEIVE THIS BAPTISM? - Acts 2:38-39
A. Spirit baptism is promised to every follower of Jesus by both Jesus (Acts 1:4-5) and Peter (Acts 2:38-39).
B. Salvation is the only prerequisite; anyone who has been saved is fully qualified to receive Spirit baptism now!
C. Young, old, male, female, new converts—even struggling believers.
D. God is not looking for you to become more spiritual before you can receive; receiving NOW will help you become more spiritual!
3) HOW DO I RECEIVE? – Acts 2:41a “gladly received”
BSB – “Those who embraced his message”
HCSB – “those who accepted his message”
ISV – “those who welcomed his message”
A. The more detailed accounts in Acts (chs. 2, 10, 19) show an emerging pattern in people receiving Spirit Baptism:
i. Draw near to Jesus in prayer
ii. Jesus will begin to pour out His Spirit upon you
iii. You begin to speak out loud from the inner urging of the Spirit rather than your known language and reason.
B. Like salvation, Spirit baptism is a free gift (Acts 2:38). Free gifts are not earned, but simply received.
C. You must try to yield and offer your speech to God while the Holy Spirit is upon you. Scripture is clear, you do the speaking and the Spirit does the prompting (Acts 2:4).
D. As you sense the Spirit being poured out, you may be concerned that you will make a mistake. Remember, this is the first time you have tried to speak from your Spirit rather than you logic. It may feel risky, but the Holy Spirit will help you. Jesus will fulfill His promise to you.
E. The physical part of speaking in tongues requires your yielding and participation.
F. The supernatural part of speaking in tongues is not our speaking, but rather WHAT we are speaking.
CONCLUSION
Jesus wants to reveal Himself to you as YOUR Baptizer in the Holy Spirit today! I
