Neal continued our series looking at the book of Acts.
Today we looked at the Baptism in The Spirit and Speaking in tongues – we started looking at Acts 2 vs 1-15 and 36-41 – The day of Pentecost and what a difference there is before and after for Peter and that difference can be the same for us – before and after we are Baptised in the Spirit.
Historically there are some views that need to be looked at regarding the Baptism in the Holy Spirit to see where we stand as a church and movement?
1. You get it all when you get saved? -Old Evangelical view
2. You have to wait –tarry – before you get it – Old Pentecostal View
3. You have to mature as a Christian and it builds up and then explodes everywhere – rather like a can of fizzy drink – Keswick view
As Newfrontiers and CITP we would take the view that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience that can happen at salvation or subsequent to salvation – both are valid and the important point is that you receive the gift from God which is for everyone – just saved or not!
Who is the Holy Spirit – we looked at John 14 vs 16-17 and 26-26 – Jesus promises to not leave us but to send our “Advocate” - The Holy Spirit – an advocate is one who pleads our case before Jesus, helping , encouraging, strengthening, counselling and
Bring us into truth – This is important as he is the spirit of truth – Teaching us the truth, illuminating, revelation to our head and heart.
When the spirit comes there are often tow reaction as there were on the day of Pentecost -
This is God!
They are drunk!
There are always these reactions when the Holy Spirt moves and we must be careful of our own reactions when the spirit moves on people within the Church.
Common misconceptions regarding the Holy Spirit
Do I need to wait – No
Do I have to be a mature Christian – No
Do I have to go on a course – No
Its a gift from God for us as individuals and also for the Church as a whole to benefit from.
So Why do I need to be Baptised in the Spirit?
1. Its scriptural – Acts 8 vs 12-17 and Acts 19 vs 1-7, Acts 2 vs 1-15
2. Brings power to our Christian life
3.Helps us to worship in a deeper more intimate way
4.Aids in us haring and knowing God’s voice
5. Brings a deeper and closer relationship with God. Increased assurance of salvation – Romans 8 vs 16 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit.
6.Releases the gifts of the spirit to us individually and to the Church – of benefit to all!
Often the Baptism in the Spirit is followed by speaking in tongues – Lets look at some practical helps that might rid us of the mystique that surrounds speaking in tongues.
1.The Holy Spirit gives the tongue (the language) - the words you have to physically speak
2. It is not passive – its active – You have to use your speaking apparatus – Lungs, mouth, lips, tongue and vocal cords – and don’t forget to breathe as well!
3. The enemy will always tell you that you are making it up – resist him and he will flee from you!
4.Not everyone speaks in tongues straight away – Expect to speak in tongues – But if you don’t you are not a second class Christian and you don’t get the silver medal instead of the Gold – Seek the gift after you receive the spirit.
5.Most tongues ate unique and different - don’t compare with someone else – If you want more than one tongue the ask!
6.If you use tongues in worship seek to interpret those tongues as well – you will be amazed at what is being said!
Tongues can be used Individually in worship and prayer times - increasing intimacy with God and releasing the presence of God in our worship times. Releases joy and faith.
Tongues in a Church setting can be very powerful and often release the use of other gifts. In a Church setting the tongue spoken out load should be interpreted so that all can understand what is being said – These tongues are man – God – worship, adoration and love – they will also release the prophetic which is different as the prophetic is God speaking to man – We may hav
