I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire...
These are the words of John the Baptist. He was the baptizer with water. We know him as the forerunner of Christ. He heralded the words of Isaiah 40:3, Prepare ye the way of the Lord... Just as John's New Testament prophecy heralded the coming of Christ, his baptizing with water heralded the later baptism of the Holy Ghost. Jesus Himself was baptized by John. Water baptism is one's personal testimony of his or her cleansing from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. It means that person is dead to their old nature and has risen to newness of life in Christ. Pastor John
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
Acts 1:5
For John truly baptized with water but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Back in John 14:16 Jesus told His disciples, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." At that point in the disciples' lives they had no idea as to the magnitude of this great promise. Here in Acts 1, Jesus gives the disciples the Great commission. It is interesting that as Jesus commissions His disciples to go into the world and be His witnesses, He simultaneously finishes His work of proof and preparation by filling them with His great promise - the Holy Spirit. After this, the disciples (now apostles) are never the same. They Holy Spirit baptism is always a life-changing event for those who receive Him. Before His ascension Jesus' commands had been to come and to follow. After He ascends and Pentecost comes, His command becomes to go. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the finishing touch in preparation for them to go and establish the Church - the Bride of Christ.
Back in John 14:16 Jesus told His disciples, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever." At that point in the disciples' lives they had no idea as to the magnitude of this great promise. Here in Acts 1, Jesus gives the disciples the Great commission. It is interesting that as Jesus commissions His disciples to go into the world and be His witnesses, He simultaneously finishes His work of proof and preparation by filling them with His great promise - the Holy Spirit. After this, the disciples (now apostles) are never the same. They Holy Spirit baptism is always a life-changing event for those who receive Him. Before His ascension Jesus' commands had been to come and to follow. After He ascends and Pentecost comes, His command becomes to go. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the finishing touch in preparation for them to go and establish the Church - the Bride of Christ.
Acts 2:43
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
I still believe that God performs wonders and signs through His people. Glod hasn't changed. His power hasn't diminished. Today He is still giving opportunity to all of His children. When His people humbly come before Him, and pray, and seek His face, and repent of their sins, then God will hear them, forgive them and bring healing to all of life's pains. We will then be living testimonies of His greatness to others who need the fear of the Lord. We will then see wonders and signs. Pastor John
I still believe that God performs wonders and signs through His people. Glod hasn't changed. His power hasn't diminished. Today He is still giving opportunity to all of His children. When His people humbly come before Him, and pray, and seek His face, and repent of their sins, then God will hear them, forgive them and bring healing to all of life's pains. We will then be living testimonies of His greatness to others who need the fear of the Lord. We will then see wonders and signs. Pastor John
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)