Baptism
A New Life!
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:38,41 (ESV)
New Life
After three thousand people responded to the Gospel message, they joined God's Kingdom, were baptised, and received the Holy Spirit.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you...When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
Water Baptism
In water baptism, you get to show that you publicly identify with what Jesus did for you on the cross. It doesn't save you, but it's an important first step of obedience of following Him.
The Bible gives a few examples to explain water baptism. Paul compares it to a burial, which requires death first. Similarly, to be baptized, we must die to sin. After this, we are raised to a new life. Water baptism represents leaving our old life behind and beginning a new one, in obedience to Christ.
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Baptism of Holy Spirit
It is impossible to live the Christian life apart from the power and the presence of Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit empowers you to be effective witnesses, someone who not only tells the truth but also lives the truth. You as Jesus’ witness need Holy Spirit to do what you cannot do on your own—boldly proclaim and live out the truth about Jesus and Father God.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
How to Receive Baptism of Holy Spirit?
Peter in Acts 2 tells us how we can receive the gift of Holy Spirit. To receive you must ask—and you must ask trusting that Jesus will do what he says.
This is a gift promised for every follower of Jesus!
Many disciples in the New Testament received baptism or the infilling of Holy Spirit through someone praying for them and laying their hands on them.
“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Spiritual Gifts
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a transformative experience that brings forth various spiritual gifts, with the gift of tongues being recognized as the most common and well-documented in the Bible.
This remarkable ability empowers followers of Jesus to communicate in languages they have never learned, serving as a powerful tool for building up the church and enriching personal faith.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Empowered to be a Witness!
Jesus promises to fill us with Holy Spirit so we can be effective witnesses. Holy Spirit is like your super charger, he empowers you to proclaim the gospel wherever you go.
“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.”
Personal Application
Have you repented for any sins Holy Spirit has brought to your attention?
Do you trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation?
Have you been baptised in water?
Would you like to be baptised in water? If not, what’s stopping you? To learn more, click here.
Have you asked someone to pray for you to receive the Holy Spirit? What do you think is stopping you?