When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)
It’s time to celebrate the birthday of the church! It is Pentecost weekend! This week take time to read Acts 2 to see how it happened. Christ had talked about building His church in Matthew 16. He had promised the Holy Spirit throughout the Gospels and in Acts 1. At Pentecost the 120 were baptized in the Holy Spirit, Peter preached, and 3000 members were added to the church. What a glorious beginning! And the power of Holy Spirit continues today as Christ builds His church.
There are 3 baptisms spoken of in Scripture. Make sure you have participated in all 3.
The baptism into God’s family. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” 1 Corinthians 12:13
The baptism in water. “Then Peter said to them,...’let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...’” Acts 2:38. “...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” I Peter 3:21. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
The baptism in the Holy Spirit. “I (John the Baptist) baptize you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8. Take time this week to study the following verses concerning being baptized in the Holy Spirit... Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:3-6; Ephesians 5:18.
