The Baptism of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit - Part I

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit - Part I

 

 

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost

 

Key Scriptures: “Matthew 3:11-12, John 14:15-17; 26” and “Acts 2:38-39*”.

 

The Promise of the Comforter

As Jesus entered into the temple to teach the Jews and Pharisees in John 7, the scripture tells us, Jesus’ brethren did not believe in him. They wanted him to show himself to the world.  Jesus reminded his brethren his time was not yet come.  So, he remained in Galilee, and later went up to the feast privately. The Jews were waiting for him.  They also commented that Jesus was not an educated man (John 7:15).  Some people believed he was a good man, while others thought he deceived the people.  But Jesus began by explaining his doctrine was not his, but was God’s. 

Although Jesus was not an educated man, such as Saul (Paul) in the Book of Acts, his parents did raise him according to the Law of Moses. Simply put, Jesus was raised in what we would call today, “A Christian Home”.    

Jesus continues to speak of the promise of comforter in John 7:36-39.  Only those that believe on him should receive the Holy Ghost. 

John 7:36-39 (KJV)

³⁶ What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?

³⁷ In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

³⁸ He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

³⁹ (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

One of God’s purposes for creating man has been to dwell with us, to enjoy fellowship with his created. This is done through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Holy Ghost/Spirit gives you direct access to our heavenly Father. When you are born again, the Spirit comes into you and takes his abode in you (he dwells inside of you John 14:23-24).  He will remain in you as long as you obey God.  He will not always strive with flesh: Genesis 6:3 read the entire chapter.  A New Testament example: Acts 4:31; 5:1-11. In Verse 9, Peter asked “How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?  Jesus clearly taught us in Matthew 4:7 “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord Thy God.” (Read the entire chapter.)  Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost and although he was the only begotten Son of God, he knew not to tempt God the Father.  We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) remembering Jesus said, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings” If you don’t love the Lord you will not obey his teachings. But, if you love him, you will keep his commandments.  He loves you so much, that he promised to not leave you comfortless.  Through the Holy Spirit, he said he will come to you

John 14:15-26

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  The comforter is Jesus.

¹⁹ Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

²⁰ At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (This is accomplished through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost)

²¹ He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

²⁴ He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  The comforter is a teacher.

The Greek word for Comforter is “parakletos” meaning “one called alongside to help”.  The comforter is our helper.

Another (allon) shows the Holy Spirit would be “another” like Jesus. The Holy Ghost is the third person of the Trinity.  The Comforter is a Spirit.

Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are used interchangeably in the scripture.  Spirit and Ghost are rendered the same word: pneuma: primarily denotes “the wind”, like the wind is invisible, immaterial and powerful.  Spirit can be used alone.  Ghost is always used with the prefix: Holy.  The comforter is powerful, he is Power.

When you receive the Holy Ghost you receive power to become sons and daughters of God. (When the scripture says man is means mankind: people, men and women)

John 1:12-13 (KJV)

¹² But as many as received him (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Remember, Jesus said in John 3: 6-7, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  We cannot enter nor see the kingdom of God with the Holy Ghost.  We cannot worship God without his spirit dwelling in us.  Again, when we are born of God we receive Power to become Sons and Daughters of God.  Thank you Jesus!

John 4:24

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

John 4:23

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

 

The flesh cannot please God.  Therefore, to be able to worship God as a true worshipper, you must worship him in Spirit and in truth.  That which is born of the flesh, is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Only if you have his Spirit abiding in you, are you able to worship him.  What is truth:  The word of God is truth (John 17:17).

 

John 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

The bible tells us clearly, “do not add to God’s word and do not take away from his word.”  I am not changing God’s word in this activity below.  Replace the word “truth” with “word”.  When you do this, do you see how clear the scripture becomes to you?

 

Psalm 117:2

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

A true worshipper worships God in the Spirit (Holy Ghost) and in truth (the word).

 

Review:

The Holy Ghost was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.  But Jesus, who always keeps his word and always speaks the truth, promised he would send us a comforter, the Holy Ghost to dwell or abide within us.  The Holy Ghost will only come when you make up your mind to obey the Word. When you are born of God, you receive power to become Sons and Daughters of God. The Holy Ghost is the third person of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost is God’s Spirit and you must be born of the Water and the Spirit.  To be a true worshipper, you must worship him in Spirit and in Truth. 

Purpose of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit:

• The Holy Ghost is our Comforter
• The Comforter is Jesus
• God the Father and Jesus, the Son, dwell in you through the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit
• The Comforter is a Teacher
• The Comforter is our Helper
• The Comforter is Power
• The Comforter is a Spirit

*We will learn more facts about the Holy Spirit as we continue our study. 

It’s my desire and prayer that this study will clear up any misunderstandings on the gift of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. And you will desire to be filled with the Holy Ghost. 

This bible study has been prepared by:

Minister Mary Waters

Pure Gold Evangelistic Ministries ©2014

An ordained Minister of Jesus Christ operating in the Offices of:

Teacher and Evangelist

Assignment: Read the Acts chapter 3-10.

Schedule:

Tuesday: Acts 3-4

Wednesday: Acts 5-6

Thursday: Acts 7 -8

Friday: John 16-20

Saturday: Acts 9-10

Sunday: Reflect and Meditate on the your reading assignment

Monday: Review passages that ministered to you, pray for understanding of passages you did not understand, this should be done daily.

 

Churches, Bible Study groups, etc., that would like Evangelist Waters to speak at your:

 Church, bible study, conference, women’s ministry, special program, etc., 

 Please contact Minister Waters on her website listed below, on the

 “Speaking Engagements Page”.

 

Contact Evangelist Waters:
www.PureGoldEvangelisticMinistries.com

Follow The Bible Study Blog: 
www.PureGoldMinistries.blogspot.com

Follow the Weekly Prayer Blog:
www.PureGoldEvangelisticMinistriesPrayer.blogspot.com    

 

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit Introduction

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit Introduction

 

 

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost

 

Key Scriptures: “Matthew 3:11-12, John 14:15-17; 26” and “Acts 2:38-39*”.

 

John the Baptist baptized with water unto repentance as we learned in our study on “Repentance”.  John was the prophet that prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry.  John began by preaching “Repentance” declaring the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  John the Baptist’s ministry was prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah.  People confessed their sins and John baptized them with water. 

Matthew 3:8-12

(KJV)

⁸ Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

⁹ And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

¹⁰ And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

¹¹ I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he (Jesus) that cometh after me (John the Baptist) is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

¹² Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

When you do not bring forth good fruit the axe is laid to the root of the tree (you are the tree) and you are hewn (cut) down and cast into the fire (hell).  John plainly preaches he baptizes with water unto repentance, but Jesus will come and baptize with the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit, Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth) and with fire.  Now there are some religions that misquote this scripture saying, I’m saved, sanctified, baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire.  No, you are baptized with one or the other.  Those that are baptized with the Holy Ghost belong to Christ and those that are baptized with fire will spend eternity in hell fire. Look at verse 12: he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. That’s hell fire, which will never be quenched.  Look at it like this: Those that obey all that Jesus teaches are baptized with the Holy Ghost.  Those that refuse to obey Jesus teachings will be baptized with unquenchable fire: hell fire or lake of fire, which is eternal judgment/punishment.

Let’s recap water baptism:

Now, John’s baptism was similar in nature to the Old Testament offerings (washings) that symbolized a cleansing of personal repentance on the part of the believer.  To fulfill all righteousness or to fulfill the law, Jesus himself submitted himself to the baptism of John the Baptist. To be baptized with the Holy Ghost which only can be done by Jesus, refers to the spiritual rebirth of those who shall receive the baptism of the Spirit: which is the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. (See: I Corinthians12:12-13)

 

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

(KJV)

¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, this is when the believer is united with Christ. 

Romans 8:8-10

King James Version (KJV)

⁸ So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

⁹ But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

¹⁰ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Jesus began his ministry by preaching: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Matthew 4:17

John the Baptist, the greatest prophet, Jesus testified, had paved the way for his ministry.  Many people believed in Jesus when they witnessed His miracles.  The working of miracles had not been done by the religious leaders of that day.  The religious leaders were taking note of all the things Jesus did and how the crowds flocked to hear his teachings, receive healings, and see the miracles he performed. They were not happy about this.

There was Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews (member of the Sanhedrin); he was master of Israel, which means he was a rabbi/teacher.  His name was Nicodemus.  Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, probably because he feared the Jews, who were very angry with Jesus’ ministry.  The following is part of their conversation:

John 3:1-8

(KJV)

3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

² The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

³ Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

⁴ Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

⁷ Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

⁸ The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus, unlike many of the Pharisees, knew Jesus was sent from God and desired to learn more.  Jesus knowing Nicodemus was a master of the law, who believed in him, desired to show him a more perfect way.  The word of God says, if you he that comes to Jesus, you will not be turned away.  The word also says, if you hunger and thirst after righteousness you shall be filled.  That’s a promise from the Lord.  Nicodemus was not content with church as usual, he knew there was more: Jesus was the MORE.

John 6:37-38

King James Version (KJV)

³⁷ All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

³⁸ For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Matthew 5:6

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

We need to have that same hunger and thirst for righteousness and we shall be filled.  If we come to Jesus with a repentant heart he will not cast us out. 

Jesus plainly explains to Nicodemus a very important key to the kingdom of God:

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Nicodemus, just as you and I, desired to enter into God’s kingdom.  He was not simply a church goer; he studied the Word of God, the Mosaic Law.  He was well educated in the Holy Scriptures and was obedient in the Jewish teachings. He was doing all that he knew to enter into the Kingdom of God and yet he had a great hunger and thirst for more.

Jesus explained, “He must be born again”. Nicodemus, just as we are, was born of the flesh.  Nicodemus ask a very wise question, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Verse 3. 

Jesus explains to him, he must be born of the water and of the Spirit.  Because of the price that Christ paid for us, we can be born of the water and of the spirit which refers to the spiritual birth, which cleanses us from sin and bring spiritual transformation and a renewed mind.

Read: Ezekiel 36:16-38, 25-27*

Nicodemus was able to understand Jesus teachings, because of these Holy Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:14, 1-14; Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 31:33.

Without the price of Jesus life, that he paid for our sins, which was God’s gift to us, we would not have an opportunity to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which he promised to us. First Jesus told Nicodemus that we must be born again, and then he promised to send the comforter to us, who gives us power to become sons and daughters of God. 

John 14:15-18,26

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

¹⁸ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

This promise made by Jesus was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.  Pentecost is an annual festival that comes 50 days after Passover.  Not only did Jesus make this promise , but, Joel prophesied about the out pouring of God’s spirit.  Joel 2:28-32

Joel 2:28-32

King James Version (KJV)

²⁸ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

²⁹ And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

³⁰ And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

³¹ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.

³² And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.

There is still more of this prophesy to be fulfilled.  I thank God, we are living in the time that this part, of the prophesy (of his spirit being poured out upon all flesh) is still being fulfilled today.  I’m a witness of receiving his Holy Spirit.  In Acts 2:17-21 Peter made reference to Joel’s prophesy.  There are greater outpourings of the Holy Ghost to be fulfilled in this present time. This is a promise that is still yet being fulfilled.  When the 120 received the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, this was just the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise that came by Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel and Jesus as well as other scriptures in the Old Testament that refer to the outpouring of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost.  We will learn more in this bible study. 

Take some time to fast and pray, to get a good understanding of this very important promise that can be fulfilled in your life, if he has not taken his abode in you.  Study the scriptures daily along with prayer. 

As we continue our study of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, you will learn his purpose and his power. He is part of the Trinity: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.

This bible study has been prepared by:

Minister Mary Waters

Pure Gold Evangelistic Ministries ©2014

An ordained Minister of Jesus Christ operating in the Offices of:

Teacher and Evangelist

Assignment: Read the Gospel of John and Acts chapter 1-2.

Schedule:

Tuesday: John 1-5

Wednesday: John 6-10

Thursday: John 11-15

Friday: John 16-20

Saturday: John 21; Acts 1-2

Sunday: Reflection and Meditation on the your reading assignment

Monday: Review passages that ministered to you, pray for understanding of passages you did not understand, this should be done daily.

 

Churches, Bible Study groups, etc., that would like Evangelist Waters to speak at your:

 Church, bible study, conference, women’s ministry, special program, etc., 

 Please contact Minister Waters on her website listed below, on the

“SpeakingEngagements Page”.

 

Contact Evangelist Waters:
www.PureGoldEvangelisticMinistries.com

Follow The Bible Study Blog: 
www.PureGoldMinistries.blogspot.com

Follow the Weekly Prayer Blog:
www.PureGoldEvangelisticMinistriesPrayer.blogspot.com