Now I will teach on a subject that has, unfortunately, become somewhat controversial. However, I would be remiss to not teach this material, since the purpose of this series is to mobilize the reserves to the battle field. And the last thing I want to do is send them to the front lines unarmed—and worse yet, with guns in their hands, but no ammunition.
Before we look at our personal empowerment, let us first look at the example set forth in Scripture concerning Jesus Himself. Most of us presume that because of Jesus’ divinity, He simply operated in, by, and through His own innate power. However, I think the Scriptures impart a different perspective. Philippians 2:5-8, the single best discourse concerning the mystery of the incarnation, indicates that He voluntarily emptied Himself of His divinity and took on the form of a man. If this is indeed true, where did He get His power from?
The Scriptures are relatively silent concerning Jesus’ early life. Our best understanding is that He was a small town man who lived quietly as a carpenter. Luke 3:23 tells us that his public ministry did not begin until He was about 30 years old. Note that in verses 21-22, before He began His public ministry, He had an encounter with the Holy Spirit. Then we read in verses Luke 4:1, 4:14, and 4:18 that Jesus “full of the Holy Spirit,” “led by the Spirit,” “in the power of the Holy Spirit” and “the Spirit of the Lord was upon [Him].” Now we all know that following these events Jesus went around teaching with authority with many demonstrations of power. Coincidence? Hmmm?
When Peter spoke to the Gentiles in Caesarea, he described Jesus to them in this way:
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38 emphasis added, NASB)
Now let us slowly shift gears to the saints. The account of John the Baptist speaking of Jesus coming after him is recorded in all four Gospels with slight variation (John 1:33, Luke 3:16, Matthew 3:11, and Mark 1:8). Here is the shortest version: “I baptized you with water; but He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8, NASB). I know the term “baptism of the Holy Spirit” immediately raises red flags—which half tempts me to use another term. However, this is the term John the Baptist, Peter, Jesus Himself, and the writers of five books of the Bible used. I can’t justify calling it anything else.
Now we read in John 14:12, right after He tells them to believe in Him because of the miracles He has performed:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. (John 14:12, NASB)
Why would His going to the Father possibly lead to those believing in Him doing greater works than He performed? He answers that question in verse 16. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;” (John 14:16, NASB). Because He promised He would send the Holy Spirit.
Here is Jesus’ last instructions for His disciples before His ascension (the “going to the Father”). “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Both Acts 1:5 and Acts 11:16 make it clear that Jesus told them that they would receive the “baptism of the Holy Spirit,” in fact, using that terminology. In Acts 11:15, Peter clearly references the experience at Pentecost as being “baptized with the Holy Spirit,” the promise from Jesus. He compares it to the event that happened to Cornelius and his acquaintances, saying they had received the same gift as they did, at the beginning. Hmmm, Pentecost marking the beginning of their ministry—see a pattern here?
I know many believe that these manifestations of the power of God have ceased. However, the Biblical basis for this argument is suspect. The 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 evidence is a bit wanting. First of all, if perfection is here, that suggests the war is over—the Kingdom is established and the enemy is subdued. Just watch the evening news, and you’ll see that this is not the case. Then there is the itemization of the “ceased” gifts. It is easy to target the power manifestations, but is anyone trying to say knowledge has ceased as well? Really? Then there is the argument that the manifestations of power were only for the Apostles. However, we see in Acts that folks beyond the 12 (plus Paul) operated in power (Acts 9:17-18). Mark 16:17-18 is clearly addressed to all saints, and itemizes several “power” gifts that can only manifest by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said the same thing in John 14:12. 1 Corinthians Chapters 12-14 were addressed to all the saints. In them, Paul told them to eagerly seek the greater gifts (prophesy specifically), and not to forbid the speaking in tongues, practices forbidden by many today in spite of Paul’s admonition.
Now matters of the Spirit are a bit mysterious. We know that the Spirit is imparted at some level to convict of sin prior to regeneration. We also know for certainty that we are given the Spirit as a seal of redemption at rebirth. Yet, we also see a clear pattern in Scripture that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit (called the baptism of the Holy Spirit), after regeneration, sometimes even before water baptism (Paul and the Gentiles with Cornelius). Then we see some being “filled” with the Holy Spirit after the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Peter filled three times after Pentecost). Mysterious? Yes. True? Absolutely!
Scripture suggests that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift specifically for empowerment for ministry. We saw this pattern in Jesus’ ministry and in the ministry of the Apostles. For Jesus said:
“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NASB)
Now there is equally sufficient evidence to conclude that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not required for salvation. It is simply a gift for empowerment. A talented teacher named Apollos taught accurately concerning Jesus and powerfully demonstrated He was the Christ. The disciples told others to welcome him. Yet Priscilla, Aquila, and Paul all noticed something lacking (See Acts 18:24-28 and 19:1-7). Paul asked him if he received the Holy Spirit. He said he received “the baptism of repentance” only. Paul laid hands on him and his acquaintances and they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Were they saved before this encounter? Clearly.
Now I urge you to seriously consider the patterns set forth in Scripture. These patterns are still followed throughout the world today, yet some of you contest their authenticity. I pray that you will open you mind and heart to these truths. Sincerely, without the power of the Holy Spirit manifesting itself in and through us, we tremendously limit our ministry. His power is one of the (if not THE) most important keys for Kingdom expansion.
Now I urge you to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit if you are not already baptized. Pray through Luke 11:13 below (ask, seek, knock). Likewise, I suggest you find some Spirit-filled folks to lay hands on you and pray for you—this is a clear pattern throughout Scripture. And do the same for your disciples. Give them the weaponry and ammunition they need to fight on the frontlines of Kingdom expansion.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13, NASB)
Lord, empower your saints and embolden them for your mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.