Baptism of the Holy Spirit

by Billy Joe Daugherty

 

The term “baptism of the Holy Spirit” comes from the prophecies made by John the Baptist and Jesus concerning this experience. John said to those he baptized in the Jordan River, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

Jesus spoke to the apostles just before He ascended back into heaven and ”He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT not many days from now’” (Acts 1:4-5).

Holy Spirit Regenerates and Renews Life

At the point of conversion, the Holy Spirit gives birth to a new creation in the believer (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17). “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

The basic work of the Holy Spirit in salvation is to impart a new life to a person thus making him a child of God (1 John 5:12, John 1:12). Through the operation of the Holy Spirit, you become a part of God’s family – the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). It is a fact, “No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

All of us as believers know the Holy Spirit in the sense that, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16).

However, God has more for you. In addition to blessing you, He wants to use you to bless others.

Outpouring of the Holy Spirit 

The Holy Spirit has been active in the earth since creation (Genesis 1:2). He moved upon shepherds, kings, and prophets enabling them to accomplish various tasks. The prophet Joel spoke of a time when God’s Spirit would be poured out upon all flesh.

And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29

Men and women, young and old, would be a part of this great outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost After the Resurrection

After the resurrection Jesus told His disciples, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was called the promise of the Father in this passage. Jesus said it would be an enduement with power from on high. These followers would be endowed with God’s power to be witnesses of Jesus. According to His instruction, some 120 followers of Jesus, including the disciples, met together to wait for the promise of the Father.

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

Power to Witness

An important reason for the baptism of the Holy Spirit is power for witnessing of the living Christ. It could be termed “enablement” or “ability” from God.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

And those 120 went into the streets witnessing of Jesus. The Jews who were gathered in Jerusalem from all over the world, because of the feast of Pentecost, heard the wonderful works of God in their own languages (Acts 2:11). Finally Peter stood up and preached about Joel’s prophecy and the resurrection of Christ.

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about THREE THOUSAND SOULS were added to them” (Acts 2:41). The results were amazing as they witnessed in the power of the Holy Ghost. Soon another 5,000 believed the Word and were added to the church (Acts 4:4).

Rivers of Living Water

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as rivers of living water that would flow out of the believer’s innermost being.

Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39

The Holy Spirit produces rivers of life, love, joy, peace, and power to flow out of your spirit to meet the needs of others.
Jesus said those who believe upon Him SHOULD RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The Comforter and Teacher

Jesus taught His disciples concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit in their lives. One of the names He used in speaking of the Holy Spirit was Comforter. The Greek word is Paraclete, meaning “one called alongside to help.”  He also said the Holy Spirit would teach and guide the believers.

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

The three-fold nature of the Trinity is revealed by this scripture. Although Jesus and the Father and the Holy Spirit are one, Jesus prayed to the Father and the Father gave the Holy Spirit through Jesus.

An unbeliever cannot receive the Holy Spirit, for Jesus said the world cannot receive Him. The Holy Spirit had been with the disciples, but Jesus said He would be in them (John 14:17).

The Holy Spirit, at the time of need, brings to your remembrance the words of Jesus. He also teaches you how to apply God’s Word in your life. “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me” (John 15:26).

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Jesus to the believer. He reveals the wealth and riches in Christ. He glorifies our exalted Lord and Savior. He opens your eyes to what is promised to you in Christ. ”However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-14

The truth is in God’s Word. The Holy Spirit guides you into an understanding of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. What He hears from God, He speaks to you. He will always glorify Jesus and be consistent with the Word of God.

Be Filled With the Spirit

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but BE FILLED WITH THE
SPIRIT. Ephesians 5:17-18
God’s will is for every believer to be filled with His Spirit. His desire is that you be continually overflowing with His Spirit. Remember, Jesus COMMANDED the disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they had been endued with power (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4). He also said those who believe on Him SHOULD receive the Holy Spirit (John 7:39).

Ask and You Shall Receive

Knowing that it is God’s will for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit gives you confidence in asking Him to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we
ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.I John 5:14-15

Jesus said your heavenly Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who would ask Him. You ask the Father to give you the Holy Spirit and have confidence you shall receive (Luke 11:9-13).

A New Tongue

One of the signs Jesus said would follow those who believe was “they will speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).
Isaiah prophesied about this. “For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, to whom He said, ‘This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest,’ and, ‘This is the refreshing’; yet they would not hear” (Isaiah 28:11-12). It would be a rest and a refreshing to the believer.

The 120 believers (Jews) all spoke with other tongues on the day of Pentecost when they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). The Gentiles in the house of Cornelius spoke with tongues when the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 10: 44-48).

Likewise, the people at Ephesus spoke in tongues when the Holy Spirit came on them (Acts 19:6).

Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him. He later told the Christians at Corinth. “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” ( I Corinthians 14:18). He said praying in the Spirit edifies or builds up the believer (1 Corinthians 14:4). In his message to the Corinthians, he concluded his instructions on tongues with these words: “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES. Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:39-40).

Gifts of the Spirit

There are supernatural gifts of the Spirit given to believers to minister to one another. These are separate from man’s natural abilities, talents, and education. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

There is a variety of gifts that the Spirit gives to believers to build up the Body of Christ. Each person may at different times minister with any number of the gifts as the Spirit wills.

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:5-8

Of course, every believer does not operate in all the gifts all the time. The gifts of the Spirit are manifested to meet needs as they arise. Several gifts might come forth at one time to minister to an individual or to a body of believers. It is the Spirit who ministers as He wills. At the same time, the believer must allow himself to be used of the Spirit and yield as the Spirit directs. (1 Corinthians 14:32).

This word may be of great help. The Scripture plainly teaches the difference between the public ministry gift of tongues and personal prayer in the Spirit. While all may not have the ministry of tongues in the church for the whole body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:28-30), all may speak with tongues in personal prayer for edification (1 Corinthians 14:4-5). Remember, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

 

 Healing for the Christian

by Billy Joe Daugherty

 

God Is the Healer

God revealed Himself to the people of Israel as a healer God, Jehovah Rapha. He promised to keep disease from them if they would obey His Word.
“If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes. I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Healing – One of God’s Benefits

God is a Father to His children. Because of His compassion for those He loves, He has made provision for their healing. This is one of the benefits of having a loving heavenly Father who cares for your every need. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who FORGIVES all your INIQUITIES, who HEALS all your DISEASES. Psalm 103:2-3

Notice that forgiveness is one of God’s benefits. Both forgiveness and healing are placed together in this passage of Scripture. God is concerned about both your spiritual healing and your physical healing.

Messiah Suffers for Our Healing

The prophet Isaiah wrote about God’s suffering servant, the Messiah or Redeemer of Israel. He was writing about Jesus taking your punishment for your sins. Jesus suffered for you in every way you deserved to suffer: physically, mentally, and spiritually. He did it so you would not have to suffer these things. He was your substitute, your Savior.

The four Gospel writers tell you what they SAW and HEARD about he suffering of Christ. On the other hand, Isaiah tells you what was REVEALED to him by the Spirit of God concerning Christ’s sufferings: Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us
all. Isaiah 53:4-6

The two words “griefs” and “sorrows” in the first phrase of the passage could equally be translated “sicknesses” and “pains”. This will be clearer after reading Matthew 8:16-17. From these three verses you see the variety of things Jesus suffered as He took your place and God’s judgment for sin fell on Him.

He Took Our Infirmities and Bore Our Sicknesses

While Jesus walked the face of the earth, He ministered healing to every part of man. He cast out devils, healed the sick, forgave sins, and restored wholeness to those tormented by Satan. In recording these events, Matthew quoted from Isaiah 53:4 concerning the substitutionary work of Christ.
When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demonpossessed.

And he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet saying: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INIRMITIES AND BORE OUR SICKNESSES.” Matthew 8:16-17

Not only did He take your infirmities and bare all your sicknesses on the cross, but also during His ministry, He relieved people of infirmities and sicknesses. He did this in relation to sins also. Not only did he take your sins on the cross, but He also forgave men of their sins before the crucifixion.

Healed by His Stripes

Peter was a man who witnessed the mock trial of Jesus. He was well acquainted with the happenings on Calvary. He wrote about the effects that Jesus’ suffering would have on your life. he mentions both the spiritual and the physical results of Christ’s atonement: Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – BY WHOSE STRIPES YOU WERE HEALED. 1 Peter 2:24

The phrase, “By whose stripes you were healed,” is a direct reference to Isaiah 53:5. You remember that Jesus was scourged or whipped before His crucifixion (Mark 15:15). The physical punishment that He took was for your healing, for “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). All the punishment Jesus received before and during the crucifixion was for your healing – spirit, soul, and body.

Satan Is the Author of Sickness and Disease

Before Adam’s sin in the garden, there was no sin or death in the earth. After his disobedience, sin and death with all of their evil companions (hatred, bitterness, jealousy, sickness, disease, torment) entered into the world (Romans 5:12).

Jesus was sent to establish the wholeness that man had before the fall. He was the Redeemer, the One sent to buy you back from the dominion of Satan. Jesus loosed the people who were captive to Satan’s devices. He healed the sick, delivered the oppressed, opened prison doors, and preached the good news.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

This scripture, as well as all four Gospels, clearly reveals that the devil oppresses people with sickness, and Jesus heals people who are sick. Never confuse these two. God desires an abundant life for you, and the devil wants to steal, to kill, and to destroy(John 10:10).

God Wants Us in Health

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2). God is interested in your health spiritually and
physically. he wants your body to be just as free from Satan’s influence as He does your heart. “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:10). Not only are you to live a holy and pure life in your body, but also it is possible for you to live in health. You have been bought with the blood of Christ. The price has been paid for spiritual and physical health.

Redeemed from the Curse

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14

There was a curse pronounced upon those who would not keep God’s laws (Deuteronomy 18:15-68). This curse generally included poverty, sickness, and death. Since all men were sinners, there was no man who could fully keep all God’s laws (Romans 3:34). Jesus entered the earth as a man and lived His life without sin. As He hung on the cross, He was actually made to be a curse for you as your substitute. He took the curse you deserved. He took your poverty, your sickness, and your death (sin), so that you might receive the blessings God had promised to Abraham and those keeping His law. These include an abundant supply for every need in your life (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

Jesus Is Still the Same

“ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The reason Jesus healed people was because of His compassion. He saw their needs and met them. He is still the same. His compassion has not stopped. He loves you just as much as He did those in the time of His earthly ministry. His power is not stopped just because He is no longer visibly in our midst. His power and effectiveness are even greater today because He can be present in all places at all times by His Spirit. “For his mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136).

Prayer of Faith – Anointing with Oil
We know from the book of Acts that the healing ministry of Christ did not stop with His death and resurrection. It continued through the twelve disciples and the other believers (Mark 16:15-19).

There were numerous ways in which people received healing under Jesus’ ministry. Today men can receive healing from the basis of numerous passages of scripture. These include: Mark 11:22-24, John 16:23-24, Matthew 18:18-20, Mark 16:18, James 5:14-15, Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3, 1 Peter 2:24, and Matthew 8:16-17.

One particularly important method is anointing with oil and praying the prayer of faith. It demonstrates to us that God’s power can be ministered by believers and thus shows that healing did not end when Christ died or when the apostles died. Healing is still provided for you today.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:14-15

Your Faith Has Made You Whole

by Billy Joe Daugherty

One of the best chapters in the entire Bible on the subject of faith is the 11th chapter of Hebrews. Any in-depth study of faith would include a study of the men listed in this chapter. I suggest the chapter be read while you read the words in this book on the subject of faith.

According to Paul, there abides now “faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).I definitely believe that all three of these are important. Without hope of eternal life,you would have no reason to live. Without love you could not experience the nature of God. These two are vital to the Christian. But right now, we will deal primarily with faith.

What is Faith?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is in the present tense. It believes NOW. It receives NOW. It acts NOW. One of the great differences between faith and hope is in the tense. Hope is usually concerned with the future, whereas faith is most often concerned with the present.

Sometimes we hear someone say that they are stepping out in faith in a new venture. Generally, they mean they don’t know what is going to happen or what the future holds. They feel an urge to try something new and take a stab at it.

The type of faith defines in Hebrews 11:1 does NOT operate this way. Instead, true faith in God has substance. When a person steps out in this type of faith, he will be standing on solid rock. THE SUBSTANCE IS FAITH IN GOD’S ETERNAL, UNCHANGING WORD.

You may hope for something for years. As long as you continue hoping, it will always be just beyond you. There are, on the other hand, many things you can bring into your life by faith. For instance, salvation is a good thing to hope for. But if you want to be saved, you need to put substance to your hope and receive Christ by faith right NOW. Although you do not see Him burst through the clouds or feel ninety-nine goose bumps, you are still saved if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ.

Although there may be no physical evidence for your faith, you do have sufficient evidence in God’s Word. Your evidence for what you believe is your faith in God’s Word. God is a witness. He will never lie. If you take God at His Word, that Word will stand good in the trial.

How Do We Get Faith?

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The best way to get faith is to hear the Word of God. It is important for you not only to hear it with your ears but also with you heart. To hear God’s Word in your heart requires openness and hunger for God’s message.
I suggest reading the Bible aloud, particularly the New Testament.

Say the Scriptures to yourself. Insert your own name where the message is personal. Make a list of the promises God’s Word has for you. By faith, believe, receive, and confess them daily. Faith will grow as you are continually hearing God’s Word.

Who Can Have Faith?

”God has dealt to EACH ONE a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome. God has dealt to every Christian the measure of faith. But you also have faith to be saved before you are a Christian. The Bible says, “Whoever desires” (Revelation 22:17) can be saved. Evidently, any person who hears god’s Word and will act on it can exercise faith. That includes all who will HEAR and OBEY God’s Word – saved or in the process of being saved.

People who do not hear God’s Word or will not obey it do not have the God-kind of faith. Faith requires hearing and obeying.
“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for NOT ALL HAVE FAITH” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

Faith Acts on God’s Word

God has spread a table before you filled with bountiful blessings. Naturally speaking, if someone sets a beautiful table of food before you, you know what to do with it. You don’t sit wishing and hoping that you could have some of that food. You don’t complain to your host that you do not have enough. Neither do you get mad and upset if someone at the table gets a big helping of creamed potatoes. You begin to help yourself to the food. It has been set before you to eat and be filled. There is probably more in the kitchen if you empty the serving bowls. You know that everyone at the table has equal rights and privileges to get their portion of each dish.

Now, God’s Word is the same. God has made ample provision for every need in your life. He promises a full, abundant supply. It is all yours for the asking. God just wants you to believe His Word and take what has been set before you. It does not offend God for you to take all you need. Any host is disappointed if she discovers one of her guests did not get enough. She wants each one to be satisfied. God is certainly the Almighty Creator, but He has chosen to set a table for you. What you receive from Him will come as a result of your actively reaching out and claiming His promises.

So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you? The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10:51-52

Faith Is Not a Feeling

Sometimes people base their spiritual experiences on feelings and emotions.
Problems arise when the feelings and emotions change. If they have not been grounded in the Word of God, doubt will arise as to whether or not the experience was genuine.
For faith to be consistent, it must be based on something with more stability than your feelings.

You are not saved because you feel saved. You are saved because you have put your faith in God’s Word and acted on it. You may feel great today, tired tomorrow, and lonely next week, but hallelujah! God’s Word is going to say the same thing yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)

Feelings are influenced by what you see, what you read, and what you hear. Everyone is exposed to things that are not consistent with God’s Word. If these things control your feelings and your feelings control your faith, you can be a Christian yet controlled by Satan’s devices.

Your faith must be controlled by God’s Word, not by what you feel, not by what circumstances look like, and not by what others tell you. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Your eyes, ears, heart, and mouth should be turned to God’s Word.
While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things
which are not seen are eternal.1 Corinthians 4:18

God’s Word is eternal. Your spiritual eyes must be focused on God (who is unseen) by looking at His Word.