Two ways of being baptized with the Spirit of God in the New Testament
Being filled vs. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit
I made a huge discovery after I came back from Malawi. This also happened due to the powerful things God has done during the month we were on a mission trip in Malawi, seeing God healing many, many having been delivered of demonic oppression and many having been baptized with the Holy Spirit, with some speaking in tongues.
I have already begun to teach the difference between being filled vs. being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Now I want to share what the Spirit of God has begun to reveal to me about the immense importance and also one of the biggest reasons the church of Jesus Christ does NOT YET walk in the power of God. Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God and told His disciples to WAIT in Jerusalem, saying according to Luke in the book of the Acts of the apostles or the Holy Spirit: 5 For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit. (Act 1:5)
Then He also even commanded them, saying: “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Act 1:8 AMP) Jesus actually PROMISED POWER to His disciples, that would later become His first church. This POWER was a SUPERNATURAL ability to be witnesses, with signs and wonders and healings following those who BELIEVED, just as Jesus has promised according to Mark, saying: 15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]. 16 He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. 17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God. Psa 110:1] 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it). (Mark 16:15-19 AMP)
After ten days of having waited in the upper room, on the feast of Israel, Pentecost, 120 men and women were BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. Let’s see what Luke wrote in his account of what was related to him about what had happened:
1 AND WHEN the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all assembled together in one place, 2 When suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the rushing of a violent tempest blast, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were separated and distributed and which settled on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled (diffused throughout their souls) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other (different, foreign) languages (tongues), as the Spirit kept giving them clear and loud expression [in each tongue in appropriate words]. (Act 2:1-4 AMP)
Allot of confusion and misconception has existed and have kept the church of Jesus Christ in the dark regards what really happened on this day and what the GREAT IMPLICATION was for ALL who would BELIEVE… Thus, all Satan had to do, was to get people NOT to believe! In Malawi we saw many having been baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire, because of their simplicity, childlike faith and great humility, just like John the Baptist PROMISED all His followers, before whom, he came to prepare the way. Was this not what Jesus promised and even warned, saying: “But when Jesus saw [it], He was indignant and pained and said to them, Allow the children to come to Me--do not forbid or prevent or hinder them--for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly I tell you, WHOEVER does NOT receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall NOT enter it at all.” (Mark 10:14-15 AMP)
Jesus knew that men’s foolish wisdom would make it IMPOSSIBLE for them to enter the kingdom of God and to partake of all the promises that they could have had if they were simple minded and poor in spirit, like a little child.
From Luke’s words and Jesus’ promise, two things happened in the upper room. Jesus promised that they would have to WAIT in Jerusalem to receive POWER, according to the doctor, Luke’s words, they will ALL FILLED with the Holy Spirit. When we read this, we were confused and automatically assumed that they were only Filled with the Holy Spirit. But later, confusion sets in, as doctrines developed, because of a lack of truly KNOWING what these men and women have truly EXPERIENCED. We must remember, those who told Luke about what happened, were able to share from FIRST hand experience, what HAS HAPPENED to them.
Later, theologians, who have NEVER ONCE experienced the BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT, tried to explain things from a purely human explanation or logic, NEVER having experienced what Jesus had promised. Yes, it is sad to say, but MANY have NEVER once experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Thus, this concept became a purely mind concept to many.
I want to share what I ONLY BEGUN to see in Malawi, from what I had experienced, which opened my eyes to the TRUTH. Is it not strange that Jesus emphatically told those who believe in Him: “ 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, THEN are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) ONLY when we ABIDE in the WORD will be begin to know the TRUTH. Then when we begin to know the TRUTH, by experience, THEN will this truth make us FREE. Many have taught many things from knowledge, without experience and have put many burdens upon people, NOT KNOWING what they are talking about.
Now I want to reveal a profound revelation, which I believe will take the church of Jesus Christ to the next level, so that God can do through them what He has always intended to do, JUST as Jesus has promised, ALL WHO BELIEVE, saying: “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. 13 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. [Exo 3:14] 14 [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM].
There were two ways, in which or through which, the Baptism of the Spirit of God were given in the book of Acts. Due to our ignorance, we always want to limit God and tell Him what He can or cannot do. We even want to tell Him HOW He must do it. But let’s look at the TWO WAYS HOW God fulfilled His promise, through Jesus Christ, to the apostles and His disciples, the 120, who DID WAIT, in FAITH, in the upper room, in the few years of the records that were written down of the works of the Holy Spirit, after the first church of Jesus Christ was established with power, in the New Testament. This pattern is our blue print of the possible ways God had chosen to fulfill His promise that was made over thousands of years through the prophets in the Old Testament.
The first account of the baptism of the Spirit of God we have mentioned already – the miraculous and supernatural phenomena that took place on the day of Pentecost! 120 People, both men and women, where BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit, they starting to speak in a strange NEW language, better knows as TONGUES. Right here many more confusions have slipped in that have also, due to the lack of understanding, ignorance and lack of ever having received and EXPERIENCED the strange gift of SPEAKING IN TONGUES, people have treated the awesome promise which, God in His great love have dearly paid for by His blood, with contempt, cutting themselves off from what they could have received and could have being EMPOWERED with, had they ONLY believed.
Rightly so, the languages that these men of Galatia had spoken was all the other languages of the visiting Jews from all the other nation outside Jerusalem. Thus, they assumed that this was a ONCE off experience that was ONLY to usher in the kingdom of God for the Jews and later for the Gentiles, assuming that IF it does NOT happen this way, that which God want to give them, in another way could NOT be from God, being only a deceiving spirit of a lying wonder. BUT if this was true, Paul would NEVER have said to the church in Corinth: “5 And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. 6 And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit. (1Cor 12:5-7 AMP) He is NOT the God of the past, but of future continues time, saying: “there ARE…” and “…is given…” There are different varieties of operations of the Spirit of God and we want to limit Him to do ONLY what we want to allow Him to do. Well then, He, God, through His Spirit, CANNOT operate through you in any other way then what you allow Him. Sometimes, in His grace, He will even overcome your limits, in spite of you, just making you realize He is God and that He has NEVER changed.
Paul explains what the purpose of the GIFT of the SPEAKING IN TONGUES are, admonishing the Corinthian church, saying: “…2 For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. Then He goes even further: 4 He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness]. 5 Now I wish that you might all speak in [unknown] tongues, but more especially [I want you] to prophesy (to be inspired to preach and interpret the divine will and purpose). He who prophesies [who is inspired to preach and teach] is greater (more useful and more important) than he who speaks in [unknown] tongues, unless he should interpret [what he says], so that the church may be edified and receive good [from it]. (1Cor 14:2 & 4-5 AMP)
In this short defense, for the sake of this AWESOME GIFT of the ability to speak in tongues, building up your spirit, by God’s Spirit; proving that it can come in a great variety of ways; proving that the way God had chosen to do it on the day of Pentecost was NOT the only way, Paul says: “…IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels,…” (1Cor 13:1a) Paul clearly distinguish between to types of Spirit languages: the language of MEN and of ANGELS.” Paul does NOT discredit the language of angels, but merely distinguish for the sake of proving that we need to add LOVE to these gifts of the Spirit of God, which was given us when we were BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Like I said, there were TWO ways that men and women were BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, in the book of Acts. But there were also two occasions, in which the BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT took place that was very similar, as Peter later, in defense, explained to the ignorant, angry Jewish believers in Jerusalem, saying: “15 When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as He did on us at the beginning. [Acts 2:1-4] 16 Then I recalled the declaration of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with (be placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit. 17 If then God gave to them the same Gift [equally] as He gave to us when we believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I and what power or authority had I to interfere or hinder or forbid or withstand God?
God is the One who BAPTIZE with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the one who, pours out the Holy Spirit, so that He could come on ALL WHO BELIEVE. This Gift has NEVER seized and will only seize once all things are made perfect. This gift is for ALL, the simple apostle Peter, explained, as was prophesied by the prophet Joel: “You Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be [explained] to you so that you will know and understand; listen closely to what I have to say. 15 For these men are not drunk, as you imagine, for it is [only] the third hour (about 9:00 a.m.) of the day; 16 But [instead] this is [the beginning of] what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, God declares, that I will pour out of My Spirit upon all mankind, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels] and your young men shall see visions (divinely granted appearances), and your old men shall dream [divinely suggested] dreams. 18 Yes, and on My menservants also and on My maidservants in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy [telling forth the divine counsels and predicting future events pertaining especially to God's kingdom].” (Acts 2:15-18) This PROMISE was for ALL who BELIEVED. Peter concluded, saying who can receive this promise: 21 And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord--Christ] shall be saved. [Joel 2:28-32] (Acts 2:21) To call on Jesus Christ as their Lord, is to put your trust completely upon Him and totally rely on His Words.
In order to begin to understand the second way God had chosen to BAPTIZE those who believe, in the book of Acts, we need to understand what the word BAPTIZE means. This was what resulted in Paul teaching the Corinthian church, how to use the gifts of God in a worthy manner.
From Peter’s words, it implies that, the Spirit was poured out ON all flesh. The word for baptism in Greek means: Βάπτισμα – baptisma - bap'-tis-mah. This word comes from the root word: βαπτίζω - baptizō - bap-tid'-zo – which is a derivative word meaning to make whelmed or to make fully wet. This word, comes from another base word derivative: Βάπτω - baptō - bap'-to, which means to whelm or to cover wholly with a fluid or to dip. Thus, baptism in this context, from this word for baptism in the bible, means to fully make wet or immerse by dipping completely in something.
When we begin to understand what Jesus meant in saying that they will be baptized WITH the Holy Spirit and POWER, then we realize Jesus said they will be completely immersed or even overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit and the POWER of God.
There was another way through which people could also be baptized in the Spirit in the New Testament, according to the book of Acts. When the Spirit of God begun to put together the puzzle pieces, which He had been teaching me through the last 4-5 year’s journey, which God had put me on, revealing this truth to me, I became very excited. I began to realize how many verses, which we have read were misunderstood and would help the church of Jesus Christ to begin to restore the fullness of the power of God that was made available through the death of Jesus Christ.
The last 4-5 years God took me on a journey to discover my NEW identity and authority in Christ Jesus. Through this new understanding of HOW the Spirit can totally overwhelm us from the INSIDE, the Spirit of God putting to death and helping my human nature or flesh to line up with the character and the nature of God, I understood the second way to be baptized with the Spirit of God. Paul explains this to the Romans, saying: 13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8:13-14) and Paul says: 16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). In conclusion, Paul said: 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] (Gal 5:16 & 25) When we are totally immersed in God’s Spirit, we are giving up all control and the Spirit guide and control our thoughts and actions. When we live in such a way, we are led by the Spirit of God in ALL we say and do. This is ALSO termed to be completed overwhelmed by the Spirit or to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The Second way to be baptized with the Holy Spirit - Laying on of hands
The second way, through which the new believers could be baptized and which also were the most common way through which it happened in the New Testament, was by the laying on of hands. There are many examples in the book of Acts of this:
Acts 8:17 Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:17 So Ananias left and went into the house. And he laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to you along the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:6 And as Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke in [foreign, unknown] tongues (languages) and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve of them in all.
Each of these cases have their own merit and discussion, but I only want to make it clear that there was another way that people could have received the Holy Spirit. That way was through the laying on of hands. Before I go into what God has revealed to me in my spirit, through those experiences, which I had from and in the Spirit of God, in Malawi, I want to clear another dangerous and very detrimental teaching to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, who was promised to the church of Jesus Christ. This teaching and misinterpretation, which came from ignorant teachers, who have NEVER known the Holy Spirit and His working, nor ever having experienced the power of God Spirit to some degree.
Traditions stop the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Could men stop the working of the Power of God? Yes, Jesus makes it very clear that men can and has done it, even rebuking religious leaders very harshly, saying: 6 So for the sake of your tradition (the rules handed down by your forefathers), you have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect]. 7 You pretenders (hypocrites)! Admirably and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said: 8 These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. 9 Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men. (Matt 15:6-9)[Isa 29:13] The sad truth is that these doctrines or misinterpretations of scripture, based on human intellect, have prevented many from every receiving the awesome and powerful gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the gifts of the Holy Spirit included in the promise, with gift of speaking in tongues and/or prophecy, healing ext following.
Understanding the ministry of Phillip
This is a vast subject to begin to cover, with many aspects that could make many loose course, when they try to prove what the truth is, from mere human reasoning, trying to prove it from scripture. Not that it is impossible, but to do it comprehensively, I would have to cover many aspects of what has been written. Again, for the purpose of this discussion and for those who already believe the truth, I want to get to the actual revelation that God has given me. But, I will briefly be looking into some very important aspects of what really happened in Samaria, when the disciple Phillip, who was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, went down to Samaria and preached the gospel of the kingdom of God there.
Remember, Phillip was laid hands on by the apostles in Jerusalem, when he was set-apart by God to serve the church of Jesus Christ. The word of God said this about Stephen that was chosen by the church in Jerusalem: “…they selected Stephen, a man full of faith (a strong and welcome belief that Jesus is the Messiah) and full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte (convert) from Antioch. 6 These they presented to the apostles, who after prayer laid their hands on them. 7 And the message of God kept on spreading, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem; and [besides] a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom is obtained eternal salvation in the kingdom of God]. 8 Now Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing and favor) and power (strength and ability) worked great wonders and signs (miracles) among the people.
Knowing what was written about Stephen, let look at what was written about Phillip. This was what the Word of God testified about Phillip: 5 Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people]; [Acts 6:5] 6 And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time]. 7 For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health. (Act 8:5-7) God used this man in a powerful way, because he was also full of faith and the Holy Spirit like Stephen. Great miracles and wonders follow him, as he was demonstrating the authority and the power of the kingdom of God, as was written: 12 But when they believed the good news (the Gospel) about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) as Philip preached it, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed [he adhered to, trusted in, and relied on the teaching of Philip], and after being baptized, devoted himself constantly to him. And seeing signs and miracles of great power which were being performed, he was utterly amazed. (Acts 8:12-13) The Simon, the sorcerer was amazed at the great power and the signs and wonders that operated through Phillip. This made him follow Phillip everywhere because of the miracles he had seen God perform through him.
Then something happened that caused great misunderstanding and doctrines that have caused many to believe that the gift of the Baptism of the Spirit has seized. Although Phillip had led many to believe in Christ Jesus and although great miracles were taking place through him, it seemed like he lacked something, which Simon saw as an even greater gift to have, with which he could make money. I want to say, that is only how it seems, but at closer examination we will see that this assumption was not accurate, but twisted out of proportion, because of a lack of understanding the fullness of the prize that was paid at the cross, and the ability of God to do what He had promised He would, for all who believed.
14 Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the country of] Samaria had accepted and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 And they came down and prayed for them that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit. (Act 8:14-17) A question arose in people’s minds as to why the apostles had to come from Jerusalem, to lay hands upon the new disciples so that the Spirit of God could fall upon them? From a limited perspective, it might seem that ONLY the apostles had the ability to lay hands on believers so that they could be filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
This ‘seems’ especially evident, when we continue to see what Simon’s response was to what he saw happened, when the apostles prayed and laid hands upon the people, as was written: 18 However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought money and offered it to them, 19 Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. (Act 8:18-19) Only limited understanding would make such a huge error and assume that ONLY the apostles had the ability to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit.
Let’s just stop here for a while first. It is clear that people could be baptized with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God falling upon or coming upon them, at the laying on the hands of a man’s hands. Later, we see that God chose Ananias, a disciple, to pray for Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, Paul laying his hands on many so that they could be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Paul related the story about this man, whom God had chosen to go and pray and lay hands on him, so that he, Paul, could be filled with the Holy Spirit, saying: 22 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, well-spoken of by all the Jews who resided there…” From this testimony of Paul, it starts to become more evident, whom God would choose to go and lay hands upon His people, so that they could be filled and be baptized with the Holy Spirit - Devout men and women of God.
The apostle Peter makes it very clear to Simon, who CAN receive this gift so that when they lay their hands on people they will receive the Holy Spirit, the Spirit coming upon them in power, with the gift of speaking in new language or tongues:
8 “Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight [it is not straightforward or right or true before God]. [Psa_78:37] 22 So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your heart may be removed and disregarded and forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in a bond forged by iniquity [to fetter souls].( Act 8:20-23) [Isa 58:6] Peter made it clear that the gift of the Holy Spirit and also the gift to baptize people with the Holy Spirit was also FREE for everyone. Peter then simply states why Simon cannot receive this gift, saying: “…your heart is all wrong in God's sight…” God is the ONE who baptize with the Holy Spirit and He choose whom He will use to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit baptism to, for His people, for God sees the hearts of all mankind. God knows the thoughts of men’s hearts and what their real motives are, whether they are sincere or not. Is God the One who decides that he will use one and not another? Has God ever been a respecter of persons? No, NEVER! The ONLY requirement Jesus Christ asked for was: “those who believe shall…”
God, Himself, chose to use Paul the apostle, to also have the ability to lay hands on believers, so that they could be baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire. If He could do it once, He can do it again. We only make these kinds of assumptions ONLY because we do not understand WHY these men were able to lay hands on the early disciples as an example for the generations to come. So evident was the laying on of hands that it was considered an elementary teaching in the body of Christ and the church of Jesus Christ: 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! 14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law. 1 THEREFORE LET us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God, 2 With teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment and punishment. [These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago.] 3 If indeed God permits, we will [now] proceed [to advanced teaching]. (Heb 5:12-13 & Heb 6:1-3)
Although it does not qualify what this elementary teaching entail, it does mention that this is the basic teaching of the kingdom of God, of which I would say, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit is one of these MOST elementary teaching in the book of Acts. I gather that if the teaching about baptisms where mentioned, then the laying on of hands, is just as basic to the commands of God to enter the kingdom of God. Also, worth mentioning, is the fact that Paul does not only refer to baptism, BUT to BAPTISMS, plural. What could Paul be referring to accept to two types of baptisms: baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit, and that by the laying on of hands?
It would be really strange if all the other promises of Jesus Christ was for UNTIL He comes again, but the gift God promised by John the Baptist, which ONLY Jesus Christ will and can do, when He goes to the Father, has been unable to continue because of men, apostles, who died. If He could baptize men, who believed, once, then He can do it again and again, UNTIL He comes back.
Even James, one of the three apostles, whom Jesus has set-apart as leaders for the Jerusalem church, would term who can lay hands on the sick so that they could recover, a MAN OF FAITH, whom he considered an elder, saying: 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord's name. 15 And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15) God is looking for mature men who are full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Why then, did Phillip not lay his hands on the gentile believers to receive the Holy Spirit? Maybe because of his ignorance to the acceptance of the Samaritans in the faith of Jesus Christ. Maybe he just thought he could not do it…
In the next section, I am going to prove from a totally different point a view that any mature disciple will be able to lay hands on new young disciples, so that they could also receive the Holy Spirit. Thus, Phillip could have done it, but he could not have been sure about God’s plan for the gentiles yet. It was only after Peter had been fully convinced by God own intervention, proving that He did indeed also include the gentiles who believed that all realized that they could also baptize the gentiles by laying on of hands. It was then that this question was removed from the hearts of all Jews believers, as Peter explained, in defense to the leaders in Jerusalem, as to why he broke the Jews customs and went into a gentile man’s house. Peter saw how God, who knows the hearts of all men, suddenly, without his intervention, baptized the believing group of gentiles, who heard and believed the message that Peter was sent to deliver to them, God having confirmed it by an angel who appeared 3 days earlier to Cornelius in his house.
Peter explained, saying: 15 When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as He did on us at the beginning. [Acts 2:1-4] 16 Then I recalled the declaration of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with (be placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit. 17 If then God gave to them the same Gift [equally] as He gave to us when we believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I and what power or authority had I to interfere or hinder or forbid or withstand God? 18 When they heard this, they were quieted and made no further objection. And they glorified God, saying, Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto [real] life [after resurrection]. (Acts 11:15-18) God, Himself, has sovereignly decided to grant this household the gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit, falling upon those who believed.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Coming ‘UP ON’
Jesus promised saying: “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! 38 He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said: “From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. 39 But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor). (John 7:37-39) Jesus said that when we receive the Holy Spirit, streams of living water will flow from our inner man or our hearts. The apostle John also said that at the time Jesus made this bold statement, loudly proclaiming on the day of the feast that everybody who are hungry must come and God will FILL them with His Spirit. He said that this filling will be like streams of living water that flow from those who believer’s inner man or spirits.
On another occasion, Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, promising her: “All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. (John 4:13-14) Jesus says that the Spirit of God will flow out of us, like a spring or a fountain of water. He explains that the Spirit will flow out of us and well up from within, out of our spirits, because of the Spirit of God in us. This is VERY important, in order to understand the reason why there can be another way, giving us the ability, to baptize new believers with the Spirit of God.
When the Spirit of God flow out of us like a river, it is will like a fountain, coming up from deep within our spirits, flowing out and through our souls and out and through or bodies, until we are completely immersed or baptized with the Holy Spirit ourselves. Thus, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit or as the book of Acts says, FULL of the Spirit of God, this means we cannot take anymore, before we will overflow. The moment a person begins to overflow, the Spirit from within, begins to take complete control of their spirit, soul and bodies, they being overwhelmed by the Spirit of God. Thus it is a conscious decision to completely surrender to the Spirit of God, who flows continually out of our inner man or our hearts.
When this happens, the words of the apostle Paul, as is written, becomes a reality to us: 26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. 27 For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.
Paul also said to the church of Jesus Christ of the Colossians: “And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. [Gen 1:26] 11 [In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person]. 12 Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. 13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” (Col 3:10-14)
When we look at what was prophesied by the prophets, we will get an even clearer perspective of God what had actually promised to all who believe and what He wanted all of us to do, prophesying: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isa 61:10) God has covered or overwhelmed or baptized us with the Holy Spirit, the garments of salvation, which is the same robe of righteousness. Thus, God has clothed us with Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit.
We can be either be clothed from the outside or the inside. In the Old Testament God baptized the saints with power and ability to prophecy and do signs and wonders, Him descending UPON people from the outside. BUT in the New Testament, God came to live in side us, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, coming to live on the inside of us. But, this gift in us, is ONLY in seed form and still has to grow up and mature in us, until it becomes the largest tree in our garden, as Peter told the believers: 23 You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God. (1Pet 1:23) When we were born again, the Word of God, has been given full access to live in us, because the righteous requirements of God in us, were met through the perfect life and sacrifice for our sins of Jesus Christ.
Those who have been fully clothed over from the inside, the Spirit of God coming up from their inside, coming UP ON them, they have the kind of heart God require to be be able to lay hands on new believers to baptize them with the Holy Spirit. They are the ones who have the Spirit of God, flowing UP and OUT of them, for the sake of miracles and healings and prophecy, speaking in new tongues, once the Spirit overflow from inside of them. Thus, the first time we speak in tongues, we have a kind of experience and understanding of what it means to be taken over and controlled by the Spirit of God, ourselves being out of control. This is he first step in learning to surrender all control to the Spirit of God, getting or old self and corrupt nature out of God way. The Spirit of God wants to destroy, burn up and transform us, out of everything that is NOT in the image and nature of Jesus Christ, the son of God. The Spirit of God, wants us to be completely clothed and immersed in the Spirit of God, being baptized with the Spirit of God from within, so that our cup runs OVER. Jesus lived and walked like this all the time. Jesus Christ continually abides in the Father and in the fullness of who He IS. Thus, when a woman touched Jesus Christ, He proclaimed, clearly experiencing, how power flowed out of Him, asking: “Who touched Me?”
This same thing happened with the apostles in the book of Acts: 12 Now by the hands of the apostles (special messengers) numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people. And by common consent they all met together [at the temple] in the covered porch (walk) called Solomon's. 13 And none of those who were not of their number dared to join and associate with them, but the people held them in high regard and praised and made much of them. 14 More and more there were being added to the Lord those who believed [those who acknowledged Jesus as their Savior and devoted themselves to Him joined and gathered with them], crowds both of men and of women, 15 So that they [even] kept carrying out the sick into the streets and placing them on couches and sleeping pads, [in the hope] that as Peter passed by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured. (Acts 5:12-16)
Thus, who can lay hands on the sick so that they can recover? Those who are full and overwhelmed by the Spirit of God. Who can lay hands on the believers so that they could receive the gift of the baptism of the Spirit of God? Those who are themselves baptized with the Holy Spirit. Those who are completely surrendered to the Holy Spirit and have rendered themselves completely to the Holy Spirit.
In order for the Holy Spirit of come upon a person, he must be given an opportunity to COME UPON a person. This is thus possible in two ways: One, God, coming upon a group or an individual who have completely surrendered themselves to God. This can also be accomplished or accompanied by fasting, in order to allow God’s Spirit to breakthrough. Another way would then to come in contact with a person who are ALREADY completely filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit, being immersed or baptized in the Spirit of God. When I come into such a person’s presence, the Presence of God, which is UPON and AROUND this person, will automatically be able to come upon the me when he lays his hands on me, nothing hindering the flow of God’s Spirit from also overwhelming me, the Spirit taking control from the outside, coming UPON me, by the laying of hands of a person FULL OF FAITH and FULL OF the Holy Spirit.
This was exactly what I experienced in Malawi, remembering the promise Jesus Christ gave me, when He appeared to me the first time, through signs in the heavens, saying: “And you will call down fire on this earth before the end comes.” Even, my friend and the evangelist, who was with me on this mission trip to Malawi, was amazed that all on whom I laid my hands, where baptized with the Holy Spirit, Fire and the power of God coming upon them. On one occasion, the last day in Malawi, one day before we would depart, the Spirit told me that I am going to lay my hands on the man of the house, who has blessed us with such hospitality. When I, in obedience to the Spirit of God, did this, the Spirit of God came heavily upon this man, myself experiencing great power exerting or emanating from me, as I laid my hands upon this man. I experienced a complete impartation of the Spirit and the revelation of all I had been teaching the last month, everything culminating into experiencing the fullness of who I am in Christ Jesus, the Spirit prophesying through me, the power of God overwhelming both of us, Jesus Christ revealing to us that He is the same yesterday, today and forever more.
Glory to God, Who, in Christ Jesus, have given us His incorruptible seed, to grow up into the fullness of Christ who lives in us, that is in our spirits. Let us surrender and allow the Spirit of God to completely overtake us, His Spirit, from our in most being, killing and putting to death, all those things in us, that is in our old nature, living in the soul, the corrupt nature with its passions, strengthened by the body, so that He, in His great love and power, can flow out and over us, being completely immersed in and by the Spirit of God, the same power healing the sick, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, also giving life to our temporary and short lived, weakened earthly nature, us being be lifted into our new state of being, overwhelmed by the Spirit of God.
Let us, by faith, believe and receive the perfect righteousness of God, which God, in His great love for us, has granted us, so that we could be completely clothed over, by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus our Lord and God, who now has been granted to sit at the right-hand of the Father in heaven, FAR above all principalities and powers in the heavenlies. Let us, be confident and rejoice, for God loved us so much, to purchase us from the curse of sin, under which we were and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, so that all on whom we lay our hands will also experience the POWER of Christ Jesus, which lived in Jesus Christ or true God, the Alpha and the Omega, the one who died and Now live in glory for evermore, us reconciling them back to God’s Spirit in them.
Thank you, our Father, my God and Jesus Christ, for in You, are hidden all the rich treasures of Your glory. Thank you that we could be restored to our sonship, back into a love relationship with you, as our Father, through your Holy and beautiful Spirit.
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