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NASB | Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. |
Bible Question: Prayon, Thank you for your insights. Your reply prompted me few more questions: (1) The Spirit Baptism (if different from salvation) recommended for all believers? (2) Through whom we should receive this, obviously through someone laying hand on you? Since we have no Apostles now, the Spirit baptism no longer available? (3) How this Spirit baptism compares with the term "filled with the Spirit"? |
Bible Answer: Dear Iktoose, Do you believe that everything Jesus needed to live a successful life on earth we need? Do you believe that he came as our example from God, as to the how to’s, of living a life before God on earth? I do. Therefore consider these verses concerning Spirit Baptism. John 1:17-36 is a confrontation between John the Baptist and the religious leaders concerning Jesus. John identifies himself to them as “one crying in the wilderness” as Isaiah told would come. He continues by saying “he that sent me” (verse 33, meaning God the Father) to baptize with water..said to me, Upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which BAPTIZES WITH THE HOLY GHOST.” Who did John see this happen to? “And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God...looking on Jesus ..he said, Behold the Lamb of God!” Jesus was baptized with the Holy Spirit by God the Father, because Jesus didn’t baptize himself with the Holy Ghost did he. Then we realize it is necessary because God revealed to John that Jesus would be the one who baptizes mankind with the Holy Ghost. When did Jesus say the Holy Spirit would come? John 16:7 Only after Jesus left the earth! “if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, “I” will send him unto you.” This was AFTER his resurrection, after he left the earth to sit at God’s right hand. Who was going to ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit? John 14:16-17 “I (Jesus) will pray (ask) the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter...even the Spirit of truth..” This was the promise of God the Father, through Jesus the Son, to send the Holy Spirit as our comforter, teacher, guide into all of God’s truth. John 17:17 Did Jesus tell his disciples he would send the promise of his Father, which was the sending of the Holy Spirit? Luke 24:49 “Behold I (Jesus) send the promise of the Father upon you...tarry in Jerusalem (how long?) until you be endued with power from on high.” Where’s that? God the Father’s very presence! Who is the power giver? God! It is believed Luke is the writer of the Acts..and continues to expound on the facts! Acts 1:1-3. Then he writes what Jesus said, “wait for the PROMISE of the Father, which, saith he (Jesus), you have heard OF ME (Jesus). For John baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost..” How did Jesus know? John 1:33 John said Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost sent from God! How can you be sure the promise is talking about the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:33 Peter, preaching, “This Jesus has God raised up...and having received of the Father THE PROMISE of the Holy Ghost, has shed forth this which you now see and hear.” Acts 2:38-39 “you shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost. For the PROMISE is unto you and your children..” When was this done? Acts 2:1-4.. So we see God the Father, sent God the Son to pay for sins, and after Jesus sat down at God’s right hand and asked God to send God Holy Spirit, Acts 2:33, God kept his promise to mankind through Jesus! I John 5:7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven , (God) the Father, (God) the Word (i.e. Jesus), and (God) the Holy Ghost: and these THREE are one.” How are they one? “In Spirit and in Truth” John 4:24 How are true worshipers to worship “In spirit and in truth” John 4:23 How are believers one with God? John 17:11 In spirit and in truth....as we are one Jesus said. Jesus is the most true worshiper of God in the universe! What Jesus needed we need, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit, we need the same thing he needed. Jesus said don’t go into ministry without it, Luke 24:49. Jesus said the power would come AFTER the Holy Ghost came upon them..Acts 1:8. What happened after the Holy Ghost came on them? Acts 2:4 we need this Spirit baptism as Jesus needed this Spirit and power baptism. Always In Christ, C.S.M. |