A Lesson the Era of Last Days
Rarely do I blog about a sermon from another ministry or church, but one by Adrian Rogers (link provided at the bottom) caught my attention because it begins by identifying that we live in an era know as the church era, the era of Grace and often called 'The Last Days."
Sermons on the importance of love as a character trait, and indeed a sign of one's Christian heritage and rebirth, are not a new or unique themes. My own church does a great many lessons on this topic so surely I had enough content to share! But isn't it interesting that many denominations recognize the beginning of the church age with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, yet deny the need for the believer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
In fact, you too may be having that reaction right now. And others have had this reaction - yet here this preacher clearly states that we are still in that same era as when the first pouring out of the Holy Spirit occurred, baptizing the believers who were waiting on that promise from the Lord. Some say today there is no such need. That baptism in any form is not necessary for rebirth for you have already confessed Jesus as Lord and so you have received that rebirth through the awakening of your conscience. And yet, the early church saw fit to baptize believers in their day - this same age which has NOT ended: the Last Days.
The Bible says in Joel 2:28-29 that he will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh.
The promise is fulfilled as we read in Acts 2 and the Apostle Peter addresses the crowd, telling them about the event they've just witnessed. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit had come upon those believers and with such a force that they prophesied in languages they had never studied so that they could be a witness to all the travelers in the city at that time!
Acts 2:36-40
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
This promise will continue to endure, filling believers, baptizing them in the 'Baptism of Fire' of which John the Baptist spoke!
Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Of course the Apostles also warn us about the use of spiritual gifts. First and foremost we are to love, and this sermon spends a great deal of time on how we are to love and the purpose of that love. Below are many references as well to review for yourself.
So, why should you seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Please refer to this study which I've put together that provides a full understanding of what the Bible says regarding salvation.
In short, because it is part of the plan of salvation which was first preached by the Apostle Peter in Acts chapter 2, verses 37-39. Note that witnesses had heard the believers speaking in tongues when Peter got up to explain to them what had just happened and that their Lord and Messiah had been crucified.
Friend, Grace is an unopened gift if that sacrifice is not applied to you! The preponderance of evidence in Scriptures is that the Apostles told people to repent (sinner's prayer is wholly appropriate) and be baptized (full immersion under water to mimic Christ's death, burial and resurrection) for the remission of your sins (not a mere public sign of your testimony, but the name of Jesus is at that time applied to your life - you are now adopted into the kingdom as in a legal means - you name now is: 'put your name here' Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is now all the Lord our Judge will see instead of your sins). The Scripture continues "...you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (which is the Comforter, the Mighty Counselor who will come to reside in you, which is his power that you need to endure the race of life)...
You have a new perspective (repentance), new name (your name Jesus Christ) and have been legally adopted into the kingdom and a new spirit - the Holy Spirit. [Note: you do not have a new mind (soul) or body. These two will be at war with the new spirit which is why we are taught how to mature and endure!]
Now before any naysayers cry out 'works do not save you!' Let me reassure you that had Christ not made the Way for me, by His Grace, none of this would be possible! It is by my faith that I receive God's Grace. And friend, let us not forget that faith without works is dead.
Once again, the preponderance of evidence in the Scriptures demonstrates that believers were made disciples in this manner. Up to early in the 4th century, all believers were 'birthed' into the church this very way. It's historical fact!
How do I receive this baptism?
First of all, read the passages of Scripture for yourself. You may need or want to commit yourself to its careful study before you are convinced that what I'm sharing is true, real and relevant for you. If you are not convinced, you are spiritually full and not ready to receive.
But if you have cast aside all fear and doubt then as you worship, friend, yield to His presence as you magnify His Holy Name! Repeat "Halleleujah" (I surrender - and is this not the cry of repentance? Not my way, O God, but yours!) as you rejoice for Christ's sacrifice and his Grace (unmerited favor).
What will happen? How will I know?
As you repeat - and it's important to be using your tongue so that the Holy Spirit can then take control of it - You will feel a tingling like power (electricity) and as you verbally and vocally praise. Your tongue will become tangled and you will trip up your words - allowing this to happen, you will speak in an unknown (angelic) language which may or may not have at that time a translation. This baptism is for the unbeliever, according to the Bible, so that you may know that you indeed have been filled with the Holy Ghost as it was promised!
You can read for yourself the stories of revivals (Welsh revival, ones which occurred here in the 19th century, many happening in Africa and overseas) and the great repentance (this is how it always starts), great worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit which marked these events. It was visibly and physically obvious to every observer that God's presence was there!
Someone close to me said they felt as if they were taken up to the heavens! As for myself, it was a very subtle experience and I didn't fall out or do anything which wasn't in my nature to do. As time progressed, I began to speak in what sounded more like a language and less like 'baby' language. Another person might produce sounds and 'stammering' lips. Your experience will be unique to you and unmistakeable! Do not let the enemy tell you otherwise! And do not let anyone tell you that you don't need it! Any believer who believes they are filled already with the Holy Spirit can yield (surrender - remember, Halleleujah?) to the presence of the Lord and speak in an unknown language just as I could talk with you right now in English.
Why should I speak in tongues?
At times, life can so overwhelm you that you do not know what to say, think or pray. Praying in tongues may be exercised at such as time as this (intercession - Jesus is the intercessor for man and he uses us in this way by His Spirit to continue that work through us). Praying for others in the assembly may be done through the Holy Spirit in you because only the Holy Spirit can know exactly that person's heart and their needs.
But we must remember to be respectful! The best time is to pray in tongues is before your day begins - to prepare you for what events or people you may encounter. Pray before the service or any fellowship that all things may go well for you and you may be used mightily to minister and in the gifts you've been given! Tongues exercised in this manner will help you be sensitive to the needs of others. It will build your faith so that you can minister through help, encouragement or praying over them for healing and deliverance.
So, why should you seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Please refer to this study which I've put together that provides a full understanding of what the Bible says regarding salvation.
In short, because it is part of the plan of salvation which was first preached by the Apostle Peter in Acts chapter 2, verses 37-39. Note that witnesses had heard the believers speaking in tongues when Peter got up to explain to them what had just happened and that their Lord and Messiah had been crucified.
You may read this and say "I have never heard that!" I am saved by Grace alone because I confess the Lord as my savior - he did the work for me on the cross!37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”Acts 2:37-39
New International Version (NIV)
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Friend, Grace is an unopened gift if that sacrifice is not applied to you! The preponderance of evidence in Scriptures is that the Apostles told people to repent (sinner's prayer is wholly appropriate) and be baptized (full immersion under water to mimic Christ's death, burial and resurrection) for the remission of your sins (not a mere public sign of your testimony, but the name of Jesus is at that time applied to your life - you are now adopted into the kingdom as in a legal means - you name now is: 'put your name here' Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is now all the Lord our Judge will see instead of your sins). The Scripture continues "...you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (which is the Comforter, the Mighty Counselor who will come to reside in you, which is his power that you need to endure the race of life)...
You have a new perspective (repentance), new name (your name Jesus Christ) and have been legally adopted into the kingdom and a new spirit - the Holy Spirit. [Note: you do not have a new mind (soul) or body. These two will be at war with the new spirit which is why we are taught how to mature and endure!]
Now before any naysayers cry out 'works do not save you!' Let me reassure you that had Christ not made the Way for me, by His Grace, none of this would be possible! It is by my faith that I receive God's Grace. And friend, let us not forget that faith without works is dead.
James 2:19-21
King James Version (KJV)19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Once again, the preponderance of evidence in the Scriptures demonstrates that believers were made disciples in this manner. Up to early in the 4th century, all believers were 'birthed' into the church this very way. It's historical fact!
How do I receive this baptism?
First of all, read the passages of Scripture for yourself. You may need or want to commit yourself to its careful study before you are convinced that what I'm sharing is true, real and relevant for you. If you are not convinced, you are spiritually full and not ready to receive.
But if you have cast aside all fear and doubt then as you worship, friend, yield to His presence as you magnify His Holy Name! Repeat "Halleleujah" (I surrender - and is this not the cry of repentance? Not my way, O God, but yours!) as you rejoice for Christ's sacrifice and his Grace (unmerited favor).
What will happen? How will I know?
As you repeat - and it's important to be using your tongue so that the Holy Spirit can then take control of it - You will feel a tingling like power (electricity) and as you verbally and vocally praise. Your tongue will become tangled and you will trip up your words - allowing this to happen, you will speak in an unknown (angelic) language which may or may not have at that time a translation. This baptism is for the unbeliever, according to the Bible, so that you may know that you indeed have been filled with the Holy Ghost as it was promised!
You can read for yourself the stories of revivals (Welsh revival, ones which occurred here in the 19th century, many happening in Africa and overseas) and the great repentance (this is how it always starts), great worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit which marked these events. It was visibly and physically obvious to every observer that God's presence was there!
Someone close to me said they felt as if they were taken up to the heavens! As for myself, it was a very subtle experience and I didn't fall out or do anything which wasn't in my nature to do. As time progressed, I began to speak in what sounded more like a language and less like 'baby' language. Another person might produce sounds and 'stammering' lips. Your experience will be unique to you and unmistakeable! Do not let the enemy tell you otherwise! And do not let anyone tell you that you don't need it! Any believer who believes they are filled already with the Holy Spirit can yield (surrender - remember, Halleleujah?) to the presence of the Lord and speak in an unknown language just as I could talk with you right now in English.
Why should I speak in tongues?
At times, life can so overwhelm you that you do not know what to say, think or pray. Praying in tongues may be exercised at such as time as this (intercession - Jesus is the intercessor for man and he uses us in this way by His Spirit to continue that work through us). Praying for others in the assembly may be done through the Holy Spirit in you because only the Holy Spirit can know exactly that person's heart and their needs.
But we must remember to be respectful! The best time is to pray in tongues is before your day begins - to prepare you for what events or people you may encounter. Pray before the service or any fellowship that all things may go well for you and you may be used mightily to minister and in the gifts you've been given! Tongues exercised in this manner will help you be sensitive to the needs of others. It will build your faith so that you can minister through help, encouragement or praying over them for healing and deliverance.
No, do not abuse tongues, but be assured that tongues, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, is indeed for you unto this day and until our Lord's return!Mark 16:16-18
King James Version (KJV)16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Hopefully you have or will soon have this same experience (which some may deny, but no one can ever take from you) very soon. But the most important thing is that this gift is meant to give you the power to do all that Christ did and more. The work of the Holy Spirit in your life is to counsel you, grow you in spiritual maturity and manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit (9 are often quoted, but upon more careful observation and search, our church has found more than 20).
What then should we do? First and foremost, love one another. As we end chapter 2 of Acts, we find a description of what fellowship in our churches should look like even unto today!
What then should we do? First and foremost, love one another. As we end chapter 2 of Acts, we find a description of what fellowship in our churches should look like even unto today!
John13:35 & 1 John 3:14 it is proof of our rebirthThe Fellowship of the Believers42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.The last half or more of this sermon discusses the mark of Christianity: love for one another.
2 Corinthians 5:14 - we are compelled because Christ lives in us
Proverbs 10:12 - covers sin
Love seeks to cover sin, while not condoning it. It endures all things. Read more about the character and qualities of love from one of the most famous passages regarding true love: 1 Corinthians 13
We learn all good things from God, our Lord and Savior!
To hear the entirety of this message, please go here: http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love-worth-finding/player/a-lifestyle-for-the-last-days-355962.html
