A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – February 12, 2020
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (Acts 8:14-15)
There has probably been no more doctrinal debates on any one particular subject than the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. Our next two devotionals will be devoted to addressing this subject. What I ask each of our readers to do is read each of the scriptural references supplied with an open mind. Lay down all your denominational filters and just read the Word of God as the inerrant and inspired Word of God.
A Separate Experience from Salvation
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11)
Descriptions of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost in the Gospels and the Book of Acts
A Promise – “epaggelia” – A pledge or divine assurance of good (Luke 24:29, Acts 1:4, Acts 2:33)
An earnest of our inheritance – “arrhabon” – A pledge or down payment of more to come (Ephesians 1:14)
A Seal – “sphragizo” – To stamp with a signet ring or private mark (Ephesians 1:13)
The Gospel Preached in Ephesus
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. (Acts 18:24-25)
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19:1-6)
