Ask
The role of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is for the benefit of all men. In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost[1], 120 followers of The Way[2] were gathered in an upper room and experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was what Jesus himself had prophesied in Acts 1:4-8, and it was in this promise that Jesus explained why the Spirit Baptism was so important: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Quite simply the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was given to empower God’s people to fulfill the Great Commission[3].
Consider this: Christ handed the mission of redemption to men and women in the first century to be passed all the way to us. How are we supposed to accomplish such a task? The gospel[4] that brings the salvation of the world is ours to distribute to the whole world. I’m reminded of the apostle Paul’s words, “To some it is the aroma of life to others the odor of death, and who is equal to the task?”
Jesus knew that we would need the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill His instructions and that is why He gave the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:13 says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven five the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” God is willing to give the gift of the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks in order to accomplish His mission.
Some might say that they’ve learned that the Holy Spirit is in every believer in Jesus Christ, and I would wholeheartedly agree. Consider that these same followers that Jesus promises the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1 were with him in the room in John 20 (a previous meeting). John 20:22 says, “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” When a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ they have the same experience; the Holy Spirit indwells them. He takes up residence in their life. He convicts of sin and leads them to truth. But the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a subsequent work of the Holy Spirit that comes after salvation.[5]
So where should you go from here? How can you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? I would start by asking. Remember Luke 11:13? He gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Hal Donaldson offers this prayer as an example:
“God, give me a desire for more of You. Forgive my sins and help me overcome temptation. Place in my heart a deeper concern for others…. I invite You, dear Lord, to fill the cold, empty places of my heart with the warmth of Your presence. More than anything, I want to walk in the power of Your Spirit.”
ASK
[1] Pentecost was a religious festival held by the Jews in accordance to the Law of God. It was held 50 days after the Passover Feast.
[2] The Way is what Christianity was called in its earliest days.
[3] The Great Commission is a popular church term for Matthew 28:18-20; the mission of the Church.
[4] Gospel means story of good news.
[5] There is no requisite period of time, but is a separate work of the Spirit from salvation. Consider Acts 19:2
No comments:
Post a Comment