Great Doctrines

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Great Doctrines
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Lesson 10
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Lesson TextLuke 2445-48
Luke 2445-46 45 Then opened he their
understanding, that they might understand the
scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is
written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day
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Lesson TextLuke 2449
Luke 2447-49 47 And that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And
ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold,
I send the promise of my Father upon you but
tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be
endued with power from on high.
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Lesson TextActs 1044-45
Acts 1044-45 44 While Peter yet spake these
words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which
heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision
which believed were astonished, as many as came
with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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Lesson TextActs 194-6
Acts 194-6 4 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. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized
in the name of the Lord Jesus.
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Lesson TextActs 194-6
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the
Holy Ghost came on them and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied.
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Focus VerseActs 238-39
Acts 238-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the
promise is unto you, and to your children, and to
all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call.
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Focus Thought
The promise to every hungry believer is, You
shall receive the Holy Ghost. The evidence of
receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues
as the Spirit gives the utterance.
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I. What Must We Do?
Introduction
Receiving the Holy Ghost is possibly the most
important spiritual event that one will
experience in God, and it is also the most
thrilling. Much emphasis has been placed upon
receiving the Holy Ghost, and rightfully so, for
it is the completion of the new birth. Jesus
said, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God
(John 35).
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I. What Must We Do?
There is a great spiritual awakening and a
revival of the receiving of the Holy Ghost by
people in many different churches. This has
caused many questions to be asked. Is the
Holy Ghost essential to salvation? How does one
receive the Holy Ghost? What is the evidence of
receiving the Holy Spirit? Is this experience
for all believers today?
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I. What Must We Do?
These are sincere questions to which people want
answers from the Word of God. God, in His Word,
has not left these questions unansweredthe
answers are there for us to search out that we
may know the truth of this great experience of
Christ dwelling in our hearts by His Spirit. The
Holy Ghost is for all believers, as Peter stated
at Pentecost For the promise is unto you, and
to your children, and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call
(Acts 239).
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I. What Must We Do?
The infilling of the Spirit provides the power
to live an overcoming, victorious, Christian life
with the joy of God. The Spirit gives us power to
overcome the devil, sin, and the world and to
become effective witnesses in this wicked
generation. Our lives are transformed by a
supernatural experience of Holy Spirit baptism
with the evidence of speaking with other tongues.
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I. What Must We Do?
What Must We Do?
What must we do? has been asked by many
people, including those who asked Peter on the
Day of Pentecost. Let us again ask it and answer
it for those who are hungry for God and searching
for a better life in the Holy Ghost. We are not
saved by works, but by the grace of God however,
the Scriptures plainly teach that there are
things we must do.
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James 217
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead,
being alone (James 217).
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I. What Must We Do?
We should realize that when faith is generated
in our hearts, it will force us to act on that
faith, moving us to obedience of the Word.
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A. Believe on Jesus Christ
A. Believe on Jesus Christ
The very first step to salvation is the step of
faith. Paul, speaking to the Philippian jailer,
explained how he could be saved.
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Acts 1631
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt
be saved, and thy house (Acts 1631).
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I. What Must We Do?
There is no salvation outside of the Cross of
Jesus Christ and His shed blood. Jesus asked the
disciples, Whom say ye that I am? Peter
answered, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God (Matthew 1615-16). Neither is there
salvation in any other for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved (Acts 412).
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I. What Must We Do?
If we are to be saved, we must start with
believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as the
Redeemer of the worldand most of all as our
Savior. Faith to believe will come by hearing and
accepting the preached Word. For faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans
1017).
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B. Repentance Is Necessary
B. Repentance Is Necessary
And that repentance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name (Luke 2447).
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I. What Must We Do?
Bullinger Lexicon states that repentance is to
change ones mind and purpose, come to a
right understanding, have a genuine change of
heart and life from worse to better. Repentance
is not merely forsaking sin, but changing ones
mind regarding itto be remorseful for the sin
that has ruled ones heart. Repentance is
genuinely changing ones attitude toward sin and
desiring righteousness to reign in ones heart.
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I. What Must We Do?
Repentance is the essence of the publicans
prayer God be merciful to me a sinner (Luke
1813). Jesus died that the world through Him
might be saved from sin. When we, by the Word of
God, recognize that we are sinners and enemies of
Christs cross, and that we need a Savior, we
should repent, forsake our sinful acts, and
commit our lives to God. Godly sorrow brings true
repentance.
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I John 19
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness (I John 19).
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I. What Must We Do?
To completely and thoroughly repent is important
to ones walk with God, for this is the
foundation on which our experience with God is
built. Repentance is being honest with God and
self it is confessing ones guilt and asking God
for mercy.
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C. Baptism Is Essential
C. Baptism Is Essential
And that repentance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name among all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 2447).
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I. What Must We Do?
Remission means to dismiss, discharge, set
free. This can be accomplished only through the
name of Jesus. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter
told the Jews to repent and be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission
(forgiveness, removal) of sins (Acts 238). Jesus
had stated that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 2447).
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I. What Must We Do?
That is exactly what Peter did in preaching
baptism for the remission of sins in the name of
Jesus Christ. Our sins are remitted when we
are baptized in water in the name of Jesus
Christ, making baptism necessary to our
salvation. Not only is water baptism necessary,
but the formula used in our baptism is of utmost
importance, for sins are remitted only through
water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
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Acts 2216
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be
baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the
name of the Lord (Acts 2216).
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I. What Must We Do?
At repentance, our sins are confessed and our
commitment is made to live for God however, the
record of our sins is not removed until baptism.
The record of our sins is removed only as we
submit to water baptism in the name of Jesus
Christ. Then they are no longer to be remembered
against us. We see this illustrated in the
Tabernacle in the wilderness. The altar
represented death where the blood was shed. The
laver was for washing, or cleansing (symbol of
baptism), before the priest moved on into the
sanctuary.
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D. Faith for the Promise
D. Faith for the Promise
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father
upon you (Luke 2449).
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I. What Must We Do?
It is Gods plan for every believer to receive
the Holy Ghost. To receive the Holy Ghost is as
normal as repenting and being baptized. It is a
supernatural experience that cannot be explained
to the carnal man. However, it is Gods promise
to all believers.
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Acts 18
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you (Acts 18).
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Acts 239
For the promise is unto you, and to your
children, and to all that are afar off, even as
many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 239).
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I. What Must We Do?
We are those who were afar off, and we are
included in the promise Peter preached at
Pentecost. We are to believe God and receive the
Holy Ghost.
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Joel 228
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will
pour out my spirit upon all flesh (Joel 228).
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I. What Must We Do?
Joel prophesied of the outpouring of the Spirit,
for Peter quoted this verse of Scripture in his
sermon at Pentecost. These are the last days, and
God is pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh.
Those who have faith in Gods promise shall be
filled with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is for
all who will believe God and receive it.
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A. They Tarried
How They Received the Holy Ghost
A. They Tarried
These all continued with one accord in prayer
and supplication (Acts 114).
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I. What Must We Do?
Tarrying in prayer is certainly one of the sure
ways of receiving the Holy Ghost. Many have found
it necessary to tarry in prayer for proper
preparation of themselves before receiving the
Holy Ghost. God will fill the hungry seeker when
he meets the conditions that God requires. We
sometimes allow obstacles to stand in our way of
receiving the blessing.
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I. What Must We Do?
1. Doubt or Weak Faith. Some people believe that
the Holy Ghost is not for us today, or possibly
it is only for certain people. To receive Gods
gift, we must believe without doubting. 2.
Fear. There are those who have genuine fear of
the results of receiving the Holy Ghostfear of
losing their family, husband, wife, or job. They
have a fear of being unable to live a Christian
life. The enemy magnifies many fears in peoples
minds, often causing them to reject God. These
fears come from the devil, not from God.
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II Timothy 17
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
(II Timothy 17).
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I. What Must We Do?
3. Pride. Many have failed to receive the Holy
Ghost because of pride. They are unable to humble
themselves and yield to the Holy Spirit. Fear of
embarrassment has hindered others. Gods Spirit
will never cause anyone to behave in an
embarrassing manner. Our pride will rob us of
great blessings if we allow it to rule us.
Therefore, many have found that tarrying in
prayer has helped them to overcome their pride.
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I. What Must We Do?
4. Love of the World. A love for worldly things
has been a problem for some they have difficulty
in giving up sinful and worldly habits. The Holy
Ghost will not dwell in an unclean temple. If we
have habits that God is not pleased with, it may
take much prayer for us to be willing to give up
the love of this world. Only then will God allow
His Spirit to fill our hearts.
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I. What Must We Do?
Before receiving the Holy Ghost, we must learn
to bring our human wills into obedience to the
will of God. We must yield to the Spirit of God
and give over to Him our whole being. We should
well understand, however, that one need not tarry
long before receiving the Spirit God is willing
to fill every believer immediately. Any delay in
receiving the Spirit is on our part, not Gods.
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B. They Worshiped
B. They Worshiped
And they worshipped him . . . and were
continually in the temple, praising and blessing
God (Luke 2452-53).
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I. What Must We Do?
The Holy Ghost fell at Pentecost in an
atmosphere charged with people worshiping and
praising God. We must worship in order to receive
the Spirit. We should magnify the Lord with
praise, song, prayerlifting ourselves into the
spirit of true worship. Then God can move into
our hearts and fill us with His Spirit.
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I. What Must We Do?
The worship was so intense in the Book of Acts
that at times the worshipers were completely
controlled by the Spirit. They appeared to be
drunken, but they were only drunk on the
spiritual wine of the Holy Ghost. God is able to
pour out the Holy Ghost when people lose
themselves in His presence.
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C. By the Laying on of Hands
C. By the Laying on of Hands
Then laid they their hands on them, and they
received the Holy Ghost (Acts 817).
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I. What Must We Do?
The revival at Samaria was climaxed by Peter and
John laying hands on the believers for them to
receive the Holy Ghost. After Johns disciples
at Ephesus were baptized in Jesus name, Paul
laid his hands on them and they received the Holy
Ghost and they spake with tongues (Acts 196).
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I. What Must We Do?
There are times when the seeker needs a special
touch that only the laying on of the hands of the
elders will give. He may need to break through
doubt and unbelief before being filled with the
Holy Ghost. Many people have received the
infilling of the Spirit when a minister laid
hands on them in prayer. God honors faith, and
faith is often released by the laying on of the
hands of God-ordained ministers.
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D. When They Heard the Word
D. When They Heard the Word
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy
Ghost fell on all them which heard the word
(Acts 1044).
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I. What Must We Do?
Recorded in Acts 10 is the account of the
household of Cornelius, the first Gentiles to
receive the Holy Ghost. They were hungry for God,
in a repented condition, and ready to receive the
Spirit. While Peter was preaching, they were
filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke with
tongues. From the examples given in the Book of
Acts, we learn that there is no set pattern or
plan on how to receive the Holy Ghost. It is
promised to those who repent, are baptized in
Jesus name, and believe God.
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I. What Must We Do?
How and when a person is filled is between the
individual and God. Some receive the Holy Ghost
at church, others at home, at school, or on the
job. Praying, worshiping, and listening to the
preached Word prepare an individual, and he may
be sitting, standing, lying down, or walking when
filled with the Spirit. The Spirit is like the
windwe may not always know where or when the
Spirit will come but our promise is that the
Spirit will come.
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I. What Must We Do?
Our responsibility is to be obedient to Gods
Word. Although the time, place, or physical
position may differ, one thing is consistent a
person speaks in tongues as evidence of receiving
the Holy Ghost.
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A. Initial Evidence
The Evidence of the Holy Ghost
A. Initial Evidence
The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost
on the Day of Pentecost was speaking in other
tongues. It was the one common sign displayed in
all accounts of the infilling of the Spirit
throughout the Book of Acts.
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I. What Must We Do?
They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues (Acts 24).
It was not just the twelve apostles who spoke
with tongues, but the 120 believers spoke in a
new tongue as the Spirit gave the utterance.
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I. What Must We Do?
A. T. Robertson, in Word Pictures in the New
Testament comments on Acts 24 Each one began
to speak in a language that he had not acquired
and yet it was a real language and understood by
those from various lands familiar with them. It
was not jargon, but intelligible language.
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I. What Must We Do?
This same experience is for everyone today. All
may receive their own experience of Pentecost,
accompanied with the same sign of speaking with
tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. We
are included in the promise of all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call
(Acts 239).
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B. Physical Evidence
B. Physical Evidence
When the household of Cornelius received the
Holy Ghost, the physical sign was speaking with
tongues. It was the sign to which Peter called
their attention. For they heard them speak with
tongues (Acts 1046).
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I. What Must We Do?
A. T. Robertson, in Word Pictures in the New
Testament, states The fuller statement makes it
clear that here it was a new and strange tongue
also as in Acts 196. This sudden manifestation
of the Holy Spirit power on uncircumcised
Gentiles was probably necessary to convince Peter
and the six brethren of the circumcision that God
had opened the door wide to Gentiles. It was
proof that a Gentile Pentecost had come. Now the
Gentiles had received the Holy Ghost with
evidence of speaking with tongues.
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C. Universal Evidence
C. Universal Evidence
Multitudes are receiving the Holy Ghost in this
last-day outpouring. It has fallen over the whole
world. God is holding true to His promise to pour
out His Spirit on all flesh everywhere. This gift
of the Spirit is not confined to just a handful
of believers. Believers everywhere are
experiencing the Holy Ghost infilling with the
evidence of speaking with tongues as the Spirit
gives the utterance.
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I. What Must We Do?
This is Gods time and the churchs opportunity
to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and the
message of Pentecost.
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Acts 18
Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses
unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and
in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the
earth (Acts 18)
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C. Universal Evidence
Conclusion
The sign at Pentecost of the Holy Ghost
infilling was speaking with tongues. Both the
Jews on the Day of Pentecost and the Gentiles in
Caesarea about ten years later experienced
tongues. In each case the Holy Ghost was given in
a different manner. On the Day of Pentecost it
fell during prayer and worship in Caesarea, the
people of the household of Cornelius were filled
while the preacher was yet speaking.
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I. What Must We Do?
The Samaritans and the brethren of Ephesus
received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of
hands. However, in each instance the one common
sign was that they all spoke with tongues. This
is the universal sign that God has chosen to
identify the Spirit infilling. It is not
important how or where or in what manner we are
filled, but it is important that we all receive
the Holy Ghostand the Spirit will identify His
presence in us by our speaking with tongues as
the Spirit gives the utterance.