Easter is one of my favorite holidays. It reminds us of the reason we have salvation- the gospel of Jesus Christ, his death, burial, and resurrection. The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’. This good news of the gospel is that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected in order to provide salvation for us. Most teach about the good news but never tell what the good news is or why it is significant. Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected on the third day, but how is that good? How is his death burial and resurrection good news?
Learn MoreIt was prophesied in scripture that God would come in the form of a man.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
What child is this that he would be called the mighty God and the Everlasting Father? This verse is one of the most powerful statements of the Deity of Jesus. This verse describes Jesus as the Father.
Learn MoreThe scriptures tell us that God would come in the form of a man. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah tells us His name would be called Immanuel. Matthew writes that His name would be called Emmanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:22-23 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Learn MoreGod chose tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. Speaking in tongues is God speaking through believers in a language we have not learned. The languages are real. As seen in the second chapter of Acts, sometimes people that hear others speaking in tongues will recognize the languages that are being spoken.
The idea of speaking in tongues was not a new concept to those in the upper room awaiting the gift that Jesus told them to wait for. They had read the Old Testament Prophets that had prophesied about God using tongues in the new covenant. Isaiah prophesied that God’s people would speak with tongues.
Learn MoreWhen Jesus brought us the new covenant He had a plan that would allow us to have a closer walk with God. This ‘newness of life’ is a baptism of fire that is the Spirit of God dwelling in us, giving us power and strength to live an overcoming life. Spirit baptism is not just an extra benefit- it is part of salvation. Spirit baptism is as much as part of the new birth as water baptism. Several terms in scripture refer to Spirit baptism, including filled with the Spirit, born of the Spirit, filled with the Holy Ghost, and many others. Let’s look at scripture and see what Holy Ghost baptism is all about and see who it’s for.
John the Baptist taught about Holy Spirit baptism, referring to it as a baptism of fire.
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