When Vickie and I left our ministry of serving as children’s pastors to enter into traveling to preach/teach solely on the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in 2014, I questioned the Holy Spirit. I told Him that surely this type of ministry wasn’t needed in today’s church. I soon learned that I was sorely wrong. I have found that today more than ever before, it seems that few believers know the enormous importance of having a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.
I will be so bold as to state that this baptism is not a luxury but instead a necessity for the Christ-followers wanting to spiritually survive and thrive in today’s world. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is truly transformational! Allow me to show this transforming power as we look at the life of a Jesus-loving, Jesus-following disciple named Simon Peter.
Before the Baptism in the Holy Spirit:
- While walking alongside Christ, Peter SAW the miraculous. (Mattew, Mark, Luke, John)
- Because of fear, Peter distanced himself from and soon afterward denied Christ. (Luke 22:54-62)
- When the pressure was on, Peter along with the other disciples wasn’t seen publicly. (John 20:19)
- After the crucifixion and burial of Christ, Peter wanted to abandon his call to return to his former life. (John 21:1-14)
After the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- Peter was no stranger to the power that comes with this baptism. (Acts 1:8) Through the enablement of the Holy Spirit, Peter DID the miraculous. (Acts 3:1-9; 5:15-16; 9:32-35; 9:36-42)
- Coward? Denier? Those days were forever gone. Peter walked boldly as he proclaimed and demonstrated the gospel. (Acts 2-12)
- Considered to be ignorant and unlearned by some (Acts 4:13), when filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter had the right words at the right time to see salvation come to the masses. (Acts 2:14-41;10:34-48)
- Peter powerfully impacted cities. (Acts 5:28)
Can you see the enormous change in Peter’s life once he was baptized in the Holy Spirit? I know that the word “enormous” only scratches the surface in describing this transformation. Gigantic? Vast? Massive? Please help me. I can’t find a word that adequately conveys the results of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. You can come up with your own adjective.
Just one last thought. The Holy Spirit is still in the transforming business. This great transformation is available to each and every believer so that people like you and I can turn our world upside down with the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:6) This transformation is ours for the asking. (Luke 11:13) Be filled with the Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18)
Yes and amen!
Timely reminder and a neccesity.
Pastor Billy,, This is powerful. Thank you!