[This is part of a series of blogs discussing the Holy Spirit. It is direct quotation from “Is the Holy Spirit Real?” by the late Dr. Paul E. Paino. I know its a lot of reading, but if you can grab a hold of these truths I promise it will change your life forever.]
There are many questions that need responses:
1) Has every believer received the Holy Spirit?
2) Is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the baptism spoken of by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians the same? “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews of Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many” (12:13-14).
3) Can the “spirituals” (gifts of the Spirit) function and operate through a person who has not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
4) Does everyone who has received the baptism in the Holy Spirit speak with other tongues (unknown tongues)?
5) Is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for us today?
6) Is the baptism in the Holy Spirit and sanctification the same thing?
7) Is it possible to be sanctified and not have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and be living a sanctified life?
Since I was born into a pentecostal home, I have been exposed an entire lifetime to “the Pentecostal movement.” i have witnessed thousands of people experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit! I have averaged more than five hundred church serves a year for the past fifty years in Pentecostal, full gospel, and charismatic churches.
Often there have been confusion and excesses. Misunderstanding has resulted because of semantics. One expression or term has been used that means one thing to one person and something different to another. The “experience” has often been emphasized over relationship. Spiritual gifts have been coveted more than a godly life. Blessing has been prioritized over service!
In spite of these weaknesses, the number of “Spirit baptized” people is now into the millions. During the “charismatic movement,” the Lord Jesus Christ baptized believers in the historic churches. Multiplied thousands sought the Lord and received their spiritual baptism. Catholics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Baptists, and others sought the Lord and received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
A new liberty of worship resulted. Singing, rejoicing, dancing, and praising characterized those who were so enriched by the “experience.” Speaking in other tongues was no longer discarded, mocked or rejected. People in all walks of life realized that there was a spiritual experience that could move believers into a deeper and broader relationship with the Lord Jesus than they had ever known. There has been a spiritual renewal! The Lord has blessed His people with an awakening!! The words of the prophet Joel have a ring of reality today (Joel 2:28-29). (See also Acts 2:14-21).
First, I would like to address the subject: WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? . . .
[That’s all you’re getting this time. Come back next Monday.]
That’s all we get until Monday!?!
Dude, I’m so on the edge of my seat, ready for the next installment!
(In case you were wondering, I’m seriously into this series!)
😀
Oh…that’s harsh! 🙂
I guess I’ll just have to meditate, pray, and seek God on the things you’ve already posted. Maybe it’ll finally start to soak in to my hard head! 😉
Dang, no new updates…(figured I’d check…you never know)
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