We Believe: In the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

This Pentecost sermon explores the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing between receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation and the subsequent baptism or outpouring of the Spirit. Pastor Adam clarifies that all believers receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience that empowers believers for witness and service. Drawing from the Open Bible Churches tradition, the message emphasizes that the purpose of the Holy Spirit is not for personal entertainment or power, but for drawing closer to God and becoming a well of living water for others.

Key Points:

- The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in every believer at the moment of salvation; the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct subsequent experience

- The baptism of the Holy Spirit may be accompanied by speaking in tongues and other biblical manifestations, but other gifts can also be initial evidence

- The purpose of Spirit baptism is to empower believers for witness, lead them in holiness, and equip them for service—not for personal entertainment or power

- Believers should desire the Holy Spirit for the right reasons: intimacy with God and effectiveness in ministry, not for personal gratification

- Those who believe in Jesus become wells of living water for others, not just consumers who continually need filling

- The Holy Spirit offers "free refills"—believers can return daily for fresh filling through prayer, Scripture, fasting, and community

- Many people have experienced repentance and baptism but have never encountered the baptism of the Holy Spirit

- Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is simple: just ask God for it

Scripture References:

- Acts 10:44-48 (Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit)

- Acts 1:6-8 (Jesus promises power when the Holy Spirit comes)

- John 7:37-39 (Rivers of living water flowing from believers)

- John 4:1-15 (Woman at the well)

- Acts 19:1-7 (Disciples who only knew John's baptism)

- Mark 1:15 (Jesus' message: repent and believe)

- 1 Corinthians 12:3 (No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit)

Stories:

- Simon the Magician (Acts 8) who wanted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit for wrong motives and was rebuked by Peter

- The pastor's missionary friends who enjoyed the gifts of the Spirit but were confronted by their mentor about desiring them for "fun" rather than for God's purposes

- The woman at the well (John 4) who came daily to draw water but Jesus offered her living water that would become a spring within her

- The men's retreat in winter 2024 to Indiana where a Hispanic brother preached about "free refills" from John 4

- The disciples in Acts 19 who had only experienced John's baptism of repentance but had never heard of the Holy Spirit, and received the baptism when Paul laid hands on them