FredMcKinnon.Com

As I continue through the M’Cheyne 1-Year Bible reading plan at YouVersion.Com I am enjoying some observations from the Book of Acts.  What an incredible time in our church history.  The power of God was so strong in the early church.

One doctrinal issue that differentiates those of a more “Charismatic” or “Pentecostal” vein is that of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”.  It’s called many different things … “the baptism” … “the infilling of the Holy Spirit” … “the baptism of fire” … and on and on.  It typically refers to an encounter post-salvation where we receive God’s Holy Spirit … again.

I say “again” because we all agree that upon our salvation experience and profession of Jesus Christ as Lord, we receive the Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 1:13 says we are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be “in us” in John, etc).

Yet, throughout the Book of Acts we see examples where Christians have an experience where they are “filled” with the Holy Spirit.  In many cases, this experience is initiated through another Believer praying for them.

Here’s one such example:

14
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 8, 14-17, ESV, YouVersion.Com)

So, they had “received the word of God” … I think this means they’ve received Christ as Savior.  They are now Christians.  Jesus has risen and ascended, and the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Day of Pentecost.  We are “officially” in the New Testament, New Covenant church now.  These Christians received the word just like us.  Yet, it says they had not received the Holy Spirit, though they have been baptized.

Through the prayer of Peter and John, these new Christians “received” the Holy Spirit.  This occurs throughout the book of Acts.

I believe that we, as Christians, can receive the Holy Spirit again and again.  It’s a different type of “infilling”.  It’s not essential to salvation, yet who wouldn’t desire this?

I’ve heard some argue that God used the original apostles to distribute the Holy Spirit in the early church.  Huh?  So, once they die, we don’t get that?  I don’t think so.  Or maybe God was overwhelmed with the exponential increase in Believers, and needed some assistance … the Holy Spirit wasn’t coming fast enough from His throne directly, so he recruited some people to help Him get over the hump?  By no means.

All I know is this.  If I see evidence that Christians are being “filled” with the Holy Spirit … I want “in” on that bonus.  I want all of God’s Spirit.  In me, on me, around me.

Your thoughts?  Join the discussion by leaving a comment below.