How can I receive the Holy Spirit? Session 3

Receiving the Gift

“When the people heard this [about Jesus], they were cut to the heart and said... “What shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-39

Receiving the Gift

Be Born Again

Be forgiven of your sins and be made right with God Be Born Again

Be forgiven of your sins and be made right with God Become a brand new person on the inside, with a new start in life Be Born Again

Be forgiven of your sins and be made right with God Become a brand new person on the inside, with a new start in life Become a child of God - with a new hope and a new future Be Born Again

Making Sure!

Repent turn from sin

Making Sure! Repent turn from sin Believe have faith

Making Sure! Repent turn from sin Believe have faith Receive make Jesus your new boss!

2. Be filled with the Spirit’s power

“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Acts 1:8 2. Be filled with the Spirit’s power

The Experience of the Disciples

The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 1. Pentecost – Longing for The Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 1. Pentecost – Longing for The Spirit “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:2-4

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 2. Samaria – Receptive to the Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 2. Samaria – Receptive to the Spirit “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:14-17

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 3. Paul – Initially Hostile to The Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 3. Paul – Initially Hostile to The Spirit “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples…Placing his hand on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus – who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptised.” Acts 9:1, 17-19

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 4. Ephesus – Uniformed about The Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 4. Ephesus – Uniformed about The Spirit “Paul found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”…they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came on them, and the spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:1–6

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 5. Cornelius & house – Unlikely recipients of The Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples The outpouring of the Spirit in Acts: 5. Cornelius & house – Unlikely recipients of The Spirit “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” Acts 10: 44-46

The Experience of the Disciples 1.They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples 1.They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit “… the Holy Spirit fell … and believers from among the circumcised … were amazed” (Acts 10:45)

The Experience of the Disciples 2.They were released in praise

The Experience of the Disciples 2.They were released in praise “For they heard them … praising God” (Acts 10:46)

The Experience of the Disciples 1.They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit

The Experience of the Disciples 1.They experienced the power of the Holy Spirit “… the Holy Spirit fell … and believers from among the circumcised … were amazed” (Acts 10:45)

The Experience of the Disciples 3.They received a new language

The Experience of the Disciples 3.They received a new language “For they heard them speaking in tongues” (Acts 10:46)

The Experience of the Disciples 3.They received a new language “For they heard them speaking in tongues” (Acts 10:46) New languages

What is the gift of tongues?

A form of prayer (1 Cor. 14:2)

What is the gift of tongues? A form of prayer (1 Cor. 14:2) Builds up the individual (1 Cor. 14:4a)

What is the gift of tongues? A form of prayer (1 Cor. 14:2) Builds up the individual (1 Cor. 14:4a) Transcends the language barrier (1 Cor. 14:14)

What is the gift of tongues? A form of prayer (1 Cor. 14:2) Builds up the individual (1 Cor. 14:4a) Transcends the language barrier (1 Cor. 14:14) Speaker in full control

Why is speaking in tongues helpful?

Praise/worship

Why is speaking in tongues helpful? Praise/worship Praying for oneself

Why is speaking in tongues helpful? Praise/worship Praying for oneself Praying for others

Does the New Testament approve?

1 Corinthians 14 Context: excessive public use.

Does the New Testament approve? 1 Corinthians 14 Context: excessive public use. BUT: “Do not forbid” (v 39) v 18)

Does the New Testament approve? 1 Corinthians 14 Context: excessive public use. BUT: “Do not forbid” (v 39) “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” (v 5)

Does the New Testament approve? 1 Corinthians 14 Context: excessive public use. BUT: “Do not forbid” (v 39) “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” (v 5) “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you” v 18)

How to be filled with The Spirit I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13 ESV

How to be filled with The Spirit

Don’t Doubt - God wants to fill you

How to be filled with The Spirit Don’t Doubt - God wants to fill you Come thirsty!

How to be filled with The Spirit Don’t Doubt - God wants to fill you Come thirsty! Ask God for the Gift

How to be filled with The Spirit Don’t Doubt - God wants to fill you Come thirsty! Ask God for the Gift Co-operate with the Spirit