Jesus the Baptist

We had the privilige to listen to Mr David Pawson, a renowned evangelist-pastor-author on Sunday in FGA.This blessed man of God spoke of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which such grace and simplicity, anyone in the church would understand it instantly.

According to David, we must understand the Trinity of God by understanding the threesome -
God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Most of the time we only
understand God the Father and God the SOn, but seldom do we actually speak of
the Holy Spirit, even though it's as important as the former.

We constantly hear about John the Baptist at the River of Jordan during Jesus's
time.John baptised with water - as a way to clean our sinful past and make us
new beings again, whiter as white. It can clean our past but can't KEEP us that
way. That's why Jesus spoke of the holy Spirit which will be our guide when He
leaves us for Heaven. How many of us actually heard about Jesus being spoken as
Jesus the Baptist? He baptises with the Holy Spirit - read book of Acts(120
people including his discliples and Mother Mary got baptised in the Spirit and
instantly spoke in tongues)

Conditions of Baptism of the Water:

1.Confess yur sins - specific sins

2.Put right whatever you have to - repentance

There's 3 theories of the happening of Pentecost:

1. Sacramental view :Pentecost is a one-off event.Happened only once during the
baptism of the 120 people , and therefore now Holy Spirit has been transfered to
the church.You will receive the Holy Spirit from church through the
sacraments.This means that Roman Catholics receive their Holy Spirit when a
new-born baby is baptised and Anglicans receive theirs during confirmation of
the faith.

However, David argues that this also means that Jesus isnt the Baptist , but
it's the church.He quite disagreed with that.

2. Evangelical view :Pentecost only happened on four occasions , to the Jews,
Samaritans(Acts 10),Gentiles(Acts 10) and his disciples(Acts 14).It is said that
when you give your life to Jesus(at the point of accepting Jesus as personal
saviour), you receive the Holy Spirit.

However , David noted that this means the Spirit is not being poured out or
flown from then on.

3. Pentecostal view:The Holy Spirit is for all. Jesus Christ still baptises every day.It's a
privilige to receive the gift from Holy Spirit.

Which is your belief? Read the bible to find out what is the truth.Check out this links for answers on your doubts: http://www.rbc.net/ I only pray that I may be water-baptised soon before I'm baptised by the Holy Spirit.