Firm Foundations (Pt. 21) Baptism of the Holy Spirit – Paul M. Williams

Part 21 – What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? There is perhaps no other subject matter that has made for greater debate amongst Evangelicals and about which more varied opinions have been held, than the topic at hand in this 21st teaching part.  For some, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues; for others, it is a second work of sanctification whereby one now receives the power to 'live' a holy life.  Some would argue that this supernatural phenomenon ceased in the first century and therefore, although this experience is recorded in the book of Acts, it is no longer one that can be experienced today.  One group argues that the baptism of Holy Spirit is not an experience subsequent to salvation but is rather synonymous with receiving the Holy Spirit at conversion.  Another group argues that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience that is distinguishable and distinct from salvation, coming after the initial experience of being born-again.  What are we to make of all these contravening statements?  Where is one to go to try to clear things up and to shed light on this important topic?  Thank God that as Christians, we do not have to resort to speculation, we have the Word of God upon which any experience might firmly be placed.  However, being able to look at the Bible objectively can be very difficult, not least if one belongs to a denomination that has a party line that must not be crossed.  In this teaching, we shall seek as best as possible to lay aside preconceived ideas and in so doing, come to the Bible afresh in order to obtain answers to the question at hand, 'What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?' Download teaching notes (pdf) http://traffic.libsyn.com/bethesdashalom/21_What_Is_the_Baptism_of_the_Holy_Spirit.pdf