The Inadequacy of an 'Advent Faith'

Christmas is not the whole Christian story. In Ephesus, twelve disciples knew John's baptism of repentance, yet they had not grasped Jesus' death, resurrection, or the Holy Spirit's work. Paul brings them into the full gospel, and their Christian baptism identifies them with Jesus in His death and resurrection. The Spirit's visible signs mark this stage of the gospel's spread, not a rule that every Christian must speak in tongues. Changed lives and the fruit of the Spirit remain the broader evidence of His presence. Bible Reference: Acts 19:1–10 Preacher: John Westendorp