ACTS 11 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning (Acts 11:15). Because the charismatic movement has had such a tremendous impact on the church in our day, we need to consider the biblical teaching concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Today’s … Continue reading “THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT”
THE SPIRIT AND THE NEW BIRTH
JOHN 3:1–21 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). According to Genesis 2:7, when God made the first man, He formed him of the dust of the ground and then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. … Continue reading “THE SPIRIT AND THE NEW BIRTH”
THE NEED FOR A COMFORTER
JOSHUA 1 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). When He commissioned Joshua to conquer the land of promise, God repeatedly told him not be afraid (Joshua 1). Joshua did not … Continue reading “THE NEED FOR A COMFORTER”
THE GODHOOD OF THE SPIRIT
JOHN 14 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you (John 14:16–17). The descent of … Continue reading “THE GODHOOD OF THE SPIRIT”
THE FULLNESS OF PROPHECY
ACTS 2:14–39 In the last days, God says, “I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). When the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood up to explain the events. He … Continue reading “THE FULLNESS OF PROPHECY”
THE GREATER PENTECOST
ACTS 2:1–13 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting (Acts 2:2). The festival of Pentecost was set by God to be celebrated fifty days after the Sabbath that occurred during the week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:15). … Continue reading “THE GREATER PENTECOST”
WHAT WAS AN APOSTLE?
ACTS 2:15–26 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs” (Acts 1:24). After Judas’ suicide, the apostles met to determine a replacement for him. It is important to take note of the … Continue reading “WHAT WAS AN APOSTLE?”
THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST
ACTS 1:9–26 After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight (Acts 1:9). Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told the crowd of disciples that had gathered around Him, “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and … Continue reading “THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST”
PURPOSES OF THE BOOK OF ACTS
ACTS 1:1–10 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach (Acts 1:1). The Acts of the Apostles was written by a physician named Lucian (in English “Luke”). Neither the third gospel nor the Acts provide an explicit statement of authorship, but the testimony of the early … Continue reading “PURPOSES OF THE BOOK OF ACTS”
THE RETURN OF THE LORD
1 THESS. 4 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). A large part of the New Testament is concerned with prophecy. Not only did Jesus … Continue reading “THE RETURN OF THE LORD”