...POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ACTS 1:8 A Paper Presented to Professor Gary May Liberty University Lynchburg, VA In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for Acts BIBLE 364-B09 By Donna McCurrie-Bowen 3/8/13 Introduction The purpose of the Book of Acts was to offer a history of the early church with a focus on the Holy Spirit and how it is the “life principle” of the Church (Johnson 1992, 14). The book focuses on the day of Pentecost and how one can be empowered by being a witness for Jesus Christ. Specifically, Acts tells the reader that the purpose of the book is to write “about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven” (Acts 1:1-2); this, according to Bock (2007, 51) is a reminder from his gospel and is used as a reaffirmation. Acts is the record of the apostles being Christ’s witness in Jerusalem, Judea, and the rest of the surrounding area. Hengen (1979, 71) implies that Acts is to be read as a gospel for edification purposes, it is also a gospel that specifically shows the reader how the Holy Spirit works. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The book gives the reader insight into how the Holy Spirit works to guide, teach, empower, and serve as a person’s overall counselor. The Book of Acts records the...
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...Baptism and the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts Water Baptism vs Baptized with the Spirit and Power The book of Acts begins with Jesus' parting words to His apostles before His ascension to the right hand of God the Father. In His opening statement Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, and He does this by distinguishing the coming of the Spirit from the baptism of John. “For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5) John had testified the same of his baptism, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11, also in all the other Gospels: Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) So there are two types of baptisms in the book of Acts, what the old theologians called baptismus flaminis (the outpouring of special gifts of the Holy Spirit) and baptismis fluminis (the Baptism of water which is a Sacrament of the remission of sins). (See Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, II.289, note 53) Water Baptism: John's, Jesus' and the Church's Baptism (baptismis fluminis) Of these two types of baptism, the first is the baptism of John, and then commanded (and expanded) by Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) and given to all the converts on Pentecost, etc. (This is the normal baptism that continues today. We see many of these in Acts, including Acts 2:41; 8:12-16, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15...
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...in the Holy Spirit. At the present time, hundreds of millions of believers identify themselves with the movement that teaches and encourages the reception of that experience. The global expansion of that movement demonstrates the words of Jesus Christ to His disciples that when the promised Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power to be His witnesses to all the world (Acts 1:5,8). The New Testament emphasizes the centrality of the Holy Spirit's role in the ministry of Jesus and the continuation of that role in the Early Church. Jesus’ public ministry was launched by the Holy Spirit coming upon Him (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). The Book of Acts presents an extension of that ministry through the disciples by means of the empowering Holy Spirit. The most distinguishing features of the baptism in the Holy Spirit are that: (1) it is theologically and experientially distinguishable from and subsequent to the new birth, (2) it is accompanied by speaking in tongues, and (3) it is distinct in purpose from the Spirit’s work of regenerating the heart and life of a repentant sinner. Baptism in the Holy Spirit The term “baptism in the Holy Spirit” does not occur in Scripture. It is a convenient designation for the experience predicted by John the Baptist that Jesus would “baptize in [Greek en] the Holy Spirit”1 (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) and is repeated by both Jesus (Acts 1:5) and...
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...BNEW 113 Reflection # 1 "Is speaking in tongues evidence for having the Holy Spirit?" There are three occasions in the book of Acts where speaking in tongues happens when you receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 4; 10: 44-46; 19:6). However, these three occasions are the only times in the Bible, where speaking in tongues is an evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. We are told that every believer in Christ has the Holy Spirit (Romans 8: 9), but not all believers spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians 12: 29-31). So, why was speaking in tongues, the evidence of the Holy Spirit in those three passages in the book of Acts? Acts Chapter 2 records the apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him to proclaim the Gospel. God enabled the Gentiles to speak in tongues to demonstrate that they had received the same Holy Spirit who received the apostles. Acts 10: 44-46 describes this, "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 Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” I think in those passages the apostles were enabled to speak in other languages, in order to share the truth with people in their own language. It was very hard for Jews to accept Gentiles, they considered them as unclean and unrighteous. Therefore, by speaking in tongue they would realized that even the...
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...Introduction Devotional Classics is a book which contains writings by a large selection of spiritual giants. It provides an amazing perspective of Christianity from a wide variety of demonstrations, walks of faith, vocations, and time periods which started from the early church fathers up to current writers. It is an excellent compilation of portions of mostly classic Christian works in devotional format. This devotional book offers a full and a complete overview of all sides of devotional life. It is a great companion to the Scriptures as it has biblical references and study questions as part of each reading. Each chapter gives me an excerpt and some thought provoking reflections by Foster and Smith. Most of the readings are profound and worthy of in-depth reading. It has made me think, contemplate and overall grow in my spiritual journey. In this paper, I will demonstrate why John Calvin is important to be studied in the 21st century. I have chosen his devotional writing as a reflection of my spiritual insights and its application to my spiritual journey. Why John Calvin Many theologians such as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin and more throughout history have made a big impact on their culture, times, society, and/or religion. One of the theologians that stands out to me is John Calvin, who had a great influence during his time, the early to middle sixteenth century. Calvin is considered by many to have been the father and founder of the Presbyterian and...
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...Acts is believed to be the second part of a two-volume work. The Book of Acts begins with a summary of the previous volume, the Gospel of Luke, and then introduces the second volume. In Acts 1:1-5, Luke describes Jesus' ministry and passion; volume two Acts describes events after Jesus' ascension and the giving of the Holy Spirit. As a literary parallel to Luke-Acts Josephus writes a two-volume work, and introduces the second volume in a similar manner. He states the correct use of somewhat idiosyncratic political titles corroborates the view that the Book of Acts was written by someone historically close to the events narrated, such as Luke was. Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts explains the extensive linguistic agreement between the it and the Gospel of Luke and the details that Luke includes about the church in Antioch, the city from which he hailed. Several secondary sources confirm the Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts. The Muratorian canon states "Moreover the Acts of the Apostles are included in one book. For 'most excellent Theophilus' Luke compiled the individual events that took place in his presence.” The Anti-Marcionite Prologue identifies Luke as the author of a second volume, Acts: "And afterwards the same Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles." Origen identifies the author of Acts as Luke, the same who wrote the gospel: "Others that it was Luke, he who wrote the gospel and the Acts" (H.E. 6.25.14). Clement of Alexandria accepts Lukan authorship...
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...According to the Tyndale Commentary, “The Holy Spirit is the third person of the God Head. The Holy Spirit is also, the way men receive power and help which bring us into fellowship with God”. John 15:26, tells us that when the comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which comes from the Father, he shall testify of me. Jesus implies, that he has many things to tell them but they cannot bear them until the comforter (Helper)... Comes which will guide you into all truth, he will speak and show you things. The comforter will glorify Jesus and the Father. Jesus was letting the disciples know that the Holy Spirit has his personal characteristics’, which are a mind, a will and emotions. John. 16:12-16. Acts 1:2-9. The disciples saw Jesus for 40 days after the resurrection…. Jesus ate with the disciples : According to Longnecker, This was known as the Breading of Bread which is the passion of Christ. Acts 2:42-47. Acts 1:14, 24 6:1-10 10:4-9. Referring to, Christ as the Church, while giving them special instruction to wait in Jerusalem until they receive promised from the Father. . The Holy Spirit was imparted into the believers before Jesus ascended. Acts. 1:4-5. The Promise: was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Matt.10:20. Bruce, explains ,“The Holy Spirit , promised by the risen Savior, comes to the disciples on the day of Pentecost.. Seven weeks after The Easter Festival.” Acts 2:1-5: the First Fruit Festival (Wheat Harvest)...
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...personalities. God sets forth in the infallible Scriptures combines Jesus’ own declaration of the present reality of the Kingdom of God with the apostles’ account of the person, place, and work of Christ, and how sinful humans benefit from it. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is inspired, profitable, and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God determined to have the truth regarding Him recorded in written form because He knew the inaccuracy and unreliability of oral tradition. He also understood that the dreams and visions of man can be misinterpreted. God decided to reveal everything that humanity needs to know about Him, what He expects, and what He has done for us in the Bible! I believe that our holy, loving Creator, confronted with...
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...Is it appropriate to attempt to be an "Acts Church" today - that is, is it appropriate to use the book of Acts as a guide to establishing and operating a Church today? Why or why not? I would be absolutely thrilled to either be a member of or a minister in a church that is as dedicated to Jesus and spreading the word of God as the early church described on page 416 of our text book by Darrell Bock. It was difficult overcoming their life long teachings and laws but once they were enlightened they were just as stubborn holding to the word of the Messiah as they were to the laws of Moses. Acts 19:8 tells us that Paul taught in the synagogue for three months but the Jews rejected bitterly and tried to teach against Jesus and his doctrine; so they left and taught at the school of Tyrannus and some of the Jews that could not worship Jesus in the synagogue went to listen to Paul and believed. They had a hard time moving from the law to grace but now we are taught many things that just is not Bible based and has turned many away. However, I don’t believe that we can stand at the entrance and ask all who enter if they have sinned today. We don’t have to allow them to join the church without being examined to know that they are living a Christian life. There are many false doctrines, false teachings in the church today. Most are probably only a misinterpretation of the Bible by those that have little to no training. An article on the web talks about how false doctrine is introduced and...
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... Acts 2:1-4; 12-18; 37-39. Passover in 2012 will start on Saturday, the 7th of April and will continue for 7 days until Friday, the 13th of April.Note that in the Jewish calander, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Jews will celebrate Passover on the sunset of Friday, the 6th of April This Sunday on the Religious Calendar is Pentecost Sunday!!! What in the world is Pentecost??? The word “ Pentecost” designates the 50th day after Passover, which was a Feast Day. Also known as the Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest. It was on this day, in the Book of Acts, that the Holy Spirit was poured out on 120 Followers of Christ who were gathered in an Upper Room in Jerusalem. It was on this day that the Church was born, in a burst of flames and Glory. This is a day that ought to be never forgotten. You see, it is said that The Average Christian And the Average Church are Somewhere Bogged Down Between Calvary and Pentecost. Yes. They have been to Calvary for Pardon, but they Have Not Been to Pentecost For Power. Bethlehem means God With Us. Calvary means God For Us. But Pentecost means God In Us. Now, Those statements will transform your understanding of the person and the work of the Holy Ghost. I believe that the average Christian is much like the Ephesians believers when the Apostle Paul came to them in Acts 19:2 and said to them - Did You Receive The Holy Ghost When You Believed? They Replied that they didn’t even know that there was a Holy Ghost....
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...gifts, the Fruit of the Spirit, speaking in tongues, and baptism in the Holy Spirit. I told her that I would share the biblical view of spiritual gifts. I sent her an email with the answers to her questions. Here is a part of the email that I sent to her. In 1 Corinthians 12, we learn that spiritual gifts are given to God’s people by the Holy Spirit for “the common good.” Verse 11 says the gifts are given according to God’s sovereign will. Ephesians 4:12 tells us these gifts are given to prepare God’s people for service and for building up the body of Christ. While there are different kinds of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), spiritual gifts are God-given graces meant for works of service. There are two major evidences of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The outward evidence is speaking with tongues. Further evidence of the Spirit’s abiding presence in our lives is the Fruit of the Spirit, which Paul mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. A spiritual gift is an ability to be used in service, whereas spiritual fruit relates to a Christian’s character. Many people inaccurately define speaking in tongues as “speaking gibberish” or “talking nonsense.” The truth is that speaking in tongues is the most intelligent and perfect language in the universe. It is a heavenly language. It is God’s language. Since it is God’s language, then it must be the most intelligent and perfect. The Holy Spirit baptism is a gift from God...
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...BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: OUR FRIEND, COMFORTER, TEACHER, AND PART OF THE TRINITY A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO PROF. JOHN CARTWRIGHT IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIBLE 364 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 SIGNS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST-------------------------------- 4 THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT---------------------------------------------------------- 5 THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL CONVICT US------------------------------------------------------------- 5 RECEIVING THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT---------------------------------------------- 6 CONCLUSION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 INTRODUCTION The Holy Spirit or as some refer to it as the “Holy Ghost”, is real and a very vital part of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). “From the Trinity we learn that the Creator is not static or standoffish but a loving relationality and sheer liveliness. It informs us that creation is grounded in God’s love and that grace underlies the gift of life itself.” There is scripture that shows the three as one, as we look Matthew 28:19 states “therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” There...
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...theology of Acts." Interpretation 13, no. 2: 157-169. ATLASerials, Religion Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed September 14, 2013). THEO 510 LUO (fall 2013) Survey of Christian Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary David M. Lowe (ID# L01477914) September 19, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction..................................................................................................................2 II. Brief Summary.............................................................................................................2 III. Critical Interaction with Author’s Work..................................................................4 IV. Conclusion....................................................................................................................5 Bibliography........................................................................................................................6 Introduction In the Book of Acts author Luke purposes to provide an account of the origin and development of the church under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Acts lays an original and graphic historical picture of the early church from its beginnings with the accension of Jesus to it’s end with Paul’s detention in Rome. Bo Reike in his article, “The Risen Lord and His Chruch, The Theology of Acts” presupposes...
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... 2 Introduction This charismatic gifts debate will explore God’s biblically stated purpose and intention for His supernatural gifts to be manifested in the practice of the New Testament Church. The question of whether the Bible declares if sign gifts are to be expected until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, or have those gifts ceased, will be researched. The contemporary use of the sign gifts will be examined in the light of Scripture. Biblical research will reveal that in fact, only certain of the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased with the completion of the Canon; and with the death of the last Apostle John. What is the Purpose of the Sign Gifts It is understood by most scholars that the sign gifts...
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...PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH (Acts 8:26-40) A Paper by Sharon D. Norman Presented to Dr. John Hanna In partial fulfillment of the requirements of Biblical Interpretation Nazarene Bible College Colorado Springs, CO March 16, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................3 ORIENTATION AND CONTEXT......................................................................3 SIGNIFICANCE OF TEXT .............................................................................3 HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL SETTING ...........................................................4 LITERARY CONTEXT .................................................................................4 PRESENTATION OF TEXT ...............................................................................6 SCRIPTURE PASSAGE .................................................................................6 TEXT CRITICAL NOTES .............................................................................7 OUTLINE OF PASSAGE ...............................................................................7 PHILIP HEADS TO GAZA…………………………………………………… 9 PHILIP EXPLAINS THE GOSPEL MESSAGE………………………………10 THE EUNUCH IS BAPTIZED………………………………………………...11 PHILIPP CONTINUES SPREADING THE GOSPEL MESSAGE……………12 CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………13 SUMMATION…………………………………………………………..13 APPLICATION…………………………………………………………15 ...
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