THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit          “And being assembled together with them, He (Jesus) commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”                                                   Acts 1:4-5     Find out what was the ‘Promise of the Father’  and how to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

What does it mean to “receive the Holy Spirit?

It was on the day of Pentecost that the first Christians received the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.” Today, we too can be filled with the Spirit as were those early believers on the Day of Pentecost. All across the world millions of Christians have already received the Holy Spirit just like those early disciples. And many more are daily receiving this wonderful gift. When a person receives the Holy Spirit, he or she is filled with God’s presence and power. Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). The Bible calls this experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5; 11:16).

 

What is the purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

 The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a powerful, life changing experience from God (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:2). It is a promise for all believers (Acts 2:17-18; 2:38-39). Many wonderful blessings come to a person when he or she is baptized in the Holy Spirit. These blessings include overflowing joy (Acts 13:52; Rom. 14:17; Gal. 5:22; 1 Thess. 1:6), an overwhelming sense of  God’s nearness (Matt.28:20) and a greater awareness of  God’s presence and power within.

 Other benefits include increased power in prayer (Rom. 8:26-27) and a greater love for God’s word, God’s people, and lost humanity (Rom. 5:5). Spirit baptism also brings power to do the works of Christ (John 14:14-17), including the full manifestation of spiritual gifts according to the will of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-11). The primary purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is power for witness. Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” Those early Christians who received the Holy Spirit were filled with the power of God to witness. Paul asked the Ephesian believers whether they had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2) because he intended to use these men to reach all of Asia Minor with the gospel (v. 10), but they first needed to be empowered by the Spirit. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5).

 

Who can receive the Holy Spirit? Every true Christian can receive the Holy Spirit and be filled with God’s presence and power. The Bible says that the promise of the Spirit is for all Christians of every generation (Acts 2:38-39). Anyone who has been truly born again, sincerely desires a closer walk with Christ, and wants to become an effective witness for Him can receive this marvelous gift. Across the globe God is giving this wonderful gift to Christians of all ages, of all walks of life, and from many different denominations. He is only looking for hungry hearts.

 

 

 

What must one do to receive the Holy Spirit? The gift of the Holy Spirit is received by faith, just as are all other gifts from God (John 7:37; Gal. 3:2). You can receive the Holy Spirit today by taking these three simple “faith steps”:

Ask in faith. Jesus said that the Heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask for it (Luke 11:13). Your asking must be in faith. This means that, when you ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit, you should consciously believe that He is hearing and answering your prayer.

 Receive by faith. God has promised to give the Holy Spirit to everyone who asks (Luke 11:9-13). He said, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). The moment you truly believe, the Holy Spirit will enter and fill your entire being.

 Speak in faith. When the disciples received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, they “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4).  When you ask, and by faith receive, He will come and fill you. Once you sense His overflowing presence within, begin to speak out in faith. You will begin to speak in a language you have never learned. It is God’s sign that He has empowered you to be His witness!

 

THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER

 

“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city ^[of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

                                                                           Luke 24:49

 

Below is the question that the apostle Paul asked the believers in Ephesus……

“ Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

Acts 19:2

 

The Baptism of the Spirit is a second work of grace in the life of a believer. If the Baptism is a second work, when was the first? When did the Disciples receive Jesus as savior and Lord? 

 

The Disciples were born again in John 22:17 when the resurrected Jesus appeared  to the Disciples…

^“So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

 

 John 20: 21-22

 

Jesus breathed into them- ‘spiritual life, resurrected life’ and they all were born again

 

NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF RECEIVING THE BAPTISM

 

 

1. The birth of the first century church on the day of Pentecost 

 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…”                                  Acts 2:4

2. In Samaria “Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.                                                                                                                Acts 8:17

3. By Paul (spoken by Ananias)

 “That you may receive your  sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 9:17

4. By the Gentiles

 “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”              Acts 10:46

5. By the Ephesians

 “And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.”                                                              Acts 19:6

         

The above are all the  New Testament accounts of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. In each of these examples, there is a common experience either stated or implied: when Christians received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit they spoke in heavenly languages (tongues).

              

 

 

Gary W. Pfeiffer

Kingdomfoundations@ Blogspot.com

 

HOW TO MAKE A GODLY APPEAL

 

HOW TO Make A Godly appeal to Authority

 (to request a change of direction)         

  NOTE: All authority is of God

a.     Romans 13:1-3 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. 

b.    Levels of Authority: Family, Civil and Spiritual 

   Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, [unwise or dangerous decision) you who are spiritual restore [offer an alternative to] such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Options for requesting change:

1.     Prayer-Continual Intercession or ‘the move or remove prayer’ (prayer that God would change the persons       mind, or remove the person from the situation

2.    Written Letter/ email (this may be best if when you have tried to talk to a person in the past, they have continually interrupted or misunderstood your concern} It gives them time to consider your request. 

3.     Personal (face to face)

A.     Affirm the person in authority has the right/ability to make the decision 

B.     Clarify you understand the decision (that is being made or has been made) 

C.      Respectfully offer an alternative option- one that you think still would accomplish the stated goal.

D.    Share your alternative solution

E.     Lastly, ask " Would you consider this option and get aback to me with your thoughts?” (don’t set a                              time limit deadline)

Note: Normally, you are not appealing something that is immoral, illegal, or unethical. BUT if you are and the Authority refuses to change course; seek godly counsel and in most cases, you will need to remove yourself from under that Authority's care or jurisdiction. 

 

CHRISTIAN CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Gary W Pfeiffer                        (original thoughts and source material from Peacemaker by Ken Sender)

BACKGROUND: HOW IMPORTANIT IS PEACE OR UNITY- in a marriage, in a family, in the local church, in the workplace…...?

1.     Jesus is of course the ‘Prince of Peace’, and He is our role model or template for godly living.

2.     “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  Eph. 4:3

3.     “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Rom. 12:18

4.     Jesus’ prayer of peace & unity among all Christians…. John 17:20-23

There are three dimensions of peace:

1.     Peace with God

2.     Peace with one another

3.     Peace within yourself

Definition of Conflict: a difference in opinion or purpose that frustrated someone’s goals or desires.

Conflict is an opportunity to solve problems in a way that honors God and offers benefits to those involved.

There are normally two responses to conflict:           FIGHT OR FLIGHT

FLIGHT: (escape) generally the focus is on ‘me’. Looking for what is easy, convenient or non-threatening for me.

Escape responses are usually intent on ‘peacemaking’ or making things look good- even when they are not.

FIGHT: (attack) the focus is on the other party, blaming or expecting them to give in and solve the problem.

Attack responses are prone to ‘peace breaking’ . They are more willing to sacrifice peace & unity to get to what they want.

FOUR PRIMARY CAUSES OF CONFLICT:

1.     Misunderstandings resulting from poor communication

2.     Differences in values, goals, priorities, expectations, opinions….

3.     Competition over limited resources

4.     Sinful attitudes or habits- that lead to sinful words or actions

Note: in all our relationships we should seek unity- and not demand uniformity.   Eph. 4:1-3

IDEAL: Conflict should be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate the love and power of God in our lives.

MEDIATION VS. ARBITRATION

Mediator (listen, question, suggest) Mediators should listen carefully and ask clarifying questions of each party. At the conclusion, they may give advice, but they have no authority to force anyone to accept a particular solution.   Matt. 18:16

Arbitrator (listen, question, conclude) An arbitrator is a decision maker. This person should be trusted and accepted upfront by both parties and given the responsibility (after hearing both sides of the issue) to make a binding decision resolving the conflict.    1 Cor. 6:4-6

Accountability: If a person who professes to be a Christian, refuses to be reconciled and do what is right, Jesus commands Church leaders to formally intervene to hold him accountable to Scriptural discipline. This action is a safeguard to local church unity.               Matt. 18:17

PERSONAL REFELCTION QUESTIONS FOR EACH PARTY IN THE DISPUTE:

1.     How can I please and honor God in this situation?

2.     How can I show Jesus’ work in me by taking responsibility for my contributions to this conflict?

3.     How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict?

COUNSELOR QUESTIONS FOR EACH PARTY IN THE CONFLICT:

1.     Briefly summarize the dispute as you perceive it, and place events in chronological order.

2.     Which response to conflict have you been using so far?  Flight or Fight?

3.     What have you been relying on for guidance in this situation?

a.     Your feelings and personal opinions about what is right? OR

b.     Careful study and application of Biblical truth?

Initial personal Response to any conflict or offence the Lord allows to come your way:

            FORGIVE! (as an act of your will -forgive the offending party)

Forgiveness releases in me the ability to deal Scripturally with the situation. By doing that act: the tendency of reacting to the situation is greatly reduced, giving you time to think/pray about your godly response.

WHEN AN APOLOGY IS IN ORDER: (when this is part of your prayerful response to the conflict)

1.     Most Important: any apology must be sincere

2.     The apology should be as private or public- as the sin was. (did you offend one person, or many?)

3.     Do not use ‘if’ or ‘maybe’ in your apology. Admit specifically what wrong you did

4.     Accept the consequences of your actions (then adjust future behavior)

5.     Finally- look directly at the person(s) and humbly ask, “will you forgive me?”

 

FINAL SELF- EXAM:  After the conflict is over and resolved, if God were to evaluate this conflict- how would you like Him to complete this sentence:

            “I am pleased that you did not…….

            “I am pleased that you…….

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15

 

FORGIVENESS…. Initial and Releasing

Forgiveness is one of the cornerstone spiritual foundations of Christian living. Over the years, I have coined the phrase, “Forgiveness releases in me the ability to deal scripturally with the situation.” By that I mean any unkind, untrue or abusive remarks or actions toward you; (as quickly as possible), you should choose [as any act of your will] to forgive the offender. Once doing that, you mitigate the effect of carnal reaction.  By that I mean your tendency of reacting is greatly reduced, giving you time to think/pray clearly on how the Lord wants you to respond. By forgiving someone, that does NOT mean you just need to forget or offer no follow through. It may be that the Lord would guide you to take no action- (other than letting love reign and you casting your care unto the Lord); or He might lead you to contact the police or church eldership. The issue is to be at peace in your soul and take Spirit led action.

Scripture: Matthew 18:34-35 this is the story of the servant that was graciously forgiven a large debt he owed but turned around and demanded payment from another servant who owed him a very small debt. Jesus finishes the story by saying to the one who was forgiven (of much) …. But refused to forgive another:

 ^“And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Forgiveness should be done quickly and with a sincere heart.

What I described above I am calling Initial Forgiveness- to quickly choose to forgive any that have hurt or offended you.

NOW, what about the person that did or said the sin against you? We all wish that person would be convicted of their sin, repent first to God and then humbly ask forgiveness. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it does not.

But if that person, does repent to God and comes and humbly asks your forgiveness: you of course accept their apology, (you are already at peace from your initial forgiveness toward them), BUT by them by taking that action; they free themselves of the ‘hardness of heart’.

 I call this, RELEASING FORGIVENESS. The offending party now has a release from the spiritual ‘hardness of heart’ and consequences of their sin.  

Note: some may ask why I should be concerned with the offending party’s spiritual condition (after all they caused me a lot of heartache and pain) Here’s one answer:

“That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 

2 Corinthians 5:18

Be a reconciler! Forgive quickly from the heart- and enjoy true peace & freedom.

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ‘IDEAL’ LOCAL CHURCH’?                       

All Christians understand that the ‘Church’ is not a building or just a set of doctrinal beliefs; but how would you describe the ideal church that you would want to attend?

Definition of Church:

1.     A group of Christians who are learning how to live by the indwelling life of Jesus Christ, and who are expressing that life together.

2.    A community that regularity meets for worship, prayer, fellowship, mutual edification and mutual care.

3.    God has chosen to make his Son knowable, touchable, visible and locatable on planet earth through only one vessel- the ekklesia. Jesus Christ has distributed Himself in His body so that He might be expressed. The church, therefore is God’s designated instrument for the expression of His Son, and it is the very heartbeat of God’s ultimate passion.

 

The Kingdom of God= The manifestation of God’s ruling presence.

 

The local church should be focused on producing a culture for miracles.  (where we value gifts, personal worth etc.)  Note: Christian Culture is like a greenhouse- a controlled environment.

Why? So seeds you want to grow, will grow quickly and easily. (seeds=valuable truths)

 

SPIRTUAL BLUEPRINT/EXPECTATION FOR LOCAL CHURCH ENVIRONMENT:

a.      Vibrant love for Jesus

b.     Passionate desire to worship Him- in spirit and truth.

c.      A community that is founded on Biblical oversight.

d.     Having a  commitment to Five-Fold leadership- in the equipping of the saints.

e.     Leadership role modeling and teaching of basic Biblical principals

f.       Desire to establish/live in community

g.     Pursuing spiritual gifts- to edify the body

h.     Declaring  & Demonstrating the Kingdom of God

i.       Creative outreaches to reach the lost

j.       Support for apostolic foreign missions

LEAVING THE LOCAL CHURCH? …

1.     Most people who leave the institutional church do so because they are looking for Christ-centered face to face community, where every member participates and Jesus Christ is being deeply known, loved and expressed.

2.     Some Christians are not leaving church because they have lost faith . They are leaving the church to preserve their faith.

3.     The DNA of the church is marked by the very traits that we find in the triune God- mutual love, mutual fellowship, mutual dependence, mutual submission, mutual ministry and face to face community.

FOUNDATIONAL CHRISITIAN INSIGHT: To believe the Father’s magnificent obsession, is to provide a ‘bride’ for His Son.

HEAD OF THE CHURCH:

When Jesus read from Isaiah 53, the atmosphere changed, they heard from God for the first time ( in 400 years) - and they became aware of another (spiritual) world. The Kingdom of God had become available and  visited them in the person of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus- head of the Church.  Colossians 1:18

Note: Lots of people know about Jesus; but don’t know Him in Spirit and Truth.

God the Father wants a bride for God the Son

God the Son wants a house for God the Father

God the Father wants a body for God the Son

And God the Son wants a family for God the Father-

And the Spirit desires this with each other- and makes it happen.

 

Note; Beside my original thoughts, some concepts/teachings are adapted from Frank Viola, Bill Johnson and Vernice Smith.

 

 

Maturity/CONVICTIONS/Character

This is a teaching I gave recently to the men’s group I’m attending, Antioch International Church in Ft. Mill, SC.

ILL. Man comes home after a long hard day at work and collapses in his recliner, really hungry. His wife says to him, - are you hungry? He says yes – I’m starving- so she brings him some food. NOTE: He’s starving- but not starving enough to go get food by himself! MOST OF WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE WILL BE PROVIDED or BROUGHT TO YOU- BUT THE THINGS YOU WANT IN LIFE YOU WILL HAVE TO PURSUE. One of those things is: Christian Maturity

                                                Maturity/CONVICTIONS/Character

PHILOSOPHY:    All philosophers need to answer 2 questions: “What is the good life? And how do you live it? “How you answer, determines who you are- and your destiny.

BROTHERS, what does it mean to you, to live a spiritually rewarding, fruitful life?

Jn. 10:10 Jesus: “I have come that you may have life and that abundantly.”

Fundamentally it’s about our spiritual development, not knowledge or natural goals achieved.       

Matt. 5:48 Jesus- “therefore you shall be perfect (mature) just as you Father in heaven is perfect.”

AMP. “You therefore, will be perfect (growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life) as your heavenly Father is perfect. “- (Father already perfect by eternal existence)     HOW DO WE PROCEED WITH THIS CHALLENGE? … [ maturity/character]   TWO THOUGHTS:

1.     ^{DECLARATION:  “}I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”. Gal. 2:20

2.     BIBLICAL TRANSFORMATION: Hebrews 6:1,2   [Foundation Stones]    “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

ONE Important Aspect of Christian maturity has to do with how many convictions you have incorporated into your life.

For many Christians, the battle is between convictions and preferences

Convictions are quality, spiritual decisions you have settled in your heart, and will not go back on, whatever the obstacle or cost.

ILL. First century Rome, Christians refused to acknowledge Caesar as divine. They had convictions that Jesus could not just be added to the many gods the Romans had, but He was the one true God. He was the Lord of their lives, and they would not bow down or acknowledge any man-made gods. They had a ‘red line’ they would not cross, and that decision (conviction) cost many of them imprisonment, torture and even death.

ILL. China    After WW2, there was a civil war in China. The communists drove out the Nationalists and promptly executed all clergy, banned all religions and forbade the Bible (and any other religious books) They tried, and failed to crush the Christian church. So in 1979, the communists formed the Three Self Church. It was a counterfeit church- some singing, buildings, lectures…. But nothing to do with Jesus or the Bible.  If someone got saved and was drawn to religious activity- they could go to the underground church or the Three Self church. (no consequences if attended Three Self church, but if caught at underground church: they would be sent to reeducation camp, lose their job, housing and food rations could be reduced etc. If this man had a conviction of assembling with believers for fellowship and growth, he would attend the underground church and trust God for any consequences.

HOW MANY CONVICTIONS HAVE YOU DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS IN YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK?

Some topics to consider:   marriage, family life, assembling together, forgiveness, staying out of strife…etc.

Convictions are evidence of our character and maturity in Christ.   Christian maturity is worth pursuing!

                    GOSSIP and SLANDER

GOSSIP & SLANDER                                    Gary W Pfeiffer                                       November 2025

SLANDER:  In the Bible, slander is malicious, false, or damaging speech that harms another person's reputation or well-being. It is considered an evil act originating from the heart, which not only violates God's commands to love one's neighbor but also sows discord and division among people. The Bible consistently condemns slander, equating it to bearing false witness, and highlights its destructive nature within the community. 

No, not all gossip is slander; slander is a specific type of defamation involving spoken false statements that damage a person's reputation, while gossip is broader and may be true or false. Gossip can become slander or libel (written defamation) when a statement is presented as fact, is false, and causes actual harm to someone's reputation. 

Gossip vs. Slander

GOSSIP

The act of sharing information about someone when they are not present. This information can be true or false, malicious or neutral. 

SLANDER

A form of defamation that involves spreading false, damaging statements about a person verbally. It is a type of slander when the intent is to ruin someone's reputation, and the statement is presented as fact. 

When Gossip Becomes Slander (or Defamation)

Gossip can cross the line into actionable slander or libel if it meets the following criteria: 

1. It is false: The statement made about the person is untrue. 

2. It is presented as fact: The speaker intends for the listener to believe the information as true. 

3. It causes harm to the person's reputation: The statement lowers the person in the eyes of the community, damages their professional standing, or deters others from associating with them. 

4. It is spoken (for slander): The defamatory statement is communicated verbally. 

Key Distinctions

• Intent vs. Content:

Gossip can be a simple, unverified sharing of information. Slander, however, requires a malicious intent to harm another's reputation and involves spreading a false report. 

• Truth vs. Falsehood:

Even true information can be considered harmful gossip if shared with bad intent. For slander, the statement must be false. 

Proverbs 18:21 Amp. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”

Proverbs 4:23 NKV "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." 

NOTE: Our speech should be reflective of the redemptive life Jesus has birthed in us-and cause others to be desirous of the love and peace we reflect.