For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:5
The baptism that we witnessed of two young sisters last night was joyful and refreshing to behold, but the water baptism of believers, so clearly taught in the Scriptures, is but one of eight different baptisms identified in the New Testament. Our text today speaks about two of those other baptisms. Let’s look at the great difference between the power of those baptisms.
The water baptism of John enabled people to publicly declare repentance for their sins and their acceptance that One greater than John was coming to provide salvation. But what power did that baptism provide? The water that those people entered would quickly dry, and all those people would have to make a difference in their lives would be the memory of that event. Undoubtedly, many would remember well and would truly forsake their sinful lives. And they would gladly welcome the Lord Jesus when He appeared. But many would not. There is very little life changing power in water and memories.
But the baptism of the Holy Spirit as introduced in our text unleashes the greatest power this world has ever known. From the time He first came upon the early believers in Acts 2 until today as He enters each person who is saved, the Holy Spirit has been the enabling power behind us. He enabled the great miracles recorded in Acts. He enabled the great exploits of those who have carried the Gospel throughout the world, He enabled the courage of the martyrs, including the thousands who will die today for their faithfulness to Christ. You and I today are not what we were in our unconverted days. We are different because the Holy Spirit has taught us how Christians should behave. He has unfolded precious truths from the Scriptures. He has given us the glad hope of eternal life. He has given us purpose in living to serve our Saviour and His people. He has changed us in ways that nothing else ever has or could.
We have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. How much has He changed us? -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/IP1yNfmuMrI