Water Baptism-What Does God's Word Say?

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Wansvic

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When do we receive the Spirit? I’m saying it’s not the same thing that we witness in the Pentecostal church.
Scripture indicates we are to ask the Father to give us the Holy Spirit:

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:13

Peter said that repentance and water baptism in Jesus name’ was required and individuals shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This promise was not only for those present but extended to as the Lord shall call. (Acts 2:38-39)

Upon receiving the Holy Ghost individuals spoke in an unknown tongue: Acts 2:1-4, 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6.

Again, keep in mind that the instructions and promise given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost was to continue until the Lord stopped drawing people unto Himself.
 

Wansvic

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When do we receive the Spirit? I’m saying it’s not the same thing that we witness in the Pentecostal church.
I neglected to include the following information in my post #401:
God chose to infill individuals with His Holy Spirit at times spontaneously and upon the laying on of hands by others. In each case the evidence of the infilling was speaking in an unknown tongue.

If one has not received the Holy Ghost, the Word informs us to ask for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Luke 11:13) This scripture sheds light on the fact that one should be aware if they have or have not received the Holy Ghost.

How does one know? The answer is found in the numerous scriptures where speaking in tongues accompanies the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
 

Wansvic

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The following episode is a little lengthy but conveys how God chose to fill someone with His Spirit:
Marie came over and while hugging me, whispered, “I don’t know why but I have this full feeling throughout my body. Why do you think I feel this way?” My immediate thought was the feeling was due to the presence of Jesus because we were together talking about Him. It is recorded in the bible that Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) I responded that she was being affected because of the conversation we were having about Jesus and His word. She admitted that she had recently been praying to have a better relationship with God. I hugged her and commented how great it was that she was feeling His presence. She smiled and walked away.

I began to listen to another conversation when she approached me again. “Something is going on inside me and the feeling is getting stronger and stronger.” I assured her that what she was feeling was normal. “It happens to me when I’m talking about His word.” I said. She smiled timidly and started to walk away again but immediately did an about face and grabbed my arm and pulled me around the nearest camper.

I had no idea what was going on but I knew she was feeling very emotional. It was written all over her face.

I hugged her and said, “What’s the matter Marie?” She lifted her hands above her head and lowered them slowly down her sides while saying, “The feeling is so strong. I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling. This has never happened to me before.” As I watched, her jesters reminded me of a waterfall. I didn’t quite understand what she was experiencing. Then I heard, not audibly, but in my spirit, “I’m going to fill her with My Spirit.”

I thought, Oh, duh. Because I felt I should have seen the signs. People frequently get overwhelmed prior to the infilling of the Holy Ghost. In comparison, it is like water being poured into a container to the tippy top and then it overflows. One’s body feels completely full with no way to contain more and then the words start to flow out.

I said, “Marie, lift up your arms and praise and thank God because He wants to fill you with His Spirit.” She immediately raised her arms and began praising God. In that instant God filled her with His Spirit and her praise in English turned into another language. (“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4) Her eyes were full of wonder as she held on to me, and continued speaking to God in an unknown tongue. (“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2)

With tears flowing and a smile planted on my face I was pulled alongside of her as she walked over 500 feet down a path along the river. Then she turned and we were headed back the way we came. All the while she continued to speak in tongues.

As we approached the camping area, she stopped, began crying, and knelt on the dirt path, “That was God!” she shouted through tears of joy. “I know!” I said, while smiling as I hugged her. She continued to say, “That was God!” over and over and over.

What she said next amazed me.

“God is really something,” she said. “He did this because if someone asked if they could pray for me to receive His Spirit I would have been afraid to say yes. You know I’ve been told for years that speaking in tongues is of the devil. I have no doubt that what just happened to me did not come from the devil! That was God! It was really God!” She was overwhelmed and amazed.

Marie has since gone on to be with the Lord but her experience witnesses of God's great love for His children. Marie had such a desire for a closer walk with Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost was an answer to her prayer.
 
D

djdearing

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Scripture indicates we are to ask the Father to give us the Holy Spirit:

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:13

Peter said that repentance and water baptism in Jesus name’ was required and individuals shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This promise was not only for those present but extended to as the Lord shall call. (Acts 2:38-39)

Upon receiving the Holy Ghost individuals spoke in an unknown tongue: Acts 2:1-4, 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6.

Again, keep in mind that the instructions and promise given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost was to continue until the Lord stopped drawing people unto Himself.
Thanks for your background in the other post. While I am convinced of the error of the Charismatic movement with regards to any subsequent baptism of the Holy Ghost today, it's wholly understandable where this comes from. (I deliberately did not say "subsequent filling" because we should seek to be filled rather than quench the Spirit). (I just saw your other posOur imperative, to be filled, in no way necessitates speaking in tongues. Tongues were obviously given as miraculous proof of the Holy Ghost baptism. The outward manifestation of the Spirit was crucial in fulfilling prophesy and confirming God's hand. Paul would later quip, "do all speak in tongues". The implied answer is a big fat NO. NEVER does Paul write in his epistles to seek this sign for yourself, in fact, he said whether there be tongues, they shall CEASE, and it would be ridiculous for Paul to make this point if they were to only cease when Christ came back.

I've had many charismatic friends over the years and both of my wives (one is current lol) had exposure to an extent growing up in these churches. My ex-wife was convinced (at the time) she spoke in tongues as a teenager, but after growing in Truth she came to realize that her experience was not as genuine as she was told it was. I believe you when you say you experienced the filling of the Spirit and I believe this is easily recognizable as a new believer, as I too remember feeling overwhelmed with the love of God, and while it doesn't always seem to come as easy as it used to, this still happens, but in no way do I believe the present imperative from Paul to be filled equates to what is often claimed from Charismatics. They look to the Pentecost for their pattern. I've never met a Charismatic who understood the unique apostleship of Paul because they always sought to emphasize Pentecostal gifts of the Spirit, and in my experience these folks are usually doctrinally immature. I've never been one to side with denominational thought that I grew up in, and there was a time that I wholly considered that perhaps I'm missing out on this charismatic thing and I sought the Lord regarding this. He only brought me further away from it.

For the promise is unto you (Israel), and to your children (Israel), and to all that are afar off (Israel), even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

First off we recognize Peter's apostolic authority in declaring what they (Israel) needed to do for remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost--Repent, and be baptized for both.

Secondly, you might be saying how is "all that afar off" Israel"?

Daniel 9:7
"O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and UNTO ALL ISRAEL, THAT ARE NEAR, AND THAT ARE FAR OFF, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them...

Furthermore, we know for a fact Peter was not talking about Gentiles here. "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." -Acts 10:45

But the Holy Ghost being poured out on Gentiles was a sign to Israel for the revelation of the mystery church that would later be revealed to chief enemy of God's church.

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" - Colossians 1:27

We need to stop looking to the book of Acts as a doctrinal book for us today. It's history book. It records the birth of the church, the fall of Israel, and the beginning of the shift from Peter to Paul. We should take note of the change and look to Paul's letter for our doctrine.

1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a PATTERN to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
 

Wansvic

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I can’t help thinking about the day that God bestowed His gracious gift upon a hungry soul that longed for a closer relationship with Him. Marie asked and God responded: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-10, 13

A scripture popped into my mind as I was writing about Marie’s fear of receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues due her previous denomination’s teaching: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

One must ask one self, if fear does not come from God as the above scripture notes then where does fear originate? In answer, consider the following: What does fear do? Fear steals one’s joy. It is medically proven that fearful thoughts can literally kill one’s human body. And the fear of receiving the Holy Ghost can destroy one’s chance of entering into God’s kingdom for eternity.

Notice who the culprit is who steals, kills, and destroys God’s people with the effects of fear as depicted in this recorded scripture: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Let those who have ears to hear, hear the very words of Jesus:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:15-17
 

Hevosmies

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How does one know? The answer is found in the numerous scriptures where speaking in tongues accompanies the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
In other words: When you are joining a pentecostal church, remember to speak in tongues or you'll be rejected!

Speak in tongues and they'll declare you saved and indwelled by the Spirit.
 

Wansvic

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Thanks for your background in the other post. While I am convinced of the error of the Charismatic movement with regards to any subsequent baptism of the Holy Ghost today, it's wholly understandable where this comes from. (I deliberately did not say "subsequent filling" because we should seek to be filled rather than quench the Spirit). (I just saw your other posOur imperative, to be filled, in no way necessitates speaking in tongues. Tongues were obviously given as miraculous proof of the Holy Ghost baptism. The outward manifestation of the Spirit was crucial in fulfilling prophesy and confirming God's hand. Paul would later quip, "do all speak in tongues". The implied answer is a big fat NO. NEVER does Paul write in his epistles to seek this sign for yourself, in fact, he said whether there be tongues, they shall CEASE, and it would be ridiculous for Paul to make this point if they were to only cease when Christ came back.

I've had many charismatic friends over the years and both of my wives (one is current lol) had exposure to an extent growing up in these churches. My ex-wife was convinced (at the time) she spoke in tongues as a teenager, but after growing in Truth she came to realize that her experience was not as genuine as she was told it was. I believe you when you say you experienced the filling of the Spirit and I believe this is easily recognizable as a new believer, as I too remember feeling overwhelmed with the love of God, and while it doesn't always seem to come as easy as it used to, this still happens, but in no way do I believe the present imperative from Paul to be filled equates to what is often claimed from Charismatics. They look to the Pentecost for their pattern. I've never met a Charismatic who understood the unique apostleship of Paul because they always sought to emphasize Pentecostal gifts of the Spirit, and in my experience these folks are usually doctrinally immature. I've never been one to side with denominational thought that I grew up in, and there was a time that I wholly considered that perhaps I'm missing out on this charismatic thing and I sought the Lord regarding this. He only brought me further away from it.

For the promise is unto you (Israel), and to your children (Israel), and to all that are afar off (Israel), even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

First off we recognize Peter's apostolic authority in declaring what they (Israel) needed to do for remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost--Repent, and be baptized for both.

Secondly, you might be saying how is "all that afar off" Israel"?

Daniel 9:7
"O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and UNTO ALL ISRAEL, THAT ARE NEAR, AND THAT ARE FAR OFF, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them...

Furthermore, we know for a fact Peter was not talking about Gentiles here. "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." -Acts 10:45

But the Holy Ghost being poured out on Gentiles was a sign to Israel for the revelation of the mystery church that would later be revealed to chief enemy of God's church.

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" - Colossians 1:27

We need to stop looking to the book of Acts as a doctrinal book for us today. It's history book. It records the birth of the church, the fall of Israel, and the beginning of the shift from Peter to Paul. We should take note of the change and look to Paul's letter for our doctrine.

1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a PATTERN to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
I am not trying to be argumentative but rather just sharing what is conveyed in scripture.
My comment regarding the promise was that it would continue until the Lord stopped drawing people unto Him according to the scripture: Peter said that repentance and water baptism in Jesus name’ was required and individuals shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This promise was not only for those present but extended to as many as the Lord shall call. (Acts 2:38-39)
The message of repentance, water and Spirit baptism was given to and received by the Jewish, Gentile, and Samaritan peoples. As well as individuals; Paul, Timothy, the Ethiopian, and the jailer and his family, etc.

Paul's epistles were written to churches that had already followed the foundation teachings given when the church was birthed on the Day of Pentecost. Remember Jesus told Peter he would be given the keys to the kingdom; not a key.
 

Wansvic

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In other words: When you are joining a pentecostal church, remember to speak in tongues or you'll be rejected!

Speak in tongues and they'll declare you saved and indwelled by the Spirit.
Not at all.
Each of us is responsible to follow the examples as set forth in the Word of God because everyone of us will judged by the words found there.

"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48

.
 
D

djdearing

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I am not trying to be argumentative but rather just sharing what is conveyed in scripture.
My comment regarding the promise was that it would continue until the Lord stopped drawing people unto Him according to the scripture: Peter said that repentance and water baptism in Jesus name’ was required and individuals shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This promise was not only for those present but extended to as many as the Lord shall call. (Acts 2:38-39)
The message of repentance, water and Spirit baptism was given to and received by the Jewish, Gentile, and Samaritan peoples. As well as individuals; Paul, Timothy, the Ethiopian, and the jailer and his family, etc.

Paul's epistles were written to churches that had already followed the foundation teachings given when the church was birthed on the Day of Pentecost. Remember Jesus told Peter he would be given the keys to the kingdom; not a key.
I hear ya brother. It doesn't seem like you read my last post though. The promise was only for Israel, as yet Peter did not know the Holy Ghost would ALSO be given to Gentiles. Even though they were promised it, the Gentiles received it without a promise. "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: BUT NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

I challenge you to give me one example of where anyone commanded a Gentile to be baptized to receive the Holy Ghost, or one example of a Gentile receiving the Holy Ghost as a result of the laying on of hands. And though it does reference that some Gentiles were baptized, it never says Paul commanded any of them to do so. All the evidence points to a change in pattern with regards to Gentiles receiving the Spirit, but just because the Spirit was also "poured out" on Gentiles does not mean we can claim this just because it happened. The Pentecostal experience we'll call it was not promised to hang around forever, in fact we see the exact opposite. As Israel as a nation continues to reject the Holy Ghost, the believers in Jerusalem are driven out, and as we read the New Testament epistles we see the Holy Ghost power fading out.

It is true that Christ said "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" but as far as Peter is concerned in Acts 2:39 this is in regard to the promise made to Israel scattered throughout the world as I showed in my previous post where I referenced Daniel.

I will continue to point out the error of looking to Peter for the church's pattern today. It is abundantly clear through history and through scripture that Peter's Pentecostal ministry "Petered out" - you ever wonder where that saying comes from, well there ya go :)

It seems we've reached the point in our discussion where will continue to go in circles, maybe we should put a pin in this one.
 

Wansvic

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Tongues were obviously given as miraculous proof of the Holy Ghost baptism. The outward manifestation of the Spirit was crucial in fulfilling prophesy and confirming God's hand. Paul would later quip, "do all speak in tongues". The implied answer is a big fat NO. NEVER does Paul write in his epistles to seek this sign for yourself, in fact, he said whether there be tongues, they shall CEASE, and it would be ridiculous for Paul to make this point if they were to only cease when Christ came back.
Respectfully, you are combining two different manifestation of tongues.
First, we see speaking in tongues accompanying the infilling of the Holy Ghost in numerous scriptures; Acts 2:1-4, 2:38-41 (Jews), 8:12-18 (Samaritans), 10:44-48 (Gentiles), 19:1-6 (Multiple disciples). Why would God chose to use this as evidence of the infilling in the beginning and then change it.
Paul's comments that you mention have nothing to do with the initial infilling of God's Spirit. He is addressing the Spiritual gifting of tongues for edification of the church body.

i truly believe that confusion about tongues arises due to the error of not rightly dividing the word.

My sincere desire is to dig in God's Word for understanding and to share the treasures with others. It is not a matter of needing to be right in others eyes. It's about seeking, studying, and receiving revelation of the truth. Because nothing else matters!

I will stand alone, as will all, and be judged by the Word of God.

No excuses will suffice; wont be able to say my pastor said this, my parent's said that, we were Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Catholic and my church didn't believe this or that.

Bottom line - What did God provide in His Word to guide us? We can accept or reject it. No middle ground.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt 7:13-14

" Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
For many are called, but few are chosen." Matt 22:11-14


We are admonished by Paul to:
"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Phil 2:12
 
D

djdearing

Guest
Respectfully, you are combining two different manifestation of tongues.
First, we see speaking in tongues accompanying the infilling of the Holy Ghost in numerous scriptures; Acts 2:1-4, 2:38-41 (Jews), 8:12-18 (Samaritans), 10:44-48 (Gentiles), 19:1-6 (Multiple disciples). Why would God chose to use this as evidence of the infilling in the beginning and then change it.
Paul's comments that you mention have nothing to do with the initial infilling of God's Spirit. He is addressing the Spiritual gifting of tongues for edification of the church body.

i truly believe that confusion about tongues arises due to the error of not rightly dividing the word.

My sincere desire is to dig in God's Word for understanding and to share the treasures with others. It is not a matter of needing to be right in others eyes. It's about seeking, studying, and receiving revelation of the truth. Because nothing else matters!

I will stand alone, as will all, and be judged by the Word of God.

No excuses will suffice; wont be able to say my pastor said this, my parent's said that, we were Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Catholic and my church didn't believe this or that.

Bottom line - What did God provide in His Word to guide us? We can accept or reject it. No middle ground.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt 7:13-14

" Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
For many are called, but few are chosen." Matt 22:11-14


We are admonished by Paul to:
"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Phil 2:12
Well my friend, if you’re right about tongues not ceasing even though Paul called it, then for last 2000 years the only true Christians are these truly deceived folks who speak gobbledygook into the air and claim this is a gift of the Spirit.

Peace my brother, I am done here.
 

Wansvic

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Well my friend, if you’re right about tongues not ceasing even though Paul called it, then for last 2000 years the only true Christians are these truly deceived folks who speak gobbledygook into the air and claim this is a gift of the Spirit.

Peace my brother, I am done here.
It is great sharing scripture and one another's understanding. May God continue to bless as we walk on in this journey.
 

Lanolin

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I'm not aware of any such thing. Someone may have made up this story to embarrass him. Who would remember their infant baptism? Typically they make a big deal of being dressed up. They wear a christening gown for the occasion and keep it afterwards. It is never worn but the one day. It might help the man to talk to someone he can trust to tell him the truth. Someone who was there at the time, or was in the church at the time, to learn the truth. But basically, it is more important for the man to know Christ and to grow in him than to push baptism. He can be baptized when he is ready. More important that he be active in his Christian life than worry about this. IMHO
Yes I dont know all the circumstances only just what hes shared with me. I didnt want to push baptism if he says hes already baptised but just encourage him to go on further with his christian walk by saying he can ask for the holy spirit. He doesnt even need to go to church to ask for this he can pray to receive right where he is. Am really hoping he will.
He just worries way too much, and he needs the Comforter as thats whats missing from his life.
 

Sketch

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Yes I dont know all the circumstances only just what hes shared with me. I didnt want to push baptism if he says hes already baptised but just encourage him to go on further with his christian walk by saying he can ask for the holy spirit. He doesnt even need to go to church to ask for this he can pray to receive right where he is. Am really hoping he will.
He just worries way too much, and he needs the Comforter as thats whats missing from his life.
If he's not plugged into a church he may need some direction and help. You could offer to pray for him and sit with him and do some simply Bible reading/study. The Gospel of John is a great place to start.
 

Sketch

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-The disciples in Acts 19 are disciples according to John's baptism, clearly Jews. Anytime there is a laying on of hands it's a sign of apostolic authority. Jews in Acts never had the Spirit fall on them willie nillie.
I guess we could say that the members of the house of Cornelius had the Holy Spirit fall on them "willie nillie". lol
If it happened to them, why not to the Jews? I suppose we could say that the outpouring at Pentecost was rather willie nillie.
They didn't really know what to expect or when it would come. That may fit the definition of willie nillie.
When it comes to the Holy Spirit, or really anything God does, it's difficult to box it in. Anything can happen.
The Israelites found themseloves up against the Red Sea. No one in their wildest dreams could have imagined in advance
that the Sea would part and allow them to walk through on dry land. And what about the walls of Jericho?
 

Sketch

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-Why is it that the Holy Ghost always fell on the Jews according to an apostle's authority?
I think that is misreading the situation. Peter did not give the order for the Holy Spirit to fall on those in the house of Cornelius. You are claiming that he had authority simply because he was present. They were shocked to see the Holy Spirit fall on EVEN the gentiles. It was UNTHINKABLE that this should happen. The Holy Spirit, not Apostles is the determiner of when and how the Holy Spirit is given.

1 Corinthians 12:11
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
 

Sketch

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… today the Twelve apostles of the Lamb and the Apostle to the Gentiles are with the Lord, and they are the only apostles commissioned and empowered by Christ himself. This does not happen today.
What does Peter say about the time frame?

Acts 2:39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
 

Sketch

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-Hence, Paul's epistles have zero instruction for the church today for baptisms, laying of hands, etc...
Granted, we have very little written to go on.
If not for the Corinthians who were swinging from the chandeliers we would have even less. Yet the Apostle says...

1 Corinthians 12:1
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

1 Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
 

Wansvic

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-Hence, Paul's epistles have zero instruction for the church today for baptisms, laying of hands, etc...
The Epistles are letters to established churches. Therefore the foundation was set and Paul instructed Christians regarding proper behavior etc.

Paul’s Epistles - Spirit and water baptism
Rom 6:3-5 (Water Baptism) “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”

1 Cor 1:15-16 (Water Baptism) “Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”

1 Cor 12:13 (Water and Spirit Baptism) “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

Gal 3:2 (Spirit Baptism) “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

Gal 3:27 (Water Baptism) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Eph 4:4-5 (One Spirit, one water baptism) “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

Col 2:12 (Water Baptism) “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Titus 3:5-6 (Water and Spirit Baptism) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

Heb 4:1-2 “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
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Granted, we have very little written to go on.
If not for the Corinthians who were swinging from the chandeliers we would have even less. Yet the Apostle says...

1 Corinthians 12:1
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

1 Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Epistle references to water and Spirit baptism:
Paul’s Epistles - Spirit and water baptism

Rom 6:3-5 (Water Baptism) “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”

1 Cor 1:15-16 (Water Baptism) “Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”

1 Cor 12:13 (Water and Spirit Baptism) “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

Gal 3:2 (Spirit Baptism) “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”

Gal 3:27 (Water Baptism) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Eph 4:4-5 (One Spirit, one water baptism) “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

Col 2:12 (Water Baptism) “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Titus 3:5-6 (Water and Spirit Baptism) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

Heb 4:1-2 “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”