First Principles Study Series
 

  • The Seeker Who Finds God


    Matthew 7:7-14

    This passage makes it clear that God is generous and does not withhold ‘good gifts’ from those who ask. Yet, the passage went on to state that finding ‘the narrow road’ to salvation might not be that easy for many. The aim of this study is to enable seekers to establish a relationship with God and set them on a journey to find that narrow road. This is what it will require:


    John 4:4-42  | Sincerity

    • Not only are people seeking God; God is seeking people

    Q. What kind of worshipper is God seeking?

    • God is seeking those who worship in Spirit and in Truth

    • God is concerned about our character, nature, and heart

    • Spirit – involved in worship with your inner being, and not insincere, pious actions

    • Truth – sincerity; no falsehood 

    • The seeker who finds a relationship with God is one who is Truthful and Sincere


    Luke 18:9-14 | Humility

    Q. What were the differences between the two men who prayed?

    • Humility requires that we look not at our good actions, but at our shortcomings

    • Humility leads us to depend on God’s grace

    • We will not be justified if we are proud

    • The seeker who finds a relationship with God is one who is humble


    Luke 19:1-10 | Repentance

    • Repentance is required for salvation (Acts 2:36-38)

    • Repentance is a change of mind, a decision to live by God’s moral standard 

    • Righteous acts are a sign of repentance (Matt. 3:4-9)

    • The seeker who finds a relationship with God is one who is repentant


    Luke 13:22-30 | Determination

    • A mere attempt to enter the kingdom of God will not be enough 

    • Entering the kingdom requires every effort

    • The seeker who finds a relationship with God is one who is determined


    Matt. 6:28-34 | Prioritization

    • Following Jesus takes putting the kingdom of God as a priority in your schedule

    Q. How will seeking the kingdom be evident in one’s life?

    • The seeker who finds a relationship with God is one who prioritizes the kingdom


    (Begin reading the Bible, allowing it to produce changes in your life according to repentance. Also, visit church to find encouragement on your new journey)

  • The Word

    The goal of this study is to show that the Bible…

    • Is the Word of God

    • Is applicable to our lives


    1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    A. All Scripture is inspired by God 

    B. It is to be applied to our lives

     

    2. Hebrews 4:12-13

    A. The Word is relevant 

    B. The Word cuts (hurts)-compare it to a scalpel 

    C. It is good to be cut because it cuts the "cancer" (sin) out 


    3. 2 Peter 1: 20-21

    A. The scripture is not the prophet’s interpretation; it is not man’s opinion, but God’s

    B. The Holy Spirit inspired the men who wrote the books of the Bible 


    4.  Mark 7:1-13

    A. Do not go by traditions or creeds 

    B. Worship by traditions (which supersede the Word of God) is worship in vain 


    5. 1 Timothy 4:16

    A. Watch your life and doctrine closely-they are inseparable

    B. Which is more important, life or doctrine? Neither - just like both wings of a plane

    C. Why is it so important to learn and to teach and to live the right doctrine? To save yourself and those who hear you


    6. Acts 17:10-12

    A. The Bereans considered God’s word the source of truth, and eagerly examined it

    B. You should compare what religious leaders say with what the Bible says


    7. James 1:22-25

    A. The Word of God is a mirror

    B. Do not forget what you see – “do what it says”


    8. John 12:47-48

    A. Why study the Bible? The Word will judge us 

    B. Since the word of God will judge you, you should know it and live by it.


    Challenge: Get to know the Bible; begin examining it with the goal of living by what it says.

  • The Kingdom

    Purpose:

    • Define God’s kingdom
    • Show the flow of God’s plan, from the Old to the New Testament, to bring people into His kingdom
    • We will look at prophecies about the Kingdom of God. Each prophecy is like a piece of a puzzle. Only near the end, when the pieces are being put together, will you see the big picture.

    Why is this topic important?

    Luke 4:42-43; Acts 20:25 – This was the essence of Jesus’ message and the message of the apostles


    DEFINITION

    How would you define the kingdom of God?

    Matthew‬ ‭6:10‬ - “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” - Jesus‬‬

    • Kingdom means “reign”. Therefore, God’s kingdom is wherever God reigns
    • God rules in heaven. His desire is that His will/desire would be done on earth as it is in heaven

    He would send the kingdom to earth to facilitate people entering the kingdom and doing his will


    Example: an embassy, though located in a host country, is the property of the represented country and has authority to make people citizens without them even traveling to the represented country. Similarly, people can enter God's kingdom on earth without yet going to heaven.


    THE ETERNAL NATURE OF GOD’S KINGDOM

    Daniel 4:34-37

    • Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that his power and authority were granted by God 
    • God is above all earthly kingdoms
    • God’s kingdom is an eternal kingdom
    • God’s dominion endures from generation to generation

    O.T. PROPHECIES ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM TO BE ESTABLISHED ON EARTH

    Isaiah 2:1-5 (written about 750 BC)

    Gods reign would be extended to earth in the future

    How would the kingdom be established?

    • The teaching of God’s law would be the method of establishing his kingdom
    • Peace would be its hallmark

    When would the kingdom be established?

    • It would happen in the last days (Hebrews 1:1-2 – we are in the last days since Jesus came. “Last days” is the final stage of God’s redemptive plan for mankind.)

    Where would the kingdom be established?

    • It would happen from Jerusalem
    • All nations would stream to it to learn the ways and paths of the Lord

    READ Daniel 2 (Written around 550 BC)

    Click to see statue

    4 earthly kingdoms represented by sections

    Head of Iron - Babylonians

    Chest & arms - Medo-Persians

    Belly & thighs - Greeks

    Legs - Romans


    The Strength & Weakness of the Roman Empire

    The Romans permitted conquered people to become citizens, retain their land, their governments (under the authority of Roman governors), and their religions if they paid taxes and fought for Rome. This mixture of people, with divided loyalties, weakened Rome. It was the kingdom of a mixture of iron and clay. It was during the reign of this kingdom that God would set up his kingdom on earth.

    • This prophecy hints at a time and location of the kingdom of God on earth
    • Notice Mountain = Kingdom

    Daniel 7:17-18

    Who would be a part of the kingdom?

    • God’s holy people would receive the kingdom (Romans 1:7)

    THE PREPARATION

    Matthew 3:1-3; Mark 1:14-15

    What does John the Baptist and Jesus mean by “the kingdom has come near”?

    The prophets before Jesus’ time spoke in future tense. They would say, “Behold the days are coming”. But when Jesus arrived, the message became, “The Kingdom of God has come near” (some translations - “is near”)


    Luke 10:9-11 

    What does Jesus mean by, “The kingdom has come near to you”?

    It was close in proximity

    This is because the King (Jesus) had come, and his reign was extended to people who obeyed him

    Not everything that was prophesied had yet been fulfilled, but the groundwork was being laid. Jesus was in the world, but more was to come

    Just like the effect a magnet has on metal as it comes near it, so the power of the kingdom was evident by the miraculous healing done by the apostles because of Jesus’ presence in the world.

    Matthew 12:25-28 - Kingdom had ‘come upon’ them because Jesus was here


    Matthew 11:11-15

    • The term “Kingdom of heaven” is used by Matthew and is interchangeable with “Kingdom of God”
    • Was anyone who lived before John greater than him? No. John was greater than everyone before
    • Is anyone in the Kingdom of Heaven greater than John? Yes. Everyone, including the least person 
    • Therefore, the people who lived before were not able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven while they were on earth because it was not yet established here
    • EQUATION: Least in the Kingdom > John the Baptist > Those before the Kingdom
    • The Kingdom of Heaven advanced into the world, starting with John’s preaching, even though opposed
    • All the prophets and the Law of Moses predicted these events

    Luke 17:20-21 

    • The Kingdom of God was not a geographical location, but the reign of the king

    John 3:3-5

    How could one enter the kingdom of God?

    • One must be born of water and the spirit (be baptized) to enter into the kingdom of God

    Matt 21:31-32 

    • Repentant sinners were entering the kingdom of God (Daniel 7:17-18)

    N.T. PROPHECIES ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM TO BE ESTABLISHED ON EARTH

    Mark 9:1

    When was the kingdom to come to come?

    • The kingdom will come with power
    • It would come in the lifetime of the apostles
    • The kingdom was near since John’s ministry, and people were entering. But it was not only near in proximity, but also near chronologically. It would soon come, as the prophecies foretold.

    Mark 15:43

    Had the prophesy of the kingdom on earth been fulfilled up to time Jesus was crucified?

    • No. Joseph was still awaiting the kingdom to come

    Matthew 16:13-19

    • Peter would play an important role in the kingdom
    • “Kingdom” and “church” is used interchangeably

    Luke 24:44-49

    • All the prophecies about the kingdom coming will be fulfilled. Repentance and forgiveness will be preached to all nations beginning in Jerusalem

    THE ARRIVAL

    Acts 1:3-8

    • The power coming on them was imminent
    • Jesus hints of a future event for which only the Father knew the date 

    Acts 2

    • Established by preaching
    • Peace is the hallmark
    • That time is identified as “Last days”
    • It happened at Jerusalem
    • Peter preached the 1st sermon
    • People from “all nations” were there
    • It happened during the Roman Empire
    • Only God’s holy people (repentant people) are a part of it
    • The Holy Spirit came with power 
    • It was within the lifetime of the disciples
    • People entered by being baptized  

     

    THE APPEARANCE

    Luke 19:11-27 (Summarize the rest)

    • Jesus corrected the misconception that ‘kingdom of God was going to appear at once’
    • The appearance is different from the coming of the kingdom and has not yet taken place.

    Acts 14:21-22

    • Although the kingdom came, Paul spoke about entering the kingdom in the future
    • The kingdom of God is yet to appear where you can see it
    • At that time, those who are faithful will enter that final and completely revealed kingdom of God

    The kingdom came in the lifetime of the disciples but remains unseen to the human eye. The appearing of the kingdom will be seen by all people, bring all earthly kingdoms to an end and usher in Jesus’ complete reign.


    Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom & his rigteousnes

    • Let Jesus reign in your life
    • Repent & start to live righteously
    • Be devoted to church as the first disciples were in Acts 2


  • Discipleship

    Matthew 28:18-20

    What does Jesus want everybody to become? Jesus came to make disciples.  

    (Acts 11:19-26)  “Christian” is just another name for a “disciple” of Jesus. The word, “Christian”, is written only 3 times in the Bible. However, the word “disciple[s]” is written over 280 times and defines how Jesus expects all followers to live. 

    A disciple was like an apprentice to a master or teacher.


    Let’s have Jesus define disciple, thus defining who is a true Christian


    1. Mark 1:14-18

    A. Calling of the first disciples 

    B. Come follow me (Christ) 

    C. Jesus called his first disciples to share his mission, i.e., to be fishers of men.


    2. Luke 9:23-26 - If any man... 

    A. Deny self. Notice Christ in the garden (Matthew 26:36-39, "Not my will, but your will.")  if means putting God’s interest ahead of yours

    B. Carry the cross - daily 

    C. Gain world ... forfeit soul. Lose your life for Jesus ... save it 


    3. Luke 14:25-33 - If any man... 

    A. Count the cost (v. 28-30) 

    B. Consider the alternatives (v. 31-32) 

    C. Love Christ more than any person (v. 26) 

    D. Persecutions (v. 27) 

    E. Everything, not just anything (v. 33). He needs to be Lord of all aspects of your life.


    4. Luke 11:1-4

    A. Jesus prayed substantially.

    B. The disciples wanted to pray like him. Prayer is an intricate part of a godly person’s life.

    C. You must learn how to pray


    5. John 13:34-35

    A. Love one another

    B. Evidence of a true disciple is his / her love


    6. Matthew 28:18-20

    A. Command - make disciples.

    B. Who is a candidate for baptism?  All disciples need to be continuously taught and trained by other disciples to be obedient to Christ.


    Conclusion Question: Would you like to be a disciple / Christian / follower of Jesus?

  • The Cross

    The goal of this study is to help persons understand the full extent of Jesus’ suffering for their sins and, hopefully, instil a lasting gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

    1. Passion Account

    Read Matthew 26:31 - 28:10.

    Suggested Reading Intervals:

    26:31-35 27:27-31

    26:36-46 27:32-44

    26:47-56 27:45-56

    26:57-68 27:57-61

    26:69-75 27:62-66

    27:1-10 28:1-10

    27:11-26

    2. Physical Death

    Read the medical account of Jesus' physical death. 

    3. Personal Responsibility

    A. Remember there were many others who died by crucifixion in the first century. It was not that Jesus was painfully crucified that makes him unique-it was that he was crucified for you, in your place. He died on the cross for you willingly. 

    B. Romans 3:23 

    C. Isaiah 59:1-2 

    D. Matthew 27:46 

    E. Isaiah 53:4-6 (substitute your name). 

  • L&D 1 (Sin)

    Goal: To show what sin is, why people need salvation, and how to receive it.

    Part 1

    Darkness/Sin Study

    I Timothy 2:1-4: God wants all people to be saved

    1. Darkness

    Romans 3:9-12 & 21-26: Sin caused us all to need God’s intervention and salvation. Everyone sins and everyone falls short of God’s righteous requirements.


    2. Separation


    Isaiah 59:1-2

    A. God is able to Save

    B. Sin Separates a person from God


    1 Peter 2:9-10

    A. Darkness = Not a people of God, No Mercy

    Light = People of God, Mercy

    B. Every person is either in the darkness or the light. There is no “in-between”. Like a light bulb cannot be ½ way on, no one can be partially in the light

    C. There is a definite point in time when each person who enters the light, crosses over from darkness, becomes a person of God, and receives mercy all at the same time

    3. What is sin? 

    1. Galatians 5:19-21 

    2. James 4:17

    Eph 4:17-24 

    You have learned what sin is. Discuss the need for repentance.

  • L&D 2 (Grace)

    One has to be motivated by grace, rather than guilt in order to have a freeing, lifelong journey of a repentant life.

    The Grace study

    Grace is recorded over 110 times in the N.T. Bible readers should strive to understand its meaning.

    Eph 2:8-10

    1. Everyone who is saved is saved by grace 

    2. Christian labor is a response to grace; it does not save us or increase God’s love 

    3. No one can earn salvation. Goodness alone does not make one eligible

    4. Mercy is given when we sin, but we always live by grace. Therefore, even on our best days we live by grace


    Romans 12:1-2

    1. It is in view of God’s mercy that we live godly lives

    2. Righteous acts do not save us. Rather, they are a response to God’s mercy 


    Titus 2:11-14

    1. Grace motivates us to change and makes us eager to do good

    2. Grace changes the heart, intentions, and life of the recipients


    Isaiah 26:10

    1. God’s grace and kindness can be taken for granted and even abused

    2. People may receive it and do not change, but God’s hope is for us to change 


    Luke 7:37-50

    1. Only by acknowledging our sins can we fully appreciate the grace given to us

    2. Jesus died to bring grace to the whole world; however, only those who respond to his grace find mercy


    Heb. 4:15-16

    1. Jesus continuously gives his grace

    2. In spite of our continuous struggle against sin, we need to be confident because of this grace and keep striving for righteousness 


    Colossians 1:21-23

    God views those who have responded as Holy, without blemish, and free from accusation

  • L&D 3 (Light)

    1. The source of salvation

    Matthew 26:28 – Jesus’ blood


    Hebrews 5:7-9 – Salvation available to everyone but received by those who obey him.


    2. Plan of Salvation

    A. Hear Romans 10:17

    B. Believe Hebrews 11:6

    C. Repent Acts 2:38, 2 Cor. 7:8-11

    D. Confess Romans 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:12

    E. Baptized Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-7

    3. Some examples of Conversions 


    1. Acts 2:36-41 The 3000

    2. Acts 8:26-39 Ethiopian Eunuch 

    3. Acts 16:22-34 Philippian jailer and his family

    4. Acts 22:3-16 Paul

    Q. What will it take for you to enter the light?

  • Clarifying Baptism

    A. False Doctrine: "Pray Jesus into your heart" (“Accept Jesus into your heart" is similar doctrine but different terminology)

    1. This phrase is never mentioned in the Bible. 

    2. Revelation 3:20, referring to Jesus knocking at the door, is used to support this doctrine. In context, Jesus was referring to Christians who needed to return to him; they were lukewarm 

    3. Romans 10:9, also used to support this doctrine, is addressing the problem of the Israelites: unbelief that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Read further on to Romans 10:13. When do you call on the name of the Lord? At baptism (Acts 22:16) 


    B. False Doctrine: Infant baptism (Christening)

    1. Colossians 2:12: Someone needs faith in the power of God at baptism to be saved. A baby cannot have faith. Babies’ baptism has no spiritual significance as does adults’ baptism. 

    2. Original sin: Ezekiel 18:20 teaches there is no original sin; each person is responsible for his own actions and will be judged accordingly. Therefore babies are born sinless and will be saved if they die


    C. False Doctrine: "Baptism does not save you"

    1. 1 Peter 3:21 reads that “water baptism” does save you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

    2. Acts 2:38 teaches that sin is forgiven at baptism-one is saved at the point sin is forgiven. 


    D. False Doctrine: "Baptism is a work, and since we are saved by faith, we do not need to get baptized" (based on Ephesians 2:8)

    1. Colossians 2:12 teaches we are saved by our faith in the working of God at baptism 

    2. James 2:20-24 teaches that faith is always accompanied by action. In fact, Abraham’s faith was made complete by what he did


    E. False Doctrine: "Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace"

    1. Romans 6:2-4 states that baptism is an actual participation in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is not merely a sign, seal or symbol. 


    F. False Doctrine: "Baptism isn't important”

    1. 1 Corinthians 1:17 is used to support this doctrine. However, in context, (1 Corinthians 1:10-17), Paul makes the point that he does not want people following men, not even him (denominationalism). 

    2. Paul does not diminish the importance of baptism here. (Paul himself was baptized to have his sins forgiven, as described in Acts 22:16


    G. Misunderstanding: "The thief on the cross was not baptized and Jesus told him that they would see each other in paradise, therefore, we too do not need to get baptized"

    1. Baptism is participating in his death (Romans 6:2-4); Jesus had died as yet

    2. Also he had the power to forgive sins while on earth (Matthew 9:2-6). He left that power in baptism, an act of a believer’s faith


    H. "Believers baptism": This is baptism as an adult, but is not done in conjunction with the understanding that one is being saved at this point in time (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). "Retroactive understanding" is not sufficient for salvation. (See Sin, Grace, and Light study for more clarity)

  • The Church

    Goal:  

    1. To describe what God’s church is supposed to be like

     2. To inspire others to be a part of the church


    A. What is the Church?


    1. Colossians 1:15-18

    a. The church is the body of Christ. The body needs the head

    b. The Church is essential to Christianity

    c. Jesus leads/governs the church


    2. Matthew 16:18

    a. Jesus is the foundation of the church

    b. The church is his


    3. Ephesians 2:19-21 

    a.   Collectively, the people of God (church) are the family of God

    b. The church is built on the teaching of the apostles and the prophets. Jesus is the most important part of the foundation as the chief cornerstone

    c. 1 Corinthians 3:5-11 – The church was not built on the persons (apostles and prophets) themselves, but on the message that they preached.


    How does one become a part of the church?


    1. 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 / Acts 2:36-38

    Through baptism

    [Romans 6:3-4 teaches that we are also baptized into Christ. Baptism is when we are saved, united with Christ, become a son of God and at that same point we become members of the church, the family of God.]


    What are the relationships in the body/church supposed to be like?


    2. John 13:34-35 / 1 Peter 1:22

    There must be love among each other


    3. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

    a. Every person is important

    b. The parts (church members) need each other

    c. There is equal concern and support for every member

    d. Each part is different and serves a unique purpose


    4. Hebrews 3:12-13

    a. The members have a daily responsibility to keep each other’s hearts pure

    b. Relationships are not superficial


    Why do we need church meetings?


    5. Acts 2:42-47

    a. Constant Bible teaching. 

    b. Fellowship, encouragement and edification [Heb. 10:24-25, Romans 1:11-12 (seek ways to encourage)]

    c. Communion [Acts 20:17, 1 Cor. 11:23-26]

    d. Praying together [Acts 1:13-14, Acts 4:23-24]


    Hebrew 12:22-24

    You cannot see the extent of the Spiritual church. But we can be sure, by faith, that we become a part of the kingdom of God when we get baptized into his church. 

  • Counting the Cost

    Luke 14:28-30 Jesus taught the value of making responsible decisions. It was wise to “Count the Cost” to follow him.


    Question: How does someone become a Christian?


    Acts 2:36-38 …through repentance and baptism, which are responses to the message of the cross. (Revise the 5-step plan of salvation). What has been the fruit of your repentance?


    Teaching Points: (These could be posed in question form)


    1. Purpose A Christian’s main purpose is to have a relationship with God and to glorify him (Mark 12:28-35)


    2. Mission Christians are God’s messengers sent to the lost (2 Cor. 5:16-20)


    3. Marriage God has a great plan of marriage for his people (2 Cor. 6:14, 1 Cor. 7:39). Christians should marry Christians


    4. Finances We honour God with our money (Prov. 3:9) by…

    a) Giving to the poor (Prov. 14:31)

    b) Giving to the work of the church (1 Cor. 9:7-14)


    5. Service Christians serve God by serving others (Romans 12:6-11)


    6. Attendance Christians need to be committed to meetings of the body (church) (Heb. 10:24-25)


    7. Discipleship Discipleship is the method by which one is taught to be godly. Christians are involved in discipling relationships (Heb. 3:12-14)


    8. Leadership The Bible calls members to be responsive/obedient to their leaders. They have your best interest in mind (Heb. 13:17)


    9. Commitment A decision to follow Jesus is a life-long commitment (John 6:66-69)


    10. Grace It is God’s grace, and not our righteous acts, that saves us and brings us to God (Titus 3:3-7).


    Conclusion

    Acts 22:16 Get up and be baptized!

  • Jesus is Lord Almighty

    Matthew 22:41-45 

    • The scriptures spoke of the Messiah
    • He is David’s son, but also David’s Lord; this confused Pharisees 

    Knowledge needed to solve mystery:

    John 5:39-40

    • The prophets wrote about Jesus

    John 1:18

    • Only Jesus has seen the Father

    Exodus 33:11-23

    • God spoke with Moses face to face
    • Moses cannot see God’s face & live

    Is this a contradiction or clue?

    Other people who ‘saw God’

    Exodus 24:9-11

    • 70 Elders saw the Lord Almighty
    • Ate and drank in His presence

    Isaiah 6:1-10 

    • Isaiah saw the King, Lord Almighty
    • Thought he would die as a result

    The Answer

    John 12:37-41 

    • It was Jesus who Isaiah saw in the temple

    Other scriptures that make sense now

    John 8:48-59

    • Abraham saw Jesus
    • Jesus calls himself ‘I am’, a title used for God in Ex 3:12-14
    • Consequently, the Jews wanted to stone him for what they thought was blasphemy

    John 14:8-14

    • He and the Father are one

    Mark 2:5-12 

    • Jesus forgave sins, something that only God could do

    Rev. 1:17-18

    • Jesus called himself, ‘The First and the Last’, a title used for God in Isaiah 44:6-8

    John 20:28-29 

    • Thomas worshipped and said, ‘My Lord and my God’

    Now that you know who Jesus is, what is the appropriate response that you should have?


  • The Holy Spirit

    The Holy Spirit


    I. Who is he?

    2 Cor 3:17 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”


    The Lord is the Spirit. He is a part of the Godhead, a trinity of the Father, Son, and the Spirit. (Gen 1:1-2 – Participant in the creation process).


    II. His Purpose


    Ezekiel 36:24-32

    The Israelites had been very rebellious to God, worshipping idols, forsaking God’s commands, etc.; and God tells them that He would put a new Spirit in them to walk according to his statutes. 


    The Spirit is given to help us to do God’s will, not as robots, but as responsive children.


    Romans 8:1-11

    Paul the apostle emphasized the need for and the work of the Spirit in the lives of Christians. Without the Spirit, no one can please God. Without the Spirit, we might be aware of God’s will, but we would not be able to change.


    Galatians 5:16-24

    The Spirit enables Christians to subdue the sinful nature, producing change that is evident by a righteous life and by the changes character.


    III. How one receives the Spirit 

    Acts 2:36-39

    God gives the Spirit to everyone who has repented and is baptized. 


    Acts 5:32

    The Spirit is given to all who obey God. Repentance is in response to God’s instruction, and one is baptized only after they have obeyed God and repented.


    John 7:37-39

    This indwelling of the Spirit occurred only after Jesus is glorified. The Spirit produces fruit in the life of the person in whom the Spirit lives. Only a few people are recorded as being filled with the Spirit before the Day of Pentecost, such as Jesus (Luke 4:1) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15).



    IV. Misunderstandings

    Misunderstanding #1 – The Holy Spirit began his work at the Day of Pentecost 

    1 Samuel 19:14-24

    John 7 showed that the Spirit had not yet been given. Yet, Saul, who was looking for David, God’s anointed, to kill him prophesied by the work of the Spirit. The Spirit came upon him externally. 


    Misunderstanding #2 – Everyone who is filled with the Holy Spirit will speak in tongues

    1 Cor 12:27-13:4

    The Spirit had spread gifts that were necessary for the governing of the church to various people. Even in the first century, not everyone spoke in tongues. Furthermore, Paul stated that love, a fruit of the Spirit, is the greatest gift that one could have. 


    Misunderstanding #3 – Everyone who is full of the Spirit will do miracles

    Luke 1:11-15

    John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Yet, John the Baptist did not do any miracles although he was filled with the Spirit (John 10:41)


    Matt 7:21-23

    Some will do miracles and not be saved. God is looking for fruit of the spirit in your life rather than miracles. Furthermore, 2 Cor 12:27-13:13 states that we need to be eager for the fruit of the spirit over miraculous gifts, and that the gifts would cease at some point.


    Misunderstanding #4 – The apostles could do miracles whenever they pleased

    Acts 14:1-3

    The miracles were done to confirm the spoken word was God’s word and was not done all the time in every place. The Holy Spirit enabled them as He saw fit.


    Hebrews 2:1-4 

    The miracles were done to testify to the message that the apostles preached. By the time the book of Hebrews was written, it was written about in the past tense. The miracles were a temporary measure to authenticate the message.


    Misunderstanding # 5 – The gifts of the Spirit, including Speaking in tongues, comes with “tarrying”


    TIME LINE

    Matt. 10:1

    The apostles receive power to do miracles.


    John 20:22 

    Jesus breathed on the apostles for them to receive the Holy Spirit.


    Luke 24:49

    Jesus told the apostles to wait (tarry, KJV) in Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high.” 


    Acts 2:1-11

    On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the apostles and they began to speak in the languages of the people who had come to Jerusalem for the festival. This event ushered in a new era, and the church was born.


    Acts 10:44-48

    The Gentiles believe the message and the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word that Peter preached. They spoke in other languages.


    Acts 11:15

    In explaining to the Jews why he had baptized Gentiles, Peter stated that the Holy Spirit had “came on [the Gentiles] as he had come upon [the Jews] at the beginning.” 


    This indicates that the Holy Spirit coming upon people and making them speak in tongues was not common. It happened at “the beginning” (at the Day pf Pentecost) and many years later when Gentile household of Cornelius was converted.  


    Waiting for the Holy Spirit was not a command given to all believers, but only to the apostles. If one should tarry for the Spirit, (s)he should “tarry” in Jerusalem as the full command states.


    V. Special Note: 

    The miraculous gifs of the Spirit were passed on only by the laying on of the apostle’s hands, with the exemption of two recorded events in the New Testament.


    Acts 8:14-21

    Phillip baptized several people in this Samaria. And yet the Holy Spirit “had not come upon any of them.” It was observed that the Spirit came upon the converts only at the laying on of the apostles’ hands. Phillip was not an apostle and so could not pass on the gift that he himself had received when he lived in Jerusalem. 


    Conclusion

    Everyone who repents and is baptized receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who enables the recipients to obey God’s statutes from the heart. The indwelling of the Spirit does not show itself by miraculous signs. However, the Holy Spirit did enable people to do miracles at times to confirm and authenticate the gospel message in the first centure.


    Even ungodly people have been enabled to do miracles. But only his children, those who obey and have his spirit, can truly produce its fruit and live righteous lives. That is the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the lives of believers.