The marks of the Holy Spirit…Acts 1. 5.
The book of Acts continues the story where Luke left off in his gospel. This book covers the 30 years after Jesus was taken up into heaven.
The book really reveals the Acts of the Holy Spirit, which sees the church being established, the gospel spreading v8 all empowered by the acts of the Holy Spirit within his people v8. In accordance with what Jesus said to them before He ascended to the right hand of God.
It’s here in the Acts of the third person of the trinity God the Holy Spirit.
I want to spend my time today revealing the marks of the Holy Spirit in our Christian experience.
ACTS 1V5. For John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
Fulfilment of what John Baptist said Lke.3.16. And Joel. 2.28,29.
Baptism expresses 4 ideas
Baptizo Greek word to immersion or plunge in water this outward act testifies to the inward reality of burial and resurrection with Christ. Col 2.12. Read
It also relates to the outpouring out of water upon a person, although this does not relate to the previous it can relate to the spiritual outpouring upon a person and thus spiritual baptised. Jesus refers Acts 1v5. Peter however refers to Joel Acts 2v16 –17
It can also relate to ceremonial cleansing washing of the body (Mrk7.4.)
Also initiation But I have a baptism to undergo said Jesus in Luke 12.50.So when we look at the word Baptism in the OT and NT it embraces all these ideas not just one of them. Mark 10:39
Day of Pentecost.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was an inauguration of the Spirit given at Pentecost, which came with great power and was manifested with a violent wind, tongues of fire, which rested upon them. Which in turn enabled them to speak in foreign languages.(Prophecy fulfilled.) v16.17. It was unique to that period… Yet the prophecy of Joel is doubled barrelled it has not been fully fulfilled as yet because once again there will be a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit prior to his return this is also to what Joel is pointing too not just Pentecost.
This baptism of the Holy Spirit would transform these disciples from ordinary men to Spirit filled men (as the Spirit enabled them.)As Peter preaches he sees 3000 converted v 41 and begin their own Christian experience.v37, 39.
We must be aware that this baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a 2nd baptism after conversion but that which takes place at regeneration in all. 1Cor 12:13.Read…
The Holy Spirit marks the beginning in our Christian experience, but its not the end either. From this point onwards we will experience times when God the Holy Spirit has filled us and equipped us in special ways at different times and in different situations to witness with power, all Christians will experience in fillings of the Holy Spirit Its not a once or a second its ongoing.
It was Jesus himself who said, “you must be born again.” We must be aware that without the Holy Spirit in our lives there is no Christian experience no Christian life and no Christian empowerment.
No matter how religious you are, like Nicodemus “we must be born again.”
Like these 3000 converted, previously they were religious people but knew not Christ until the gospel was preached in power of the Holy Spirit to them.
Acts.2:8. But you will receive power. Dunamis- miraculous power.
We also must receive new life. (Natural birth)
We have pictures of new life in the (physical world) we live in.
George Best the famous footballer before his death received new life opportunity with a new kidney.In the 1970,s Christian Barnard performed the first heart transplant and was able to give someone a new heart this in some respects gave the person a new life. And that is exactly what each and every person in here today needs a new heart and a new life not in the physical realm but the spiritual.
The surgeon who performs that transplant is God the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost saw the disciples and followers 120 and 3000 people experience the power of the Holy Spirit.
But what are the marks of this Christian experience?
Turn with me to John 16:8 –11.
1.Here we see the operation of the Holy Spirit in Christian experience
In regard to our Guilt he will reveal our sin and convict us of our sin this is a mark of true conversion in a Christian.
2.In regard to righteousness. He will convince people of the righteousness of Jesus Christ because whilst upon earth many rejected him and now he has been resurrected and he is at the right hand of God. The Holy Spirit will now convince people of His righteousness.
3. Judgement. In regard to the devil and judgement has been meet out and Gods kingdom established he will convince those who believe of this truth. And bring awareness of the judgement to come!
Notice what happens at Pentecost:
1. They were convicted. V37. They were cut to the heart.
Jhn16v9 In regard to sin because men do not believe in me.
It’s the Holy spirits work through Peter. (Not ours)
R.A.Torey. Illustration. He cast himself upon the Holy Spirit.
Acts.2V8. But you will receive power. Dunamis- miraculous power
V37. The message had cut deep into their conscience and they were overwhelmed with an enormity of their own guilt, as it was themselves who had rejected Gods Messiah and will now face the penalty of divine judgement. Which brings the reply “Brothers what shall we do?” Peter reveals their hatred towards the Messiah
V23. For how long have we rejected Jesus?
The greatest Sin is rejecting Jesus Christ. This is the one sin the Holy Spirit puts emphasis on here.
Stumbling Block (unbelief Intellectual superiority)
The middle, working, upper class people decent citizens but yet not believing in Jesus and what he has accomplished for us is a sin.
V36 Therfore let all Israel be assured of this; God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
They were convicted of their guilt,the eyes of their hearts were opened, pricked to the heart in regard to sin, cannot but experience an inward uneasiness;
Joel 2:13 Speaks of having the heart rent, Ps. 51:17 a broken and contrite heart. Those that are truly sorry for their sins, and ashamed of them, and afraid of the consequences of them, and are cut to the heart. Isaiah 55:7 Read.
Have you been convicted of your sin? Are you rejecting Christ as Saviour and Lord!
ACTS 2:37. Shows a genuine work of the Holy Spirit in a life. Conviction in the sinner’s life is not brought about by self-effort or by the oratory of the preacher, but by the gracious work of the Holy Spirit revealing the magnitude of our sin in our lives.
Acts 1:8 Peter had received Power from on high (dunamis)
Before anybody can be cured of any disease he must be aware of the disease he has to find its particular cure. What was their sin?
Their rejection of Christ.
Jhn16:9 In regard to sin because men do not believe in me.They would cry out! “Brothers what shall we do?” V38. Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
2. They were convinced of His righteousness. Acts 2:33. Jhn16:8 the Holy spirit will convict the world to righteousness
Do you take a lot to be convinced? Do you say seeing is believing?
Its only God the Holy Spirit who can make you see this today?
You could gather the best academic theologians in England round a table and many wouldn’t agree on the righteousness of Christ. (Because it’s not been revealed to them)
A number of the 3000 Jews were never convinced when Jesus was with them that he was the Messiah in fact they even crucified him for his statement!
But when the Holy Spirit was poured out this brought new affections into their hearts and minds. The penny drops everything pales into insignificance. They were now concerned and convinced, they listened to Peter preach without interruption, a concerned silence.
They were cut to the heart v37 no longer indignant at Jesus who they crucified but indignant at their own unrighteousness manifested towards him. And convinced of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Are you convinced to the righteousness of Jesus Christ?
The centurion was Luke23:v47.“Surely this was a righteous man!”
Dikaios Holy man. In Matthew and Mark he says Truly the Son of God!
Peter saw it. Mrk 8:29 “You are the Christ.” Lord I am a sinful man. Christian experience will always be convinced of the righteousness of Jesus Christ Notice…. Paul would say Phil 3:7-9. Read
Maybe you have just ignored His claims just put him alongside other men. Peter Preaches Christ. The vindication of Jesus as the Messiah.
V22, signs and wonders
V23 His death the plan of God
V24 the resurrection
V32 the eye witnesses to the fact
V36. His credentials. And they crucified him.
3. The were convinced to the coming judgement
satan conquered v11. The Cross Jhn16:8 Holy Spirit convicts of judgement
V34, v35, v36. Psalm 110. How concerned are you? About divine judgement, your judgement?
4.They were converted
V38. Repent and be baptised, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. . And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. V41 So those who received his word were baptised and there were added that day 3000 souls.
Their conversion is identified in three ways;
1.Their repentance over sin. (Cut to the heart)
Have you repented?
2.Their reception to the word “Brothers what shall we do? (Faith)
Have you asked that question what should I do?
3.Their obedience they were baptised; believing with the heart, they made confession with the mouth, and enrolled themselves among the Disciples of Christ by that sacred rite and ceremony which he had instituted.
Are you a secret believer as yet not come out and been through the waters of Baptism? Those that receive the Christian covenant ought to receive the Christian baptism. Our Lord said Baptise them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:42. And they went on with the Lord They devoted themselves,this is the real Holy Spirit Christian experience they were convicted of their sin, rejection of Christ. They were convinced about Christ and His righteousness. And were converted to a life of obedience to Christ. All because of the work of the Holy Spirit.
This is real Christian experience…. Have you encountered the marks off the Holy Spirit in your Christian life?
