Prelude to the Gift

There is a phrase that Pentecostals use that could lead some to misunderstand the infilling of the Holy Ghost.  That praise is, “Praying through to the Holy Ghost,” Let’s look at that first infilling on the first day of Pentecost.

Acts 1:4  And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Prelude to the Gift

1.  Jesus told his disciples, now apostles (ones sent forth); to wait for the promised gift of the Holy Ghost.

2.  They waited until Pentecost was fully come.

3. They were all with one accord.  This was a miracle of unity.

4.   Another miracle of the rushing mighty wind appeared.

5.   The miracle of the house being filled with the rush of wind.

6.   Miracle of cloven tongues like fire sat on each of them.

7.   Miracle:  All were filled with the Holy Ghost.

8.   Miracle:  All began to speak in other tongues.

God did not need, “Front line altar workers” to spend 15 minutes trying to get a first time visitor to “pray through to the Holy Ghost.”  These were not first time visitors, but “devout men.” Jesus gives the GIFT of the Holy Ghost to ALL who repent and are baptized in Jesus’ name.

Acts 2:1-5  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  (2)  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  (3)  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  (4)  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  (5)  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

The focus of the Church of Jesus Christ is to (1) PREACH AND (2) TEACH!  As our Heavenly FATHER calls individuals to CHRIST; THEN WE (3) BAPTIZE IN JESUS’ NAME.  The LORD THEN BAPTIZES WITH THE HOLY GHOST.  (4) MENTOR DISCIPLES.

After the LORD called Saul of Tarsus, (Acts 19) he came across some of John’s disciples (the Baptist) and asked them; “How were you baptized?”  They replied; “With the baptism of John.”  They had never even heard of the Holy Ghost.  Then Paul baptized them in Jesus’ name and they all received the Holy Ghost.

God does all things as it pleases Him and in His own time.  We must do our job of PREACHING AND TEACHING those whom God calls out of the world.  Only the Holy Ghost can convert, bring to repentance and save.  A person convinced against their will is of the same option still.