BibleVersity

  "...cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also." - Matthew 23:26 (ASV)     Most cars today have an ingenious tool built into their brake systems. As time goes on, the pads on the brake wear down, and will eventually they will begin to squeal. This is a sound that we all are familiar with. Sometimes it hurts your ears, and other times it makes your skin crawl like when running your fingernails across a chalkboard. Believe it or not, that is precisely what your brakes are suppose to do. The squealing is not the problem, but it does let you know that it is time to act before their is a problem. If the squealing is not dealt with, the squeal itself will become part of the problem.    In the passage above Jesus is talking rather sternly to the Pharisees. Pharisees were hypocritical religious leaders who enjoyed pointing out the faults of others, but were often more evil than those they criti...

 "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance."  ( Acts 2:4, NASB)     There are three baptisms mentioned in the New Testament writings. Each is unique, and each has it's own meaning and significance. This post is the final  of four that looks at what Scripture says about each, although they will be covered in a different order than they chronologically appear in the NT.    There have been a number of arguments against Holy Spirit baptism, but they will not be addressed here. The New Testament revealed this experience to be the norm for all believers, whether Jew or Gentile. In addition, the NT gives no command, precept, or prophecy that this was to cease until Jesus returns (1 Cor. 13:10).      The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an empowering to witness and live.  (Acts 1:5-8) It is true that the day of Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2...

"Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ' Which,'  He said, ' you heard of from Me;   for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'"  ( Acts 1:4-5, NASB)  There are three baptisms mentioned in the New Testament writings. Each is unique, and each has it's own meaning and significance. This post is number three  of four that will look at what Scripture says about each, although they will be covered in a different order than they chronologically appear in the NT.    All four gospel writers in the New Testament record an interesting statement concerning Jesus before His public ministry fully began:    - "...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matt. 3:11, NASB)    - " I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mk 1:8, NASB)    ...