"for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:5, NASB)    There is a phrase we use in Texas that says, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could." As a non-native Texan, the phrase holds true for me. The idea also holds true in regard to Pentecost. I was not raised in a Pentecostal environment, but I have been now for over 20 years, and have no plans to every change. The crossover was a little difficult for me, but not for reasons that may seem obvious.     The Bible says Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed miracles. Anyone who reads the Word of God will agree. Furthermore, the disciples of Jesus did the same; both those that walked with Him and those who came after Him. For me it was not a big stretch to believe that these still happen. Truthfully, it was the manifestation of these supernatural gifts that caught the attention of my heart and caused me...

 "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)    ...

"You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples." - (Ps. 77:14, NASB)    Christians believe the Bible to be God's inspired word to mankind, and rightly so. There are a good handful of reasons that we can boldly proclaim the Bible to be the only inspired writing. Among these would be the unity of the writing through the hands of 40+ different authors in over 1,500 years of writing, the historical, geographical, and archaeological factual information, the fulfillment of prophecies, and others. However, to me at least, the most important is the "wonders," the supernatural manifestations and miracles that accompany the Bible. All the other reasons are vastly important, but miracles tend to be personal in nature as God does something mighty in an individual, family, or group of people. They also tend to get people's attention. This is one reason why Jesus told His followers "signs will accompany those who have be...