PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
December 2015
Hard copies are available by contacting the author:
samatm@comcast.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Bible Is Right
Page 5 INTRODUCTION
Page 6 I. WHO IS OUR AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH?
Page 6 II. WHO INSPIRED THE PROPHETS AND APOSTLES
TO WRITE THE BIBLE?
Page 6-7 III. WHAT IS THE GUIDE FOR THE CHURCH?
Page 7 IV. DOES MAN HAVE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE
GOD'S WORD?
Page 7-8 V. WHICH LAW IS THE CHURCH UNDER THE OLD
COVENANT OR THE NEW COVENANT?
Page 8 VI. HOW MANY CHURCHES DID JESUS BUILD?
Page 9 VII. IS THE CHURCH IMPORTANT?
Page 9-10 VIII. WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION OF THE LORD'S
CHURCH?
Page 10-12 IX. HOW IS GOD TO BE WORSHIPED IN HIS
CHURCH?
Page 13 X. ARE THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST GODS ONE AND
ONLY CHURCH?
Page 13-14 XI. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MEMBER OF GOD'S
ONE CHURCH?
Page 14-15 XII. WHAT IS THE WEAPON USED BY SATAN TO
DESTROY MANKIND?
Page 15-16 XIII. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN?
Page 16 XIV. HOW MANY "FAITHS" DOES GOD HAVE?
Page 16-17 XV. WHY DOES MAN HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT
FAITHS?
Page 17-18 XVI. HOW MANY "BAPTISMS" DOES GOD HAVE?
Page 19 XVII. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE POINT OF GOD'S ONE
BAPTISM?
Page 20-21 XVIII. WHAT IS GODS AND MANS PART IN MANS
SALVATION?
Page 21 XIX. WHAT FOLLOWS GOD'S ONE BAPTISM?
Page 22 XX. HOW DOES ONE APPLY ALL THESE THINGS?
Page 23-24 ANSWERS
The Holy Spirit
Page 25-27 I. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT!
Page 28-30 II. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Page 30-33 III. WHAT IS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Page 33-34 IV. WHAT PROMISES DID CHRIST MAKE TO THE
APOSTLES CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Page 34-35 V. WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW DID THE HOLY SPIRIT
COME UPON THE APOSTLES?
Page 36-37 VI. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACH US
TODAY?
Page 37-39 VII. WHY DO WE TEACH THAT THE BIBLE (and only
The Bible) IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD?
Page 39-42 VIII. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT OPERATE ON
THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF MEN TODAY FOR
THEIR SALVATION?
Page 42-43 IX. HOW DID SOME (other than the apostles) DO MIRACLES?
Page 43-46 X. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WATER BAPTISM.
Page 46-47 XI. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE WORD, AND THE
CHRISTIAN.
Page 48-50 XII. WHO RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT?
Page 50-52 XIII. WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF HOLY SPIRIT
BAPTISM?
Page 53-54 ANSWERS
THE BIBLE IS RIGHT
Introduction:
Loved ones, in Acts 24:24-25, Felix heard the apostle Paul concerning the FAITH in Christ. As Paul REASONED with him "of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled." Reasoning regarding what the Bible teaches is something that has become a rarity in our day. Many do NOT want to take the time to REASON about the Scriptures. They don't take time to STUDY, to DISCUSS with others, and to CONTEMPLATE the teachings of the Word of God.
In this fill-in-the-blank study, with the Lord's help, we will do all we can to help you READ and UNDERSTAND your Bible. We will REASON with you from God's Holy Word by asking questions and then discussing with you the answers to those questions. We know the Bible is Right; therefore, our intent is simple. We believe the only way to set our families free from this corrupt society, and thus improve our community, nation and world is to return to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth - God's Word - the Bible (John 8:32; 17:17).
Every true child of God should be ready and willing to REASON with those to whom God allows them to teach (1 Peter 3:15). In fact, God EXPECTS us to REASON concerning the Scriptures. He expects us to use the brains He has given us to study, to meditate, to diligently search for the truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and then to logically and plainly REASON with others about that TRUTH. In the Scriptures, the telling of the TRUTH always preceded man's conviction of his sins and obedience to the message of salvation (cf. Acts 2:22-41).
Jesus will return one day for those who belong to Him (2 Timothy 2:19). Each of us that believe in the name of Jesus THINK we belong to HIM, but God wants us to KNOW (1 John 5:13). REASONING over and OBEYING His Word will ASSURE us of our hope of Eternal Life (Hebrews 5:9).
Our hope is that you will prayerfully set aside a few moments every day to open your Bible (KJV) and answer the below questions. Please do NOT allow a prideful hard heart to keep the seed - - the word of God - - from being planted in your good soil (cf. Luke 8:5-15). To God be the Glory as His Will is done (1 Corinthians 10:31).
I. WHO IS OUR AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH? The words of Jesus are from the _______ (John 14:23-24). Today, the Father speaks to us through His _______ (Hebrews 1:1-2). God has given _______ things into the hands of Jesus (John 3:35). God made Jesus to be head over all things to the _______ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus has authority over ALL _______ (John 17:2). Jesus has ALL _______ in Heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). This means Jesus has all _______ over the church.
Conclusion: According to the Bible, who is our authority in the church? _______. The Bible is Right!
II. WHO INSPIRED THE PROPHETS AND APOSTLES TO WRITE THE BIBLE? Peter said, "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the _______ ______" (2 Peter 1:21). Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach and bring _______ things to the apostles remembrance (John 14:26). Jesus said the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into _______ truth (John 16:13). When the prophets (Mark, Luke, etc.) and apostles (Matthew, John, etc.) taught by inspiration they were teaching the words of _______ (2 Timothy 3:16). The faith (or truth) taught by the apostles and prophets has been once (for all time) _______ to the saints [Christians] (Jude 3). Since the faith has been delivered once for all time, should we expect any new revelations today? _______. The Bible is Right!
Conclusion: The _______ Spirit revealed (inspired) all of God's _______ to the apostles and prophets.
III. WHAT IS THE GUIDE FOR THE CHURCH? Jesus said that true worshipers must worship God in spirit and in _______ (John 4:24). Jesus said the _______ will make you free (John 8:32). As Jesus prayed to the Father, He said God's _______ is truth (John 17:17). Faith comes by _______ the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore, the Word of God (the Bible) was written so we might _______ that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31). Only the engrafted (implanted) _______ is able to save our soul (James 1:21). Therefore, the Word of God was written so we may _______ that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
The Bible thoroughly furnishes us for all (every) _______ work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Since the Bible makes us perfect (complete), do we need any additional revelations? _______. Do Christians need man-made traditions, church manuals, creed books, or confessions of faith to make them complete spiritually? _______. One is born again by the _______ of God (1 Peter 1:23). Must one go to any book (other than the Bible) to learn how to be saved (born again)? _______. Through God's divine power, we have _______ things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). All these things are given to us through the _______ of Him (2 Peter 1:3). Friends, when we pursue spiritual matters our authority is "from Heaven, or of _______" (Luke 20:4; cf. Mark 7:6-9).
In the last day we will all be judged by the Word of _______, NOT by the words of men (John 12:48). We therefore plead with you NOT to put your trust in _______ (Jeremiah 17:5).
Conclusion: The _______ of God (the Bible) is from Heaven, and it is the only guide needed for the church. Why? Because the Bible is Right!
IV. DOES MAN HAVE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE GOD'S WORD? Man has been commanded NOT to _______ to or _______ away from God's Word (Revelation 22:18-19; cf. Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6). Jesus asked, "And why call ye me, _______, _______, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). Friends, only those who DO the _______ of God will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21). Therefore, those who transgress and fail to abide in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ (the Bible), do NOT have _______ (2 John 9). As an example for us (Romans 15:4), two Jewish priest, Nadab and Abihu, were burned to death because they offered strange fire before the Lord, which He _______ them not (Leviticus 10:1-2). The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group that transgressed and made the commandment of God of no effect by their _______ (Matthew 15:3, 6). Jesus told them that a person worships God in vain when he follows the _______ of men (Matthew 15:9). Because of Christs words the Pharisees were _______ (Matthew 15:12). Jesus therefore taught that every plant which God had NOT planted would be _______ up (Matthew 15:13). Thus, according to Jesus, being uprooted is the destiny of any religious group that does NOT abide by God's Word. Jesus then said the Pharisees were _______ leaders of the _______ (Matthew 15:14). Thus, the Pharisees represent the blind religious leaders who add to or take away from God's Word. Furthermore, according to Jesus, the blind leaders and their blind followers will both _______ into the ditch (Matthew 15:14). Friends, Jesus used this illustration to teach the serious eternal result of being wrong religiously.
Conclusion: Do you want to go to Heaven? _______. If so, then you must NOT add _______ or take _______ from God's Word, for the Bible the Right!
V. WHICH LAW IS THE CHURCH UNDER THE OLD COVENANT OR THE NEW COVENANT? God spake in time past unto the fathers by the _______, but He now speaks to us by His _______ (Hebrews 1:1-2). God has given _______ all authority (power) in Heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). The Old Testament Law was given through _______, but grace and truth has come by _______ _______ (John 1:17).
Jesus is the mediator of the _______ Covenant or New Testament (Hebrews 9:15). The New Testament of Christ came into effect after the _______ of Christ (Hebrews 9:16-17). The New Covenant of Christ is more _______ and has better _______ than the Old Covenant of Moses (Hebrews 8:6). If the first (Old) covenant had been faultless, would God have given us a second covenant? _______ (Hebrews 8:7). When God gave us the New Covenant, He made the first covenant _______ (Hebrews 8:13). The Law of _______ can justify no one (Acts 13:38-39). Those who attempt to be justified by the Law of Moses have _______ from grace (Galatians 5:4). Jesus blotted out the old law (including the Ten Commandments) with its requirements (ordinances) when He was _______ to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Christians are _______ to the Law of Moses by the body of _______ (Romans 7:4). Christians are _______from the law that said, "Thou shall not covet" (Romans 7:6-7; cf. Exodus 20:17). The Bible is Right! Jesus said His _______ (the New Testament) would judge us in the last day (John 12:48).
Conclusion: The _______ Covenant is the law now spiritually binding.
VI. HOW MANY CHURCHES DID JESUS BUILD? Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my _______; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against _______" (Matthew16:18). Are the words "church" and "it" in this verse plural or singular? _______. Who built the church? _______. Church of Christ is NOT the name of the Lords church. It is just one of many designations used to identify the Lords people. The designations given all glorify God and His Son. Examples: the church of _______ (1 Corinthians 1:2); the _______ of God (1 Timothy 3:15); the church of the _______ (Hebrews 12:23), and many more.
God has made Jesus _______ over all things to the church, which is His _______ (Ephesians 1:22-23). There is only _______ body (Ephesians 4:4). Since the body is the church, and there is only one body, then there must be only _______ church. The church is NOT a building; it is saved believers who have been added to it by the _______ (Acts 2:47). Christians are the _______ of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Jesus prayed that all who believe in Him should be _______ (John 17:20-21). All believers are reconciled to God in _______ body by the cross (Ephesians 2:16). All believers should be fellow heirs, and of the _______ body (Ephesians 3:6). Believers should _______ the same thing, and there should be _______ divisions among us (1 Corinthians 1:10). For believers to be one and speak the same thing, we must speak as the oracles of _______ (1 Peter 4:11). Since Jesus is the _______ of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18), should He alone have the right to tell how the church should worship and be organized? _______.
Conclusion: God through His Son, Jesus, built only _______ church. Since Christians congregations can be found in different locations throughout the world, the Bible calls His body the churches of _______ (Romans 16:16), and the Bible is Right!
VII. IS THE CHURCH IMPORTANT? Many believers feel they can follow Christ but NOT be a part of His church. That reasoning is in error, as shown by the following facts: Jesus said He would build His _______ (Matthew 16:18). "Christ loved the _______, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). The Lord _______ the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Christ also shed His blood for the _______ of sins (Matthew 26:28). Since the church was purchased with the blood of Christ, and that blood is necessary to wash our sins away, is it essential to be faithful members in His church? ______. Believers are reconciled (brought back) unto God in the one _______ by the cross (Ephesians 2:16). Do you want to be reconciled to God? _______. Is it essential for you to be in God's church (body) to be reconciled? _______.
God is glorified in the _______ by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:21). Do you want to glorify God? _______. Must you be in Christ's church to glorify God? ______. There is only _______ body (Ephesians 4:4). Christ "is the head of the _______, the church" (Colossians 1:18). Jesus is the Savior of the _______ (Ephesians 5:23). The Lord adds those who are _______ to His church (Acts 2:47). Since Christ adds the saved to His church, are there any saved souls outside of His church? _______. Do you want to be saved? _______. Since Jesus will save ONLY His one body (His church), must you be a faithful member of His church to be saved? _______. The Bible is Right!
Conclusion: Is the church important? _______.
VIII. WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION OF THE LORD'S CHURCH? The church is NOT a democracy or a republic; it is a monarchy (a people ruled by a King). Each congregation is autonomous. This means that each has the right of self-government (no headquarters or authoritative councils, etc.). As "the _______ of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18), Jesus has _______ authority (Matthew 28:18). No man or woman has been authorized by God to act as the EARTHLY head of Christ's _______. In the first century, _______ were ordained (appointed) in every church (Acts 14:23). Following this biblical pattern, each congregation of the Lord's church today should also ordain _______. NOTE: when used in reference to the Lord's church, the terms elder, bishop, PASTOR, presbytery, overseer, and shepherd all refer to the same men. The bishops (always a plural number of men) are ordained to oversee and _______ the church of God (Acts 20:17, 28). A pastor (elder) must NOT be given to _______, nor should he be a novice (1 Timothy 3:3, 6). An overseer must be the _______ of one wife, having _______ children (Titus 1:5-6). Since a woman cannot be a HUSBAND (in the sight of God), a woman CANNOT serve as an _______! Are there biblically qualified elders/bishops/pastors in the church with whom you worship? _______
Another group of servants in the first century church were known as _______ (1 Timothy 3:8-13). A deacon must also be the husband of _______ wife, ruling his _______ and his own house well (1 Timothy 3:12). The church (saints) at Philippi was organized with _______ and _______ (Philippians 1:1).
Preachers (evangelist) of the gospel primarily work in the study and teaching of the word (cf. 1 Timothy 4:15-16). Timothy, a young preacher, was told to ______ the word (2 Timothy 4:2), and do the work of an _______ (2 Timothy 4:5). A preacher must preach the word with _______ authority (Titus 2:15). Yet, God does NOT allow a woman to usurp _______ over the man (1 Timothy 2:12). Therefore, a woman CANNOT serve as a preacher for the church by Gods authority. In fact, concerning prophesying and speaking in tongues (miraculous unlearned languages) women are commanded to keep _______ in the churches, for it is NOT permitted unto them to _______ (1 Corinthians 14:34). However, every Christian (men and women) must go everywhere _______ the word (Acts 8:3-4).
Conclusion: It is God's plan that there be members, teachers and preachers serving together with biblically qualified _______ and _______ in every congregation of the church. When all the members work together the whole congregation can grow according to the Lord's plan. Nowhere does the Bible mention any man or woman as head of the church or a group of congregations (diocese). The Bible is _______!
IX. HOW IS GOD TO BE WORSHIPED IN HIS CHURCH? Correct worship necessarily sees _______ as the proper and ONLY audience (Revelation 22:8-9). True worshipers worship the Father in _______ and in _______ (John 4:23-24; cf. Joshua 24:14). Correct worship must possess the proper sincere attitude by being conducted "in spirit." This phrase is referring to the disposition of the heart and mind. The worshiper must genuinely engage his spirit in the worship activity. He must be mentally and emotionally involved. He must have a humble, attentive, reverent mindset. In addition to the proper audience and the proper attitude, correct worship requires the proper actions - "in truth!" To worship God "in truth," is to worship as God has directed in His word, the new covenant (the New Testament), because His Word is _______ (John 17:17). If we worship God according to the doctrines and commandments of uninspired men, we are worshiping God in _______ (Matthew 15:9). There are five avenues of church (congregational) worship taught in the New Testament.
1. We worship God by teaching/preaching His word. The first century Christians "continued steadfastly in the apostles' _______..." (Acts 2:42). The apostles taught and preached the _______ (or Good News of Jesus Christ - 1 Corinthians 15:1; cf. 9:16). One must be careful NOT to pervert the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), because ONLY the _______ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). "All _______ is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for _______, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in ________: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all _______ works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise unto _______ (2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy was told to commit what he had learned to faithful men, "who shall be able to _______ others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).
2. We worship by praying to God. The first century Christians "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in _______" (Acts 2:42). Will we be worshiping God in spirit and in truth if we do NOT continue steadfastly in these things? _______. The Lord taught His disciples to pray to God the _______ (Matthew 6:5), NOT to Mary (the mother of Jesus) or some so-called Saint. Prayers and giving of thanks should be made for _______ men (1 Timothy 2:1). MEN are to ________ everywhere (1 Timothy 2:8). Jesus said His disciples ought always to _______ and NOT lose heart (Luke 18:1). Read and be thankful for this wonderful promise given to Christians: "If we ask anything according to his _______, he hears us: and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we _______ the petitions that we desire of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
3. We worship God by partaking of the Lord's Supper (communion). The first century Christians "continued steadfastly
in breaking of _______..." (Acts 2:42). "Jesus took _______, and blessed it and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat ... And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, _______ ye all of it" (Matthew 26:26-27). "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the _______ of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the _______ of the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16). Thus, the bread represents the _______ of Christ, and the cup represents the _______of Christ (Mark 14:22-24). When we worship God in spirit and in truth, are we commanded to partake of both the bread and cup? _______. When we eat the bread and drink the cup, we do so in _______ of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). We also break bread (commune or partake of the Lord's Supper) to show (proclaim) the Lord's _______ till He come (1 Corinthians 11:26). The first century Christians came together on the _______ day of the week (Sunday) to break bread (Acts 20:7). When God told the Israelites in Exodus 20:8 to remember the Sabbath (Saturday), did He mean for them to keep every Sabbath? _______. When Christians remember Jesus by partaking of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week, should we do this every first day of the week? _______.
4. We worship God by singing praise to His Holy name. As Christians worship and praise God with the _______ of our lips (Hebrews 13:15), we are to speak to one another in _______ and hymns and spiritual _______, singing and making melody in our _______ to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). We are to sing with the _______, and sing with the _______ also (1 Corinthians 14:15). Do these passages mention the use of mechanical instruments to accompany our singing? _______. History reveals that the followers of Christ did NOT use mechanical instruments of music in their worship for hundreds of years after Christ. When you attend an assembly of the churches of Christ, you will notice we do NOT use mechanical instrumental music in our worship. Below are two Old Testament incidents that will help illustrate the reason:
Noah was commanded to make an ark out of _______ wood (Genesis 6:14). Would Noah have sinned if he had built the ark out of any other material or a kind of wood NOT commanded? _______ (cf. Deuteronomy 12:32). Two Jewish priest, Nadab and Abihu, "offered _______ fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not" (Leviticus 10:1-2). As punishment for their disobedience, they were devoured by fire from the Lord. We should learn from these two stories that it is sinful to alter the commands of God. The wise man wrote, Add thou not unto his _______ lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar (Proverbs 30:6).
As we partake of the Lord's Supper, would it be a sin to put jam on the bread to improve the taste, or add Geritol to the cup to aid our enthusiasm? _______. Every believer should now be able to see that it would also be a sin to add mechanical _______ to aid us in singing praises to God. NOTE: There is NOT a single Scripture in the New Testament that gives Christians the authority to use mechanical instruments during their worship of God (search the Scriptures and prove it to yourself). Mechanical instruments are being used in worship simply because we like the way the beat makes us move and how the instruments make the singing sound. All believers who use mechanical instruments during worship today have taken an old covenant practice and without authority from the Lord added it to God's New Will! (cf. Revelation 22:18-19).
5. We worship God by giving of our increase to support the work of His church. The first century Christians "continued steadfastly in the _______ doctrine and fellowship
" (Acts 2:42). Concerning this fellowship or collection, Christians are shown the example of giving on the _______ day of the week as God has prospered them (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Christians are NOT to give _______ or of necessity (2 Cor. 9:7). Thus, it is NOT NECESSARY to give a tenth (or tithe) as the Jews were commanded to do. Christians are simply to cheerfully give a freewill offering as we _______ in our heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus said, "It is more blessed to _______ than to _______" (Acts 20:35).
Conclusion: Loved ones, the Bible is Right! Every expression in our worship to God is to be done with reverence, awe, and with a heart full of humility. As we worship God in spirit and in _______ (John 4:24), we are to teach the _______ doctrine. Preaching the word of God is an expression of worship. And even hearing the word preached is an expression of worship. We are to _______, for praying to our heavenly Father is an expression of worship. We are to partake of the Lord's _______, for eating the Lords Supper is an expression of worship. We are to sing praises to ________ (cf. Hebrews 13:15). Singing as God has commanded us is an expression of worship. We are to _______ of our means as we decide in our heart. Giving as God has prospered us is an expression of worship.
X. ARE THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST GODS ONE AND ONLY CHURCH? From time to time someone will say, "The churches of Christ think they are the only ones who are right." Here is my position and WHAT I BELIEVE to be the plain truth of the matter: The Bible is Right; NOT sometimes, but all of the time! In order for me or anyone to be right we must be in harmony with the Bible. I believe that any departure from Biblical teaching is wrong (cf. 2 John 9-11). The idea is NOT that I am right and everyone else is wrong, but that the Bible is RIGHT and anyone out of harmony with it is WRONG. The churches of Christ of the New Testament plead with people to believe the Bible, teach the Bible, and practice those things in the Bible without _______ or _______ anything (Revelation 22:18‑19).
The Bible has never been wrong. The Bible is Right, even if NOT one person in the whole world believes it. If no one lives up to its teaching ‑ the Bible is still Right! Every person who differs from the Bible is WRONG. Our plea has never been "Everyone join us," but has always been, "Let us all unite upon the teachings of our Lord." We CAN see the Bible alike! It is possible for all men to speak the same thing when it comes to saying what the Bible says. Listen to the inspired words that were written to a divided congregation in the city of Corinth: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the _______ thing, and that there be no _______ among you: but that ye be perfectly joined _______ in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is possible to do what this verse teaches, but it will require discarding of all denominational doctrines and names. This must sound extremely strange to the ears of some, but denominational doctrines are what divide us. The Holy Spirit says, "No divisions among you."
Conclusion: Speaking the same thing will require all to _______ as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11); that is, saying only what the Bible says on all subjects. We must go back to the Bible as our inspired guide in religion and life.
XI. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MEMBER OF GOD'S ONE CHURCH? The Bible says, "For as we have _______ members in _______ body...So we, being _______, are _______ body in Christ" (Romans 12:4-5). In truth, there are MANY members all over the world in the ONE body of Christ. Most of you reading these things THINK or have been TAUGHT that you are a member of Christ's ONE body. But, the question is, "How Does One Become a Member of God's ONE body or ONE church?" The simplest and most direct answer is found in Acts 2:47. That passage says, "The Lord _______ to the church daily such as should be saved." Since the Lord ADDS only the SAVED to His church, a wise person will study the New Testament to learn of God's Plan of Salvation.
Jesus built His church and referred to it as the kingdom of _______ (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus said one must be "_______ _______" to see the kingdom (or church) of God (John 3:3; cf. Matthew 16:18-19). One must "be born of _______ and the _______" to ENTER into (be ADDED to) the kingdom (or church) of God (John 3:5; cf. Colossians 1:13).
One is saved or forgiven of sins when he believes (Mark 16:16), _______ and is _______ (Acts 2:38). Since a person is saved at the point of water baptism, the Lord ADDS him to His One body or church at the point of water baptism. PROOF: "For by one Spirit are we all _______ into one _______" (1 Corinthians 12:13). No matter what you have believed or have been taught in the past, the Bible says that every penitent believer is BORN again or saved (has his sins washed away or forgiven - Acts 22:16) at the point of water _______ (1 Peter 3:20-21). No, it is NOT the water that takes away our sins, but it is the _______ of Jesus (Matthew 26:28). Therefore, the WHAT of salvation or forgiveness is the BLOOD; the WHEN of salvation or forgiveness is water BAPTISM. At that point in your salvation, the Lord ADDS you to (you are baptized into) His body His church.
If you were baptized MISTAKENLY thinking you had already been born again or saved (before your baptism), or if you have never been baptized (immersed in water) with the proper understanding that it is to wash your sins away by the blood of Jesus, then except you _______, you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3). Please repent of your error and obey God from your _______ (Romans 6:17) by being properly immersed before it is everlastingly too late. When the Lord returns He will take vengeance on them that do NOT know God and those that have NOT _______ His gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Conclusion: Remember that Christ "loved the _______, and gave himself up for _______" (Ephesians 5:25). Will you allow Him to ADD you to IT? _______.
XII. WHAT IS THE WEAPON USED BY SATAN TO DESTROY MANKIND? In our lessons thus far we have learned much about the ONE church you can read about in your Bible; i.e., its head and authority - Christ; its guide and law - the Holy Spirit revealed word of God (the New Testament); its organization - members, teachers, preachers, deacons, and elders; its five acts of true spiritual worship teaching the word, prayer, communion, singing, giving; its entrance requirements believing, repenting, and being baptized (immersed in water) to be saved.
BEWARE: The enemy, old Satan, does NOT want to see anyone become a part of the _______ of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the church that Jesus built and died for. He will use his subtle weapons to take away the seed that has been planted in your heart, lest you should _______ and be saved (Luke 8:11-12).
The Bible teaches that "the thought of _______ is sin" (Proverbs 24:9). Paul taught that "whatsoever is NOT of _______ is sin" (Romans 14:23). James taught that if you know to do good and you do NOT do it, to you it is _______ (James 4:17). John taught that "_______ is the transgression of (going beyond) the law" (1 John 3:4). "All _______ is sin" (1 John 5:17).
Have you ever had foolish thoughts, an unbelieving heart, failed to do what you knew was good, went beyond (transgressed) God's law, or committed an unrighteous act? _______. If so, you have committed a _______.
Why do we sin? Answer: Man is tempted to sin when he is "drawn away by his own _______, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth _______; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth _______" (James 1:14-15). "As it is written, there is none _______, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). How many are righteous? _______. "For _______ have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "If we say we have no _______, we deceive ourselves, and the _______ is NOT in us" (1 John 1:8). "If we say that we have NOT _______, we make him a liar, and his _______ is NOT in us" (1 John 1:10). Friends, the Bible is Right!
Conclusion: Is sin the weapon used by the devil to cause people to disregard the Word of God? _______. How many have sinned? _______. Does this include you? _______.
XIII. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN? "For the wages of sin is _______" (Romans 6:23). "Sin when finished, brings forth _______" (James 1:15). Ezekiel, God's prophet of old, also taught that the "soul that sinneth, it shall _______" (Ezekiel 18:4, 20). Isaiah said, "Your iniquities have _______ between you and your God, and your _______ have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2). If we sin willfully after learning the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for _______ (Hebrews 10:26).
Is God a righteous (just) God? _______ (Revelation 15:3). If a judge refused to sentence convicted criminals, would he be just (righteous)? _______. "We must all appear before the _______ seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:10). "For there is no respect of persons with _______" (Romans 2:11). Our righteous God will "render to every man according to his _______" (Romans 2:6). Yes, even the dead will be _______ according to their works (Revelation 20:12).
How many banks does one need to rob to be a bank robber? _______. How many unforgiven sins do you have to commit to be separated from God eternally? _______. What will happen to the alien (unforgiven) sinner? Answer: "Know ye not that the _______ (sinners) shall not inherit the kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Those NOT found written in the book of _______ will be cast into the _______ of fire (Revelation 20:15).
Is it God's will that you perish or be lost eternally? _______ (2 Peter 3:9). Does God desire that you be saved? _______ (1 Timothy 2:3-4). God has shown His love for us, for "while we were yet sinners, _______ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Therefore, we are made right (justified) by the _______ of Christ (Romans 5:9). However, Jesus is the author of eternal salvation only to those that _______ Him (Hebrews 5:9). Will you be saved if you do NOT obey Jesus? _______. Will Jesus save you just because you say Lord, Lord, and do many wonderful works? _______ (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus taught that only those will be saved who "doeth the _______ of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). God's will is found only in the Bible, and the Bible is Right! Gods will is NOT found in MAN-MADE traditions or books written by uninspired men.
Conclusion: Sin leads to spiritual _______ (separation from God). If your sins are NOT forgiven when Christ comes, you will "be punished with _______ destruction from the presence of the Lord" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
XIV. HOW MANY "FAITHS" DOES GOD HAVE? Paul wrote: "There is _______ body, and _______ Spirit, even as ye are called in _______ hope of your calling; _______ Lord, _______ faith, _______ baptism, _______ God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). How many times is the word "one" used in this passage? _______. How many "faiths" does God have? _______. Yes, God has only ONE faith; however, man has many DIFFERENT faiths. We know how to get any faith started by man - simply go to their Church and hear, believe and obey what they teach. But how does one get God's ONE faith? Answer: The Bible says, "So then _______ cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). If one hears, believes and obeys ONLY the New Testament teachings, what faith will that person have? God's one _______. If one hears, believes, and obeys SOME of the New Testament teaching MIXED with the teachings of a particular man-made faith, what faith will that person have? That particular _______. What faith do you want? Do you want one of the many faiths that originated with men, OR do you want God's ONE faith? I want God's _______ faith!
Conclusion: Can all men have the same faith (God's ONE faith) by following only the authoritative teachings of the New Testament? _______. The Bible is Right!
XV. WHY DOES MAN HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT FAITHS? The Bible teaches that God has _______ faith (Ephesians 4:5). That one faith comes by _______ Gods word (Romans 10:17). The Holy Spirit speaking through the apostle Paul said, "...some will _______ from THE faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of _______" (1 Timothy 4:1-2). When men ADD and practice doctrines which are NOT found in the New Testament they have DEPARTED from God's _______ faith.
The following are just a few of the departures: once you are saved you cannot fall from grace; the use of mechanical instruments during worship; using water and white bread for the Lord's Supper; counting beads on a rosary; original sin is inherited from Adam; sprinkling or pouring water on infants for baptism (immersion); salvation is by faith alone (before water baptism); Holy Spirit Baptism is for today; praying to or through a saint.
Still more departures: calling religious leaders Holy, Father, Rabbi, Master or Reverend; forbidding religious leaders from getting married; forbidding people from eating meats (foods); man does NOT have a soul; the Law and Sabbath are still binding; adding Another Gospel (man-made teachings and books) as equal to or better than the Bible.
Referring to religious leaders, Jesus said, "And call no man your _______ upon the earth; for one is your _______, which is in heaven" (Matthew 23:9). Some religious "priest" and other church leaders are called "Father" by the members, even though Jesus said it should NOT be done. The Bible teaches believers to live in peace and be of _______ mind (2 Corinthians 13:11); and the Bible is Right! God wants all who believe that Jesus is the Son of God to be _______ (John 17:20-21). Therefore, God wills to "gather together in _______ all things in Christ" (Ephesians 1:10).
Conclusion: Have the many man-made faiths departed from God's one faith and started obeying the teachings of the devil? _______.
XVI. HOW MANY "BAPTISMS" DOES GOD HAVE? Paul wrote: "There is ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT, even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling; ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, _______BAPTISM, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). Do you believe there is only One Spirit, One Lord and One God? _______. If so, it should NOT be a hard thing to also believe there is only One body, One hope, One faith and _______ baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
Before the inspired apostle Paul penned the above words (about A.D. 62) there were various baptisms. Notice the following three examples: {1} "The baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" administered by _______ (Mark 1:4-5). {2} Jesus Himself was immersed in water, but His baptism was UNIQUE. Since Jesus was "without _______" (Hebrews 4:15), He was NOT baptized with "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins," as in the case of others John baptized. WHY, then, was Jesus baptized by John? Answer: "To _______ all righteousness" (Matthew 3:13-15; cf. Psalms 119:172). {3} The baptism of the Holy _______, which was promised to the apostles (Acts 1:5). Holy Spirit Baptism was administered by the Lord, and was a PROMISE, NOT a COMMAND. No one was ever COMMANDED to be baptized with the Holy Spirit for any purpose. Holy Spirit Baptism was NEVER intended for all believers of all ages. No one today should expect to receive a baptism in the Holy Spirit, nor does anyone living TODAY have the Holy Spirit in His miraculous measure (cf. John 3:34).
Having served their various purposes, the above three baptisms were phased out by God before Paul taught that there is now only "_______ baptism" (Ephesians 4:5).
After the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our LORD, Jesus gave the worldwide and age lasting commission to "_______ the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). In this Great Commission, He COMMANDED His followers to _______ the taught in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). A man cannot baptize another person with the Holy Spirit, but he can obey Christ and baptize a taught penitent believer in water. Therefore, water _______ is the ONE BAPTISM spoken of by Paul in Ephesians 4:5.
The Bible makes it plain that the ONE baptism is an immersion or burial in _______ (Acts 8:36-39). Peter COMMANDED the Jews on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-41), as well as the Gentile household of Cornelius to be _______ in water (Acts 10:47-48). In his first epistle, WHAT did Peter say SAVED Noah and his family? Answer: He said those "eight souls were saved by _______; the like figure where unto even baptism doth also now _______ us" (1 Peter 3:20-21). The Hebrew writer, in alluding to water immersion, says that Christians have had their "hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and (their) bodies washed with pure _______" (Hebrews 10:22). Again, the One baptism is an immersion in water, "for the remission of _______" (Acts 2:38).
By WHAT are our sins washed away? Answer: The _______ of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). WHEN are our sins washed away by the BLOOD of Jesus? Answer: When we are _______ (immersed) in water (Acts 22:16). The One baptism puts a person into _______ (Galatians 3:27). Only IN Christ do we have the promises of "_______ of sins" (Colossians 1:14), salvation (2 Timothy 2:10) and _______ life (1 John 5:11). The One baptism completes our initial OBEDIENCE to the Gospel (cf. Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It symbolizes our DEATH to sin, BURIAL into Christ's death (where He shed His blood - John 19:33-34), and our RESURRECTION to "walk in _______ of life" (Romans 6:2-4). God's ONE baptism is NOT a promise, but a COMMAND for man to obey (Acts 10:48; 22:16). Today, there is only _______ baptism (Ephesians 4:5), and that is an immersion in water for the remission of sins by the blood of Jesus (cf. Matthew 26:28). The Bible is Right!
Conclusion: The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a PROMISE (NOT a command) to the apostles. It was administered by Christ. The baptism administered by John was INVALIDATED by the baptism of the Great Commission (as Paul taught the Ephesians - Acts 19:4-5). What then is the ONE baptism COMMANDED by Jesus, ADMINISTERED by man, and VALID for all sinners until the end of the age? Answer: _______ baptism (Acts 8:36-39).
XVII. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE POINT OF GOD'S ONE BAPTISM? Many FALSE TEACHERS deceptively say one is SAVED "by faith only" (before water baptism). However, the Bible plainly says a man is NOT justified (or saved) by _______ only (James 2:24). Who will you believe; the words of a false teacher or the word of God? As for me and my house, we will believe the word of _______! The Holy Spirit says that both repentance and baptism are for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Can one be saved if his sins are NOT forgiven? _______. If one does NOT repent, he will _______ (Luke 13:3). This proves that man's faith must move him to repent (change his mind about living in sin) to accept God's grace. Likewise, "Baptism doth also NOW _______ us" (1 Peter 3:21). Again, we see that man's faith must move him to be baptized (immersed in water) to accept God's grace. NOTE: God is no _______ of persons (Acts 10:34). What He requires of a Jewish person for salvation He also requires of a Gentile (non-Jew). Jesus made it plain when He said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be _______" (Mark 16:16). Therefore, SALVATION occurs at the point of water _______.
Ananias said to a believing penitent Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and _______ away thy sins" (Acts 22:16). In like manner, Peter told believers to "Repent, and be baptized...for the _______ (forgiveness) of sins" (Acts 2:38). Therefore, FORGIVENESS OF SINS occurs at the point of water baptism. Again, Peter told believers to "Repent, and be baptized...in the name of Jesus Christ...and ye shall receive the gift of the _______ Ghost" (Acts 2:38). Therefore, God's Holy Spirit INDWELLS a person when he is _______ in water for the forgiveness of sins. All spiritual blessings in heavenly places are in _______ (Ephesians 1:3). But how does one get into Christ? The New Testament does NOT teach that we believe INTO Christ, or that we repent INTO Christ, or that we confess INTO Christ. However, it does plainly teach that we are "_______ INTO Jesus Christ" (Romans 6:3). Paul taught, "For as many of you as have been baptized _______ Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Therefore, one gets INTO Christ at the point of water baptism. The person who has been baptized INTO Christ has been blessed by God with "all _______ blessings in heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). Therefore, the reception of all God's SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS happens at the point of water baptism.
The Holy Spirit teaches throughout the New Testament that one MUST be baptized in water (cf. Matthew 28:19; John 3:5; Colossians 2:12). Thus, the Bible says, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one _______" (1 Corinthians 12:13). In other words, it is "by the One Spirit" (by obeying the teachings of the Holy Spirit) that one is baptized into the One Body or church. Therefore, one gets into the church or the ONE body of Christ at the point of water baptism.
Conclusion: Man IS saved or justified by _______ (Romans 5:1), but NOT by faith alone or "faith only." Above we've learned that when a believer repents and is baptized he has his sins forgiven or is SAVED (Acts 2:38). The Lord then adds that saved soul to His _______ or ONE body (Acts 2:47).
XVIII. WHAT IS GODS AND MANS PART IN MANS SALVATION? Each one of you reading these lines must "_______ out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Is work (obedience to God's will Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:9) necessary for one to be saved? _______. "But God, who is rich in _______, for his great _______ wherewith he loved us... (By _______ you have been saved)" [Ephesians 2:4-5]. Can anyone be saved without God's abundant love, mercy, and grace? _______. "For by _______ are ye saved through _______; and that NOT of yourselves: it is the _______ of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Is God's gift of grace His part in your salvation? _______. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten _______, that whosoever _______ in Him should NOT perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Is faith your part in your salvation? _______. Must one believe in Jesus to have everlasting life? _______ (John 14:1). Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the _______ of the living God? _______ (cf. Matthew 16:16). What will happen if you do NOT believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God? Answer: You will _______ in your sins (John 8:24).
Where did Jesus go after His death, burial, and resurrection? Answer: Jesus went to _______ (Acts 1:11). According to John 8:21, if you die in your _______, that is, with unforgiven sins, will you go where Jesus went? _______. God commands "all men everywhere to _______" (Acts 17:30). If you don't repent, you will _______ (Luke 13:3). Does God want you to perish? _______ (2 Peter 3:9). Will you be saved if you do NOT repent? _______ (Romans 2:5). "For _______ sorrow worketh repentance to salvation...but the sorrow of the world worketh _______" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Is MERELY being sorry for your sins the repentance that God demands? _______. Are God's grace, man's faith, and man's repentance necessary for salvation? _______.
Jesus taught that one must _______ Him before men (Matthew 10:32). "For with the heart man believeth unto _______; and with the mouth confession is made unto _______" (Romans 10:10). Must one confess his belief that Jesus is the Son of God? _______ (Acts 8:37). Will you be saved if you do NOT confess Jesus before men? _______ (2 Timothy 2:12). Many of the chief rulers of the Jewish people BELIEVED in Jesus, "but because of the Pharisees they did NOT _______ him" (John 12:42). Were these believing chief rulers saved? _______. Who won't you have if you deny the son? Answer: You will NOT have the _______ (1 John 2:23).
"We are _______ with Him (Christ) by baptism" (Romans 6:4). Is Bible baptism a sprinkling, pouring, or burial? _______ (cf. Colossians 2:12). Peter said, "Repent, and be _______every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy _______" (Acts 2:38). Are ones' sins forgiven before or when he repents and is baptized? _______. Jesus said, "He that believeth and is _______ SHALL be _______" (Mark 16:16). Is one saved before or when he believes and is baptized? _______. Just as Noah and his family (eight souls) were saved by _______, "baptism doth also NOW save _______" (1 Peter 3:20-21). Does Jesus save the person that has been born again at the point of water baptism? _______ (John 3:5).
Must you obey from your heart (understanding) God's form of doctrine? _______ (Romans 6:17). Will you be saved if you are NOT baptized with the proper understanding of its purpose? _______. Are God's grace and man's faith, repentance, confession, and baptism necessary for salvation? _______.
LET'S MAKE IT PLAIN! All spiritual blessings in heavenly places are in _______ (Ephesians 1:3). The spiritual blessing of salvation is in _______ (2 Timothy 2:10). The spiritual blessing of eternal _______ is in Christ (1 John 5:11). In _______ we have the spiritual blessing of redemption (Romans 3:24). In Christ we have the spiritual blessing of forgiveness of _______ (Ephesians 1:7). Our _______ (freedom) is in Christ (Galatians 2:4). Is salvation, eternal life, redemption, forgiveness and liberty (freedom) in Christ? _______. If one is NOT in Christ does he have salvation, eternal life, redemption, forgiveness and liberty? _______. How does one get into Christ? Answer: The Bible says, "For as many of you as have been _______ into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27; cf. Romans 6:3), and the Bible is Right! Does water baptism put one INTO Christ? _______. Is water baptism necessary for salvation, eternal life, redemption, forgiveness and liberty? _______.
Conclusion: One must be IN _______ to be saved! A penitent believer who confesses his faith in Jesus must be ________ (immersed in water) into Christ to be saved by the _______ of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8).
XIX. WHAT FOLLOWS GOD'S ONE BAPTISM? After the Ethiopian was baptized (immersed), "he went on his way _______" (Acts 8:39). The same is true for the Philippian jailer. After his baptism, he "_______, believing in God with all his house" (Acts 16:34). Therefore, REJOICING follows baptism. In fact, after Jesus ascended into Heaven and after the Lord's church was begun on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), there is no record in the New Testament of anyone ever rejoicing (because of the forgiveness of his sins) UNTIL AFTER HE WAS BAPTIZED. When one is BURIED with Christ by baptism, like Christ, he is raised up by the glory of the Father "to walk in newness of _______" (Romans 6:4). When one is baptized INTO Christ, he becomes "a _______ creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become _______" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, the NEW LIFE in Christ follows baptism. The Bible is Right!
Conclusion: The facts of the Gospel show that "Christ died for our _______... he was buried, and he rose again the third day" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Do you love him for having done so? _______. If you love Him, will you keep His _______? (John 14:15) _______. He COMMANDS you to repent and be _______ (immersed in water) to have your _______ washed away by His blood; to be saved; to receive the _______ of the Holy Spirit; to get into Christ, and to be added to the _______ of Christ. Then you can rejoice as you walk in newness of life and enjoy the promises of all God's spiritual _______.
XX. HOW DOES ONE APPLY ALL THESE THINGS? The teaching being seen and heard on TV, radio, the internet and from pulpits all other the world is that one is saved as soon as he accepts or receives Christ. The Bible teaches more. The Bible states that Jesus must also accept or _______ those that come to Him (Romans 15:7). Like a marriage, both parties must receive each other. In this case, Jesus makes the final decision as to how one is to respond to His call. He has made it clear that without obedience to His word it does one no good to call Him _______, _______ (Luke 6:46).
God gives those who accept Him (believe on His name) the _______ to become His child (John 1:12). This believer is NOT yet a Christian. A penitent believer exercises his right or power to become a child of God when he _______ Christ (Hebrews 5:9). Those who _______ receive Gods word (Acts 2:41) and are baptized into Christ for the _______ of sins are then accepted by Jesus and given the _______ of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) as a seal and proof (earnest) of His inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The person is then _______ (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) or forgiven of sin by the _______ of Jesus (Matthew 26:28). The Lord Jesus Christ then adds that saved soul to His _______ (Acts 2:47; Matthew 16:18); the _______ of Christ (Romans 16:16).
Many of you reading this lesson were taught in the past that you were saved BEFORE you were baptized. If you were later baptized thinking you were saved before baptism you are still NOT saved. No one can be taught wrong and baptized right (Acts 19:1-6). You must obey God from your _______ (a proper understanding Romans 6:17).
Friends, unlike the foolish man, a wise man will hear God's word and _______ what it says (Matthew 7:24-27). WHY? Because only those who DO God's _______ will enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21). Jesus is the author of eternal _______ to all them that _______ Him (Hebrews 5:9). He therefore asked, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and _______ not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). If you now know the good or right thing to DO and you do NOT do it, to you it is _______ (James 4:17).
Please write your first name before the following question: _______, why are you waiting? "arise, and be _______, and wash away thy _______, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). When is the day of salvation? _________ (2 Corinthians 6:2). When should you obey Christ? _______. Please contact the churches of Christ in your community.
Conclusion: Loved ones, we have given you the TRUTH in _______ (Ephesians 4:15), and done our best to show you the WAY to salvation (John 14:6). We hope we have NOT become your _______ for having done so (Galatians 4:16). You must now choose to believe, receive and obey the truth (cf. Acts 17:11-12), or to resist the Holy Ghost (cf. Acts 7:51-53) as most people in the world are doing (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). Our prayer is that you will choose _______ (Deuteronomy 30:19), and remember, The _______ is Right!
ANSWERS
PREFACE Sword, Seed
I. WHO IS OUR AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH? Father, Son, All, Church, Flesh, Authority, Authority, Jesus
II. WHO INSPIRED MEN TO WRITE THE BIBLE? Holy Spirit, All, All, God, Delivered, No, Holy, Truth
III. WHAT IS THE GUIDE FOR THE CHURCH? Truth, Truth, Word, Hearing, Believe, Word, Know, Good, No, No, Word, No, All, Knowledge, Men, God, Man, Word
IV. DOES MAN HAVE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE GODS WORD? Add, Take, Lord, Lord, Will, God, Commanded, Tradition, Commandments, Offended, Rooted, Blind, Blind, Fall, Yes, To, Away
V. WHICH LAW IS THE CHURCH UNDER THE OLD COVENANT OR THE NEW
COVENANT? Prophets, Son, Jesus, Moses, Jesus Christ, New, Death, Excellent, Promises,
No, Old, Moses, Fallen, Nailed, Dead, Christ, Delivered, Word, New
VI. HOW MANY CHURCHES DID JESUS BUILD? Church, It, Singular, Jesus, God, House, Firstborn, Head, Body, One, One, Lord, Body, One, One, Same, Speak, No, God, Head, Yes, One, Christ
VII. IS THE CHURCH IMPORTANT? Church, Church, Purchased, Remission, Yes, Body, Yes, Yes, Church, Yes, Yes, One, Body, Body, Saved, No, Yes, Yes, Yes
VIII. WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION OF THE LORD'S CHURCH? Head, All, Church, Elders, Elders, Feed, Wine, Husband, Faithful, Elder, No, Deacons, One, Children, Bishops, Deacons, Preach, Evangelist, All, Authority, Silence, Speak, Preaching, Elders, Deacons, Right
IX. HOW IS GOD TO BE WORSHIPED IN HIS CHURCH? God, Spirit, Truth, Truth, Vain, Doctrine, Gospel, Gospel, Scripture, Doctrine, Righteousness, Good, Salvation, Teach, Prayers, No, Father, All, Pray, Pray, Will, Have, Bread, Bread, Drink, Communion, Communion, Body, Blood, Yes, Remembrance, Death, First, Yes, Yes, Fruit, Psalms, Songs, Heart, Spirit, Understanding, No, Gopher, Yes, Strange, Words, Yes, Instruments, Apostles, First, Grudgingly, Purpose, Give, Receive, Truth, Apostles, Pray, Supper, God, Give
X. ARE THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST GODS ONLY CHURCH? Adding, Subtracting, Same, Divisions, Together, Speak
XI. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MEMBER OF GOD'S ONE CHURCH? Many, One, Many, One, Added, Heaven, Born Again, Water, Spirit, Repents, Baptized, Baptized, Body, Baptism, Blood, Repent, Heart, Obeyed, Church, It, Yes
XII. WHAT IS THE WEAPON USED BY SATAN TO DESTROY MANKIND? Foolishness, Faith, Sin, Sin, Unrighteousness, Yes, Sin, Lust, Sin, Death, Righteous, None, All, Sin, Truth, Sinned, Word, Yes, All, Yes
XIII. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN? Death, Death, Die, Separated, Sins, Sins, Yes, No, Judgment, God, Deeds, Judged, One, One, Unrighteous, Life, Lake, No, Yes, Christ, Blood, Obey, No, No, Will, Death, Everlasting
XIV. HOW MANY "FAITHS" DOES GOD HAVE? One, One, One, One, One, One, One, Seven, One, Faith, Faith, Faith, One, Yes
XV. WHY DOES MAN HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT FAITHS? One, Hearing, Depart, Devils, One, Father, Father, Yes
XVI. HOW MANY "BAPTISMS" DOES GOD HAVE? One, Yes, One, John, Sin, Fulfill, Spirit, One, Preach, Baptize, Baptism, Water, Baptized, Water, Save, Water, Sins, Blood, Baptized, Christ, Forgiveness, Eternal, Newness, One, Water
XVII. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE POINT OF GOD'S ONE BAPTISM? Faith, God, No, Perish, Save, Respecter, Saved, Baptism, Wash, Remission, Holy, Baptized, Christ, Baptized, Into, Spiritual, Body, Faith, Church
XVIII. WHAT IS GODS AND MANS PART IN MANS SALVATION? Work, Yes, Mercy, Love, Grace, No, Grace, Faith, Gift, Yes, Son, Believes, Yes, Yes, Son, Yes, Die, Heaven, Sins, No, Repent, Perish, No, No, Godly, Death, No, Yes, Confess, Righteousness, Salvation, Yes, No, Confess, No, Father, Buried, Burial, Baptized, Spirit, When, Baptized, Saved, When, Water, Us, Yes, Yes, No, Yes, Christ, Christ, Life, Christ, Sins, Liberty, Yes, No, Baptized, Yes, Yes, Christ, Baptized, Grace
XIX. WHAT FOLLOWS GOD'S ONE BAPTISM? Rejoicing, Rejoiced, Life, New, New, Sins, Yes, Commandments, Yes, Baptized, Sins, Gift, Church, Blessings
XX. HOW DOES ONE APPLY ALL THESE THINGS? Receive, Lord, Lord, Power, Obeys, Gladly, Remission, Gift, Saved, Blood, Church, Churches, Heart, Do, Will, Salvation, Obey, Do, Sin, Samuel, Baptized, Sins, Now, Now, Love, Enemy, Life, Bible
THE HOLY SPIRIT
I. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT. In Ephesians 3:14-19 the Bible says, 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the _______ of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His _______ in the inner man, 17 that _______ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height, 19 to know the _______ of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of _______.
Spirit, come into the body of this young O man! demanded the preacher as he laid his hands on my head. He had been speaking in an unknown tongue for at least thirty minutes. Several other people in the room were praying and shouting to the Lord. All at once, my eyelids began to flutter and my lips started to tremble. I became aware of the presence of the Lord upon my face. Then I saw a dry riverbed. I walked to the middle of the riverbed and looked upstream. I noticed a small pool of fresh water. Then the water began to foam and bubble. All of a sudden, it gushed down the path of the riverbed straight toward me. As the rushing water reached me I heard myself uttering some sounds I had never uttered before. I knew that these sounds did NOT originate in me, though they were coming out of me. Great joy overwhelmed me and I began jumping up and down and hugging everyone in the room. I had received the Holy Spirit!
Do NOT be alarmed BRETHREN and friends; this story is NOT about me. But there are many people in the world who believe this is the way to receive the Holy Spirit. Many people in the world are seeking such an experience. Others - in their opinions, doctrines, and traditions believe the Spirit leads by dreams, visions, or direct communication (speaking directly to them). Still others do NOT even have a clue as to who the Holy Spirit is, much less how to receive Him. Thus, the WORLD is filled with false teaching and there is much division over the Holy Spirit.
Some ask, What is the Holy Spirit? However, the correct question should be Who is the Holy Spirit? This is the proper question because the Holy Spirit is a being, an individual with personality, the third member of the Godhead. He is more than a force or a power. All information available in the Bible points to the fact that the Holy Spirit is a living Divine heavenly person.
The Bible speaks of itself as a living (quick), powerful inspired book (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16). When a man hears the Gospel in its fullness, simplicity and plainness, he hears the words of the Holy Spirit just as much and just as certainly as the contemporaries of the apostles heard Him when the apostles began to _______ with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).
Many of our religious friends believe the Holy Spirit converts men outside of the Gospel. The Bible teaches and we therefore believe that the Holy Spirit converts men through the Gospel. We are agreed that the Holy Spirit does the work in conversion. We disagree about how He does it. True Christians contend that He does it through the facts, commands and promises of the Gospel. We deny that the Holy Spirit converts through praying for and expecting His direct power. The issue is clearly drawn.
With the Lords help, in this series we will set our position up for comment. We will endeavor to put to silence all man-made teachings concerning the Holy Spirit and His work. In the process, the truth of the Holy Spirit will shine through brightly. Its our hope and prayer that all believers in Christ will learn to speak the same thing concerning this subject, and thereby glorify and truthfully serve God together through our unity.
It is very important that we understand our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Many people regard the Holy Spirit as a ghost. This is understandable when one realizes that the phrase "Holy Ghost" appears twenty-one times in the King James Version. But one must also realize that the 54 translators of this version lived in 17th century England. And the meanings of words do change over time! The King James translators did NOT have the same idea of a ghost as we do today. They thought of a spiritual being. We think of Casper!
Let it be clear in your mind that the Holy Spirit is NOT a ghost! A ghost is defined as the soul or spirit of a dead person that appears in bodily form to living people or inhabits the unseen world after death. That is certainly far from the description that the Bible gives us of the Holy Spirit.
Despite what some people teach, there are NO miraculous powers associated with the Holy Spirit today. The Holy Spirit does NOT cause YOU or ME, or some TV evangelist to speak in an unknown tongue or raise a dead person back to life. There was a time when miraculous gifts of the Spirit did take place, but they ceased to be available to men around the close of the first century A.D. At that time the Gospel had been completely recorded and confirmed by miracles, so miraculous events were NOT needed anymore.
Lets make this point plain! Prior to being sent on the Limited Commission, the gift of apostleship was given to the twelve before the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Matthew 10). On that occasion Christ strictly forbade them to preach to the Gentiles. They were told, but go rather to the _______ sheep of the house of Israel (vs. 5-6).
Thus, this mission was limited to the Nation of Israel. With this commission, Christ told them to preach the _______ of heaven is at hand (v. 7), and gave them miraculous power to fulfill their mission. With this power He told them, heal the sick, cleanse the _______, raise the dead and cast out devils (v. 8). The power to work these miracles would convince people that they and their message were from God.
Later, after Christs resurrection, the apostles were given a NEW commission, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). On the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), after being baptized with the Holy Spirit, the apostles began to fulfill this NEW commission. Their work now was to go and teach _______ nations (Matthew 28:19), rather than just the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The message they were to preach would also be different. Earlier they had been told to preach the nearness of the kingdom (that it was at hand), but now, in the post-resurrection era, they were to preach the Good News or message of the _______ of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15). This Good News would include that the promised Kingdom of the Old Testament age (the church) had come, and that men could be translated into it, redeemed by Christs blood, and receive the _______ of their sins (Colossians 1:13-14). Christ would also empower the apostles to be witnesses of Him, in Jerusalem, Judea and eventually unto the _______ part of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Christians today are continuing to fulfill the Great Commission, but NOT by using miraculous powers. Though the apostles had received miraculous power on the limited commission, that power lasted only as long as the mission. Since Jesus told them in the Great Commission to wait in the city of _______, until ye be endued with power (Luke 24:49), it follows that they did NOT at that time have miraculous power! But since Jesus had given them power earlier, the necessary conclusion is that this power had been withdrawn once the mission on which they were sent was accomplished. Here we see a link between the duration of miraculous manifestations of God in men, and the purpose for which such power was granted.
The miraculous age ended when the complete revelation of Gods will was revealed in the pages of the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Through the power of the Holy Spirit the apostles preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and _______ the word with signs following (Mark 16:20). Thus, miracles are NO longer needed because NO new revelations are being made, and because the Scriptures have already been confirmed by the signs and wonders and gifts of the _______ _______ that we read about in the Bible (Hebrews 2:3-4).
CONCLUSION: If the Holy Spirit is NOT a ghost, and if the Holy Spirit does NOT give us miraculous power in this current age, then what is His purpose? Just who is the Holy Spirit?
II. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? The answer is really very simple. God loves us and wants to be close to us. He wants to be present with us. Just as Jesus reached out and touched a leper because He loved and had _______ on him (Mark 1:40-41), the Lord wants to reach out and touch us and help us live a strong spiritual life. So He gives us the GIFT of the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and give us strength. Paul prayed for the Christians at Ephesus that they might be strengthened with _______ through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). The "might" in this verse is NOT referring to supernatural powers, but to growth and strength to overcome evil.
The Holy Spirit is NOT a physical being, but a spiritual being. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. In identifying the three Persons in the Godhead, the apostle Paul wrote, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the _______ of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14). We read in Genesis 1:2 concerning creation:
the Spirit of God _______ over the face of the waters. In Genesis 1:26 He said: Let US make man in OUR _______, according to OUR likeness
The OUR in that verse speaks of the Father, the Word (Son) and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit was present at the creation of the world and is still present today.
If we were describing the characteristics of many of you, our friends and brethren in Christ, we would say that you are loving, tenderhearted, intelligent, gentle, humble, etc. Notice that these are NOT physical characteristics. Likewise, a careful reading of the New Testament will reveal the following characteristics of the Holy Spirit: He gives _______ (2 Corinthians 3:6). He abides _______ (John 14:16). He _______ in the Christian (1 Corinthians 3:16). Hes the _______ (John 15:26). He testifies of _______ (John 15:26). He reproves (convicts) the _______ of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-11). Hes given as a _______ from God (Acts 2:38). He is a _______ to the proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 5:32). He is a _______ of our sonship (Romans 8:16). He is a _______ to Christs sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14-15). He puts the _______ of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5). He helps in our _______ (Romans 8:26). He makes _______ for us in prayer (Romans 8:26). He is a _______ (1 Corinthians 2:13). He transforms us into the Lords _______ (2 Corinthians 3:18). He is the _______ of our inheritance (eternal life - Ephesians 1:13-14). He is our _______ unto the day of redemption (eternal salvation - Ephesians 4:30). He can be _______ (Ephesians 4:30). He gives _______ (1 Thessalonians 1:6). He can be _______ (1 Thessalonians 5:19). He _______ expressly (1 Timothy 4:1). He _______ us (Titus 3:5). He is _______ (1 John 5:6).
It is evident that the Holy Spirit is on our side. He is a gift from God that renews us and transforms us into the Lord's image. He strengthens the love of God in our hearts and helps us in our weaknesses. These are certainly wonderful gifts to receive! The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus. He makes use of a very powerful weapon and speaks expressly through the Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged _______ (Hebrews 4:12). Paul said, Take the... sword of the Spirit, which is the _______ of God (Ephesians 6:17).
When a man and a woman are engaged to be married, an engagement ring is given to the lady. This ring is a promise that the couple will soon be married and share a lifetime together. In the same way, God's gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit is His sure promise to us that we will share an eternity in Heaven with Him. That is exactly what God says through Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:5, Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has _______ unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Think of the Holy Spirit as a seal or a mark. Each summer the coach of a little league baseball team has to certify each player by reviewing their birth certificate which contains the state seal at the bottom. The seal identifies the birth certificate as legitimate and allows the player to participate. In a similar way, God has put a seal of identification on every Christian. The Bible says, You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of _______ (Ephesians 1:13). Christians are special people with special promises. The Holy Spirit, God's seal, identifies us as recipients of these special promises.
Now some of you may be asking, How can I get this Wonderful Gift of the Holy Spirit? I am glad you asked! Let us find out. Are we supposed to lay hands on one another and utter guttural sounds from our throats to receive the Holy Spirit? NOT according to the Bible! Acts 2:38 says, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE _______ OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Notice that the gift of the Holy Spirit occurs in connection with one's obedience to Christ in baptism. A person does NOT receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in order to make him a Christian, but because he has become a Christian through the new birth of _______ and the Spirit (John 3:5). The Bible says, And BECAUSE YOU ARE SONS, God has sent forth the _______ of His Son into your hearts (Galatians 4:6). Isn't it nice to know that we do NOT have to be involved in a "miraculous experience" to receive the Holy Spirit? There are probably many worried souls among our denominational friends that are waiting on some experience to happen, and when it never happens they rightly lose faith in what their preacher has been teaching them.
Friends, God gives us the Holy Spirit when we _______ His Word (Acts 5:32), and we accept the fact of His indwelling by _______ (Ephesians 3:17). I cannot explain the nature of such an indwelling, nor can you. We just simply take God at His Word and thank Him for such a wonderful gift that is ours to sustain us in the Christian walk.
Satan is tough! He is mean! He is roaming about like a _______ lion looking for lunch (1 Peter 5:8), and YOU and I are the MAIN COURSE! This is tragic because we are so weak and spiritually helpless that we could never defeat Satan. But never fear, the Holy Spirit is here! HE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THE _______ (1 John 4:4). What comfort this verse is to the Christian!
Friends, we encourage you to read and study Ephesians 6:10-18. We can be STRONG in the _______ (vs. 10). We can _______ against the wiles of the devil (vs. 11). The battle plan for God's children is right here, and it includes praying in the _______ (vs. 18). What a comforting passage of Scripture this is. But if you are NOT a Christian you have every reason to tremble in your shoes. If you were once a strong child of God but you have turned away, you are _______ the power of the Holy Spirit in your life (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Spirit ______ over your condition (Ephesians 4:30). You, too, have every reason to tremble.
Loved ones, you and I are in one of three conditions: (1) Faithful Christian the Holy Spirit providing strength to defeat the devil, (2) Fallen-Away (or in error) Christian the Holy Spirit grieves and His powers are quenched, or (3) Non-Christian the Spirit of God is NOT in this person and provides NO strength for overcoming evil. In which category do you fit?
CONCLUSION: In all honesty, are you where you want to be? If NOT, what are you going to do about it? One must HEAR the _______ of God (Romans 10:17), BELIEVE in ______ as the Son of God (John 8:24), REPENT of sin or _______ (Luke 13:3), CONFESS his faith in Christ before _______ (Matthew 10:32), and be BAPTIZED in water for the _______ of sins (Acts 2:38), to be born again and to get into Christ, to be saved, and added to His _______ (Acts 2:47). Have you experienced that new birth yet?
III. WHAT IS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? There is much confusion relative to the Holy Spirit among religious people. Pentecostalism, which is based on misconceptions of the Spirit, and is largely emotionalism, is growing all over the world. The multitude of voices speaking on the subject has largely added to the confusion, misconceptions, and one-sided views on this topic. From almost every corner, to every crevice, in this country, men and women are sounding out their cries. They are crying, "We are anointed and appointed, I'm slain in the Spirit, baptized in the Holy Ghost, and filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire."
Yet, there can be no clear understanding of the Scheme of Redemption without a clear understanding of the WORK of the Holy Spirit. To be ignorant on this subject is to lead one, in one way or another, into serious errors on the whole Plan of Salvation. In order to understand the Spirit's work in the Scheme of Redemption, it is necessary that we go back to the time when Adam and Eve sinned and God drove them out of the Garden of Eden. It was then that Jehovah made a promise that the _______ of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). This is a reference to Christ and the FIRST ray of hope for man's salvation.
Some 2000 years passed by in the Patriarchal Age, until God called Abraham to leave his kindred and go into a strange land. God informed Abraham that he was to be the father of a great race of people.
He said, "And in thy _______shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 22:18). This also had reference to Christ, as Paul explained: "Now to Abraham and his _______ were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy _______, which is _______" (Galatians 3:16). Later, the Law of Moses was given to Abraham's descendants at Mt. Sinai. It was added because of transgressions, till the _______ should come to whom the promise was made... (Galatians 3:19).
Finally, after the passing of the centuries, . . . when the fulness of the _______ was come" (Galatians 4:4), Christ, the promised seed came to earth to execute Gods plan and to die on the cross of Calvary for the _______ of the whole world (John 1:29). Prior to this event, however, God's _______ (Hebrews 1:1) in the Old Testament days had spoken many things about the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom, the church, and of the blessings to be found therein.
How did God speak by the prophets? "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy _______" (2 Peter 1:21). It was the Spirit's work to _______ through the prophets (Jeremiah 26:2). Their words were the words of God given by the Spirit. Nehemiah, speaking of God's work of teaching the people in the long ago, said: "Yet many years didst thou forbear them and testifiedst against them by thy _______ in thy _______ (Nehemiah 9:30). Also David said: "The _______ of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue" (2 Samuel 23:2; cf. Acts 1:16).
The apostle Paul says in First Timothy 4:1, "Now the _______ speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall _______ from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." Paul's prediction in the first century church is graphically seen in a forceful way and is surely fulfilled today. It is imperative, then, that we know what the Bible teaches concerning the Holy Spirit and His WORK in relation to man's salvation.
Yes, the Holy Spirit is talking. He is talking distinctly and all religious prognosticators need to hush and listen to what He has to say. Again, it is stated in First Timothy 4:1 that "some shall depart from the _______, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of _______." Paul here contrasts the Holy Spirit's speaking and teaching with the seducing spirits and their teachings or doctrines. The term seducing is from the Greek word "piano," meaning wandering, to lead astray or to cause one to wander. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of _______ (John 16:13). He does NOT lead men astray nor cause them to wander away from the truth. The seducing spirits are of Satan, causing people to be led astray with the _______ of the wicked (2 Peter 3:17).
All that we know about the Holy Spirit is from the Word of God. Therefore, no one can say anything about the WORK of the Holy Spirit without examining what the Bible teaches. There are THREE basic truths that we need to understand as we go deeper into these lessons.
First, the Bible teaches the Holy Spirit is a Person. He is one of the members of the _______ (Colossians 2:9). There is God the _______ (2 Timothy 1:2), Jesus Christ the _______ (Mark 1:1), and the _______ Spirit (Luke 11:13). THEY are three divine, distinct, eternal personalities, and yet there is only _______ God (James 2:19) - ONE Divine nature known as God or Deity (Acts 17:29). Many false teachers say the Holy Spirit is a mere "influence" or "force." However, the Bible teaches that He is Deity (compare Acts 5:3-4 where the words Holy Spirit and God are used interchangeably). To speak of the Holy Spirit as "it" is NOT correct. Jesus referred to the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) as _______ that teaches all things (John 14:26).
Second, the Holy Spirit had a part in the creation of the material universe. The Spirit of God _______ upon the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2). Job said, By His spirit He hath _______ the heavens (Job 26:13). Additionally, the Spirit had a part in the creation of man. Again, Job said, The _______ of God hath made me (Job 33:4). Hence, He helped in creation and in the establishing of divine law in the natural realm (cf. Psalm 104:30; Genesis 1:11-25).
Third, the Holy Spirit revealed the truths of Christianity (the Scheme of Redemption) to the world and miraculously demonstrated its divine origin (cf. Acts 2:4; Hebrews 2:4). The many blessings in the Lord's church, spoken of by the Old Testament prophets, were kept secret in the mind of God (called at that time a "mystery"), until revealed by the Holy Spirit at God's appointed time. Paul, in First Corinthians 2:9 cites Isaiah 64:4, and says, "But as it is _______, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath _______ for them that love him."
This text is often quoted as referring to things to be revealed in heaven, but the context shows that it is a prediction of provisions and blessings to be unfolded in Christ in the Gospel dispensation, for Paul says in the next verse, referring to those blessings, "But God hath revealed them unto us [apostles, inspired men] by His _______: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of _______" (1 Corinthians 2:10). Regarding the system of Christianity, _______ ordained or planned (1 Corinthians 2:7), Christ executed (Colossians 1:15-17), and the Holy Spirit _______ (Ephesians 3:5).
We learn from the apostle Paul that God had a way, or plan, called the eternal _______ which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 3:11). This eternal plan (which concerned man's salvation in Christ Jesus) had from the _______ of the world been hidden in the mind of God (Ephesians 3:9). This "purpose" was, in due time, made known that man might learn the way of salvation.
Now, the thing needful for us is to learn HOW, WHEN, and by WHOM this hidden mystery in the mind of God was made known, WHAT there is in it for us, and HOW we may obtain it. The Scriptures teach that the message of salvation was first spoken by the _____, and was _____ unto us
both with signs and wonders
and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:3-4). This inspired confirmed engrafted word is able to _______ your souls (James 1:21), and has been recorded in the perfect law of _______ (James 1:25), the New Testament.
CONCLUSION: The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Godhead. He is NOT simply or solely an influence. He is a Person wielding an influence and this is done through means - the revelation of truth which He made known through the writers of the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:9-13).
IV. WHAT PROMISES DID CHRIST MAKE TO THE APOSTLES CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT? To answer this question we must first examine what Jesus said to His apostles prior to His death and ascension regarding things He wanted them to accomplish after His departure. John chapters 14, 15, and 16, contain a private talk by Christ to His apostles (cf. Matthew 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14; John 13:5).
The Lord promised His apostles that after His ascension He would send them another "_______" - the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Jesus said, "...ye know him; for he dwelleth _______ you, and shall be ______ you" (John 14:17). After having trained them for three and one-half years, Jesus had in mind a great work for the apostles to do, and they would need the POWER of the Holy Spirit. However, the promise of the Spirit here named by Christ was to the apostles ONLY, and was a power the world could NOT receive. Jesus said: "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the _______ cannot receive" (John 14:17).
What was the Holy Spirit to do to the apostles? "He shall _______ you (them) all things, and bring all things to your (their) ________, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). Jesus had taught them many precious truths; however, it was NOT possible for them to remember all that Christ had said to them. Hence, the Holy Spirit, when He came, refreshed the minds of the apostles with the teachings of Jesus. The apostles, therefore, by the POWER of the Spirit, had an infallible guide. The language of Jesus here is NOT applicable to us. We must study the WORD and rightly _______ it (2 Timothy 2:15).
Again: ". . . he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the _______ " (John 15:26-27). In the New Testament we have the testimony of the Holy Spirit through the apostles concerning Christ, and this testimony is written so that we might _______ (John 20:30-31). But no man can read John 15:26-27 today and make this Scripture apply to himself, because he has NOT been with the Lord "from the beginning."
Hear Christ again: "Howbeit when he, the _______ of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall _______, that shall he _______: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:13). Here we learn that the Spirit could both HEAR and SPEAK.
To whom was He to speak? He was authorized to speak to the apostles. What was He to speak? That which He had heard from the Father. What was He to do? He was to GUIDE the apostles into ALL _______."
What did Jesus say the Holy Spirit would do for the world? "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of _______, and of _______, and of _______" (John 16:8). How did the Spirit do this? He did it by coming to the apostles, and through THEIR inspired words people were convicted of sin, righteousness, and judgment (cf. Acts 24:24-25).
In what place were the apostles to receive the POWER from the Holy Spirit? Jesus said to His apostles, after His resurrection and prior to His ascension, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of _______, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Christ repeated this to His apostles just before He ascended (Acts 1:2-4). The apostles were to tarry in Jerusalem for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Thus, only the apostles (NOT preachers of today) were to be endued [clothed] with POWER from on high.
When was the power to come? "But ye shall receive _______, after that the Holy _______ is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
CONCLUSION: The POWER here promised, which Christ called the baptism "with the _______ Ghost" (Acts 1:5; cf. Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33), would enable the apostles to execute the Great Commission by going into all the world to preach the soul saving Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; cf. Matthew 10:19-20; Mark 13:11; Colossians 1:23).
V. WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW DID THE HOLY SPIRIT COME UPON THE APOSTLES? In Acts 2 we read of the Spirit's coming: WHEN He came, WHERE He came, HOW He came, and to WHOM He came. Christ, having accomplished the object of His mission to this earth, ascended back to the Father from the Mount of Olives; and the apostles, after His ascension, returned to _______ (Acts 1:12). There they waited ten days.
Then, on the Day of Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit on His mission, in the city of Jerusalem, to the apostles only, NOT to the 120 disciples. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they [i.e., the apostles of Acts 1:26] were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from _______ as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they [i.e., the apostles] were sitting. And there appeared unto _______ cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And _______ (the apostles) were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4).
When the Holy Spirit came to the apostles, they were clothed OR endued with _______ from on high (Luke 24:49). No one today has been baptized with (in) the Holy Spirit as the apostles were on Pentecost, for no one living today was there!
No one today can do what the Holy Spirit-baptized apostles did; such as, speak in tongues [i.e., inspired and foreign languages], heal the sick, raise the dead, impart power to work miracles, and reveal truth (Acts 2:43; 3:1-16; 5:12; 8:14-21; 9:32-42; 13:9-12; 20:9-12; 2 Corinthians 12:12). ALL the religious leaders of today who CLAIM and DECEIVE people into believing they can perform the miraculous powers of the apostles are _______ prophets! (Matthew 7:15-20).
When the Holy Spirit came to the apostles and began His work, He preached through the apostles the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ as existing facts for the first time in the world's history (Acts 2:14-36). What happened to the people who had murdered Jesus? The people listened, and upon hearing the Holy Spirits words, "they were pricked in their_______, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we _______? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be _______ every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ _______ the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the _______ of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37-38).
Here the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, preached "repentance and remission of sins" for the first time "in the name of Christ" (by His authority), "beginning at _______" (Luke 24:47). This was the first Gospel sermon ever preached. What were the results of this sermon? "Then they that _______ received his word were _______ (immersed in water): and the same day there were _______ unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41).
The Holy Spirit convicted these people of sin and converted them by the instrumentality of the Gospel preached by the apostles (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This was the beginning, NOT of the Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, or denominational church age, BUT of the CHRISTIAN Age. Those penitent baptized believers "continued stedfastly in the _______ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42; cf. Matthew 28:20). From that day until the present, the Lord has been adding to HIS _______ daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47; cf. Matthew 16:18).
CONCLUSION: When did the Holy Spirit come with POWER on the apostles? Answer: On the day of _______ (Acts 2:1). Where did the Holy Spirit come upon the apostles? Answer: In the city of _______. Who sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles? Answer: The _______ (John 14:26). What do people become when they obey the Word of God? Answer: _______ (Acts 26:28; 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16), NOT Adventist, Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Jehovah Witnesses, Lutherans, Methodist, Moravians, Mormons, Pentecostals, etc., etc.
VI. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACH US TODAY? When the Holy Spirit came to the apostles, how were God's thoughts and ideas communicated to man? Paul makes the answer clear in his statement: "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few _______, whereby when ye _______, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the _______ (Ephesians 3:3-5).
Through inspired men, the Holy Spirit revealed the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. Romans 1:16). Paul, an inspired apostle guided by the Spirit, wrote the Gospel in WORDS in his letters to the Christians. They then could read and understand Gods will (cf. John 7:17). The same is true of all the writers of Gods New Testament.
The Holy Spirit communicates to man through WORDS! Words are signs of ideas. This is how the mind of God is conveyed to the human mind. It is through WORDS. Peter called them the words of _______life (John 6:68). He later told Cornelius these words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be _______ (Acts 11:14). Faith in God and His Son comes ONLY through hearing the _______ of God (Romans 10:17).
God communicates to man by the medium of WORDS chosen by the Spirit (NOT words chosen by the Pope, Brigham Young, Mohammed, or any other man or woman). The Bible says, Holy men of God _______ as they were moved by the Holy _______ (2 Peter 1:21). What did the Holy Spirit move the apostles to do? He moved them to speak with other _______ (words or languages), as the _______ gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).
After the Holy Spirit revealed God's will to certain men, these men recorded the truth in the Scriptures (the BIBLE). We can now understand and believe God's will by studying the WORD of God for ourselves (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11-12). In NO OTHER WAY can we today learn God's will. It comes only by reading, or hearing proclaimed, this Gospel message (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Jesus said, If a man love me, he will keep my _______ (John 14:23). Friend, do you love Jesus? You say YES! Then why are you NOT keeping His WORDS? (cf. Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21). Many of you are quick to keep the words of a man. Please raise your hand if you keep the words of the Pope (the Catechism). Please raise your hand if keep the words of Joseph Smith, Jr. (the Book of Mormon). Please raise your hand if you keep the words of Buddha, Charles Mason, Charles Russell, Charles Wesley, Ellen G. White, George Fox, John Calvin, King Henry VIII, Martin Luther, Mary Baker Eddy, Mohammed, William Booth, etc., etc.
Many of you are willing to follow the UNINSPIRED words of men, even though by good _______ and fair speeches (they) deceive the hearts of the simple (Romans 16:18). WHY are you willing to follow the words men?
Answer: Because thats the way your parents were raised, and their parents were raised, and now you are being raised, and you hope your children and their children will be raised. But friend, you should let no man _______ you with vain _______ (Ephesians 5:6; cf. Matthew 15:8-9). You must study your Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) and learn the truth (John 17:17). The truth will then set you _______ (John 8:32) from sin and the words of men.
The Gospel came by direct _______ (Galatians 1:12) through the Holy Spirit. It was confirmed (Hebrews 2:3-4) and recorded. The faith has been one time for all time "delivered unto the _______" (Jude 3), and it is perfect (complete), and OUR infallible rule of faith and practice (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). We will be _______ by the written WORD of God (John 12:48). Therefore, we must be governed by the _______ of Christ (Galatians 6:2), the New _______ (Hebrews 9:15), in all religious matters.
CONCLUSION: Today, we DO NOT have Holy Spirit inspired men living, but we have the Spirits inspired BOOK, and we can read that Book, the Bible (for the BIBLE is RIGHT). This is HOW the Spirit teaches all men today.
VII. WHY DO WE TEACH THAT THE BIBLE (and only the Bible) IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD? Speaking NOT only of the Old Testament writings but also of the New Testament, Paul boldly declared: "All _______ is given by _______ of God . . ." (2 Timothy 3:16) [literally, the Scriptures are "God-breathed"]. The Scriptures (the 66 BOOKS of the Bible) are the REVELATION of GOD - the Revelation of God's will - and INSPIRATION is the method by which revelation was delivered. Thus, the Holy Spirit revealed God's will (His WORD) to man, and the manner in which the Spirit did this was through the prophets of the Old Testament (cf. 1 Peter 1:9-12; 2 Peter 1:21), and through His "holy _______ and prophets" (Ephesians 3:5) of the New Testament.
What is Verbal Inspiration? The WISDOM of men knew NOT the great truths of Christianity, for Paul stated: "But we [apostles, inspired men] speak the _______ of God in a mystery, even the hidden _______, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew...For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the _______ of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the _______ of God. Now we [apostles, inspired men] have _______, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might _______ the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we [apostles, inspired men] speak, not in the words which man's _______ teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual [words, ASV]" (1 Corinthians 2:7-13). This is a Verbal INSPIRATION.
Now, what about the man of the world, the UNINSPIRED man? "But the _______ man receiveth _______ the things of the _______ of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are _______ discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). This is a very significant statement, but it has often been taken out of context and grossly perverted. Some FALSE teachers say the "natural man" CANNOT receive the Spirit. However, Paul said he does NOT receive the _______ of the Spirit - i.e., the natural man is NOT inspired.
The NIV and ESV deceitfully change verse 14 to say man cannot "understand" the things of the Spirit. This change has been made to deceive the sinner into believing a DIRECT OPERATION of the Holy Spirit is necessary to convert him; then he can understand and appreciate the things of the Spirit. But Paul did NOT say that the unregenerate man cannot understand or grasp the things of the Spirit, the Word of God. Paul was CONTRASTING human philosophy with divine revelation. He was NOT speaking of conversion; he was talking about inspiration.
There is nothing in this verse that supports the THEORY of a direct operation of the Spirit to enable a sinner to understand the Gospel and obey it. The Bible does NOT teach that a person is born in sin, TOTALLY DEPRAVED, and thereby needs a Direct Operation of the Spirit for conversion. That doctrine is simply a false teaching being taught (and blindly followed) by many who worship God according to the teachings of John Calvin (many major Protestant denominations).
The "natural man" in this statement is the UNINSPIRED man; the "spiritual man" (v. 15) is the man INSPIRED by the Spirit. The apostles had to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to know the things of the mind of God and to reveal them to man in words selected by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The apostles, therefore, were given the "_______ of reconciliation (v. 18); so they preached the "_______ of reconciliation" (v. 19); because they were the "_______ for Christ" (v. 20).
The things of God concerning salvation by the blood of Christ for both Jews and Gentiles in the One body [the CHURCH] (Ephesians 2:13-16), were NOT known to man prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles and His Revelation of this truth through them. The Holy Spirit searched and revealed the _______ things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). The apostles preached the _______ unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven (1 Peter 1:11-12). The Holy Spirit taught the apostles _______ things (John 14:26); He guided them into _______ truth (John 16:13). The POWER of the _______ of God was in the inspired apostles (Romans 15:19-20).
Why were INSPIRED men needed at the beginning of Christianity? Answer: Because the early Christians had no New Testament from which to read. Now we have that inspired teaching which the apostles and prophets gave in the Scriptures (the BIBLE). The "mystery" of the will of God has now been made known, and the New Testament system is "the law of the _______ of life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:2). The apostles finished their work. They had NO successors. ALL modern day men who claim to be APOSTLES or successors to Peter and the apostles are FALSE _______, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the _______ of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13; cf. 1 John 4:1).
CONCLUSION: The work of the Holy Spirit to reveal, record, and guarantee Gods divine message of Christianity (the New Testament) to the world has been accomplished (read and study Romans 15:19; 16:25-26; Mark 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2:13). The Holy Spirit, however, in His MIRACULOUS power, does NOT accompany preachers or teachers today.
VIII. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT OPERATE ON THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF MEN TODAY FOR THEIR SALVATION? Loved ones, all the truth has been given (John 16:13), confirmed (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4), and recorded in the Bible (Ephesians 3:3-4). Therefore, the influence of the Spirit upon the human mind for MAN'S SALVATION is ONLY through the Word, His Gospel message. Everything the Spirit does to save the lost soul the Word does also (search the Scriptures and see for yourself). Thus, the Spirit works through the Word which is His _______ (Ephesians 6:17).
In conversion, the Holy Spirit does NOT operate independent of the Word on the sinner's heart by a "direct" impact to bring about his salvation. The Bible does NOT teach that the Word, unless accompanied by a "direct influence" of the Spirit, is dead; and therefore has no power to convert or turn sinners to God. Paul clearly stated: "For I am not ashamed of the _______ of Christ; for _______ is the _______ of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
The Gospel is God's power to save; it is the means that God has appointed to save sinners (cf. Isaiah 55:10-11). The Greek word in Romans 1:16 translated "power" is dunamis. Our English words "dynamo," "dynamic," "dynamite" come from this same Greek word. All these words suggest POWER. The Gospel is God's dynamite unto salvation! Concerning His powerful Word, God said through Jeremiah: Is not my _______ like as a fire...and like a hammer that _______ the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29).
Some of you reading this lesson THINK you have had a "Direct Operation" of the Spirit, but all you have had is an emotional experience." Your "experience" is no proof that you are right with God. What is the power that converts mens souls? The Bible says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, _______ the soul" (Psalm 19:7; cf. 119:9). "For the _______ of God is quick, and powerful [living, and active, ASV], and sharper than any two-edged sword . . . " (Hebrews 4:12). The Holy Spirit gave by inspiration the Scriptures, and when the Scriptures influence men, the Spirit operates on men. Everything that is necessary to conversion is represented in the Bible as being accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Note a few examples:
(1) A person needs faith, for "...he that _______ not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16), and "without _______ it is impossible to please" God (Hebrews 11:6). But how does faith come? "So then faith cometh by _______, and hearing by the _______ of God" (Romans 10:17; cf. John 20:30-31).
(2) Men need to be drawn to Christ. But how is it done? It is by being taught and by learning the Gospel that men are drawn (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Jesus said: "And they shall be all _______ of God. Every man therefore that hath _______, and hath _______ of the Father, cometh unto me" (John 6:45). Men are NOT drawn to the Lord by some "direct" power of the Spirit. The Gospel is the power to draw men to Christ. Paul said God calls us by the _______ (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
(3) Alien sinners need to be begotten of God and born again (John 3:3-5). But how is it done? James 1:18 says: "Of his own will _______ he us with the _______ of truth." Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "I have _______ you through the gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15; cf. Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Peter wrote to Christians: "Being _______ again (having been begotten again, ASV), not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the _______ of God, which liveth and abideth forever" (1 Peter 1:23).
"The seed is the _______ of God" (Luke 8:11). Life is in the seed. In the new birth the Spirit works in and through the Gospel. One is begotten of the Word when he becomes an obedient believer (1 John 5:1). Since the Spirit is the AUTHOR of the Word, this explains how one is begotten or born of the Spirit; it is only as the Spirit works through the Word. No one is born again without the Word. The "water" in the new birth refers to baptism (John 3:5 is a parallel to Mark 16:16).
(4) People need to be purified. But how is it done? The Bible says, "Seeing ye have ______ your souls in _______ the truth through the Spirit . . . (1 Peter 1:22). Thus, purification comes by obedience to the Word. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the_______, and the _______ shall make you free" (John 8:32). One must KNOW and OBEY the truth (the Gospel) to be made free from sin (cf. Hebrews 5:8-9).
(5) The sinner needs to be quickened or made alive (Ephesians 2:1). But how is it done? The Psalmist wrote, This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath _______ me" (Psalm 119:50). "I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast _______ me" (Psalm 119:93). The Words of the Spirit give life; for Jesus said, "it is the spirit that _______; the flesh profiteth nothing: the _______ that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are _______" (John 6:63).
(6) The conversion of those on the day of Pentecost shows how people are "quickened," or spiritually made alive. Luke says that after the people had heard Peter's sermon they were _______ in their heart" (Acts 2:37). On that day hearts were pierced, people were convicted, and about _______ thousand turned to the Lord and were baptized (v. 41). The Gospel was the POWER which converted these individuals; the Spirit influenced them by His Words. Since the Word of God is "the _______ of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17), it was the Word preached by the Spirit through the apostles that "pricked" these people in their hearts. The Spirit did the work, but NOT in a DIRECT manner. This one example plainly shows HOW the Holy Spirit operates upon sinners in conversion.
(7) However, the same is true in EVERY example of conversion in the book of Acts. The Word of God - God's power unto_______ (Romans 1:16) - was always taught. By hearing, believing, and obeying the Gospel, as those did on the day of Pentecost, people are converted, or born again; born of _______ and of the Spirit (John 3:5). The Gospel is the INSTRUMENT which the Holy Spirit always uses in His work of conversion - in quickening the soul. When an act is said to have been done by a person AND by a certain instrument, it is clearly understood that the person performed the act, but used his instrument as a means.
(8) What saves our souls? James says the engrafted Word of God is able to _______" our souls (James 1:21; cf. Acts 11:14). The false theory of a "Direct Operation" of the Spirit destroys man's moral freedom, makes salvation wholly unconditional, and charges God as being a respecter of persons. If the Spirit operates DIRECTLY on sinners, why are NOT all sinners saved? If God sends a "direct," irresistible operation of the Holy Spirit to one person, He must send it to all, or show respect of persons. Yet, the Bible says that God is no _______ of persons" (Acts 10:34-35).
Paul wrote: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for _______, for reproof, for correction, for _______ in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Peter affirmed: "According as his divine power hath given unto us _______ things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the _______ of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3).
The Holy Spirit is the agent in every conversion, and whenever the Word of God is faithfully preached, the Spirit works through the Word upon the mind and heart of the hearer for the purpose of making him a child of God; but only those who gladly receive the Spirit's teaching and become obedient to it are saved. On the day of Pentecost, they that gladly _______ the word were baptized: and the same day there were _______ unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41, cf. vs. 47).
CONCLUSION: Man has the moral freedom to accept or reject the word (cf. Acts 7:51). Its our fervent prayer that you will NOT be among those who reject it (John 12:48).
IX. HOW DID SOME (other than the Apostles) DO MIRACLES? Some of the early members of the church had miraculous gifts imparted by the laying on of the _______ hands (Acts 8:18; Acts 6:6, 8; 19:6; Romans 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:6). These gifts were miraculous manifestations of the POWER of the Holy Spirit, but this was NOT the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. These gifts were always bestowed by an apostle laying his hands on the person. The person receiving the miraculous gift from the Spirit could NOT in turn pass it on to someone else (Acts 8:14-20).
Christians who possessed these gifts were to use them for the edification of the _______, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, 26). These members in the Apostolic Age were needed as helpers to the apostles, since the apostles could NOT always remain with all the congregations. These gifts were extant (existing) before the complete will of God (the New Testament) had been given and recorded. Possessing any of these gifts did NOT save ones soul nor make the one any more spiritual or devoted in his own personal life.
How long were these gifts to last? These gifts were temporary and were to cease with the completion of the last will and testament, the NEW _______ (Hebrews 9:15). The Bible says, "Charity never_______: but whether there be ______, they shall fail; whether there be _____, they shall cease; whether there be _____, it shall vanish away" (1 Corinthians 13:8). When would this happen? "But when that which is _______ is come, then that which is in _______ shall be done away" (v. 10). That "which is perfect" - that perfect thing (NOT Christ) - was the word of God, "the _______ law of liberty" (James 1:25), and it has come.
We should now "earnestly contend for the _______ (Gods ONE _______) which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). The Word of God (the Bible) contains all that Christ wants us to believe, teach, and practice religiously; it excludes everything we are NOT to believe, teach, and practice. Once the whole (perfect) body of truth had been one time for all time given and _______ (Hebrews 2:3), then the miraculous gifts ceased (Ephesians 4:7, 11-13). There are NO miracles being done today by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So, this is how and how long these _______ followed the body of believers (Mark 16:17-18). No believer in the first century had ALL the miraculous gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), but the Spirit gave them to every man as He _______ (vs. 11). There is no man living today who has ANY of these miraculous gifts. Why? Because there is no apostle living to bestow them. When the last apostle died, and the last man died on whom an apostle had laid his hands, these gifts ceased. By that time, however, these gifts had served their purpose; the complete will of God had been given and _______ (Mark 16:20).
Loved Ones, the miraculous gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) in the early (1st century) church were just as scaffolding that is needed for the erection of a building that is torn down once the building is finished (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Hence, the purpose of miracles being performed NO longer exists; the means of performing miracles NO longer exists; and the fact of miracles being performed NO longer exists. Indeed, Satan has many workers using power and signs and _______ wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Lying frauds are in abundance today; but real miracles, as we read in the New Testament, are NOT being done or seen.
The so-called "healers" have all been tried and found wanting. Their system is a scheme to make money in the name of religion (Matthew 7:22-23). If the "charismatic" doctrine were demonstrable, they would heal the sick, speak in tongues (unlearned languages), drink poison, take up serpents, and raise the dead. But they cannot do these things. The so-called "Holy Spirit Movement" of today is a hoax, a great deception.
CONCLUSION: The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, which some Christians in the apostolic age possessed by the laying on of the apostles' hands, was a supernatural demonstration of the Spirit but is _______ available for anyone today.
X. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WATER BAPTISM. Some are misleading people by teaching them to pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or for one of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, or by saying that a certain "feeling" is due to some secret influence of the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit. To ASSUME that receiving "the _______ of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38) means receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or receiving some miraculous gift of the Spirit shows an incorrect understanding of the Holy Spirit and His work.
When one is immersed in water (baptized) he should have the proper understanding in his ______ (Romans 6:17) that it is for the _______ of sins (Acts 2:38). At that point he puts on Christ or gets _______ Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4). He receives and begins to enjoy all spiritual blessings, for "all ______ blessings are in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). One of the spiritual blessings in Christ is ______ (2 Timothy 2:10). The child of God can grow and become a partaker of "the ______ nature" (2 Peter 1:4); he can fill his heart with the word of ______ and thereby be guided by the Holy Spirit (Colossians 3:16).
If he remains faithful in God's family he will finally enter in through the _______ into the city (Revelation 22:14); that is, receive the gift of God, _____ _____ through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). The Lord planned for all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, to receive these blessings in the Christian Age as they are CALLED by the _______ (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; cf. Acts 2:39). If we will read, believe, and obey what the Holy Spirit has said in His Word, God will do His part; and we will have all the blessings that the Lord has promised us in this life and eternal life in the _______ to come (Mark 10:30).
Acts 3:19 is an exact parallel to Acts 2:38. Both statements were made by the inspired apostle Peter. "Repent ye therefore, and be _______ [turn again, ASV), that your sins may be _______ _______, when the times of _______ shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). Repent, and be _______...for the _______ of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the _______ ______ (Acts 2:38). Hence, converted = baptized; blotted out = remission; refreshing . . . from the presence of the Lord = the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Likewise, in figurative language 1 Corinthians 12:13 speaks of Christians receiving spiritual blessings from the Holy Spirit: "For by one Spirit [the instruction, teaching of the one Holy Spirit] are we all _______ [immersed in water for the remission of sins] into one _______ [the church], whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have all been made to drink into one _______."
Paul asked a rhetorical question to the Galatians: "Received ye the _______ by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2, cf. 4:6). He showed these Christians that they had become children of God by _______ in Christ (Galatians 3:26), by obeying the Gospel of Christ, and NOT by meritorious works of the Law of Moses. So we receive the Spirit by hearing the message of faith, and by our obedience to that word.
The Bible teaches that Christ dwells in Christians: "Christ in you, the _______ of glory" (Colossians 1:27; cf. Galatians 2:20). God also dwells in Christians: ". . . as God hath said, I will _______ in them, and walk in them" (2 Corinthians 6:16). "If we love one another, God _______ in us" (1 John 4:12). "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God _______ in him, and he in God...and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him" (1 John 4:15-16).
But how does Christ (God - Deity) dwell in Christians? "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by _______ (Ephesians 3:17). The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians exactly the same way that God and Christ dwell in Christians; and when God and Christ dwell in Christians the Holy Spirit is dwelling in them. The Holy Spirit indwells the sinner when he becomes a Christian through obedience to the Word of God (i.e., by faith); the final step being immersion in water so that the _______ of Jesus can wash away his sins (Matthew 26:28). This is how the Godhead indwells Christians today.
What is the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38? Ultimately the gift of the Holy Spirit is the same as the gift of God and "the gift of _______" (Ephesians 4:7).
"The gift of God is _______ life" (Romans 6:23). "The Spirit is _______ because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10). Christians have received "the gift of _______" and shall reign in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17). Christians have received "the gift of the _______ of God" (Ephesians 3:7). Our ultimate salvation is by _______ through faith, which is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Christians have been "sealed with that Holy Spirit of _______, which is the earnest of our _______ until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Lets make our need for water immersion plain. If one is "baptized" (undergoes some religious act involving water) without understanding that being baptized in the name of Christ is an act of faith which is essential to salvation, then he is NOT saved. He is NOT saved because he simply obeyed a mere human doctrine and NOT the doctrine of Christ from his _______ (Romans 6:17).
If one has been taught and obeyed the false doctrine that he was saved by faith only (before water immersion) he is NOT saved. The Bible teaches that a man is justified by works (of obedience), and NOT by ______ only (James 2:24). Faith without works (of obedience) is _______ (James 2:26). Since whatever is dead is powerless, inoperative, and unable to accomplish anything, then obviously the alien sinner cannot be saved and become a child of God by a dead faith (faith only).
If one has been taught that he was saved BEFORE being baptized (immersed in water), he is affirming that one can be saved without doing the will of God (Mark 16:16). Yet, Jesus said, "Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that _______ the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
How is one saved to become a Christian? Answer: one must _______ Christ in order to be saved (Hebrews 5:9). One is saved only when - because of a penitent living faith in Jesus Christ - he is _______ in the name (by the authority of) Jesus Christ (the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:19; cf. Acts 2:38). One is saved either (1) before he is baptized or (2) when he is baptized or (3) after he is baptized. These are the only possibilities. The truth of the matter is: one is saved WHEN (as a penitent believer) he is baptized _______ Christ (Galatians 3:27). The other two possibilities are false.
So, no matter how religious, how sincere, how zealous, and so on a person may be, if he has NOT been baptized (immersed in water) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins, then he is NOT a child of God; he is NOT a Christian.
Every child of God (that is, every Christian) is a member of the church of Christ (the church described on the pages of the New Testament, the church which Jesus _______ with His own blood (Acts 20:28). There is NOT one Christian living on earth today who is NOT a member of that church. Every other "church" is of human origin and, thus, is NOT authorized by God. Salvation is only in the church that _______ built (Matthew 16:18).
CONCLUSION: May every person _______ himself, take up his cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23) - NOT men or the doctrines of men.
XI. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE WORD AND THE CHRISTIAN. The influence of the Spirit upon the human mind is through the Word, His Gospel message. Everything the Spirit does to save the lost soul the Word does also. Thus, the Spirit works through the Word which is His _______ (Ephesians 6:17). After one becomes a Christian, he receives the indwelling _______ of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; cf. Romans 8:9-10). However, he still needs GUIDANCE in living the Christian life. How does that guidance come? "Thy _______ is a lamp unto my _______, and a light unto my _______" (Psalm 119:105). "The entrance of thy _______ giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalm 119:130). Thus, God's Word furnishes guidance.
Additionally, after one becomes a Christian, the Bible says, "Likewise the _______ (who with Christ indwells the Christian's heart by _______ Ephesians 3:17) also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit HIMSELF maketh _______ for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26). What a comfort to know that the Holy Spirit intercedes in prayer for the Christian as he walks in the _______ (Galatians 5:16).
Christians need to be strengthened and built up in the faith. But how is it done? Paul said to the elders of the church at Ephesus: "I commend you to God, and to the _______ of his grace, which is able to _______ you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). Christians are strengthened with might by his _______ in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16). Jesus said: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every _______ that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). The Psalmist said: "Strengthen thou me according unto thy _______" (Psalm 119:28). The Word of God effectually _______ also in you that believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Children of God need to grow (2 Peter 3:18). But how is it done? Peter admonished Christians: "As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the _______, that ye may _______ thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).
Christians are to be led by the Spirit: "For as many as are _______ by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14; cf. Galatians 5:18). But how is it done? "Thou shalt guide me with thy _______, and afterward receive me to glory" (Psalm 73:24). Thus, Christians are led as they follow the teaching of the Spirit in the Word.
Since Christians walk by _______, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), we understand that this means we walk by the Word, because _______ cometh by hearing, and hearing by the _______ of God (Romans 10:17). The Spirit leads, guides, and directs the child of God through the Word. Christians who live by the instruction of the Spirit, as obedient children, bring forth the "fruit of the _______" (Galatians 5:22-25). The Word produces or brings forth that _______ (Colossians 1:5-6).
Children of God need to live holy lives before the Father. But how is it done? The Bible teaches that the body is NOT to be given over to unrighteous acts, especially sex outside of marriage (1 Corinthians 6:9-20). One of the apostle's effective arguments for the sanctity of the Christian's body is that the Holy Spirit indwells that body as the temple of God; hence, those saints were to _______ the Father in their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
"The Spirit himself beareth witness with our _______, that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16 ASV). There is the joint testimony of two spirits - the Holy Spirit and man's spirit. "Or know ye not that your _______ is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: glorify _______ therefore in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19).
We are confident that an awareness of the Spirit's abiding presence can be a powerful motivation to godly living. The indwelling of the Spirit and a strong providential activity aids our own spiritual development toward its highest potential. Though the age of miracles is over, spiritual relationships and spiritual activities are NOT over! The awareness that the third member of the Godhead dwells within us is a tremendous incentive to holiness.
Since the influence of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind for man's salvation is accomplished through the Word, our appeal is for people to believe all that the Bible teaches and practice all that it commands. Christians too must, "hear what the _______ saith unto the churches" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).
CONCLUSION: May we all continue to read and study the grand Book of God (the Bible). May we believe it, love it and obey it, letting the Holy Spirit lead us through His Word, while we trust God for the fulfillment of all of His promises, until some sweet day heaven will be our eternal home.
XII. WHO RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? There are many and various ideas about Holy Spirit Baptism. These ideas range from "I don't have any idea" to the bizarre. Some claim that Holy Spirit baptism is for all time. They cite Hebrews 13:9, "Jesus Christ, the _______ yesterday, today and forever." Others claim that Holy Spirit baptism is necessary for salvation. Still others declare that baptism in the Holy Spirit is necessary before one can understand the scriptures.
This subject is crucial to our understanding and every child of God should have the Bible answer to the above question in order to teach others correctly (1 Peter 3:15). Even though the Bible does NOT have a great deal to say about this subject, it tells us enough so we can come to some definite conclusions. Because the recipients and purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit has NOT been established in the hearts of many Christians and those who profess Christianity, we will continue to see people go off the deep end by NOT being able to distinguish the genuine from the counterfeits. We believe and will prove that there are only TWO recorded instances of Holy Spirit Baptism in the New Testament and the implication of one.
The recorded instances are found in Acts 2:1-4 (upon the Jews) and Acts 10:44-47 (upon the Gentiles); the ONE implied is Paul. Paul stated that he was made an apostle NOT by _______, but by Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1). If the empowering that made him an apostle came through human agency, then he was made an apostle by men; since he denied that his apostleship was conferred upon him by human agency, we must assume that Jesus Himself empowered him for his apostleship by baptizing him with the Holy Spirit.
Today we will begin with the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Jewish flesh. First of all, the word "baptism" is defined as an immersion, to submerge, a burial, a covering, or an overwhelming. Therefore, when we talk about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we are talking about the Holy Spirit overwhelming, covering, or immersing its recipients to the degree of power that all truth will be revealed to them and they will perform mighty works.
Lets illustrate the meaning of baptism by the statement of Jesus in Matthew 20:22, 'But Jesus answered and said, ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the _______ that I am baptized with?" Here Jesus called His suffering a baptism. It is clearly understood that Jesus used the word baptism because it conveyed the very idea that He was going to be immersed, submerged, overwhelmed, or covered with suffering and death. Was Jesus sprinkled with suffering, poured with suffering or buried with suffering? Friends, the meaning is clear. Let us therefore pursue a scriptural study of this important Bible subject.
While in the wilderness of Judaea, John the baptizer preached to those who were coming out from "Jerusalem and all _______, and all the region round about the Jordan, and were _______ of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of _______ who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:5-7). Thus, John was addressing a mixed audience made up of faithful Jews as well as the insincere and hypocritical. It was to this mixed multitude that John addressed these words: I indeed baptize you with _______ unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with _______: whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the _______ with unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:11-12).
There are three different baptisms mentioned in this one passage. 1) John's Water Baptism. 2) Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost Baptism. 3) Fire Baptism. The people who will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit are NOT the same people who will receive the baptism with Fire. The Fire Baptism will be issued to the wicked (Matthew 3:7-12). Those who submitted to John's baptism had no promise of fire at all (Mark 1:8). There is no Biblical record of the good and obedient being baptized with fire. Fire is for that which is no good. Flaming _______ is for the disobedient (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8); for the _______ and his angels (Matthew 25:41; cf. Revelation 20:10-15).
The wheat refers to the righteous, but the chaff refers to the wicked. The branches that do NOT bring forth good fruit are taken away and cast into the fire, and they are _______ (John 15:6). John the baptizer was informing the Pharisees and Sadducees of God's impending wrath upon them. The passage is clear once you consider the entire context.
All we need to do now is find out who is going to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:2-5, as Jesus discoursed with his apostles shortly before his ascension, He charged them to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the _______ of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but _______ shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (vs. 4-5). Notice that Jesus here omits baptism in fire, evidently because the apostles were NOT to receive it.
In Luke 24:49; Jesus says, "And behold, I send the promise of my _______ upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." So again we see that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a "Promise." The apostles remained in Jerusalem as they were instructed and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit as they were promised. In Acts chapter one, Matthias is chosen to replace Judas, "and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26). In the next verse, Luke records: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, _______ were all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1). What could be plainer than the fact that the antecedent of "they," as used in Acts 2:1, is the word "apostles," as used in Acts 1:26? To go back to Acts 1:15, to find the antecedent of "they" in the "hundred and twenty" brethren is to violate every rule of grammatical construction.
It is clear that the Holy Spirit ("power from on high" promised to the apostles in Luke 24:49) came only upon the apostles as recorded in Acts 2. "And they were all _______ with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4).
Note that those who were filled with the Spirit were the ones who were speaking (Acts 2:4); the speakers were all _______ (Acts 2:7). It was Peter, "standing up with the _______" who refuted the mockers (Acts 2:14). The response of the audience was addressed to "Peter and the rest of the _______" (Acts 2:37). The apostles were special witnesses of the _______ of Christ (Acts 1:22) and are the ones who received the message and the accompanying miraculous gifts on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:32-33).
CONCLUSION: Jesus promised the apostles: "Ye shall be _______ in the Holy Spirit not many days hence" (Acts 1:5). The apostles were to be witnesses of Christ in _______, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Therefore, we conclude that ONLY the apostles and NOT the one hundred twenty received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
XIII. WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM? From numerous statements of Jesus, the purpose of the apostles' baptism in the Holy Spirit may be demonstrated. (1) The Holy Spirit was to abide with them and be _______ them (John 14:17). (2) The Holy Spirit was to _______ them all things (John 14:26). (3) The Holy Spirit was to cause them to remember _______ things he had taught them (John 14:26). (4) The Holy Spirit was to _______ of Jesus (John 15:26). (5) The Holy Spirit would _______ the apostles into all truth and declare to them things to come (John 16:13). (6) The Holy Spirit would _______ Jesus and give his words to the apostles (John 16:14).
In other words, the Holy Spirit Baptism came upon the apostles to enable them to do what Jesus had commissioned them to do, i.e., to usher or bring in the Kingdom of God with power. Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the _______ of God come with power" (Mark 9:1). During the period of regeneration while the Son of man sits on His throne they were commissioned to "sit on twelve _______ judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28 the Israel of _______ - Galatians 6:16 the church of Christ). They were commissioned to reveal, confirm and record for all time to come the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Accompanying the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles were miraculous gifts to confirm the Word preached. Jesus, immediately before His ascension, promised the apostles that _______ would follow their preaching (Mark 16:17-18). Ten days later, they were baptized in the Holy Spirit "and began to speak with other _______, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4). From Pentecost on, the apostles "went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and _______ the word with signs following" (Mark 16:20). "And fear came upon every soul: and many _______ and signs were done by the apostles" (Acts 2:43). Furthermore, the apostles were given the ability to impart miraculous gifts to others, through the _______ on of their hands (Acts 8:14-18).
The second recorded instance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred on Gentile flesh with Cornelius and his household. It is stated in these words: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the _______ which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the _______ also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have _______ the Holy Ghost as well as we? (Acts 10:44-47).
Later, as Peter rehearsed the events of the conversion of Cornelius he said: And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the _______. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like _______ as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? (Acts 11:15-17). Notice the word "the like gift." The Greek word for like means equal. Literally, making them, equally with us, recipients of the Holy Spirit.
Again, at Jerusalem some time later, Peter defended his preaching to the Gentiles saying: "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare _______ witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us" (Acts 15:8). From these statements it is evident that the purpose of Cornelius and his household being baptized with the Holy Spirit was to convince the Jews that Gentiles were to be accepted for salvation on equality with the Jews, i.e., to prove to the Jews that God had granted repentance unto _______ unto the Gentiles (Acts 11:18). It was a mark of the divine acceptance of Gentiles as disciples. If God had conferred on the Gentiles the baptism of the Holy Spirit, how could man refuse to them all the blessings of the Gospel? How could Christian Jews call men common and unclean upon whom God had bestowed the baptism of the Holy Spirit? (cf. Acts 10:15).
It is sometime argued that Cornelius did NOT receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit because he did NOT know what the apostles knew; he had no inspiration that the Holy Spirit Baptism imparted; he could NOT do what the apostles did (except speak with _______ Acts 10:46); and he was therefore NOT endued nor clothed with the power which the Holy Spirit baptism bestowed. If it can be proved that God's purpose is the same in each case of Holy Spirit Baptism, then this argument would be valid. However, one can only do by the Holy Spirit that which is authorized by God. For example, John the baptizer was "_______ with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb" (Luke 1:15). Yet John performed no _______ (John 10:41).
The Bible reveals that one could receive the same degree of the Holy Spirit, yet NOT be able to do the same thing if God's purpose was different. Many Christians received the same miraculous degree of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the apostles' hands, but they all couldn't do the same thing. Why NOT, if the same degree of power always demands the same accomplishments? Therefore, we are convinced that Cornelius and his household were baptized in the Holy Spirit, even as the apostles at the beginning!
Before closing this study, lets consider some false claims concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some claim that it is necessary for salvation and often call upon folks to pray for it. However, let us keep in mind that Holy Spirit Baptism was a _______ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4), NOT a command; it was to be administered by _______ (Matthew 3:11), NOT man; it was for information and inspiration, NOT salvation. Baptism in water, for the _______ of sins (Acts 2:38) or salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21), is a command to be obeyed by man and administered by man. Even though Cornelius received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he was _______ to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48).
Some have erroneously concluded from Peter's quotation of Joel 2:28-30 (Acts 2:17-21) that there would be a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit and "all _______" (vs. 17) would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, the term "all flesh" must be qualified or the Holy Spirit will be poured out on beasts, fish and _______ (1 Corinthians 15:39). The prophecy of Joel has to do with the Holy Spirit being made available to both Jew and Gentile (all flesh). This is evident from Peter's statement in Acts 15:8, "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving _______ the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us."
The miraculous gifts such as prophecy and speaking in tongues mentioned by Joel and bestowed on first-century Christians (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Acts 8:12-13) ceased at the completion of the divine revelation, i.e., the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). We now have God's word, perfect, complete and confirmed by miracles of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:3-4). The need for tongues, prophecy, Holy Spirit Baptism, and the laying on of the apostles' hands, etc., has been fulfilled (Ephesians 4:7-16).
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a PROMISE fulfilled on Pentecost and at the house of Cornelius. It was NOT for the purpose of salvation. It did NOT guarantee a sinless life. Even the apostle Peter behaved badly at Antioch and was rebuked by Paul (Galatians 2:11-14). It is NOT being administered today. The people on the day of Pentecost were pricked in their _______ by the message preached (Acts 2:36-41). Cornelius was told to send for Peter "who shall tell thee _______, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved" (Acts 11:14).
CONCLUSION: We urge all to study the Word given by the Holy Spirit and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4). The Lord will then add your saved soul to the _______ that Jesus built (Acts 2:47; cf. Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16).
ANSWERS
I. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT! Father, Spirit, Christ, Love, God, Speak, Lost, Kingdom, Lepers, All, Gospel, Forgiveness, Uttermost, Jerusalem, Confirming, Holy Spirit
II. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? Compassion, Might, Communion, Moved, Image, Life, Forever, Dwells, Comforter, Jesus, World, Gift, Witness, Witness, Witness, Love, Infirmities, Intercession, Teacher, Image, Earnest, Seal, Grieved, Joy, Quenched, Speaks, Renews, Truth, Sword, Word, Given, Promise, Gift, Water, Spirit, Obey, Faith, Roaring, World, Lord, Stand, Spirit, Quenching, Grieves, Word, Jesus, Perish, Men, Remission, Church
III. WHAT IS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? Seed, Seed, Seed, Seed, Christ, Seed, Time, Sins, Prophets, Spirit, Speak, Spirit, Prophets, Spirit, Spirit, Depart, Faith, Devils, Truth, Error, Godhead, Father, Son, Holy, One, He, Moved, Garnished, Spirit, Written, Prepared, Spirit, God, God, Revealed, Purpose, Beginning, Lord, Confirmed, Save, Liberty
IV. WHAT PROMISES DID CHRIST MAKE TO THE APOSTLES CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT? Comforter, With, In, World, Teach, Remembrance, Divide, Beginning, Believe, Spirit, Hear, Speak, Truth, Sin, Righteousness, Judgment, Jerusalem, Power, Spirit, Holy
V. WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW DID THE HOLY SPIRIT COME UPON THE APOSTLES? Jerusalem, Heaven, Them, They, Power, False, Heart, Do, Baptized, For, Gift, Jerusalem, Gladly, Baptized, Added, Apostles, Church, Pentecost, Jerusalem, Father, Christians
VI. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACH US TODAY? Words, Read, Spirit, Eternal, Saved, Word, Spake, Ghost, Tongues, Spirit, Words, Words, Deceive, Words, Free, Revelation, Saints, Judged, Law, Testament
VII. WHY DO WE TEACH THAT THE BIBLE (and only the Bible) IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD? Scripture, Inspiration, Apostles, Wisdom, Wisdom, Spirit, Spirit, Received, Know, Wisdom, Natural, Not, Spirit, Spiritually, Things, Ministry, Word, Ambassadors, Deep, Gospel, All, All, Spirit, Spirit, Apostles, Apostles
VIII. HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT OPERATE ON THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF MEN TODAY FOR THEIR SALVATION? Sword, Gospel, It, Power, Word, Breaketh, Converting, Word, Believeth, Faith, Hearing, Word, Taught, Heard, Learned, Gospel, Begat, Word, Begotten, Born, Word, Word, Purified, Obeying, Truth, Truth, Quickened, Quickened, Quickeneth, Words, Life, Pricked, Three, Sword, Salvation, Water, Save, Respecter, Doctrine, Instruction, All, Knowledge, Received, Added
IX. HOW DID SOME (other than the Apostles) DO MIRACLES? Apostles, Church, New, Faileth, Prophecies, Tongues, Knowledge, Perfect, Part, Perfect, Faith, Faith, Confirmed, Signs, Will, Confirmed, Lying, Not
X. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WATER BAPTISM. Gift, Heart, Remission, Into, Spiritual, Salvation, Divine, Christ, Gates, Eternal Life, Gospel, World, Converted, Blotted Out, Refreshing, Baptized, Remission, Holy Spirit, Baptized, Body, Spirit, Spirit, Faith, Hope, Dwell, Dwelleth, Dwelleth, Faith, Blood, Christ, Eternal, Life, Righteousness, Grace, Grace, Promise, Inheritance, Heart, Faith, Dead, Doeth, Obey, Baptized, Into, Purchased, Built, Deny
XI. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE WORD, AND THE CHRISTIAN. Sword, Gift, Word, Feet, Path, Words, Spirit, Faith, Intercession, Spirit, Word, Build, Spirit, Word, Word, Worketh, Word, Grow, Led, Counsel, Faith, Faith, Word, Spirit, Fruit, Glorify, Spirit, Body, God, Spirit
XII. WHO RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? Same, Men, Baptism, Judaea, Baptized, Vipers, Water, Fire, Chaff, Fire, Devil, Burned, Promise, Ye, Father, They, Filled, Galileans, Eleven, Apostles, Resurrection, Baptized, Jerusalem
XIII. WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM? In, Teach, All, Testify, Guide, Glorify, Kingdom, Thrones, God, Signs, Tongues, Confirming, Wonders, Laying, Circumcision, Gentiles, Received, Beginning, Gift, Them, Life, Tongues, Filled, Miracle, Promise, Christ, Remission, Commanded, Flesh, Birds, Them, Heart, Words, Church