Kingdom Principle: Be Filled, Endowed, Rested upon, and Baptized in the Spirit of God so that you might move in power to advance the Kingdom.

Baptize, Endow, Rest, Fill, Give – these are the acts of the Sprit of God.

Receive, Express, Renew, Overflow, Accept – these are the acknowledgments of Spirit-filled followers.

This post is one that is on a “difficult or dangerous” topic… especially for a recently ordained, but long time reformed pastor. I have not filled it with numerous scripture references to “prove” my point, nor am I writing to challenge another’s understanding. I am merely responding to the Scripture as the Spirit leads me and attempting to articulate the truth as I understand it. I found a most resourceful ebook, that in 50 pages gives all the Scriptures resources and further explains my thoughts and I have also been influenced by his… download the free short e-book “The Promise of the Spirit: A Reformed View” by Peter Garner. This is available to download now.  The post below will highlight the difference between the act of being born of the Spirit and baptized in the Spirit.

Born of the Holy Spirit as Regeneration & Salvation

Being “Born again” is a work of the Spirit to lead us to Jesus

This act is completely dependent on God alone – We respond in faith to the grace of Christ which is moved on us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are Born Again – Washed and Redeemed – and therefore we are justified in Christ. This washing is absolutely necessary to live our life identified with Christ and is expressed in the waters of baptism.  The cleansing of our conscience and being made alive of our spirit sets in motion the work of sanctification throughout the rest of our lives on earth. This process is worked out in faith as we seek the Righteousness of Christ  and we are clothed and covered with His Holiness. Thus in Christ alone are we made righteous and holy. In this process the” Roots of the Holy Spirit” begin to grow as the Seed of Christ takes root in us.

The Roots of Holy Spirit – Counsel in Truth (John 14:26, 16:13), Conviction of Sin, Righteousness & Judgment (John 16:8, 1Thess. 1:5), Comfort in Weakness (Romans 8:26, 2 Cor. 1:5, Phil 2:1-2), Clarity of Speech (Luke 12:12,1Cor. 2:13), & Confident Humility (Eph. 4:1-3, Phil 3:3, 2 Cor. 1:12), Commitment for Future (2 Cor 1:22, Eph 1:14, 2 Tim 1:14)

If you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it is only because you have the Holy Spirit in your life. This act of the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift anyone of us can ever experience. We are saved by grace through faith. The “Roots of the Holy Spirit” increase and grow as we abide with the Father through the mediation of the Son, thus the Fruit of the Holy Spirit is produced in us. While it is possible to grieve and quench the Spirit, the natural process of growth shall lead us to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

The Fruit of Holy Spirit – Gal 5:22-25 is to walk in step with the Spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit as Filling of Gifts & Power

Being “baptized in the Spirit” is a work of Jesus leading us into the power of the Holy Spirit.

This act is not simply a natural growth process, but it is a normal and expected process (established in the Old & New Testaments) which results as a collaborative experience between God and His people. Jesus came to earth to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and through his Life, Death & Resurrection tore the veil opening up the heavens unto earth.  Pentecost is celebrated as the anointing moment for the church to be birthed in the Spirit. The Kingdom of God is deeper, richer, more mysterious, and is truly beyond our comprehension.  While we must be born of the Spirit to see the Kingdom, we must be baptized in the Spirit to move power and service of the Kingdom. (This means many people who have not considered themselves “baptized in the Spirit” have actually received such experience, but their lack of clarity on the subject is preventing a further work and greater power from being administered.) This baptism is not unto one’s own glory, rather for the glory of the Almighty King and for the works of service to equip and edify the body. Further this baptism is not a one-time event as is being born of the Spirit, rather it is the filling of power for the work and witness of service for the Kingdom. It is imparted most often to the servants of the Kingdom through the laying on of hands and prayer in Jesus Name. (Thus it is a work of Jesus and not human effort or by merit)

The Gifts and Power of Holy Spirit can be organized in three categories. (A future post on the division of these, Motivation – Romans 12;  Manifestation – 1 Cor. 12 &14; Mobilization – Ephesians 4… anointing lays the foundation for the giving of all gifts and power) These are given in order for the church to move forward and advance the kingdom in power.

What does all this have to do with the Advent Season – The Bride (church) is not to be waiting in vain or fear or frustration for the Bridegroom to appear. We are to forcefully advance the Kingdom unto the second coming of Christ. This is only possible in the Power and Works of the Holy Spirit. The Disciples were with the Resurrected Jesus and he told them to wait until Power from on High was poured out on them…. Then they were to go.  We must also receive this same power if we are to go in the ways of the Kingdom as the disciples did.

• Let us seek and ask for all that God has desired to give to us, as His Children.
• Let us not move in vain, fear or frustration, for the King does not move in this way.
• May we move in peace and prosperity.
• May we move to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
• May we move in strength, power and endurance the race that is set before us.
• May we move like the rain to saturate the earth.