Dennis Smith

Baptism of the
Holy Spirit
A 10 Day Devotional Study
Dennis Smith
Copyright 2013 by Dennis Smith
Table of Contents
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic,
How to Use This 10 Day Devotional Study
mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other – except for brief quotations
in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the author.
Day Title Page
Printed in the USA
1 Introduction and Personal Experiences 10
Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy
2 Two Great Outpourings of the Spirit 14
Bible, King James Version.
3 An Observable Difference 22
Scripture marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International
Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
4 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit 30
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible
Society.
5 Receiving Christ in Fullness 44
ISBN: 978-0-9841085-3-4
6 Obedience from the Heart 50
Cover and text by ChristianDsign.com
7 The Sealing and Shaking 57
8 The Fruit of the Spirit 66
9 Walking in the Spirit 73
10 Prayer and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 81
Appendix 1 – One Church’s Experience 92
Appendix 2 – Ellen White and the Holy Spirit 97
About Colin Hone - Distributor of this 10 Day Devotional 110

How to Use this
Devotional Study
The disciples had spent day after day with Christ for three and a half years. They
sat
Theatdisciples
His feet and had listened
spent day to after
His instruction.
day with Christ They saw Him heal
for three and the sick,
a half cast
years.
out
They devils,
sat atfeed
His thousands with a to
feet and listened young boy’s lunch They
His instruction. and evensaw raise
Him thehealdead
the
to life. They themselves had been sent out by Jesus to preach the gospel, heal
sick, cast out devils, feed thousands with a young boy’s lunch and even raise
the sick and cast out devils in His name. When the seventy returned they were
the deadatto
amazed life.they
what They hadthemselves
just experiencedhad been sent out by“Lord,
and exclaimed: Jesuseven to preach the
the devils
gospel, heal the sick and cast out
are subject unto us through thy name..” Luke 10:17. devils in His name. When the seventy re-
turned they were amazed at what they had just experienced
Christ’s disciples had also experienced a devastating disappointment when and exclaimed:
the mob
“And thetook Jesusreturned
seventy that Thursdayagainnight
with in thesaying,
joy, garden.Lord,
They even
witnessed the mock
the devils are
trial andunto
subject terrible crucifixion.
us through thy They
name.”hadLukealso 10:17.
seen Jesus after He was resurrected,
andChrist’s
spent 40disciples
days withhad Himalso before He ascended
experienced thetodevastating
heaven. disappointment
Even though the disciples had experienced all these things and understood
whenthe
what thedeath,
mob burial
took Jesus that Thursday
and resurrection nightwas
of Jesus in the
aboutgarden.
in the They
plan ofwitness
salva-
tion they were not ready to take the gospel to the world as Jesus after
the mock trial and terrible cruci xion. They had also seen Jesus He was
had commis-
resurrected,
sioned them.and spent 40 days with Him before He ascended to heaven.
Even though the disciples had experienced all these things and under-
stood“AndwhatJesus came and
the death, spake
burial andunto them, saying,
resurrection All power
of Jesus was aboutis given untoplan
in the me
in heaven
of salvation theyandwere in earth. Go ye
not ready to therefore,
take the gospeland teach
to theallworld
nations, baptizing
as Jesus had
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
commissioned them.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen..”
“And
Matthew Jesus28:18-20
came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptiz-
No,them
ing theyin were
the lacking
name ofsomething
the Father,very andimportant
of the Son, inand
orderoftothetruly
Holy represent
Ghost:
Jesus to the world,
Teaching them to and preachall
observe thethings
gospel with power.
whatsoever Therefore,
I have commandedJesus com-
you:
manded
and, them;
lo, I am “For with Johnyoutruly baptized
alway, even with
unto water;
the endbutofye theshall be baptized
world. Amen.”
with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.… But ye shall receive power, after
thatMatthew
the Holy 28:18-20
Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of
the No,
earth.”theyActswere1:5,lacking
8 something very important in order to truly repre-
sent Jesus
Jesus told
to the them world,to wait
and to receive
preach thethe baptism
gospel withofpower.
the Holy Spirit before
Therefore, Jesus
they went forth
commanded them;to preach the gospel
“For John and do the
truly baptized withministry
water; of butJesus. So they
ye shall did
be bap-
what Jesusthe
tized with said;Holythey waited.
Ghost “These
not many all hence…
days continuedBut withye one
shallaccord
receive inpower,
prayer
and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto
brethren..” Acts 1:14. They waited in fasting and prayer for ten days. Every day
me both
they met in in the
Jerusalem,
upper room andtoinstudy,
all Judaea,
fast, prayandandin Samaria, and unto
make all things rightthe utter-
between
most part of the earth.” Acts 1:5, 8
one another. Ellen White described their fellowship with the following words:
Jesus told them to wait to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit before
they “These
went forth daystoofpreachpreparation were days
the gospel and do of the
deepministry
heart searching.
of Jesus. The dis-
So they
ciplesJesus
did what felt their
said; spiritual need and
they waited. cried to
“These allthe Lord for the
continued withholy oneunction
accordthat
in
prayerwasand to supplication,
fit them for thewith work theofwomen,
soul saving. They the
and Mary did mother
not ask for a blessing
of Jesus, and
for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salva-
withtion
his brethren.”
of souls. They Actsrealized
1:14. They that waited
the gospelin fasting
was toand prayer for
be carried tenworld,
to the days.
Every day they met in the upper room to study, fast,
and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.” The Acts of the pray and make all things
Apostles, p.37
5
Baptism of the Holy Spirit How to Use this Devotional Study
rightAtbetween
the endone another.
of the ten daysEllen White described
an amazing their fellowship with the
event happened. partner
Jesus Christto fellowship
(Acts 2:41,
with and4:4),pray
andtogether
the baptism with either
of theonHoly the phone
Spiritorbecame
in per-
following words: son every day
available to all during the 10indays
believers Jesusof Christ.
prayer and Thisstudy.
same Holy Spirit inlling is
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one This devotional
available has ten chapters
to every Christian today. And followed
that is by what personal
this 10reflection and dis-
day devotional is
accord days
“These in oneofplace. And suddenly
preparation thereofcame
were days deepaheart
soundsearching.
from heaven Theasdis-
of cussion
all about; questions,
praying for andand
a prayer focus forthe
experiencing that day. Inoforder
baptism to getSpirit.
the Holy the greatest
a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. benefit from this devotional as a church I recommend that your church come
ciples felt their
And there spiritual
appeared unto need
them and cried
cloven to thelike
tongues Lord forfire,
as of theandholy unction
it sat upon together every night for 10 nights to sing, study, pray and share together using
that was to  t them for the work of soul saving. They did
each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began not ask for a The devotional
this following book. paragraphs are adapted
As mentioned above,from youthe book
also need40toDays choose– Prayers
one in the &
blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the
to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there burden of Devotions to Prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, Review
group to become your daily fellowship prayer partner. Each participant in the & Herald Publish-
were
the dwelling
salvation of atsouls.
Jerusalem Jews, devout
They realized men,
that the out ofwas
gospel every
to benation under
carried to group needs to doDennis
ing Association, the same in order to receive the greatest blessings during the
Smith.
heaven.
the world,Nowandwhen
they this was noised
claimed abroad,
the power thatthe multitude
Christ came together,
had promised.” The 10 days.
and were
Acts of theconfounded,
Apostles, p.37 because that every man heard them speak in his own Jesus said, “…if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that
language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Guidelines for Completing the Devotional Study in 10 Weeks in a Small
Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every they shall
Home Group ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven”
At theinend
man ourofownthe tongue,
ten dayswherein
an amazing event
we were happened.
born?” Acts 2:1-8 (Matthew 18:19). There is great power in united prayer. There is also en-
couragement
Many individuals and and
spiritual strength
churches preferfound in Christian
to complete the 10fellowship.
Days devotionalBecause in 10of
“And
Manywhen the day of
in Jerusalem who Pentecost
heard and wassaw fullywhatcome,wasthey were allwere
happening withcon-
one these truths
weeks insteadit of is 10
suggested
days. Duringthat youthe 
10ndweeks
a prayer partner partner”
the “prayer to fellowship with
suggestion
fused. Peterinstood
accord one up and And
place. explained
suddenlywhatthere
they werecameseeing,
a sound from heaven as above
and pray is still strongly
together withrecommended.
either on the phone Also, during the 10every
or in person weeksday those partici-
during the
of a rushing mighty wind, and it lled all the house where they were sit- pating
10 daysmeet in small
of prayer andhome
study.groups no larger than 10 to 12 individuals once a
“ButAnd
ting. Peter, standing
there appearedup with
untothe eleven,
them cloven lifted up hislike
tongues voice, andre,
as of saidand
untoit week to discuss
This devotional that has
week’s
ten devotional study and
chapters followed bypray together.
personal reection and dis-
them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known At the end of the 10 weeks each participant invites the 5 individuals they
sat upon each of them. And they were all  lled with
unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye sup- the Holy Ghost, and cussion questions, and a prayer focus for that
have been praying for to join their small group for Bible studies. day. In order to get(Prayer
the greatest
for 5
began
pose, to speakit with
seeing is butother tongues,
the third hourasofthe theSpirit gavethis
day. But them utterance.
is that which And
was bene t from this devotional as a church I recommend
individuals is described in the next section below). The participants choose that your church comea
there
spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days,nation
were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every saith together
set of Bible every
Study night for to
guides 10use
nights
for atogroup
sing,study
study,topray
shareand theshare
basic together
teachingsus- of
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under I will pourNow outwhen
of my thisSpirit
was upon
noisedallabroad,
flesh: and
the your sons and
multitude cameyour
to- the
ing Bible with the new
this devotional former
book. and non-Adventist
As mentioned above, you attendees
also needwho tohave accepted
choose one
daughters
gether, and shall
were prophesy,
confounded, andbecause
your young men shall
that every mansee visions,
heard themand your
speak in the invitation
in the group to tobecome
join the your
smalldaily
group. At this point
fellowship the partner.
prayer group will have
Each probably
participant
oldown
his menlanguage.
shall dream Anddreams:
they wereAndallonamazed
my servants and on my saying
and marvelled, handmaidens
one to doubled
in the group in size.needs During
to dothe theBible
samestudies
in order in the small group
to receive many ofblessings
the greatest the new
I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:.” Acts attendees will begin attending church and decide to be baptized.
another,
2:14-18Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear during Whenthe the
10 days.
Bible study guides are completed the group must then divide into
we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” Acts 2:1-8 It is also
two groups. Each recommended
group thenthat youthe
begins choose
10 week 5 individuals
devotionaltostudy prayagain,
for who are
which
From the Day of Pentecost onward under the power of the baptism of the either former church members or non-members
now includes the new attendees who have become a part of the group. Eachin your area. Call these indi-
HolyMany
SpiritintheJerusalem
gospel went whoto heard
the then and saw what
known world.was happening
Thousands were Jesus
accepted con- participant
viduals informingonce again themchooses
that your 5 former
churchAdventist
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non-Adventists
a 10 daytoprayerpray
Christ (Acts
fused. 2:41, 4:4),
Peter stood up and andexplained
the baptism whatof they
the Holy
wereSpirit
seeing,became available to for andand
focus, invitethatto you
attend the group
would like toforpray
Bibleforstudies
them for at the end10
these of days.
the 10Then
weeks. ask
all believers in Jesus Christ. This same Holy Spirit infilling is available to every During
them what eachthey10 week
woulddevotional
like for you study period the
to include participants
in your prayer for willthem.
continue to
Christian today.standing
“But Peter, And thatup is what
with this 10 day devotional
the eleven, lifted up hisis all about;
voice, andpraying for
said unto grow spiritually,
Prayer is the experience
most powerful genuine
forcerevival
on earth. in their
Prayerlivesis and manyfor
essential of one’s
those
and experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit. prayed for will come to accept Christ as their personal Savior and be prepared
them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known ownChrist’s
for personal spiritual
second coming.growth,Eachand is the
group willmost groweffective
and divide. means of reaching
unto
The you, and hearken
following paragraphs to my arewords:
adapted Forfromthesetheare
booknot40drunken,
Days .– as ye sup-
Prayers & others for Christ. Concerning prayer and the
Ellen White recommended small group fellowship and evangelismChristian’s spiritual growthin El-
the
pose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But
Devotions to Prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, Review & Herald Publishing this is that which was len White
following way. wrote:
Association,
spoken byDennis Smith.Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith
the prophet
God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all esh: and your sons and your “The formation
“Prayer of small
is the breath companies
of the soul. It as
is athe
basis of Christian
secret effort
of spiritual has been
power. No
Jesus said,shall
daughters “.…if two of you
prophesy, andshall
youragree
young onmenearthshall
as touching
see visions,anything that
and your presented
other means to of
megrace
by Onecanwho
be cannot err. Ifand
substituted, theretheis health
a largeofnumber in the
the soul be
they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” (Mat- church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only
thewold men shall
18:19). Theredream
is greatdreams:
power in And on my
united servants
prayer. Thereand on encouragement
is also my handmaid- preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with
for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only the Well-
ens I will pour out in those days
and spiritual strength found in Christian fellowship.of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” spring
two orofthree
life,who
and strengthens the sinew
know the truth, let them andform
muscle of the religious
themselves expe-
into a band of
Acts 2:14-18 rience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer
workers. Let them keep their bond of union unbroken, pressing together spasmodically,
Guidelines for Completing the Devotional Study in 10 Days in love
now andand unity,
then, encouraging
as seems one another
convenient, and you to lose
advance,
your each
hold gaining
on God.cour-
The
From the Day of Pentecost onward under the power of the baptism of the age and faculties
spiritual strength from the assistance
lose their of the
vitality, the others.experience
religious Let them reveal
lacksChrist-
health
In order
Holy to receive
Spirit the greatest
the gospel went toblessing
the thenit isknown
suggested thatThousands
world. you chooseaccepted
a prayer likevigor.”
and forbearance
Gospeland patience,
Workers, speaking no hasty words, using the talent
p. 254
6 7
Baptism of the Holy Spirit How to Use this Devotional Study
of speech
She to build one
also recognized theanother up of
necessity in the mostinholy
prayer faith.
leading Let them
others labor in
to Christ. “TheirHe
“Daily persevering
received aprayers will bring
fresh baptism souls
of the to the
Holy cross.
Spirit. In cooperation
In the early hours
Christlike love for those outside the fold, forgetting self in their endeavor ofwith
the their
new dayself-sacrificing
the Lord awakened efforts Jesus will move
Him from upon hearts,
His slumbers, and Hisworking
soul
to help others. miracles in the conversion of souls..” Testimonies, Vol. 7, p.27
“Through muchAsprayer
they work
you and pray
must in Christ’s
labor name,
for souls, fortheir
thisnumbers will
is the only and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others.
increase; for the Saviour says: ‘If two of you shall agree on earth as touch-
method by which
ing anything that you
theycan reach
shall ask,hearts.
it shallIt be
is not
doneyour
for work,
them of butMytheFather
work His words
In order to were given
facilitate theHim
prayer fresh from in
emphasis thethis
heavenly
devotionalcourts,
therewords that
is a prayer
ofwhich
Christis who is by your side, that impresses hearts.” Evangelism
in heaven.’ Matthew 18:19.” Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 21. p.525 He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed.”
focus section at the end of each day’s devotional. This section gives a suggested Christ’s Object
Lessons,
prayer P.140
focus for the day. By choosing to participate in the 10 days or 10 weeks
“The Lord
Guidelines forwill
Bothhear
theour10 prayers
Day or 10forWeek
the conversion
Small Groupof souls.” Messages
Devotional to
Study of study and prayer you are entering into an amazing and blessed adventure
Young People, p.315 withChrist
the Lord.will You
do thewillsame
experience
for youa deeper relationship
if you ask Him. Hewith veryChrist,
muchand you
desires
As mentioned in the above section it is recommended that you choose 5 indi- will see the
to anoint youLord
withuseHis you to draw
Spirit others closer
in preparation fortoeach
Himself
new in preparation
day. This 10 day for
viduals to pray for whoconsider
are eitherthe
former church members or out
non-members in His soon return. As you fellowship with your prayer partner and the others par-
As you prayerfully suggested ways to reach to those you devotionalinstudy
ticipating the 10 is days
designedor 10toweeks
facilitate just that;
of prayer andadevotional
daily anointingstudy ofyouGod’s
will
your area. Call these individuals informing them that your church is going to
are praying
conduct a 10for you
day or will not only
10 week be focus,
prayer praying forthat
and them;
youyou
wouldwilllike
alsotobepray
work-
for Spirit for personal spiritual growth, and witnessing for
experience a deeper Christian love and unity with your fellow believers, which Christ.
ing to bring them closer to Christ and His church. God will bless
them during this time. Then ask them what they would like for you to include inyour efforts willIalso
alsoplay
recommend
an important one other
role inimportant activity,
your personal which
spiritual I call aInPrayer
growth. order toFast.
get
whenprayer
your you pray for and
for them. workisfor
Prayer thethose
most on your prayer
powerful list.earth.
force on He will not isonly
Prayer es- the most to
In order from
get the
the10mostdaysoutorof10theweeks of study
10 days and prayer
I recommend it is
that recommended
each participant
sential
use youfortoone’s own personal
win others to Christ;spiritual
He willgrowth, and is
also draw thecloser
you most effective
to Himself. means
El- that
limitthisall be the first
secular thing you
activity do in as
as much thepossible.
morning.For It may requiredo
example; rising
not awatch
little
of
lenreaching others for this
White understood Christ. Concerning
double blessingprayer
when sheandwrote:
the Christian’s spiritual earlier,
secularbut the effort
television will be well
programs, rewarded.
listen If you
to secular askplay
music, the Lord
secularto wake
games, yousurf
so
growth Ellen White wrote: you can have some quality time with Him, He will hear and answer your prayer.
the internet, discuss secular subjects with friends, etc. Try to keep your fo-
Concerning Christ’s devotional life Ellen White wrote:
“As you is
“Prayer work to answer
the breath of theyour
soul.own
It is prayers,
the secretyou will ndpower.
of spiritual that God will
No other cus on as many spiritual subjects and activities as possible such as spiritual
reveal Himself unto you. . . Begin now to reach higher and
means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. still higher. music, spiritual
“Daily television
He received programs,
a fresh baptism Bible study,
of the Holy etc.Spirit.
WhatInthis thedoes
earlyishours
clear
Prize thebrings
Prayer thingsthe
of heart
heaven intoabove earthlycontact
immediate attractions
with and inducements.
the Wellspring ...
of life, one’sofmind so God
the new day can
the better communicate
Lord awakened Him with
fromus.HisThis kind ofand
slumbers, Prayer
His Fast
soul
Learn how to pray;
and strengthens thelearn
sinewhow andtomuscle
bear a clear
of theand intelligent
religious testimony,
experience. and
Neglect will and
go aHis longlipsway were anointed
in greatly with grace,
enhancing the that He spiritual
10 day might impart to others.
experience and
the exercise
God of prayer,
will be glori ed inoryou.”
engage TheinUpward
prayer spasmodically,
Look, p.256 now and then, as impact Hison words
yourwere
life. given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He
seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties might
You mayspeak
alsoinwant
season to to
fastthefrom
weary and physical
some oppressed..”food.Christ’s
Some Object Les-
individuals
lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks sons, P.140
“Their persevering prayers will bring souls to the health and
cross. In vigor..” Gospel
cooperation with choose to omit one meal, omit sweets, or eat less food at each meal during
Workers, p. 254
their self-sacricing efforts Jesus will move upon hearts, working miracles the 10 days.will
Christ These kinds
do the sameof limitations
for you if you willask
alsoHim.
enhance
He verythe spiritual
much desiresimpact to
Sheinalso
therecognized
conversionthe of souls.”
necessity Testimonies,
of prayer inVol. 7, p.27
leading others to Christ. of the 10 days.
anoint you with His Spirit in preparation for each new day. This 10 day or 10
week devotional study is designed to facilitate just that; a daily anointing of
In“Through
order tomuch prayerthe
facilitate youprayer
must labor for souls,
emphasis for this
in this is the only
devotional method
there is a God’s Spirit for personal spiritual growth, and witnessing for Christ.
prayerby focus
whichsection
you canatreach
the endhearts. It isday’s
of each not your work, but
devotional. thesection
This work ofgives Christ
a
who isprayer
by your side,for
that Prayer Fast
suggested focus theimpresses
day. hearts..” Evangelism p.525
.
By“Thechoosing
Lord willto hear
participate in the
our prayers for10thedays of study
conversion and prayer
of souls..” you are
Messages to Whether you participate in the 10 Days devotional for 10 days or 10 weeks I also
entering into an amazing
Young People, p.315 and blessed adventure with the Lord. You will ex- recommend one other important activity, which I call a Prayer Fast. In order to
perience a deeper relationship with Christ, and you will see the Lord use you get the most out of the first 10 days, which will also powerfully impact the full
to draw
As youothers closer toconsider
prayerfully Himselfthe in suggested
preparationways for His soonout
to reach return. As you
to those you 10 weeks, I recommend that each participant limit all secular activity as much
are praying with
fellowship for youyourwillprayer
not only be praying
partner and thefor others
them; you will also beinworking
participating the 10 as possible for those first 10 days. For example; do not watch secular television
to bring
days them closer
of prayer to Christ and
and devotional His church.
study you willGod will blessa your
experience deeper efforts when
Christian programs, listen to secular music, play secular games, surf the internet, discuss
you secular subjects with friends, etc. Try to keep your focus on as many spiritual
lovepray for and
and unity work
with forfellow
your those on your prayer
believers, whichlist.
willHealso
willplay
not anonly use you
important subjects and activities as possible such as spiritual music, spiritual television
to win others to Christ; He will also draw you closer to Himself. Ellen White
role in yourthis
understood personal
doublespiritual
blessinggrowth.
when she wrote: programs, Bible study, etc. What this does is clear one’s mind so God can better
In order to get the most from the 10 days of study and prayer it is rec- communicate with us. This kind of Prayer Fast will go a long way in greatly
ommended
“As youthat workthistobe the your
answer rst thing
own you do inyou
prayers, thewill
morning.
Þ nd thatIt may
God require
will re- enhancing the 10 day and 10 week spiritual experience, and impact on your life.
risingveal Himself
a little untobut
earlier, you.
the. effort
. Beginwill
now betowell
reach higher and
rewarded. still ask
If you higher. Prize
the Lord You may also want to fast from some physical food. Some individuals
the things
to wake you soofyouheaven abovesome
can have earthly attractions
quality and inducements.
time with Him, He will .hear . . Learn
and choose to omit one meal, omit sweets, or eat less food at each meal during the
howyourto pray; learn how to bear a cleardevotional
and intelligent testimony, first 10 days. These kinds of limitations will also enhance the spiritual impact
answer prayer. Concerning Christ’s life Ellen Whiteand God
wrote:
will be glorifed in you..” The Upward Look, p.256 of the 10 days and 10 weeks devotional study, prayer and fellowship.
8 9
Introduction
Day 1
Jesus said that all who believe would do even greater works than He (John
14:12). When the believer receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he or she
is empowered to do the same works as Christ because the same Spirit that
lled Christ has lled him or her. Before experiencing this Spirit inlling,
God is with the believer because He called and led him to accept Christ and
Introduction be baptized in water. However, he will not have the fullness of the Spirit’s
power within him until he receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That is
why Jesus told the disciples to wait for the outpouring of the Spirit on the day
In the September of 1999, the Lord began leading me to study the Bible in
of Pentecost (Acts 1:4-5, 8).
order to understand and experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is
Not every one was present at Pentecost. The book of Acts indicates that
also called the “anointing” and “inlling” of the Holy Spirit. In time I had
God continued to baptize the believer(s) with the Holy Spirit after the day of
a specic prayer asking God to baptize me with His Spirit. This book is the
Pentecost. One means of doing this was by prayer and the laying on of hands
result of that study and experience, which began several years ago now and
(Acts 8:12-17; 9:17-18; 19:1-6). This is the model I have followed. However,
has continued in my life to this day.
the laying on of hands is not always necessary. One can receive the baptism
Through the inlling of the Holy Spirit, I was led to a closer walk with
of the Holy Spirit by earnestly committing his life to God, and by claiming
Jesus, experienced a return to that “rst love” of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
in prayer His promise to give the Spirit in fullness (Luke11:13, Gal 3:14).
Christ. Personal changes began happening within me that could only stem
from the indwelling of the Spirit of God. In my ministry, I began seeing a
Received by Faith
power as I had never seen before.
Receiving the baptism of the Spirit is a matter of faith. The inlling of the
My prayer for all who use this ten day devotional book is the same as
Spirit comes from God, not from the one laying hands on the individual. The
Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus:
laying on of hands is simply a ceremonial act similar to ordaining a deacon
or elder for their ofce. One may or may not feel something at the time of
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
inlling. However, in all cases, the Spirit will make His presence known soon
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may
after the request is made in faith.
dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
What happens when one receives Spirit Baptism?
and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth
What happens when we ask God for the inlling of the Spirit? A few ex-
knowledge, that ye might be lled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians
amples of the changes the inlling of the Spirit will bring to the life of the re-
3:16-19
ceiver are: 1) a stronger desire to study God’s Word, 2) more earnest prayers,
3) changes in lifestyles and activities, and 4) deeper repentance.
The Concept
The inlling of the Spirit is necessary for the believer to walk victoriously
The concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is that there are two works of
in Christ. I have come to the understanding that according to the Bible, one
the Spirit: the rst is to lead us to accept Christ and be baptized in water; the
does not “know” Christ in the fullest, biblical sense without the baptism of
second is to ll us so we can truly live the Christian life and do the works of
the Holy Spirit. This is illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew
God. Jesus is our model or example in all things. He was “born” of the Spirit,
25:1-13) as well as in other scriptures where Christ speaks of not “knowing”
led by the Spirit from childhood into manhood, and baptized in water. Soon
someone (I have covered this subject in greater detail in another chapter). It
after His water baptism, He was baptized with the Holy Spirit for which He
appears that the water baptism is similar to the wedding service, while the
had prayed at the time of His water baptism (Luke 3:21-22). After the Spirit’s
Spirit baptism is symbolized by the consummation of the marriage when the
inlling, He was prepared to go forth in the power of the Spirit to do battle
bride “knows” her bridegroom. Satan will resist this work ercely; for he
with Satan as never before (the wilderness temptations, Luke 4:1-13). He was
is aware that the Spirit’s inlling will break his power in the believer’s life.
empowered to preach and teach the kingdom of God, carry on a ministry of
Understanding and experiencing the inlling of the Holy Spirit is second
healing, and cast out devils (Luke 4:14).
in importance only to understanding and accepting Christ as our Savior. Nor
10 11
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Introduction
is there any more important work for the believer than to seek the Spirit’s Is the Spirit with the believer before he receives the baptism of the Holy
inlling everyday and learn to walk victoriously in the Spirit. Spirit?
Whether seeking this wonderful experience for one’s self or seeking to
lead others into this experience, one must move prayerfully. Satan will do
all he can to cause confusion and prevent it. We must guard against outright What will the Christian be lacking if he does not receive the baptism of the
rejection of the teaching, which will lead to rejection of the Spirit, We must Holy Spirit?
also guard against fanaticism, holier-than-thou attitudes, pride, a feeling or
belief we already have achieved our goal (which is Laodicea’s problem), or
the attitude of feeling unworthy to receive it. I have found that many who What was one method practiced by Peter, John, Ananias, and Paul when they
believe they already have the inlling of the Spirit are willing to have special led believers to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? (See Acts 8:12-17;
prayer to ask for even a greater inlling. Elisha saw no problem in request- 19:1-6)
ing a greater portion of the Spirit than had his predecessor as evidenced in 2
Kings 2:9.
How does a believer receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Discussion Questions What changes begins happening in the life of the one who seeks Spirit
baptism?
What prompted the writing of the book?
According to the author why is the baptism of the Holy Spirit necessary?
How did the author come to understand the teaching on the baptism of the
Holy Spirit and experience it?
Water baptism is similar to the __________________ ceremony and the bap-
tism of the Holy Spirit is similar to the ______________________ of the
What other terms refer to the baptism of the Holy Spirit experience? marriage.
What was Paul’s desire for the Ephesian believers? Ephesians 3:16-19 What attitudes can hinder receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
What is the basic concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
How did Jesus model the Christian’s experience in the Holy Spirit?
Lead you to understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Baptize you with His Spirit
Bless those on your prayer list
What happens in the believer’s life after receiving the baptism of the Holy
Spirit?
12 13
Two Great Outpourings of the Holy Spirit
Day 2
this Jewish holy day. Peter indicated that the event being witnessed had been
foretold by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:23). Joel had prophesied a “former” or
early rain and a latter rain experience of the Holy Spirit. He had also stated
in his prophecy that the “I AM” would appear to Israel just before this Holy
Spirit event, a reference to Jesus’ rst advent (Joel 2:27 and John 8:58). The
Two Great Outpourings of marvelous news of Joel’s prophecy was that the “former” (early rain) of the
the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit would be available to all believers, (Joel 2:28). This is exactly
what Jesus foretold when He promised the Holy Spirit would be sent from
the Father after He returned to heaven to minister as our High Priest (John
Today, we are living between two great outpourings of the Holy Spirit. The 14:16-17,26; Acts 1:4-5).
book of Acts describes the rst outpouring. It began with the day of Pentecost
and is called in the Bible the “former or early rain” of the Spirit. It is the rst What Happened Following the Early Rain Experience of the Holy Spirit?
widespread manifestation of the Holy Spirit as the church grew to be fully What happened when the Holy Spirit was poured on the early church? In the
under His direction and control. This experience is available to all Christians book of Acts we see Holy Spirit power accompanying the preaching of the
today. apostles. Thousands of the hearers were converted and accepted Christ as
The books of Joel and Revelation indicate there will be a second great their Savior (Acts 2:37-38, 41; 4:4; 11:21). Jesus had foretold the coming of
outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls this outpouring the “latter this Holy Sprit “power” for witnessing (Acts 1:8).
rain.” We are living between these two great outpourings of the Holy Spirit, We also see the believers continuing “steadfastly” and persistently in the
between two great manifestations of the Holy Spirit. apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayer (Acts
These two outpourings of the Holy Spirit are similar in many ways. The 2:42). They held to the truth and teaching of God’s Word, the Bible. The
rst occurred in answer to a ten day prayer meeting of believers united in sweet fellowship that began with the ten-day prayer meeting continued with
prayer for the fulllment of Jesus’ promise and began when God answered the united praying.
their prayers by pouring out His Spirit in the early rain on the Day of Pente- A spirit of generosity was seen following the Day of Pentecost experience
cost. The second outpouring of the Spirit will begin when God answers the (Acts 2:44-45) with no selsh ambition, no greed or stinginess; these early
prayers of His people who are claiming the promises of God resulting in the Christians were anxious to help their fellow believers who were in need.
outpouring of the Spirit in the latter rain. In the book of Acts we see the Holy They also continued in daily fellowship with prayer meetings in the tem-
Spirit was in full control of God’s church. During the latter rain the church ple and in homes. These early believers had “singleness” of heart, united with
will once again be fully controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit with even one burden—to know and serve Christ as well as win others to Him. God
greater power of the Spirit manifest. brought them into “favor” with all the people, which resulted in souls being
What will it be like when the latter rain outpouring of the Spirit takes won to Christ everyday (Acts 2:46-47).
place? When we closely examine what happened following Pentecost we The gospel of deliverance was preached and experienced (Acts 5:12-16).
learn that the latter rain will be similar, except it will manifest more of the The sick were healed, devils were cast out, and many individuals were won
Holy Spirit’s power in this earth than the previous outpouring. So let’s take a to Christ.
look at what happened following Pentecost as described in the biblical book, One of the most striking phenomena following the Day of Pentecost is
Acts of the Apostles. the record of the Holy Spirit directing the church in very clear and dramatic
Jesus had promised a Holy Spirit phenomenon (Acts 1:4-5, 8). The out- ways.
pouring of the early rain began as the result of a ten-day prayer meeting where
all who participated were in “one place” and where of “one accord,” united in 1. He revealed important information to Peter about a deception in the
their prayerful claiming of Jesus’ promise (Acts 1:14; 2:1). The rst outpour- church by two individuals (Acts 5:1-3).
ing of the Spirit began on the day of Pentecost when “all” who were praying 2. Angels intervened for the progress of the church when Peter was
were “lled” with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:2-4). Peter interpreted the events delivered from prison (Acts 5:17-20).
when he preached to the great multitude that had gathered in Jerusalem for
14 15
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Two Great Outpourings of the Holy Spirit
3. The angel of the Lord and the Holy Spirit spoke directions to Philip praying to God for the outpouring of His Spirit. In the 1990’s, God be-
concerning an Ethiopian to whom God wanted the gospel taught gan moving upon individuals to publish many books on prayer. The North
(Acts 8:26-29, 39). American Division of Seventh-day Adventists established a prayer ministries
4. The Holy Spirit related specic directions to Peter concerning God’s department. Division-wide prayer conferences are being conducted. Local
acceptance of Gentile believers (Acts 11:12). church and conference prayer coordinators are being determined to promote
5. The gift of prophecy was in operation by the Holy Spirit in the early and instruct in prayer.
church (Acts 11:27-28; 21:9). Two key ingredients that brought the early rain experience to fruition
6. The Holy Spirit told the church to set aside Barnabas and Saul for the were: (1) prayer and (2) receiving the inlling or baptism of the Holy Spirit.
work He had called them to do (Acts 13:2). Again, two ingredients will enable the latter rain experience to take place
7. A very important council that had convened in Jerusalem to deter- during God’s end-time work. These two ingredients are identical to those of
mine what was to be required of the new Gentile believers was di- early rain: (1) prayer and (2) fully receiving the inlling or baptism of the
rected by the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28). Holy Spirit, preparing us to receive the latter rain of the Spirit.
8. The Spirit intervened to stop a planned missionary journey and gave
a vision to direct where to go (Acts 16:6-7, 10). Serious Warning
9. The Holy Spirit informed the apostle Paul of the future bonds and Ellen White has given us a very serious warning about the danger of not be-
afictions he would suffer (Acts 20:22-23). ing prepared for the latter rain of the Spirit. She directed us to the necessity
of receiving the former rain baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to receive the
Some have stated that the book Acts of the Apostles should be called the latter rain of the Spirit.
Acts of the Holy Spirit. I agree. The moving, directing, empowering, and
convicting of the Holy Spirit are clearly seen in the experience of the early “In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in
church following Pentecost. order that the seed may germinate. Under the inuence of the fertilizing
I am sure that every Christian who has read the book of Acts in the New showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close
Testament has longed for the same manifestation of the Holy Spirit to hap- of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord em-
pen in his/her life and church. The good news is that the Holy Spirit wants to ploys these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit.
manifest His early rain power in the church today. Secondly, the Spirit will As the dew and the rain are given rst to cause the seed to germinate, and
manifest Himself in even more powerful ways when the latter rain of the then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from
Spirit is poured out on God’s church. one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the
grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul. By
What Will Happen When the Latter Rain Experience of the Holy Spirit the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in
Takes Place? the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Just before Jesus returns, there will be a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit
called the “latter rain.” Revelation 18:1 describes this event. The earth is “The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace
described as being lighted with God’s glory, which is His character. This that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless
prophecy foretells a time when a great revival and reformation will take the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not
place among God’s people. Christ’s character will be fully reected in their spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain
lives. How will this happen? It will happen as a result of God’s people being can bring no seed to perfection.
lled with the Holy Spirit (2Corinthians 3:18), with both early and latter rain
power of the Holy Spirit. “Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They
God has begun moving our Seventh-day Adventist denomination toward have not obtained all the benets that God has thus provided for them.
the latter rain experience of the Spirit. As with the early rain, the latter rain They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the
will begin and continue as a result of God’s people unitedly and earnestly richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their
16 17
hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake” (Testimony to Christians have been living during the time of the early rain since the Day
Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 506-507 emphasis added). of Pentecost. It is time for the latter rain to begin! However, I warn you, Satan
will do everything in his power to keep it from happening; for he knows it
In this statement Ellen White clearly indicates that all who benet from will be the “death knell” for his reign on this earth. He will seek to keep us so
the latter rain Holy Spirit outpouring must have experienced the early rain busy and involved in this world’s cares and concerns that we will neglect to
baptism of the Holy Spirit in their lives. earnestly seek God for His Spirit and receive the early rain in fullness in our
life. Jesus warned us of this danger in Luke 21:34.
Pray for the Latter Rain Now! The question is, are we willing to seek God with all our hearts? Only then
God doesn’t want us to sit around and simply wait for the great, last day will we nd Him and “know” Him as the ve wise virgins came to know Him
outpouring of His Spirit on the church. We are to play an active role in coop- (Jeremiah 29:13). First, we must every day earnestly seek the inlling or bap-
erating with Him to receive this outpouring. Those early Christians followed tism of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, with this attitude of self surrender, we must
Christ’s instruction to pray for the promised Holy Spirit outpouring, and God petition Him day and night to revive us individually and as a church (Isaiah
honored their prayers with the Pentecost experience. 62:6-7; 2 Chronicles 7:14). Finally, we are to pray daily for the outpouring of
Today we are to do the same thing. We are to earnestly pray for and seek the Holy Spirit in latter rain abundance and power (Zechariah 10:1).
the early rain baptism of the Holy Spirit to come into our lives. We are also to Are we willing to do what the early believers did before the Day of Pen-
pray earnestly for God to pour out His Spirit in latter rain abundance (Zecha- tecost? If so, we will, God’s time, experience the latter rain personally and
riah 10:1). corporately.
Ellen White clearly instructed us concerning praying for the early rain.
“The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as
in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for Discussion Questions
it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to
bestow it” (Evangelism, p. 701). What two outpourings of the Holy Spirit are referred to in the Bible? Joel 2:23
“The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive will be proportioned to the

measure of our desire and the faith exercised for it, and the use we shall What is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost called?
make of the light and knowledge that shall be given to us” (The Faith I Joel 2:23
Live By, p. 53).
We are not willing enough to trouble the Lord with our petitions, and to The biblical books of Joel and Revelation refer to a second outpouring of the
ask Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants us to trouble Him Holy Spirit. What does the Bible call this outpouring?
in this matter. He wants us to press our petitions to the throne” (Funda-
mentals of Christian Education, p. 537).
How are the two outpourings of the Spirit (early rain and latter rain) similar?
“The revenue of the glory has been accumulating for the closing work of
the third angels message. Of the prayers that have been ascending for the
fulllment of the promise—the descent of the Holy Spirit—not one has When would the early rain of the Spirit take place? Joel 2:27-28
been lost. Each prayer has been accumulating, ready to overow and pour
forth a healing ood of heavenly inuence and accumulating light all over
the world” (Manuscript Release, Vol. 21:155). What did Peter say in his sermon to indicate he understood this? Acts 2:16
18 19
What is another phrase used to describe the early rain of the Spirit? Acts What two ingredients are common to both the early rain and latter rain of the
1:4-5 Spirit?
What did Jesus promise to all who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? On page 10
17 of the book a statement by Ellen White is quoted, which gives the
Acts 1:8 relationship between the early rain and the latter rain. What is the relationship
between these two Holy Spirit outpourings?
What happened when the early church received the early rain, baptism of the
Holy Spirit? Acts 2:37-38, 41; 4:4; 11:21 What does Ellen White say we are doing if we wait for the latter rain and
neglect to receive the early rain baptism of the Holy Spirit?
According to the following texts what else happened to the Christians who
received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:42 Why did God pour out the early rain of the Spirit? Acts 1:14
Acts 2:44-45
Why will God pour out the latter rain of the Spirit? Zechariah 10:1
In what ways does the Bible indicate that the Holy Spirit was directing the
work of the church after the early rain outpouring of the Spirit?
Acts 5:1-3 What must we do to be ready for Christ’s second coming?
Acts 5:17-20 Jeremiah 29:13
Acts 8:26-29, 39 2Chronicles 7:14
Acts 10:9-14, 28 Ephesians 5:18
Acts 11:12 Isaiah 62:6-7
Acts 11:27-28; 21:9 Zechariah 10:1
Acts 13:2
Acts 15:28
Acts 16:6-10
Acts 20:22-23
Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
What will happen when the latter rain of the Holy Spirit comes? Revelation Lead you to understand the early rain and latter rain of the Holy
18:1 Spirit
Baptize you with His Spirit and prepare you to receive the lat-
ter rain
What is God’s glory? Exodus 33:18-19
11:18-19
How will God’s glory or character be seen in this earth? 2Corinthians 3:18
20 21
An Observable Difference
Day 3
under the power of the Holy Spirit. Their being asked to “serve” might indi-
cate that under the lling of the Holy Spirit, their lives were a great blessing
to others. Their lives were perhaps more of a blessing than the believers who
did not have the Spirit’s inlling.
An Observable Difference Christians of the Past Agree
Outstanding Christians throughout the ages have also understood this.
Dwight L. Moody wrote:
As one reads the book of Acts, one fact stands out above all others. The
church grew phenomenally and immediately after the day of Pentecost. The
“God has got a good many children who have just barely got life, but
Holy Spirit took charge of the work of God, and thousands were converted to
no power for service…The Holy Ghost coming upon them with power
Jesus Christ. Such tremendous growth caused some problems. For example,
is distinct and separate from conversion. If the Scripture doesn’t teach
Acts 6 informs us that some of the widows were neglected in the “daily ad-
(this statement), I am ready to correct it…I believe we should accom-
ministrations.” So the Holy Spirit led the 12 disciples to call a meeting of be-
plish more in one week than we should in years if we had only this
lievers. Seven deacons were to be chosen. Their qualications were simple:
fresh baptism…
“good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom” (Acts 6:3).
“A great many think because they have been lled once, they are going to
Water Baptism Alone is Not Enough
be full for all time after; but O, my friends, we are leaky vessels, and have
Such qualications must have been observable in order to use them as guide-
to be kept right under the fountain all the time in order to keep full…Let
lines. Hence, the qualication of being lled with the Holy Spirit must have
us keep near Him” (They Found the Secret, p. 85-86).
been observable as well. But one might argue, “Isn’t every believer lled
with the Holy Spirit at baptism?” Apparently not, otherwise the qualication
Seek Spirit Baptism Continually
of Holy Spirit lling for the position of deacon would have been redundant.
Paul indicates that this inlling of the Holy Spirit is also something that the
For example, if one were choosing men for a job and all men had blue eyes,
believer can loose. Paul instructs the Ephesians:
it would be redundant to tell someone to select only men with blue eyes.
The experience of the Samaritan believers seems to verify the fact that not
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be lled with the
all baptized believers are lled with the Holy Spirit at their water baptism.
Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18
6:18).
In Acts 8, we read that when Philip baptized a number of men and women,
the disciples in Jerusalem heard about it and sent Peter and John to Samaria.
The Greek verb form used for “lled” is a continuous action verb. Paul
Luke records what happened next:
instructed the believers to “continue to be lled” with the Holy Spirit. Ev-
eryday one must ask God to ll them with the Spirit. It is a promise we
“Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might re-
must keep claiming in order to keep receiving. Perhaps God established this
ceive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only
principle of receiving the Spirit so we would continue to be conscious of our
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their
daily need of being lled anew.
hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:15-17).
A Spirit Filled Church
In the selection of the seven deacons, men who were not known to be
“Spirit lled” Christians make a church “Spirit lled”. Let’s consider for
lled with the Holy Spirit were not selected. Hence, being lled with the
a moment what a Spirit lled church is not. Revelation 3 describes God’s
Holy Spirit was something distinct and observable. What then was this ob-
last-day church. He uses the word “lukewarm” to describe her, (Revelation
servable difference? It seemed that these Spirit-lled men had developed a
3:14-16). “Lukewarm” and “Spirit lled” are not compatible. A believer is
reputation among the believers. The qualication of “honest” would appear
either one or the other. Hence, the conclusion is clear. Holy Spirit inlling
to indicate that perhaps these men were living exemplary, victorious lives
22 23
Baptism of the Holy Spirit An Observable Difference
is what will change “lukewarm” believers into zealous, obedient followers What are Spirit Filled Christians Like
of Jesus Christ. The Bible gives us a few descriptions of Spirit lled Christians. Peter is a
The parable of the ten virgins also supports this truth, (Matthew 25:1-12). clear example of the before-and-after experience. Before Peter received the
The wise virgins, who were ready to meet the bridegroom, had the extra oil. baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost he was weak, fearful, and
I believe this extra oil refers to the baptism or inlling of the Holy Spirit. operated in his own strength. Just a few weeks before the Pentecost experi-
Commenting on this parable Ellen White writes: ence he denied his Lord three times; the last time was with cursing. After
receiving the inlling of the Spirit, Peter was a very different man. A power-
“The name ‘foolish’ virgins represents the character of those who have ful change took place deep within him. In Acts 4, we read of the Jewish lead-
not the genuine heart-work wrought by the Spirit of God. The coming ers threatening Peter and ordering him, “not to speak at all nor teach in the
of Christ does not change the foolish virgins into wise. The state of the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Having been lled with the Spirit, now instead
church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the La- of cowering under the pressure and being afraid, Peter and John answered,
odicean state” (Review & Herald, August 19, 1890). “Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto
God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
LeRoy Froom in the book The Coming of the Comforter, page 294, com- heard” (Acts 4:19-20).
ments on the foolish virgins; In Acts 18 and 19, we read of two men, Paul and Apollos. One lled
with the Spirit and one not. When we read about Apollos we get the impres-
“The foolish think the wise are unduly worked up over this question of sion that he was a very capable minister for Christ. He was eloquent and
the oil” (p. 294). fervent—a powerful speaker. However, he taught about Jesus and water
baptism only. He didn’t understand nor experience the baptism of the Holy
Observing what happened in the early church in the book of Acts, and com- Spirit. In spite of this, he was conrmed by the brethren, and was a power-
paring that church to the Christian church today, I am forced to admit that I ful public apologist. The results of his efforts were 12 converts.
believe the Christian church is not Spirit lled today. I am also forced to admit Paul’s appearance and public speaking was not as polished and ap-
that the Seventh-day Adventist church is not Spirit lled today either. Does that pealing as Apollos. We are told that his speech was “contemptible” and
mean God is not using the Adventist church to carry on His work? No, not at all. his bodily appearance “weak” (2 Cor. 10:10). On numerous occasions the
It simply means that there is so much more that God could accomplish through brethren had shunned Paul. However, Paul understood, had experienced,
us if we were as Spirit lled as He desires us to be. and preached the baptism of the Holy Spirit in addition to the other truths
I think statistics verify the spiritual state of the Christian church today. about Christ. The results of his ministry are described with the words, “all
The majority of members, and even pastors, take little time for personal they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and
prayer and devotions. Most active Christians will try to be present for their Greeks” (Acts 19:10).
church’s worship service once a week, but that’s about it. Prayer meeting,
which some have said is the barometer of the spirituality of the church, The Spirit Works in Unpredictable Ways
is either non-existent or few attend. Do such facts describe a Spirit lled Perhaps one reason we often hesitate to earnestly seek the fullness of the
church or Christians? I think not. Spirit in our lives and church is that He often works in unpredictable ways.
It has been said, if the Holy Spirit were withdrawn today, the majority of Things may seem uncontrollable when He begins moving in and through the
the work of the church would continue as usual and most Christians wouldn’t church. We like things to be predictable and somewhat under our plans and
even know He left. As a Christian and pastor I have to admit that it is easy control. We get a little fearful when things seem to be moving too quickly
and natural to get so busy in the work of God that one begins doing his own according to our judgment.
planning and doing, giving little or no consideration as to whether the plan- The early church didn’t seem to mind this aspect of the Spirit’s working.
ning and doing are under the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I’m They had no buildings or facilities, not much organization and few leaders.
afraid that much of our activity in the church is the result of man’s plans and Yet, in Acts 2:41, we read of 3,000 joining the church and 5,000 in Acts 4:4
effort, not those of the Spirit. which occurred even before there were deacons.
24 25
Baptism of the Holy Spirit An Observable Difference
I think if such things began happening today many would become un- South Dakota. Aggie grew into young womanhood and attended a Bible
easy. I know from personal experience. I have seen members and local college in Minneapolis where she met and married a young man named
church leaders react negatively when the Spirit was clearly moving. The Dewey Hurst.
problem was that the Spirit was not moving in a way they had expected. The young couple served the Lord in ministry and had two children, a
I have seen such reactions in both local church growth and church school son and a daughter. Dewey became president of a Christian college in the
situations. Seattle, Washington, area. The Scandinavian heritage of the area interested
Spirit lled Christians will stir Satan’s anger. We see clear examples of Aggie. Not knowing where it came from, Aggie received a Swedish religious
his efforts to hinder the Spirit’s moving in the experience of the apostles after magazine one day and was shocked to see a photo of a white cross marking a
Pentecost and in Stephen’s experience. primitive grave, which read, “Svea Flood.” Aggie rushed to a faculty member
who could read the magazine in Swedish.
Amazing Results The faculty member told Aggie that the article was about a missionary
Nevertheless, Spirit-lled ministry will have amazing results. What appears couple that had gone to N’dolera. The wife had given birth to a baby girl,
to man’s eyes as a little will amount to much when it is done under Spirit- but died soon afterward. The article told of the young African boy who had
lled power. Much effort performed in the wisdom and strength of a man or accepted Christ, who after the white missionaries had left the area, grew up
woman who is not Spirit lled will amount to little in comparison. and convinced the chief to allow him to build a school in the village. With
Jim Cymbala relates the following story in his book Fresh Power, a story his students this young man shared the Christ that he had learned about from
that wonderfully illustrates the power of Holy Spirit ministry. In 1921, a Svea Flood, and they all accepted Christ. The children then inuenced their
young couple named David and Svea Flood from Sweden went with their parents to become Christians, even the chief. The article then stated that one
two-year-old son to serve as missionaries in Africa. They and another Scan- village had 600 Christian believers.
dinavian family, the Ericksons, felt led of God to go beyond the main mis- A few years later God providentially led Aggie to an evangelism confer-
sion station and serve in a remote area. They went to the village of N’dolera, ence in London, England, where she met a man who reported to the confer-
where they were rejected by the chief who feared they would anger the local ence of 110,000 baptized believers in the nation of Zaire. She couldn’t resist
gods if he let them minister in his village. So they built a mud hut a half mile asking him if he ever heard of David and Svea Flood.
up the mountain. To her amazement he replied, “Yes. Svea Flood led me to Jesus Christ. I
They continued to pray for God to touch the hearts of the villagers in was the boy who took food to your parents before you were born. In fact, to
some way, but no apparent breakthrough came. The Ericksons decided to this day your mother’s grave and her memory are honored by all of us.” After
give up the effort, so they returned to the central mission station. a long, tearful embrace, he told her, “You must come to Africa to see because
Twice a week a boy from the village was allowed to sell the Floods chick- your mother is the most famous person in our history.”
ens and eggs. This one boy was their only contact to the villagers. Svea Flood God provided a way for Aggie to visit Africa and her mother’s grave, and
decided to tell him about Jesus. God blessed her efforts, and the boy accepted to see the white cross that had caught her attention in the magazine article.
Jesus as his Savior. Aggie knelt by her mother’s grave and with tears in her eyes thanked God.
Svea became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter who they named Aina. As a footnote to this story, God gave Aggie the opportunity to meet her
The delivery was exhausting, and Svea had been stricken with malaria. Her father, David Flood, who was still living in Sweden. He had remarried, had
condition worsened, and she died 17 days later. Her husband, David, became several grown children, but was in failing health. David had become very
very discouraged. He dug a grave and buried his wife, then returned to the angry and bitter toward God. However, as a result of Aggie’s visit with him,
mission station and gave his newborn daughter to the Ericksons with the he renewed his relationship with Christ and experienced peace with God. A
words, “I’m going back to Sweden. I’ve lost my wife, and I obviously can’t couple of months after Aggie’s visit, he died.
take care of this baby. God has ruined my life.” May we each be willing to yield totally, 100 percent to God, with-
The Ericksons become very sick themselves and both died within holding nothing. If we in sincere faith ask God for the baptism of the
eight months. The baby, Aina, was given to an American missionary fam- Holy Spirit He will give us what we desire. Then our lives will be a great
ily who changed her name to Aggie, and took her with them to the United blessing to others and the results of our service for the Lord will reach
States at age three. This family served the Lord in pastoral ministry in into eternity.
26 27
An Observable Difference
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
What did Peter do before he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Mat-
Discussion Questions thew 26:69-74
What were the qualities listed for the rst seven deacons? Acts 6:3
How was Peter changed by the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Acts 4:18-20
What does the qualication of being lled with the Holy Spirit indicate about Was Apollos lled with the Spirit? Acts 18:24-25
Christians and the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
What were the results of Apollos’

Apollos’ ministry? Acts 19:7
19:12
What does the account of the Samaritan believers teach us about water bap-
tism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Acts 8:12-17
Was Paul lled with the Holy Spirit? Acts 9:17-18
How do you think the Christians could determine if a man was lled with the
Holy Spirit so they could choose him as a deacon?
Was Paul as good a speaker as Apollos? 2Corinthians 10:10
What did Dwight L. Moody write about the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
What were the results of Paul’s ministry in Asia? Acts 19:10-11
What did Paul say about being lled with the Spirit? Ephesians 6:18
5:18
What sometimes appears to happen when the Holy Spirit begins taking
Do you think the Laodicean church described in Revelation is Spirit lled? charge of God’s work?
Why? Revelation 3:14-16
Did it concern the early church that 1000’s were accepting Christ before there
What does God say He will do to the Laodicean Christians if they do not
change? were deacons, elders or church buildings to house them?
What are some of the indications that the church today is not Spirit lled? What does Satan think about Spirit lled Christians?
What made the wise virgins different from the foolish virgins in Christ’s par-
What does every believer need in order to be successful in living the Chris-
able? Matthew 25:1-12
tian life and serving the Lord effectively?
What do you think the extra oil is?
Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
28
Let others see the observable difference in your life
29
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Day 4
childhood and early manhood (Luke 2:52). He received water baptism,
which was followed by baptism in the Spirit in answer to His prayer (Luke
3:21-22). From that point forward He was lled with the Spirit (Luke 4:1).
After this experience of Spirit baptism (inlling or anointing), He was pre-
pared to confront Satan and gain His great victories over this enemy (Luke
The Baptism of the Holy 4:2-13). He went forward to minister in the power of the Spirit from that day
Spirit onward (Luke 4:14; Acts 10:38).
The Believer’s Experience

Many non-Pentecostal Christians are a bit afraid of the term “baptism of The experience of every believer is to follow Christ’s example. The Chris-
the Holy Spirit.” It has been equated with experiences that are considered tian is rst born of the Spirit and baptized (John 3:5-8). However, water
extreme and fanatical. The baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring high emo- baptism is only the beginning. The believer must also be baptized by the
tion to the believer. Many associate “tongues” with the baptism of the Holy Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16, Acts 1:4-5). This Spirit baptism became available
Spirit. The true gift of tongues is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but the from the day of Pentecost onward. The inlling of the Spirit is necessary
presence of tongues is not a requirement in order to receive the baptism of for the believer to have the power to live a victorious life and successfully
the Holy Spirit. witness for Christ (Acts 1:8).
Jesus promised that the Father would give the Spirit to all who asked
Satan’s Plan (Luke 11:13). Paul tells us we receive this gift by faith (Galatians 3:14). The
Satan does not want you to understand or experience the baptism of the Holy reception of this gift is so important that Paul commands us to “be lled with
Spirit. Therefore, he has done much to confuse and mislead concerning this the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). It is not simply an option. It is a necessity if the
very important Bible teaching. Ellen White was aware of Satan’s devices to believer is earnest about experiencing the full deliverance the gospel of Jesus
hinder the reception of this gift by God’s people. Christ offers.
Jesus said the believer would do the “works” He did and “greater works”
“Since the ministry of the Holy Spirit is of vital importance to the church (John 14:12). When Jesus was on earth He could only be at one place at one
of Christ, it is one of the devices of Satan, through the errors of extremists time. However, when He ascended to His Father He was able to be in many
and fanatics, to cast contempt upon the work of the Spirit, and cause the places throughout the earth by indwelling His followers through the Holy
people of God to neglect this source of strength which our Lord Himself Spirit (1 John 3:24; John 14:16-18). Hence, Jesus empowers the believer to
has provided” (The Great Controversy, p.viii). do the same works He did by the Holy Spirit, and these works will be greater
because they are more widespread.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit simply describes a special inlling of the The fulllment of Jesus’ promise was seen on the day of Pentecost and
Holy Spirit into the life of the believer. This baptism is also called inlling following. The gospel was preached, souls were won, unity and joy were
and anointing, and has been available to Christians since the day of Pentecost seen in the believers and the sick were healed (Acts 2:46-47; 5:15-16). This
2000 years ago. Peter associated the Pentecost outpouring of the Spirit with was the same type of ministry as that of Jesus while He was on earth.
the “early rain” prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:16-21).
Receiving the Baptism of the Spirit After Pentecost
Jesus’ Experience and Example Not every believer was present at Pentecost. A practical question might be,
Jesus is our example in all things. In His life we see the baptism of the Holy how did believers receive the baptism of the Spirit after Pentecost? The an-
Spirit as a special, separate event following His water baptism. This event swer is found in the book of Acts. On a couple occasions the Spirit fell on a
empowered Him for His greatest victories over Satan, and equipped Him group while Peter spoke to them (Acts 10:44-46; 11:15-17). It appears that
for ministry. God led the church to receive the baptism of the Spirit in a more orderly way
Christ’s experience is a divine model for every Christian. Christ was by the laying on of hands also (Acts 8:12-17; 19:1-6). Note in Acts 8 the in-
“begotten” of the Spirit (Luke 1:35). He was led by the Spirit in His dividuals of Samaria were led by the Spirit to accept Christ and be baptized.
30 31
Baptism of the Holy Spirit The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Yet, they had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John laying on of hands is a wonderful way to seek the inlling of the Spirit. It
came to them from Jerusalem for the specic purpose to lay hands on them is always a special blessing to share in this sacred experience with a fel-
and pray for the baptism of the Spirit to come upon them. This is a clear in- low believer.
dication that water baptism and Spirit baptism are two separate experiences.
The Spirit leads an individual to accept Christ and be baptized in water. This God Calls Every Christian to Receive Spirit Baptism
is a different work than the baptism of the Spirit, which must be sought sepa- Ellen White stated many years ago;
rately when one becomes aware of it. We see in Acts that Paul also received
the baptism of the Spirit by the laying on of hands and prayer (Acts 9:17). “What we need is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without this, we are no
In Paul’s case he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit before his water more tted to go forth to the world than were the disciples after the cruci-
baptism. The one performing this prayer with laying on of hands should be a xion of their Lord” (Review & Herald, Feb. 18, 1890).
believer who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit themselves.
When a member asks to be prayed for to receive the baptism of the Holy “Impress upon all the necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the
Spirit an example of a prayer that might be used with the laying on of hands sanctication of the church, so that they will be living, growing, fruit-
on the head and shoulder of the requester is as follows: bearing trees of the Lord’s planting” (Testimonies to the Church, Vol.
6, p.86).
“Heavenly Father, we come into Your presence in the name of Your Son,
Jesus Christ. When on earth, Jesus said, “If we being evil know how to When one reads Ellen White’s statements on the baptism of the Holy
give good gifts to our children, how much more is our heavenly Father Spirit, it is clear that she saw its importance and urged every believer to seek
willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” And your servant it. It was clear to her that the baptism of the Spirit is essential for God’s work
Paul said that we receive the gift of the Spirit by faith. So Father, we come to be nished in the lives of His people and on this earth.
before you seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit for (name). In the name These statements also indicate that the Christian does not automatically
of Jesus Christ, I claim the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit for receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit at conversion or water baptism. If that
(name). I pray that You will so inll (name) with the presence of Jesus were the case, Ellen White would not tell Christians that this is an experience
that His character will be fully manifest through (name). I pray that the they need.
fruit of the Spirit will be seen in (name) life and that (name) witness for God sought to again draw our denomination’s attention to this very im-
Jesus will be attended as never before by the power of the Holy Spirit. portant experience in the Spring of 1928, when Elder LeRoy Froom was led
Thank you, Father for hearing our prayer. In Jesus name, Amen.” to present this subject to delegates and workers at the quadrennial ministe-
rial institutes held in conjunction with the union conference sessions. The
A believer desiring the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not necessarily book, The Coming of the Comforter, resulted from these presentations.
need to have someone pray for him or her with laying on of hands. When I Referring to our neglect of understanding and receiving the baptism of the
rst began sharing this teaching with our church one of the members decided Holy Spirit, LeRoy Froom stated:
that very evening to seek the baptism of the Spirit. She earnestly prayed for
God to ll her with His Spirit. She said later that she felt the greatest peace “I am persuaded that this is our colossal blunder. I confess it has been
that she ever felt come over her. mine. We are not to ‘go’ until we are endued….All true service begins at
On one occasion I spoke with a Seventh-day Adventist pastor who de- our personal Pentecost” (The Coming of the Comforter, p. 94).
scribed a unique experience of his own. One day he was in his garden work-
ing and reecting on God’s work, as ministers often do. He stated to me that Froom continues:
he heard a voice tell him, “Ask for My Spirit.” Right there he offered a prayer
to God asking Him for His Spirit. He told me that at that moment he felt a “For there is an experience beyond and above the initial step by which the
peace come over him as he had never before experienced. Holy Spirit rst reveals sin, and begets a new life in the soul, and that is
God has not limited us to only one method of receiving the baptism of to be lled with the Spirit. For the lack of this, one’s testimony is feeble
the Spirit. I do, however, believe that the special ceremony of praying with and the spiritual life but partial.
32 33
“Alas, many today have gone as far as the baptism of repentance, but no earnest prayer, and consecration of themselves to God, that the early dis-
farther” (Ibid. p. 142-143). ciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pente-
cost” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507).
Froom’s study led him to believe that the “baptism of repentance,” which
refers to water baptism was not enough. He concluded that the Spirit’s inll- Experiences of Those Who Have Received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
ing is also necessary in order for the believer to be victorious through the There are numerous records of Christians who have sought and experienced
time of trouble to Christ’s coming. the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Douglas Cooper in his book, Living in Our
Finest Hour, relates a few of these experiences.
“It is a relationship into which we may or may not enter, though we are John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church shared:
exhorted, yea divinely commanded to, in Ephesians 5; and in order to
abide through the time when there will be no high priestly intercession, “Fearful at his own spiritual weakness, disillusioned and dejected, be be-
when mercy ceases and forgiveness for transgressions is ended, we must came acquainted with a group of Spirit-lled Christians who helped him
enter” (Ibid. p. 170). to change his life remarkably.…
Don’t Let Satan Mislead “Wesley decided to seek the lling of the Spirit for himself. At another
There has been much misinformation and confusion about what happens meeting he heard a statement read from Luther describing the inner change
when a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Satan fears this ex- the Spirit can work on the heart of the believer. At that meeting John Wes-
perience in the believer more than any other. He knows that the baptism of ley was baptized with the Spirit. He tells of experiencing what was a new
the Holy Spirit will break his power in the believer’s life, and the resulting dimension of spiritual life. ‘I felt my heart strangely warmed,’ he said.
powerful witness for Jesus Christ will bring Satan’s work to an end on planet
earth. For this reason he has done everything he can to confuse this teaching, “Wesley came away with a new vision, a new passion, new power. Vir-
and cause many sincere Christians to misunderstand it and even be suspi- tually unheard of before this time, his preaching went on to shake three
cious of it. nations” (Living in Our Finest Hour, p. 76-77).
“There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall Charles G. Finney stated:
clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour
out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. ‘‘Christians are as guilty for not being lled with the Spirit as sinners are
When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come” for not repenting. They are even more so, as they have more light, they are
(Review & Herald, March 22, 1887). so much the more guilty” (Ibid. p. 78).
Receiving the baptism of the Spirit does not necessarily involve a highly Catherine Mrshall, who wrote many books including A Man Called Peter
emotional experience. One may or may not feel something at the time of from which this excerpt is taken:
seeking the inlling of the Spirit. However, the Spirit will make Himself
known to the one He indwells. His presence will begin changing the believ- “She yearned to receive this baptism. ‘Since at that time I had no group to
er’s life from within. A new power for victory and service will be manifested. lay hands on me, very quickly and undramatically I asked for the gift of
God desires to give His children this wonderful experience of Spirit the Spirit. The setting was my bedroom with no other human being pres-
baptism. However, in order to receive it we must ask in faith believing He ent. I knew too that when we accept one of heaven’s gifts like that—so
will bestow it. Secondly, we must be willing to give ourselves completely quietly in the now—we cannot demand instantaneous proof that the Lord
to God. has heard and answered. For that would be walking by sight, not faith at
all…I know that although I should not deny their validity, I should guard
“The heart must be emptied of every delement and cleansed for the in- against demanding a highly emotional or dramatic experience as initial
dwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by proof of my baptism in the Spirit.’
34 35
“The rst day nothing overt happened. ‘I experienced no waves of liquid Paul tells us that the “inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians
love or ecstatic joy,’ she says. ‘But then, in the next few days, quietly but 4:16). We need the renewing of the Spirit every day of our lives. Also, Paul’s
surely, the heavenly Guest made known His presence in my heart… Day command to “be lled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) is a continuous ac-
by day came the evidence that after I had asked the helper to enter and tion verb, which in the Greek means that we are to keep on being lled with
take charge, He had done exactly that.’” the Spirit daily. With the inlling of the Spirit the believer is led by the Spirit.
Paul writes of the importance of this being a daily experience when he states;
“…She discovered ‘the manifestation of His presence on which the Spirit
places highest value is the power to witness effectively to others of Jesus,’ “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”
‘He then entered into my prayer life and began directing that. He became (Romans 8:14).
the major creative Agent in my writing. In the months that followed and
indeed, on down the years, He would methodically bring one area of life Again the verb form in the Greek is continuous action. Paul is saying, “as
after another under his control—health, nances, ambition, reputation. I many as are continuing to be led daily by the Spirit of God.” Hence, we must
soon realized that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was no onetime experi- receive the Spirit everyday to be led by Him everyday. Claiming the promise
ence, rather a process that would continue throughout my lifetime’” (Ibid. of the baptism of the Holy Spirit must become one of the rst things we do
p. 93). when we awake in the morning.
Christ is our example in all things. Note what Ellen White writes about
She wrote: “’Any church that ignores the Spirit is an apostate church’” the baptism of the Spirit in Christ’s daily life.
(Ibid. p. 78).
“Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours
Dwight L Moody shared: of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul
and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others”
“After he had been lled with the Spirit, Dwight L. Moody wrote: ‘In (Christ Object Lessons, p. 139).
some sense and to some extent the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer,
but there is another gift which may be called the gift of the Holy Spirit Benets of Receiving the Baptism
for service. This gift, it strikes me, is entirely distinct and separate from The baptism of the Holy Spirit gives power to our witness and brings forth
conversion and assurance’” (Ibid. p. 87). the fruit of Christ’s character in the life. Paul spoke of this when he wrote;
As can be seen from the examples related above, the baptism of the Spirit “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
does not necessarily involve a highly emotional experience. One may or may are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit
not feel something at the time of seeking the inlling of the Spirit. How- of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
ever, the Spirit will make Himself known to the one in whom He dwells. His
presence will begin changing the believer’s life from within the soul. A new God’s glory is His character (Exodus 33:18-19). Paul states here that the
power for victory and service will be manifested. believer will be growing in Christ’s character, “from glory to glory,” by the
God desires to give His children this wonderful experience of Spirit Spirit of the Lord that dwells in him.
baptism. However, in order to receive it, we must ask in faith believing The inlling of the Spirit of God will “make you perfect in every good
He will bestow it. We must also be willing give ourselves completely to work, to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight,
God. through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever” (Hebrews 13:21).
Ellen White reafrmed the development of character the recipient of the
Seek the Baptism Every Day Spirit’s inlling receives when she wrote;
Another very important point is that we must renew this inlling every day.
Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). The dying to self and inlling “When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms
of the Spirit is a daily experience. It is not a “once-and-for-ever” experience. the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love,
36 37
humility, and peace takes the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the yield to His prompting, we will be in danger of “grieving” and “quenching”
place of sadness, and the countenance reects the light of heaven” (Desire the Spirit.
of Ages, p.173). If you nd that you have grieved the Spirit, don’t get discouraged. In-
stead, ask God to forgive you (1 John 1:9), and He will. Then ask God to ll
We Can Grieve the Spirit you anew with His Spirit and He will (Luke 11:13). Ask Him in faith, and you
We can do things that will grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). If we do not will receive (Galatians 3:14).
daily seek Him and cooperate in following where He leads us, His power will David knew God’s mercy. He had committed the sins of adultery and
wane, and our Christian experience will weaken. murder. He had walked away from the prompting of God’s Spirit in his life
God doesn’t force. When we receive the baptism of the Spirit He will when he committed these terrible acts. Yet when he was convicted of his sin
have a greater impact in our lives. We will feel His promptings more strongly. by the Spirit he turned to God in prayer. Note especially these words:
The Spirit will be daily putting the desire in our heart to obey God. He will
call us to study God’s Word and pray more. The Spirit will cause us to begin “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in
loving righteousness and hate sin. However, we are always free to disre- me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not
gard His promptings. When we do this we begin the process of “grieving” or away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore
“quenching” the Spirit. Paul gives very practical advice in many sections of unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit”
the Scripture on how to avoid doing this. The practical counsels Paul gives to (Psalm 51:9-12).
the believer on living the Christian life are aimed at helping us maintain the
fullness of the Spirit in our lives. Two examples of such counsel are: When we nd that we have been slipping away from God, we must not let
another moment go by without confessing our sin, accepting God’s forgive-
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: ness and claiming the promise of the renewing of the Spirit in our lives as
for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the David did. Then we will once again be strengthened in the “inner” man to be
sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him victorious over Satan (Ephesians 3:16-19).
that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands We serve a wonderful God. When we have failed Him, let us remember:
the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let
no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in
good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to
of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his
evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so
to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth
sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:25-32 emphasis added). his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth
our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm. 103:8-14).
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-
minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render We Must Experience the Early Rain to Receive the Latter Rain of the Spirit
evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among It is time for the “latter rain” to fall. If we do not experience the inlling of
yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every the Spirit, which is the “early rain” (Joel 2:23), we will not be prepared to
thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. receive and participate in the work of the latter rain. I believe God is moving
Quench not the Spirit” (1Thessalonians 5:14-19 emphasis added). among His people today and leading them into this wonderful experience.
Ellen White gave a very important and balanced counsel in the following
Paul knew that the Spirit of God dwelling in the believer would be statement regarding this work.
prompting him to do the things listed above in these verses. If we refuse to
38 39
“As long as individuals are content with a theory of truth, and are yet to excitement, our weakness to strength, and our witness will be with a power
lacking in the daily operation of the Spirit of God upon the heart, which not seen since the day of Pentecost.
is manifested in outward transformation of character, they are cutting
themselves off from the qualications that would t them for greater ef- A Necessity Preparation for Christ’s Second Coming
ciency in the Master’s work. Those who are devoid of the Holy Spirit In order to be ready for Christ’s second coming we must daily experience the
cannot be faithful watchmen upon the walls of Zion; for they are blind baptism of the Holy Spirit. Christ lives in us through the baptism of the Holy
to the work that ought to be done, and do not give the trumpet a certain Spirit (John 14:16-18, 1 John 3:24). This experience will lead us to become
sound. just like Jesus in our life and service for Him. The Spirit lled experience is
not an option for those ready to meet Jesus when He returns. It is a necessity!
“The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost will lead Hence, it is my prayer that all who read this book will experience the Spirit’s
to a revival of true religion and to the performance of many wonderful inlling every day. The baptism of the Holy Spirit must become a consistent
works. Heavenly intelligences will come among us and men will speak part of our life in order for us to have the faith to make it through the time of
as they are moved by the Holy Spirit of God. But should the Lord work trouble, and be ready for Christ’s return.
upon men as He did on and after the day of Pentecost, many who now There is no other way to come out of our complacent, faithless, Laodicean
claim to believe the truth would know so very little of the operation condition and be prepared for the nal crisis and Christ’s second coming. El-
of the Holy Spirit that they would cry, “Beware of fanaticism.” They len White conrms this with the words:
would say of those who were lled with the Spirit, “These men are full
of new wine.” “Nothing but the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring up the church to
its right position, and prepare the people of God for the fast approaching
‘The time is not far off now when men will want a much closer relation to conict” (Letter 15, 1889, Dr Burke).
Christ, a much closer union with His Holy Spirit, than they have ever had,
or will have, unless they give up their will and their way, and submit to I pray that you will take God’s instruction seriously. If you are not daily
God’s will and God’s way. The great sin of those who profess to be Chris- claiming the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, do not let another
tians is that they do not open the heart to receive the Holy Spirit. When day go by without seeking this marvelous blessing. For the Spirit’s inlling
souls long after Christ and seek to become one with Him, then those who brings all other blessings to you, and will lead you into the marvelous experi-
are content with the form of godliness, exclaim “Be careful, do not go to ence with your Lord, Jesus Christ.
extremes.” When the angels of heaven come among us, and work through
human agents, there will be solid and substantial conversions, after the or-
der of the conversions after the day of Pentecost.
Discussion Questions
“Now brethern, be careful and do not go into or try to create human ex-
citement. But while we should be careful not to go into human excite- How does Satan work to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit?
ment, we should not be among those who will raise inquiries and cherish
doubts in reference to the work of the Spirit of God; for there will be those
who will question and criticize when the Spirit of God takes possession What other terms applies to the baptism of the Holy Spirit experience?
of men and women, because their own hearts are not moved, but are cold
and unimpressible (Letter 27, 1894, Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 56-57).
When did the baptism of the Holy Spirit become available to Christians?
If you have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, don’t delay an-
other day. His reception should be rst and foremost in our lives. For this gift
will bring all other gifts to us. The Spirit’s inlling will change our lethargy
40 41
List some of Christ’s experiences that model the experience we are to have? What did LeRoy Froom say in 1928 about our neglect of understanding and
Luke 1:35 experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a denomination?
Luke 2:52
Luke 3:21-22
Luke 4:1-13 According to Froom why is the baptism of the Holy Spirit necessary for last
Luke 4:14 day Christians?
Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit an option for the believer or a necessity? What is one of Satan’s greatest fears?
What one thing does the baptism of the Holy Spirit do for the believer? 1John List four outstanding Christians from past generations who experienced the
3:24 baptism of the Holy Spirit.
What works did Jesus say His followers would do? John 14:12 What must we do to be able to receive the baptism of the Spirit?
List some of the works Jesus did that were done by the apostles Acts 2:46-47; How often should we seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 5:18
5:15-16
What are the benets of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Did the Samaritan believers, Saul and the Ephesian believers automatically
receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit when they were baptized in water?
Acts 8:12-17; 9:17-18, 19:1-6 List the things Paul warns us of that can cause us to grieve the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:25-
1Thessalonians 5:14-19
What was a common method used to enable believers to receive the baptism
of the Holy Spirit after the day of Pentecost? Acts 8:12-17; 9:17-18, 19:1-6
If we nd that we have grieved the Holy Spirit what should we do? 1John 1:9
Is water baptism and Spirit baptism two separate experiences?

What does Ellen White say many will do when God works as He did after
the day of Pentecost.
Is laying on of hands always necessary for an individual to receive the bap-
tism of the Holy Spirit?
Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
How important did Ellen White say the baptism of the Holy Spirit is? Baptize you with His Spirit
Keep you from grieving the Spirit by your thoughts, words or actions
42 43
Receiving Christ in Fullness
Day 5
the “fruit of the Spirit” when He dwells within us (Galatians 5:22-23). This
wonderful fruit of character will be manifested in the life more and more
abundantly as the Spirit takes greater possession of the life. The Spirit will
take such control of the believer that they will become like Jesus in every
way (1 John 3:2). Ellen White very nicely describes this in the following
Receiving Christ in Fullness statement:
“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ.
When the believer receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he is actually re-
And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and
ceiving Christ more fully into his life. Jesus foretold this when He promised
aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when
His disciples another Comforter would be sent by the Father to “dwell with”
obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will,
them and “be in” them (John 14:17). This Comforter is the Holy Spirit. Then
rened and sanctied, will nd its highest delight in doing His service.
Jesus said “I will come to you” (John 14:18). Hence, through the baptism
When we know God, as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be
of the Holy Spirit Jesus comes to “dwell with” and “be in” His people. It is
a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character
through the Spirit’s inlling that Jesus most fully lives within His disciples
of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us”
(1 John 3:24).
(Desire of Ages, p. 668).
Jesus Lives in the Spirit-Filled Believer
The baptism of the Holy Spirit will bring about the fulllment of Christ’s
John tells us that the Christians who are living when Jesus comes will be
promise that the believers would do the “works” He did and greater works
“like” Him (1 John 3:2). How much like Jesus are we to become? The Greek
(John 14:12). Christ will do the same works today through the believer as
word translated “like” means “just like” Him. How can this happen? Through
He did when He walked this earth 2000 years ago. This happens when the
the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus will live out His life in us. Paul
believer receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit and continues to walk in the
described this when he wrote:
Spirit. In fact, Jesus said the believers would do “greater works” because
Jesus’ works will be manifested through every believer that receives Him
“I am crucied with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
fully. In a very real sense every believer becomes as Christ to the world. We
in me: and the life which I now live in the esh I live by the faith of the
become Christ’s mouth, hands, feet, doing the very works He did; preaching,
Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
teaching, healing, casting out devils, etc.
It is this full “manifestation of the sons of God” that the whole of cre-
Through the inlling of the Holy Spirit, Christ will come and live in each
ation is waiting for (Romans 8:19). When this occurs in its fullness the
of us. The text quoted above states that the Spirit-lled believer would have
earth will then be lighted with God’s character of glory and the end will
the “faith of Jesus.” Why? Because Jesus is living in them.
come (Revelation 18:1).
The Spirit-lled believer will have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16,
Philippians 2:5). They will have the likes and dislikes of Christ, the love of
Christ’s Character and Works Made Manifest
righteousness and hatred of sin Christ has. They will have the same desire to
The character Christ revealed, and the works He did, will be seen in the
obey the Father that Christ has (Psalm 40:7-8), and the same passion for souls
life of every believer that receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit and
Christ has (Luke 19:10). Paul tells us the wisdom—righteousness—holiness
continues to walk in that baptism. That is why Jesus could positively
of Christ is theirs (1Corinthians 1:30); every virtue and quality of Christ.
state that specic signs would follow those that believe such as healing
They will become more and more like Christ every day as they are changed
and casting out devils, (Mark 16:15-18). We see these words of Christ
into His “image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2
fullled from Pentecost onward. His character was manifested through
Corinthians 3:18).
all who received the inlling of the Spirit (Acts 2: 46-47). Thousands
Christ living in the believer through the inlling of the Spirit causes the
were won to Christ through the preaching of the gospel, and the sick were
character of Christ to be fully developed in them. The Holy Spirit produces
healed (Acts 5:15-16).
44 45
miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was
manifested before the great day of Pentecost…Hearts were converted by
Baptism of the Holy Spirit the power of the Holy Spirit” (Testimonies toReceiving Christ
the Church, Vol.in9,Fullness
p. 126).
This wonderful work of Christ continued through the rst few centuries Theheart
of the greatwill
focus of theInstead
change. prayersofoffocusing onReceiving
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that Christwill
time
lamenting intheir
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ures morewill
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“that maylling of God’s
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many false teachings that were accepted and propagated the church lost her of thediscovered
have heart will change. Insteadtruth;
the wonderful of focusing
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ures they willthrough
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lling ofI may
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know Spirit.
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This wonderful work of Christ continued through the rst few centuries
Christ. The character of Christ became obscure, soul winning waned, and the haveChrist
discovered
will nish
the wonderful
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this toearth.
know WeJesus
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healings all but ceased. A time of great spiritual famine griped Christendom. in
ing”
itscomes
gloriousthrough
climax.theHowever,
inlling of thetheonly
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We areworking
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power. The great era of apostasy brought with it great weakness in the body of
God in His message to Laodicea indicates that this last church of the Chris- by its
in theglorious
inllingclimax.
of the Spirit.
However,This theis why
onlyPaul
waysoweemphatically
will be ablecommands
to work suc- us
Christ. The character of Christ became obscure, soul winning waned, and the
tian era is failing to reect Christ’s character (Revelation 3:14-22). Unfortu- to “be lled
cessfully withwith
Christ
the Spirit”
in this work
(Ephesians
is to have
5:18).
Him working in and through us
healings all but ceased. A time of great spiritual famine griped Christendom.
nately, however, it is unaware of its shortcomings. It thinks it has all it needs. by the
In my
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lling of
Spirit
the Spirit.
Baptism This
& Evangelism,
is why Paul so theemphatically
close relationship
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Christians today are not exempt from these woeful inuences. In fact,
It is “lukewarm.” This last church needs to be heated and become “on re” to
the“be
baptism
lled with
of thetheHoly
Spirit”
Spirit
(Ephesians
and witnessing
5:18). for Christ is presented. Re-
God in His message to Laodicea indicates that this last church of the Chris-
for their Lord. Who has the re needed? Jesus does. John the Baptist fore- member,
In my the
book,Spirit-
Spiritlled
Baptism
believer
& Evangelism,
will receivethe both
close
passions
relationship
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between
the
tian era is failing to reect Christ’s character (Revelation 3:14-22). Unfortu-
told that Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and re (Luke 3:16). The passion
the baptism
to obey
of the
the Holy
Father,Spirit
and the
andpassion
witnessing
to seek
forand
Christ
saveisthe
presented.
lost. Re-
nately, however, it is unaware of its shortcomings. It thinks it has all it needs.
baptismal re of the Holy Spirit is the only hope for the Laodicean church. member, the Spirit-lled believer will receive both passions of Christ; the
It is “lukewarm.” This last church needs to be heated and become “on re”
When the Spirit lled believer is tempted Christ wants to manifest His passion to obey the Father, and the passion to seek and save the lost.
for their Lord. Who has the re needed? Jesus does. John the Baptist fore-
victory in his/her life. When a temptation comes the key to victory is to
told that Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and re (Luke 3:16). The
simply turn the mind from the temptation and ask Christ to manifest His Discussion Questions
baptismal re of the Holy Spirit is the only hope for the Laodicean church.
victory over the temptation. Always look to Christ for victory (Hebrews
When the Spirit lled believer is tempted Christ wants to manifest His
12:1-2). As I have heard it said, “When Satan knocks on your door send Discussion
What happens in the believer’s Questions
life when he receives the baptism of the Holy
victory in his/her life. When a temptation comes the key to victory is to
Christ to answer it.” In my book, Spirit Baptism & Abiding in Christ, I ex- Spirit? John 14:17-18; 1John 3:24
simply turn the mind from the temptation and ask Christ to manifest His
plain in more detail how the Christian lets Christ give him/her His victory What happens in the believer’s life when he receives the baptism of the Holy
victory over the temptation. Always look to Christ for victory (Hebrews
Christ Wants Inand sin. In preparation for Christ's return the Christian is to
over temptation Spirit? John 14:17-18; 1John 3:24
12:1-2). As I have heard it said, “When Satan knocks on your door send
Christ is pictured
experience Christ'sasjustifying
“knocking” at the door
(imputed) of the Laodiceans
righteousness for He longs
and sanctifying (im- When Jesus comes whom will the believers be like? 1John 3:2
Christ to answer it.”
to become
parted) a part of the
righteousness bylives
faith.of these professed believers which is the only
solution to their problem. The indwelling of Christ occurs only through the When Jesus comes whom will the believers be like? 1John 3:2
Christ Wants In
inlling of the Holy Spirit. Hence, the message of Christ to the Laodiceans How did Paul describe his relationship with Jesus? Galatians 2:20
Christ is pictured as “knocking” at the door of the Laodiceans for He longs
is a call to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an experience which brings
to become a part of the lives of these professed believers which is the only
Christ fully into their lives. How did Paul describe his relationship with Jesus? Galatians 2:20
solution to their problem. The indwelling of Christ occurs only through the
When last-day Christians receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and con-
inlling of the Holy Spirit. Hence, the message of Christ to the Laodiceans When a Spirit lled Christian is tempted how is he/she to get the victory?
tinue to daily walk in it there will be witnessed a great revival and reforma-
is a call to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an experience which brings
tion. Christ’s character will be manifest in its perfection through His people.
Christ fully into their lives. When a Spirit lled Christian is tempted how is he/she to get the victory?
God’s last day message will be proclaimed with a power not before seen.
When last-day Christians receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and con- Whose desires will the Spirit lled believer develop? Philippians 2:5
Many signs will follow. Ellen White spoke of this time when she wrote;
tinue to daily walk in it there will be witnessed a great revival and reforma-
tion. Christ’s character will be manifest in its perfection through His people. Whose desires will the Spirit lled believer develop? Philippians 2:5
“In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great refor-
God’s last day message will be proclaimed with a power not before seen. What two passions of Christ will the Spirit lled Christian receive? Psalm
matory movement among God’s people. The sick were healed, and other
Many signs will follow. Ellen White spoke of this time when she wrote; 40:7-8; Luke 19:10
miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was
manifested before the great day of Pentecost…Hearts were converted by What two passions of Christ will the Spirit lled Christian receive? Psalm
“In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great refor- 40:7-8; Luke 19:10
the power of the Holy Spirit” (Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 9, p. 126).
matory movement among God’s people. The sick were healed, and other List other qualities Jesus had that the Spirit lled believer will also have.
miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was Galatians 5:22-23
The great focus of the prayers of God’s people at that time will be to re-
manifested before the great day of Pentecost…Hearts were converted by List other qualities Jesus had that the Spirit lled believer will also have.
ceive more of Jesus, more of the inlling of God’s Spirit. The earnest desire
the power of the Holy Spirit” (Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 9, p. 126). Galatians 5:22-23
The great focus of the prayers of 46

God’s people at that time will be to re- 47
ceive more of Jesus, more of the inlling of God’s Spirit. The earnest desire
47
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Receiving Christ in Fullness
How does Ellen White describe the change that takes place in the believer What does Ellen White describe will happen when Laodicean Christians re-
who receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit? ceive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and let Jesus live fully in them?
What did Jesus say His followers would do? John 14:12 What will be the overriding desire of last day Spirit lled Christians? Philip-
pians 3:10
How does Paul describe those who allow Jesus to live in them through the
baptism of the Holy Spirit and minister through them? Romans 8:19 Why is “knowing” Christ so important? John 17:3
What happens in this earth when the sons of God are fully manifested? Rev- What did Christ say to those not ready to meet Him when He returns? Mat-
elation 18:1 thew 7:23; 25:12
What is God’s glory? Exodus 33:18-19, 2Corinthians 3:18 What does Paul command all Christians to do? Ephesians 5:18
What ministry signs did Jesus say would accompany Spirit lled believers?
Mark 16:15-18
Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
What happened to Paul that showed the truth of Christ’s words? Acts 28:3-6 Baptize you with His Spirit
Manifest Jesus fully in your life
Was Christ’s prophecy of the believers healing the sick accurate? Acts
5:15-16
What happened in the Christian church that caused miracles to stop?
What is the only hope for last day Christians to come out of their Laodicean
condition?
What is Christ described doing in God’s warning message to the Laodiceans?

Revelation 3:20
How do Laodicean believers open the door of their heart and let Christ fully
into their life? 1John 3:24
48 49
Obedience from the Heart
Day 6
ask his advice. We discuss whether or not I should mourn. My friend nally
says; “After all he was your father and you are his son. So I think you should
mourn his death.” On his advice, I begin mourning his death. I think it be-
comes obvious that my mourning in this case would not be genuine mourn-
ing from the heart. Rather it would be external mourning because it was my
Obedience from the Heart obligation as my father’s son to mourn his death. True mourning would come
spontaneously from the heart. I couldn’t help but mourn if it was genuine
mourning. The same is true of obedience to God. When one is in right rela-
There are two purposes for the inlling of the Holy Spirit: to reect Jesus in
tionship with God through the inlling of the Spirit obedience springs natu-
our life (1 John 3:24; 2 Corinthians 3:3), and to gain a power for witnessing
rally and spontaneously from the heart without hardly even thinking about it.
(Acts 1:8). In my book, Spirit Baptism & Evangelism, I present the relation-
Temptations to disobey will come. However, they will be very much weak-
ship of Spirit baptism and power for witnessing. In this chapter we will focus
ened in inuence by the strong desire God has placed in the heart to obey.
on the rst purpose; reecting Jesus” character.
In the Old Testament God promised to give His children a “new heart”
and “caused “ them to “walk” in His statutes (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This prom-
Jesus and God’s Ten Commandment Law
ise is fullled under the New Covenant where God said “I will put my laws
Jesus and God’s law are inseparable. In fact, it was Jesus before His incar-
into their mind, and write them in their hearts;…”, (Hebrews 8:10). Paul
nation Who gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The God who gave the
further points out that God’s law is written in our heart by the Holy Spirit (2
commandments revealed Himself to Moses as the “I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
Corinthians 3:3).
Jesus claimed to be the “I AM” of the Old Testament (John 8:58). Comparing
David understood this when he wrote:
1Corinthians 10:1-4 and Nehemiah 9:12-14, it is very clear that it was Jesus
who descended in the cloud on Mt. Sinai and met with Moses.
“…quicken thou me according to thy word….Make me to understand the
The Holy Spirit was also very much involved when God gave the Ten
way of thy precepts:…strengthen thou me according to thy word….Re-
Commandments to Moses. In fact, it was the Spirit who wrote the command-
move from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously….Make
ments on the tables of stone. This becomes clear when we compare Jesus’
me to go in the path of thy commandments;…Incline my heart unto thy
statements where He equated the “nger of God” with the “Spirit of God”
testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from behold-
(Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20). Hence, the same Holy Spirit who wrote the
ing vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy
Ten Commandments on tables of stone will today write God’s law on the
servant,…” (Psalm
(Psalm 118:25-38).
119:25-38).
heart of God’s Spirit lled children (2 Corinthians 3:3).
Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would magnify the law, (Isaiah 42:21).
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and God’s Law
Jesus lived and practiced the law of God in His life, clearly stating that His
This brings us to the subject under discussion. Through the baptism or inll-
purpose was to fulll the righteous requirements of the law, not destroy or do
ing of the Holy Spirit, God’s law is written in our hearts and we obey from
away with it (Matthew 5:17).
the heart. This does not fully happen when we accept Christ and are baptized
The professed Christian can participate in two kinds of obedience. First
by water. Paul states that we must be “lled with the Spirit”. This lling
is what I call “external” obedience. This obedience occurs when the believer
with the Spirit refers to being baptized of the Spirit or being anointed by the
obeys the law of God simply because God says to obey it. This type of obedi-
Spirit. Spirit inlling, baptism, and anointing refer to the same experience in
ence is actually legalism not being from the heart. The second form of obedi-
the Christian’s life.
ence is what I call “internal” obedience. This obedience occurs because of a
This experience of Spirit inlling is essential for the believer. Paul indi-
deep, inner desire within the believer to obey God. External obedience with-
cates that if we are willing God will rst establish us in Christ, then anoint us
out heart obedience is unacceptable to God (Psalm 51:16-17; Matthew 15:8).
with His Spirit, which will result in being sealed by the Spirit (2 Corinthians
I came across an illustration many years ago that I think claries the dif-
1:21-22; Ephesians 1:12-13). Any obedience outside of that coming from the
ference between external and internal obedience. Let’s say my father died,
inlling of the Spirit will ultimately result in pharisaical, external obedience
and I am not sure if I should mourn his death or not, so I go to a friend and
rather than from the heart. Why? It is because the law is not being written
50 51
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Obedience from the Heart
in the heart, which occurs when one continues to experience the inlling of If it does not appear that God’s law is in your heart, you still have hope.
the Spirit. The wise man stated; “The desire of the righteous is only good…” First, ask God’s forgiveness; second, seek the Spirit’s inlling. By seeking
(Proverbs 11:23). Paul speaks of the true believer obeying “from the heart” the baptism of the Spirit we heed God’s counsel; “Seek ye the LORD, all
and becoming “servants” or slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:17-18). ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteous-
Since having God’s law written in our heart is so important, how can ness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s
we know if this has happened? Let me give a simple example. Most of us anger” (Zephaniah 2:3). How urgent it is that we follow Paul’s command
have televisions in our homes. Let’s say we are watching a program that to be “lled with the Spirit”. This is the only hope if we desire to stand
has an interesting story line but includes adultery (seventh commandment), in the great day of Christ’s second coming. Then and only then will we
foul language (third commandment), murder (sixth commandment), deceit have God’s law written in our hearts. Only by the Spirit of God is His love
(ninth commandment), and theft (eighth commandment). If I am able, with- placed in our hearts (Romans 5:5), which is the only true motive for obedi-
out much difculty, to overlook these sinful activities and enjoy the pro- ence to His commandments (John 14:15, Romans 6:17). Then, and only
gram, then the law of God is not in my heart. If the law was there I would then, will we love righteousness and hate sin.
be appalled at the sins being displayed in front of me and I could not enjoy Ellen White described what happens when we choose to be lled with the
the program. Spirit and allow God to write His law in our hearts.
The characteristics that describe those in Zion who are ready to meet
Christ at His second coming include “stoppeth his hears from hearing “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ.
of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;” (Isaiah 33:14). Those And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and
Christians who have received the inlling of the Spirit, and have allowed aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when
God to write His law in their heart do not stop watching such programs obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will,
because the law says not to. Rather they stop watching because they are rened and sanctied, will nd its highest delight in doing His service.
strongly compelled to from within and cannot enjoy the program because When we know God, as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be
of the evil portrayed. However, if a believer resists this repulsion to sin a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character
that the Spirit gives him, and continues to participate in it through any of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us”
of the senses, the repulsion will weaken. The Spirit will soon be grieved (Desire of Ages, p. 668)
until eventually he returns to the state he was in before having received
the Spirit’s inlling. Jesus Living in the Believer
When this happens Jesus is truly living His life in us. We will be reecting
God’s Sealing Work His character and doing His works. We will assuredly be experiencing what
The sealing process is seen in a vision in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 9:1-7). A mark John described in 1 John 3:24:
was placed upon the foreheads of all that sighed and cried for the abomi-
nations that were done in the city Jerusalem (referring to the world). The “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
word “abominations” refers to things morally disgusting, things that be- And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath
long to the worship of idols, homosexuality, and other perversions. Those given us.”
who receive God’s mark have experienced the law of God written in their
hearts, which causes the sinful acts in the world to be repulsive to them. These will truly “know” their Lord for they have experienced His abiding
This mark in Ezekiel is the same as the seal of Revelation, which is placed presence every moment of every day. When their Lord comes they will not
in the forehead of those who will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns hear the words spoken to them, which is spoken to the foolish virgins who did
(Revelation 7:1-3). not have the extra oil—inlling of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:12). Those
All who are ready to meet Christ when He returns will have had God’s who allow Christ to dwell in them through the inlling of His Spirit will have
law sealed or written in their hearts (Isaiah 8:16). All who have God’s law experienced the consummation of their marriage to Him. Christ “knows” His
written in their hearts will have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. true bride.
52 53
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Obedience from the Heart
Discussion Questions According to the Bible how do we get the new heart we need in order to obey
God from the heart? Ezekiel 36:26-27
What are the two purposes for the baptism of the Holy Spirit? 2Corinthians
3:3, 18; Acts 1:8
What does God promise to do for the Christian under the new covenant?
Hebrews 8:10
By what name did God reveal Himself to Moses? Exodus 3:14
What did David ask God to do for him? Psalm 119:25-38

Who did Jesus claim to be? John 8:58
How only can God’s law be written on the believer’s heart?

According to Paul who was the Old Testament God that led Israel by the pil-
lar of cloud, and was also called the “rock”? 1Corinthians 10:1-4
What must happen rst before an individual can be lled with the Spirit?
2Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:12-13
Who came to Moses on Mt Sinai and gave the 10 commandments? Nehemiah
9:12-14
What kind of obedience occurs when one is not Spirit lled?
How did God write the 10 commandments? Exodus 31:18

Give an example of how we can know that God’s law is not written in our
heart?
According to Jesus who is the “nger” of God? Matthew 12:28; Luke
11:20
What will the Spirit lled believer experience when he sees sinful activities?
What does the Holy Spirit do with the 10 commandments today? 2Corinthi-
ans 3:3 Who receives the “mark” or “seal” of God? Ezekiel 9:1-7
What kind of life did Jesus live in relation to the 10 commandments? Isaiah Who only will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns? Revelation 7:1-3
42:21; Matthew 5:17
What is the relationship between the seal of God, the name of God, the glory
What two kinds of obedience can be seen in a professed Christian’s life? of God, and the Ten Commandments? Exodus 33:18-19; Hebrews 8:10; Rev-
elation 7:1-3
Is external conformity to God’s law acceptable to God if it is not written on

the heart? Psalm 51:16-17; Matthew 15:8
54 55
Day 7
How does Ellen White describe the change that takes place in the believer
who has the law of God written in their heart by receiving the baptism of the
Holy Spirit?
When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit what kind of relationship do
The Sealing and Shaking
we experience with Jesus?
The sealing and shaking is of vital importance to those living just prior to
Christ’s return. Those who are sealed will be prepared for that great event.
Those who refuse to receive God’s seal, which allows God to prepare them
Prayer Focus: for Christ’s coming will be shaken out of His church.
• Ask God to:
Baptize you with His Spirit The Seal of God
Write His law in your heart so your obedience will be from the According to the Bible, God’s seal is placed in the forehead (Revelation
heart 7:4). The result of receiving God’s seal is to receive His “name” in the fore-
Bless those on your prayer list head (Revelation 14:1). God’s name and seal are synonymous. When God
spoke with Moses in the mount Moses asked to see God’s glory. God said
he would proclaim His “name” and then proceeded to reveal His character
(Exodus 33:18-19). Thus we see that God’s seal, name, character, and glory
refer to the same thing. In the new covenant God promises to put His law
in our mind (Hebrews 8:10). In the Old Testament, God’s commandments
were to be as “frontlets between the eyes,” which refers to the forehead.
Hence, God’s commandments are symbolically pictured as being placed in
the forehead.
In the chapter “Obedience from the Heart” we saw that the work of the
Holy Spirit is to write God’s law in our hearts. We have also seen that this
work is called the “sealing,” which occurs as a result of the inlling of the
Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13). Thus, in order to receive the
seal, name, character, and law of God in our forehead (mind) we must receive
the inlling of the Holy Spirit. According to the Bible, there is no other way.
This is why the baptism or inlling of the Spirit is essential for the believer.
This is why Paul emphatically commands us to “be lled with the Spirit”
(Ephesians 5:18).
Ezekiel was given a vision of this sealing process (Ezekiel 9:1-7). He
saw a man clothed in linen with a writer’s inkhorn by his side who placed
a mark upon the foreheads of all that sighed and cried for all the abomina-
tions that were done in the city Jerusalem, which has application to the
world.
As we have previously seen, the word “abominations” refers to things
morally disgusting, things which belong to worship of idols, homosexuality,
and other perversions. Those who receive this mark have experienced the
56 57
Baptism of the Holy Spirit The Sealing and Shaking
law of God written in their hearts and such things in the world are repulsive will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s
to them. This mark in Ezekiel is the same as the seal of Revelation, which is people” (Early Writings, p. 270).
placed in the forehead (Revelation 7:1-3). We have previously seen that this
sealing takes place as the result of the inlling or anointing of the Holy Spirit In the book of Revelation Jesus is the “True Witness,” (Revelation 3:14).
(2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:12-13). It is urgent that we take serious Christ’s counsel to let Him come fully into
our lives through the inlling of the Holy Spirit. This inlling will cause His
The Shaking law to be written in our hearts, which will cause us to exalt God’s standard
In Ezekiel’s vision, those who do not receive the mark or seal of God are in our lives and through our words. Those not receiving the inlling of God’s
pictured as being slain. Seventh-day Adventists have always understood that Spirit will look upon those being sealed as extreme in their delity to God.
those not sealed are “shaken” from the church. Ezekiel uses the word “slain” The carnal, lawless nature of those not sealed will rise against the experience
to describe this shaking of those not sealed. This sealing and shaking begins happening in those being sealed by the Spirit’s inlling. They will not under-
at the “sanctuary” which refers to the church. Hence, God’s sealing and shak- stand it and will feel condemned by the exemplary lives of those sealed. Ellen
ing work begins in His church and will spread throughout the world and will White writes that the world will consider those faithful to God as “strait-
affect every man, woman and child on earth. Those who refuse to receive the laced” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 289). I might add that it will
inlling of the Holy Spirit will in the end be shaken out of the church and not only be just the world, but also fellow believers who have not allowed
eternally lost. God’s law to be written in their hearts will also have this same attitude toward
This is actually the very same scenario given in Revelation in reference those sealed by the Spirit’s inlling.
to God’s message to the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:14-22). Those in
Laodicea are offered the opportunity to let Christ into their lives, which oc- Wise and Foolish Virgins
curs through the baptism or inlling of the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:24). They Christ’s parable of the ten virgins gives a similar picture of events. Two
are invited to “buy” the gold, which refers to faith and love—two very im- groups of virgins are depicted, the wise and foolish. The difference between
portant fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We receive this love only by the two groups is that the wise virgins had bought extra oil for their lamps.
the inlling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). They are also to buy “white The term “bought” is signicant in the light of Christ’s message to the La-
raiment,” which refers to Christ’s righteousness—the opposite of the self- odiceans to “buy”. One can only “buy” or obtain the oil from Christ. It is not
righteousness of those who have external obedience and not heart obedience. available from another person. Ellen White compares the foolish virgins with
They are also counseled to buy “eyesalve,” which is spiritual insight given the Laodiceans in the following statement.
only by the Holy Spirit that they may see their true condition. The problem
with Laodicea is that they think they are acceptable in God’s sight. They “The name ‘foolish virgins’ represents the character of those who have
see no need for any more of God’s Spirit, which would bring the fullness of not the genuine heart-work wrought by the Spirit of God. The coming
Christ into their lives if received. The warning is that God will “spue” them of Christ does not change the foolish virgins into wise ones… The state
from His mouth if they do not allow Christ into their lives which causes the of the church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the
fruit of the Spirit to be manifested in their lives and God’s law to be written in Laodicean state” (Review and Herald, Aug. 19, 1890).
their hearts. This imagery of being “spued” from God’s mouth refers to those
“slain” in Ezekiel’s vision, which is the shaking. LeRoy Froom commenting on this parable, states;
In the book Early Writings Ellen White was given a vision of the shaking
and asked its meaning. She was told; “The foolish think the wise are unduly worked up over this question of the
oil” (Coming of the Comforter, p. 294).
“…it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the coun-
sel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon This is typical of the mental attitude of those in Laodicea. They think they
the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour are sufciently spiritual and are totally unaware of their true condition. When
forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They they hear a message to be baptized by the Holy Spirit they draw back con-
58 59
dent that they already have the Spirit sufciently in their life. Ellen White Any work done for God outside genuine faith and the Spirit is sin (Ro-
commenting of the foolish virgins states; mans 14:23). To the outside observer, the works of both the foolish and wise
virgins would look very similar. Only God knows the heart. Also one cannot
“The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have determine the wise from the foolish by signs that follow those who believe,
a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to such as casting out devils and healing. For those lled and not lled with the
those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Spirit may have these signs in their ministry (Matthew 7:20-23).
Holy spirit’s working….the class represented by the foolish virgins have
been content with a supercial work. They do not know God….Their ser- The True Test of Discipleship
vice degenerates into a form” (Christ Object Lessons, p. 411). The only true test of those who are lled with the Spirit are by the “fruits” of
the Spirit (Matthew 7:20, Galatians 5:22-23). Only those lled with the Spirit
Timely Warning will fully manifest the fruit of the Spirit in their life. Only those baptized by
Ellen White warned: the Spirit will fully manifest the character of Christ in their lives. Only those
with the extra oil of the Spirit, which refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
“The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost will lead to a will be ready for the Bridegroom when He comes. They had “bought” the ex-
revival of true religion and to the performance of many wonderful works. tra oil needed to endure through the night until the Bridegroom returns. They
Heavenly intelligences will come among us and men will speak as they remain faithful to their Lord to the end. They know Him so intimately, and
are moved by the Holy Spirit of God. But should the Lord work upon love Him so deeply, that they would rather die than hurt or disappoint Him.
men as He did on and after the day of Pentecost, many who now claim to
believe the truth would know so very little of the operation of the Holy Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Shaking
Spirit that they would cry, ‘Beware of fanaticism.’ They would say of The Pentecost outpouring of the Holy Spirit is called the “early rain” in the
those who were lled with the Spirit, ‘These men are full of new wine.’ Bible. The baptism or inlling of the Spirit is in reality the early rain experi-
ence of the Spirit in the Christian’s life.
“The time is not far off now when men will want a much closer relation to The Bible also refers to another outpouring of the Spirit just prior to Christ’s
Christ, a much closer union with His Holy Spirit, than they have ever had, second coming. That outpouring is called the “latter rain.” The latter rain out-
or will have, unless they give up their will and their way, and submit to pouring of the Spirit completes the work of the Spirit in the life of the believer,
God’s will and God’s way. The great sin of those who profess to be Chris- preparing him to be ready for Christ’s second coming. However, if one does
tians is that they do not open the heart to receive the Holy Spirit. When not receive the early rain or baptism of the Spirit, he or she will not be prepared
souls long after Christ and seek to become one with Him, then those who to receive the latter rain. The latter rain will fall, but it will be of no benet to
are content with the form of godliness, exclaim ‘Be careful, do not go to those who have not received the early rain. Ellen White clearly described the
extremes.’ When the angels of heaven come among us, and work through relationship of the early and latter rain with the following words:
human agents, there will be solid and substantial conversions, after the
order of the conversions after the day of Pentecost” (Selected Messages, “In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in
Vol. 2, p. 56-57). order that the seed may germinate. Under the inuence of the fertilizing
showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close
How shocking to the foolish virgins will Christ’s words be, “I know you of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord em-
not”. Jesus describes this group in Matthew 7:20-23. Note both the foolish ploys these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit.
virgins and those in Matthew 7 say, “Lord, Lord” to Christ. These are de- As the dew and the rain are given rst to cause the seed to germinate, and
nitely professed believers in Him. In fact, they were very active in service then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from
and ministry for Him. In His name they had even done miracles, cast our dev- one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the
ils, etc. They were sure they were right with God and were ready for Christ’s grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul. By
return. Note carefully what Christ says to them. They had not “done the will the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in
of my Father which is in heaven”. They instead worked “iniquity.” the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.
60 61
“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace Under the new covenant where is the law of God placed? Hebrews 8:10
that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless
the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not
spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain In the Old Testament what did God want to place in His children’s forehead
can bring no seed to perfection. or minds? Deuteronomy 6:8
“Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They
have not obtained all the benets that God has thus provided for them. When we put the above scriptures together what do they teach us?
They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the
richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their
hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake” (Testimonies to Which member of the Godhead writes God’s law in the mind of His children
Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 506-507, emphasis added). and seals them? 2Corinthians 3:18; 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13
Let us not make the “terrible mistake” about which Ellen White warns us.
Let us seek God for the early rain, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What experience is necessary for the Christian to enter into in order to be
If we fail to do this, we will not be ready for the latter rain. We will remain sealed?
among the group of foolish virgins and the lukewarm professors of truth in
Laodicea. If we refuse the early rain baptism of the Spirit, we will most as-
suredly be shaken out of God’s remnant church. What does the prophet Ezekiel call this seal of God? Ezekiel 9:1-7
Praise God, none need to be among those shaken out of the church. All
who daily and humbly seek God and the inlling of His Spirit will grow in
grace, develop the character of Christ (the fruit of the Spirit), experience the Who receives this mark or seal of God according to Ezekiel? Ezekiel 9:1-7
latter rain, and be ready to meet their Lord when He returns.
According to Ezekiel what happens to those who do not receive the mark in
their forehead? Ezekiel 9:5-6
Discussion Questions
Why is receiving the seal of God important? Revelation 7:1-3 What has the Seventh-day Adventist church interpreted this slaying of those
without the mark of God to represent?
Where is God’s seal placed on the Christian? Revelation 7:4

In relation to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, who will be shaken out of the church?
When one receives the seal of God what else does he receive? Revelation 14:1
How does Revelation describe this shaking event? Revelation 3:14-16
What does receiving God’s name represent in the life of the believer? Exodus
33:18-19; 34:5-7 In the message to the Laodiceans what is the solution to their problem? Rev-
elation 3:20
62 63
How do we let Christ fully into our life? 1John 3:24 What is the only reliable test to distinguish a wise virgin from a foolish vir-
gin? Matthew 7:20; Galatians 5:22-23
What other things are the Laodicean Christians to obtain in order to avoid
being “spewed” out of God’s mouth? Revelation 3:18 Why do the wise virgins have the fruit of the Spirit in their lives? Galatians
5:16; Ephesians 5:18
Note: The gold represents Christ’s character of faith and love, the white
raiment represents the righteousness of Christ and the eye salve represent The baptism of the Holy Spirit is called the “early rain” of the Spirit and be-
the spiritual insight we receive from experiencing the baptism of the Holy gan to be poured out on the Day of Pentecost. What other outpouring of the
Spirit Holy Spirit must the wise virgins experience?
What does Ellen White say will cause the shaking in the church?
What does Ellen White say the foolish virgins are doing when they refuse to
receive the early rain of the Spirit and think they can wait for the latter rain
Who is the True Witness? Revelation 3:14 in order to be ready for Christ’s second coming?
How then does one rise up against the counsel of the True Witness? Which group of virgins do you want to be among when Jesus comes?
According to Ellen White what do those who refuse the baptism of the Holy
Spirit call those who receive the Spirit’s inlling?
Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
The parable of the wise and foolish virgins gives the same scenario as Ezekiel
Seal you with His Holy Spirit
chapter nine and Revelation’s warning to Laodicea. What did the wise virgins
have that the foolish ones did not have? Matthew 25:1-12
Note: The extra oil represents the baptism of the Holy Spirit
What does Ellen White say about the foolish virgins?
What does Christ say to the foolish virgins when He returns? Matthew 25:20-23
Were these foolish virgins involved in apparent marvelous works for Christ?
Matthew 7:20-23
64 65
The Fruit of the Spirit
Day 8
service. When we know God, as it is our privilege to know Him, our life
will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the char-
acter of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to
us” (Desire of Ages, p. 668).
The Fruit of the Spirit Paul tells us that Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, and this is what
brings about our being rooted and grounded in love, which is the most promi-
nent fruit expressed in the Bible (Ephesians 3:17). When we receive the in-
Christ’s call in one’s life is to bear fruit (John 15:1-2, 5, 16). Here, the abid-
lling of the Spirit by faith, we receive Christ (1 John 3:24; Galatians 3:14).
ing of Christ in the believer is the inlling of the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:24).
When Christ dwells in us He “walks” in us (2 Corinthians 6:16). He lives His
If a Christian bears no fruit, then he does not have the inlling of the Spirit.
life in us. The life He lived, we will live. The works He did, we will do (John
As we have previously seen, if one does not have the inlling of the Spirit,
14:12). This happens as we continue to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
Christ does not “know” him and he will be lost (Matthew 7:20-23; 25:1-
Water baptism for the believer is similar to the marriage service. It is a
12). Through the inlling baptism of the Spirit, Christ most fully lives in the
public ceremony indicating one’s commitment to Christ. The baptism of the
believer.
Holy Spirit is similar to the consummation of the marriage where the bride
The fruit of which Christ speaks is especially the “fruit of the Spirit.” Paul
comes to intimately “know” her bridegroom. It is through the inlling of the
described this fruit in his letter to the Galatians.
Holy Spirit that the believer comes to intimately “know” his Lord. This is
why Christ says to those who refuse this experience in the Spirit, “I know you
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
not” (Matthew 25:12). Of these foolish virgins, Ellen White writes:
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Ga-
latians 5:22-23).
“The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have
a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to
The initial baptism or inlling of the Holy Spirit is vital; however, we
those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the
must not stop there. The believer must continue to “walk in the Spirit” (Ga-
Holy spirit’s working….the class represented by the foolish virgins have
latians 5:25). We must daily be lled anew with the Spirit and yield our lives
been content with a supercial work. They do not know God….Their ser-
to His prompting, allowing Him to bring forth fruit all the days of our life.
vice degenerates into a form.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 411).
The Greatest Experience
The Fruit of the Spirit
As Christians, we are to continue growing in our knowledge of God and
When the believer yields to the inlling of the Holy Spirit he will bring forth
the graces of the Spirit. We are to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1-3).
fruit. He will become like Jesus in character. So let’s take a closer look at
Justication by faith, righteousness by faith, etc. is the launching pad for the
these fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
believer. However, the inlling of the Holy Spirit is the greatest dimension
The rst fruit is “love”. This is “agape” love, the highest form of love. It
and experience. We experience God’s sanctication by the Spirit’s indwell-
is the kind of love God loves us with. It does what is best for the one loved.
ing. The believer does not simply copy Jesus life. Jesus actually lives in the
Jesus described this kind of love in the following way:
believer. Our thoughts, words, and actions become Jesus’ thoughts, words,
and actions. Christ in us is our only “hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you,
“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ.
and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and
aims, so to blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that
Paul describes “agape” love with the words:
when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The
will, rened and sanctied, will nd its highest delight in doing His
66 67
Baptism of the Holy Spirit The Fruit of the Spirit
“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful “Gentleness” is a fruit that includes the quality of kindness. It leads to
or proud, never haughty or selsh or rude. Love does not demand its own a mellowing of all that would be harsh. This fruit refers especially to one’s
way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly disposition and not necessarily their actions. It gives the believer mildness of
even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but temper, a calm, quiet, yet cheerful disposition.
rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal The “goodness” referred to as one of the fruit is active goodness. The
to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always one in whom goodness dwells will be upright in heart and life, in motive
expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him” and conduct. However, he does not spare sharpness or rebuke to cause good
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Living Bible). in others. Jesus manifested this quality when He cleansed the temple of the
money changers (Matthew 21:12-13). We also see this quality manifested in
The second fruit is “Joy”. This quality of character results in rejoicing Paul when he openly rebuked Peter for showing favoritism to those of the
and gladness in the heart. The one manifesting this fruit will “rejoice in the “circumcision” (Galatians 2:11-12).
Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). “Faith” brings deep, abiding, rm conviction. It includes faithfulness and
The fruit of “peace” refers to harmony among individuals; being able to sincerity. It leads the believer to avoid “double- mindedness” (James 1:8) and
fellowship and work together for Christ without dissension. We see this fruit will cause him to be steadfast in his conviction of God’s faithfulness.
manifested following Pentecost (Acts 2:46-47). Peace also includes being The fruit of “meekness” produces mildness and forbearance. It is more
content with one’s lot in life. Paul described this attitude when he wrote: of an inward grace than an outward expression. It includes calmness toward
God while accepting God’s dealings with us. It will cause the believer to con-
“…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” sider God’s dealings as good, believing the happenings in life enhance one’s
(Philippians 4:11). closeness with God. Meekness causes one to truly believe that “all things
work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28).
This peace will be present in the life of the believer independent of cir- Meekness also encompasses expressing wrath toward sin in man. We see
cumstances. Jesus spoke of this peace when He said: this quality in Jesus’ actions and attitude toward the Jews’ hardness of heart
in Mark 3:1-5. It includes active anger toward evil. It is seen in the attitude of
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world those sealed in Ezekiel’s vision when they are described as sighing and cry-
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be ing for the abominations done in the world (Ezekiel 9:4). The believer with
afraid” (John 14:27). this fruit of meekness will not experience uncontrolled, unjustied anger.
However, he will experience what Christians call “righteous indignation”
This fruit also includes a state of conscious reconciliation with God. over some terrible injustice or offense toward God or man.
When we have received Christ as our Savior, we know that we are accepted “Temperance” speaks of self-control. The one with the fruit of temper-
of God and have eternal life (1 John 5:11-13). ance will be moderate in all things (1 Corinthians 9:25). He will have com-
The fruit of “longsuffering” causes its recipient to have forbearance and plete control over every passion and appetite. Victories will be gained over
self-restraint before proceeding to action. This fruit enables the believer to addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, food, etc.
refrain from avenging himself. Jesus gave us a clear example of this when He
stood before his persecutors. Peter describes Christ attitude in 1 Peter 2:23: No Fruit Without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The qualities described in the list of the fruit of the Spirit are impossible to
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he achieve separate from the inlling of the Spirit. We will fail time and again if
threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” we try to bring these fruit into our lives by self-will and determination. Only
through God’s Spirit will they be manifested as the believer cooperates with
This fruit brings to the believer patient faith under the pressure of trying the Spirit’s inner prompting. They will only be evidenced in the life when the
circumstances. The inlling of the Spirit leads one to know God so well that desire springs from the new heart where God’s law is written. These fruits
he can rest assured that God will see him through the most difcult situations. of character will be seen as the believer learns to let Christ live out His life
within them.
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit The Fruit of the Spirit
God offers marvelous fruit to each of us through the inlling of the Spirit. How are we to bear the fruit Jesus is speaking of? John 15:5
Many Christians sincerely desire these wonderful fruits and expend great
effort to obtain them, not knowing God offers them to us freely through the
inlling of His Spirit. It is no surprise that Satan wants to keep this wonder- How does Christ abide in us? 1John 3:24
ful gift of God from us. For true sanctication is found only in Christ fully
dwelling in us through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
One may profess to be a believer in Jesus Christ. He may do many won- Which member of the Godhead is especially involved in bringing this fruit in
derful works for God even casting out devils in His name. However, if the our life? Galatians 5:22-23
fruit of the Spirit are not evident in the life, Christ is not there and he has not
experienced the Spirit’s inlling. Paul put it well when he wrote:
List the fruit of the Spirit Christ led Paul to write about. Galatians 5:22-23
“If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only
a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and
can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and I have a faith that can Whose character qualities are these fruit of the Spirit? John 15:11; 14:27;
move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess Revelation 14:12
to the poor and surrender my body to the ames, but have not love, I gain
nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, New International Version).
Describe in your own words what each fruit of the Spirit listed below is?
The manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is the only real Love
evidence of how genuine our Christianity is. How desperate we need the
“eyesalve” Christ counsels us to receive (Revelation 3:18). Jeremiah warns Joy
us; “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can
know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Only by the inlling of the Spirit, which brings the Peace
necessary spiritual “eyesight” will we begin to truly see our real condition.
With that eyesight comes the grace of the Spirit that enables us to put to death
the works of the esh and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:24). Longsuffering
If you have not received the baptism or inlling of God’s Spirit, don’t
let another moment go by until you seek Him. If you have received Him in Gentleness
fullness, continue to seek His renewing every day. This is the only means for
Christ to be fully manifested in the life. Goodness
Faith
Discussion Questions Meekness
When we accept Christ what will be seen in our life? John 15:1-2, 5, 16 Temperance
How important is it that the Christian bear fruit in his life? John 15:2 How does Paul describe the Christian who does many wonderful things for God
and his fellow man, but does not have the fruit of the Spirit? 1Corinthians 13:1-3
70 71
Day 9
What is the only real evidence that our Christianity is genuine? Matthew
7:20-23
What kind of life does one live who does not have the fruit of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:19-21
Walking in the Spirit
Faith is the key factor in all our victories. By faith we receive forgiveness.
What are the characteristics that Paul gives of professed Christians who have
By faith we receive emotional and physical deliverance from Satan. It is
the “form of godliness” in the last days? 2Timothy 3:1-5
also by faith that we live victoriously everyday overcoming the temptations
Satan brings our way.
As we have seen, there are two reasons why God gives the believer
Why do these professed Christians not have the fruit of the Spirit in their
the inlling of the Holy Spirit. One is power for witnessing. The second
lives? 2Timothy 3:5
reason is to produce Christ’s character in the life, which is the fruit of the
Spirit.
What will Christ say to the professed Christians who do not have the fruit of
We Need the Power
the Spirit in their lives when He comes? Matthew 7:23
We do not have the power in ourselves to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our
lives. Our only power and authority is found in Christ and His Spirit dwell-
ing in us.
What does Jesus call these fruitless Christians in the parable of the 10 vir-
The presence of Christ in us through the baptism of the Holy Spirit is
gins? Matthew 25:1-12
essential to manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. However, this
lesson is often hard to learn. We must come to realize our complete depen-
dency on Christ and His Spirit in developing Christ’s character if we hope
In the parable of the 10 virgins what makes the foolish different from the
to be victorious in that area of our lives. The key to developing Christ’s
wise ones?
character is to allow the Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit in us. If
we try to produce the fruit, we are trying the impossible, and attempting
Note: The extra oil is the baptism of the Holy Spirit
to perform the proverbial “pulling ourselves up by our own boot straps.”
No matter how hard we try. No matter how sincere we are, we cannot
produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Only the Spirit can do that. It is
as impossible for the believer to produce the fruit of the Spirit in their life
Prayer Focus: as it would be for me to become an opera singer. I may be sincere. I may go
• Ask God to: to every rehearsal for the part; yet, no matter how hard I try, and no matter
Baptize you with His Spirit how many rehearsals I attend, I will not get the part. The talent or ability
Manifest every fruit of the Spirit in your life just isn’t in me. It’s impossible.
Faith Only Faith
How, then, are we to manifest the character of Christ in our lives? How are
the fruit of the Spirit to appear in our life? One way and one way only! By the
Spirit and faith in God’s promises. We are to live the Christian life the same
way we entered the Christian life, by faith.
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit Walking in the Spirit
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” temper. He simply trusts God to do what God said He would do, and cooper-
(Colossians 2:6). ates by not dwelling on the event that has tempted him to lose his temper.
The self-control that God will manifest is the self-control of Christ, who
How are we saved and declared righteous? By the faith we have in Jesus. is living in the believer through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For a more in
How do we obtain forgiveness for our sins? By confessing our sins and be- depth study of this topic I recommend my book, Spirit Baptism & Abiding
lieving we are forgiven (1 John 1:9). How do we know we have eternal life? in Christ.
By faith in God’s promise (1 John 5:11-15). This is what it means to “walk” in the Spirit.
The same faith principle applies to our living the Christian life. We live
the Christian life by faith. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulll the lust of the
esh” (Galatians 5:16).
“…the life which I now live in the esh I live by the faith of the Son of
God…” (Galatians 2:20). To walk in the Spirit is to be “led” by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18). When we
are walking in the Spirit or being led by the Spirit, we begin our day by ask-
Faith is simply believing God will do what He says He will do. If God ing the Spirit into our life. We then live the day with a conscious awareness
promises to ll you with His Spirit when you ask, then you can believe He of His presence, a sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting and have a constant
will do what He says (Luke 11:13). It is not a matter of feeling or emotion. It dependence on Him for victory over temptation. This is what Paul means
is a matter of faith. You will receive the Holy Spirit if you ask Him to fulll when he writes:
His promise to you and believe He will do just that.
The same applies to living the Christian life. The Holy Spirit will mani- “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
fest the fruit of the Spirit in our lives if we believe the Spirit will do it.
The Spirit and God’s Word are inseparable in our Christian walk. The
Abide in Christ Spirit uses the Word of God to enlighten our minds as to what God’s will is
Jesus used the analogy of the vine and branches to describe the believer for us. The Word of God tells us right from wrong and reveals how we are
and Himself (John 15). Jesus said He was the vine and believers are the to cooperate with God in our everyday living. For instance, the Christian de-
branches. He also said that if the believers “abide” in Him, then “fruit” will scribed in previous paragraphs who has an anger problem learns from God’s
be produced in the believers’ lives. Branch is simply the channel through word that selsh anger is wrong and must be controlled. He then recognizes
which the sap ows from the vine to produce the fruit on the branch. The the temptation to get angry over a personal wrong done to him as a tempta-
same principle applies to the believers. Christians produce the fruit of tion from Satan, and then immediately turns to God for the victory. He learns
the Spirit, Christ’s character, by “abiding” in Christ. How do we abide in from God’s Word not to dwell on these wrongs or any negative thing that
Christ? We abide by allowing the Holy Spirit and God’s Word into our Satan could use to lead him into temptation and sin.
lives, (John 15:7; 14:17-18).
How does this work in our lives? Let’s take the example of a Christian “Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are hon-
who is prone to loose his temper easily. Instead of struggling hard to not est, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
loose his temper when something happens that angers him, he simply be- things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
lieves God will manifest the self- control he needs not to loose his temper virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
and acts on that belief. He would begin his day with the prayer, “Lord, ll me
with your Spirit today and manifest the fruit of the Spirit in my life. I thank Mind Wars
you for manifesting the fruit of self-control so that I will not loose my temper We learn from Scripture that temptation begins in the mind. That is why Paul
today.” Then, when he is tempted to loose his temper, he immediately turns tells us:
his mind away from whatever it is that is tempting him to lose his temper,
asks Christ to manifest His self-control and peace, and thanks God for giving “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renew-
him self-control and peace. He does not struggle with the temptation or his ing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2).
74 75
Satan wages battle for our minds, so we rst attained victory in our minds. “Father forgive me for my sin of alcoholism. Thank you for forgiving
If we wait until we face temptation to try to gain the victory over it, only the me. Fill me with your Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit in my life.
very strong-willed person might—occasionally—gain the victory, but even Especially manifest the fruit of self- control over alcohol. Thank you for
that victory is a failure since it is really a victory in the esh and not in the giving me the victory over alcoholism.”
Spirit. Such victories are dead works. The only true victories are gained in
the Spirit, which are attained rst in our minds, and then revealed in our lives Now Jim does more than just pray. He remembers the Scripture that says
when the temptation comes. he must “focus his mind on the Spirit’s desire for him.” So Jim turns his eye
James recognized the role the mind plays in temptation when he wrote: away from all advertisements for alcohol. He lls his mind with God’s prom-
ises of victory and focuses on them as soon as the thought of alcohol tries to
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enter his mind. When problems and stresses come Jim’s way, he immediately
enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, focuses his mind on God’s promises to see him through the problems of life.
when it is nished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15). He also claims God’s promise to manifest the fruit of self-control in his life
and thanks God for the victory. He does not allow himself to think about
The temptation prompts a response in our sinful nature. We have a choice. anything related to alcohol, for those thoughts are of the “esh” and not of
We can either be drawn toward it and conceive it in our minds, which will the “Spirit”.
result in the sinful act, or we can immediately reject the thought the tempta- The principle is simple. What we dwell on and think about is what we will
tion stirred up and turn our mind to God’s Word thanking Him for the victory do. The mind focused on the sinful nature or esh will dwell on whatever
over the temptation. The battle always begins in our minds and will be won the temptation is for them. In Jim’s case, it is alcohol; for others, it might be
or lost there. lust, food, or money. However, the mind focused on the Spirit will dwell on
How does this actually work? Let’s use the example of an alcoholic named biblical truth, and the fruit of the Spirit God desires to manifest through us
Jim. Jim has been enlightened by God’s Word that drinking is wrong and that (Galatians 5:22-23).
the alcoholism is destroying his body. The Spirit has put the desire in Jim to
stop drinking. So Jim tries very hard not to drink. However, when problems Faith Again
come his way and stress builds in his life, the temptation becomes very strong Faith is the key for this change to take place in our lives. We must believe
within Jim to go to the bottle. He sees the ads for alcohol everywhere and God will do what He says He will do. Jim had to believe God would manifest
thinks about the local bar he often frequents after work. Jim struggles with the fruit of self-control in his life. He had to believe Christ lives in him and
the alcohol time and again and is defeated time and again. This is all very will manifest His character quality of self-control. We must believe we can
discouraging for him. He pleads with God for victory, but such victory seems be victorious over sin.
out of reach. His promises to do better are constantly broken and his will to
stop drinking seems powerless. The fact is that Jim’s will is powerless. Also, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive
Jim’s promises can’t help but be broken. Why? Jim has not discovered where unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in
the battle is actually won—in his mind. Then one day Jim reads the Scripture: your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans
6:11-12).
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on
what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit The victory over temptation and sin can be ours if we believe and win the
have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Romans 8:5, NIV) battle for our minds. Once the victory is won in our minds, the victory is as-
sured as soon as temptation presents itself.
Jim realizes he has been focusing his mind on the wrong things. He has This is why the Spirit’s inlling is so important. Without His abiding pres-
been focusing on the temptation to drink. He had been focusing on and ence in fullness, we will never have the victories God desires us to have. This
wrestling with the sinful desire within him to use alcohol as an escape and doesn’t mean that the Spirit-lled Christian will never fail. He will. However,
help him handle the stresses of life. Now Jim realizes that he must begin failure will not occur as often, and he will get back on his feet quickly. He
focusing his mind on the Spirit’s desire for him. Immediately Jim prays: will not be so easily discouraged. Day by day he will become stronger and
76 77
stronger in his walk in the Spirit. In fact, the last generation of Christians will How does Christ continue in this chapter to describe the Christian’s relation-
be like Enoch of whom it is written: ship with Him? John 15:5
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Gen-
esis 5:24).
How do we abide in Christ and He abide in us? John 15:7; 14:17-18
Discussion Questions In order to live the victorious Christian life what does Paul say we must do?
Galatians 5:25
What is one of the key factors in our victory over Satan in our life? Answer
by lling in the blanks:
In order to walk in the Spirit we must do the following every day?
By _______we receive forgiveness, by ______ we receive emotional and Answer by lling in the blanks:
physical deliverance, and by _______ we overcome the temptations of Satan.
Begin our day asking the _____ into our life. We live the day with a _________
__________ of the Spirit’s presence, a __________ to His prompting, and a
_________ ___________ on Him for victory over temptation.
What are the two reasons why God gives the Christian the baptism of the
Holy Spirit?
What does God use to enlighten our understanding concerning His will for
What fruit will the baptism of the Holy Spirit produce in our life? us? Psalm 119:105
Can we produce the fruit of the Spirit by our own efforts? When we are tempted, instead of dwelling on the temptation what should we
dwell on? Philippians 4:8
According to Paul how is the believer to continue to live the Christian life?
Colossians 2:6 Where does all temptation begin? James 1:14-15
How does the Christian receive Christ and receive forgiveness and eternal What do we need God to do to our mind? Romans 12:2
life? 1John 1:9; 5:11-15; 2Peter 1:4
How does God “renew” our mind? Ezekiel 36:26-27
What does Paul say about living the Christian life? Galatians 2:20
How does Paul contrast those who live a life of sin and the Christian who
What example from nature did Jesus use to illustrate the Christians relation- lives a life of obedience to God? Romans 8:5
ship with Him? John 15:5
78 79
Day 10
What principle is involved here?
What attitude must the Christian have in order to be completely victorious

over sin? Romans 6:11-12 Prayer and the Baptism of
the Holy Spirit
What is necessary for the Christian to have this attitude of mind and victory
over sin?
When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a deep, inner desire will be-
gin to well up within us to be more in prayer to our heavenly Father. We can
either yield to this God given desire or ignore it and continue being more of
Prayer Focus: an active Christian than a praying Christian. However, if we want to experi-
• Ask God to: ence the deep things of God, the fullness of Christ in our lives we must yield
Baptize you with His Spirit to this desire to pray. If we want to see His deliverance power manifested
Lead you to walk in the Spirit and not in your own ways in our lives over everything Satan tries to bring on us, and see the power of
Bless those on your prayer list God manifested through us in blessing others with His deliverance, we must
spend much time with God in prayer.
Too Much Self-Sufciency

As Christians, we have known the importance of prayer for years. Many
times we have made efforts to take time in prayer, but those special seasons
of prayer were motivated by some crisis and didn’t continue for very long.
Our problem is that we have become very self-sufcient in meeting our
own needs and the needs of the church. We have learned to rely on our own
efforts to do the work of God. We have been involved in much planning
and many programs. We have learned to depend on the “esh” to do God’s
work. In mercy, He has blessed our feeble efforts. However, a blessing
beyond our greatest expectations awaits us when we receive the baptism
of the Holy Spirit and enter the prayer relationship into which He desires
to lead us. Only then will our plans, be God’s plans and our activities be
God’s activities.
Jesus had a meaningful, deep and powerful relationship with His Father.
In fact, this relationship was so close and intimate that Jesus said:
“I and my Father are one” (John 10:30).
Everything Jesus did was under the direction of His Father. His words,
His actions were all done under the direction and power of the Father. Jesus
emphasized this when He said:
80 81
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Prayer and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The The Disciples’ and Old Testament Examples
words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that The example of Christ’s prayer life was not lost on the disciples. Prayer
dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:10). was a central part of their ministry. When the growth of the church began to
demand more and more of the disciples’ time, deacons were established to
How did Jesus obtain such a close oneness with His Father? It was through “wait on tables.” The disciples said of their priorities:
prayer. When Jesus was baptized with water, He prayed (Luke 3:21). In an-
swer to Christ’s prayer, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. He received “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of
the baptism of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer. Immediately after Christ the word” (Acts 6:4, emphasis added).
received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, He spent 40 days and nights fasting
and praying in the wilderness. From this special communion with His Father, God had led His people in the Old Testament to especially pray three
Christ came forth prepared to do the work He came to earth to do. He was times a day. David said:
empowered to be victorious over Satan and defeat him.
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he
Jesus’ Example shall hear my voice” Psalm 55:17).
Time and again we see Christ in prayer during His ministry on earth. After
teaching great multitudes and healing them of their inrmities He “withdrew Daniel followed the same practice.
himself into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:16). Before calling the 12
disciples he “continued all night in prayer to God”, Luke 6:9. On the mount “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his
of transguration, he “prayed” (Luke 9:29). Jesus was drawn by the Spirit house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he
to be much with His heavenly Father in prayer. He responded to the deep, kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
inner need for prayer that He felt. He knew it was only through such times before his God, as he did aforetime.” Dan. 6:10
of prayer that He would be one with the Father and be empowered to do the
work He came to do. In the New Testament as in the Old, we nd three times that were desig-
Jesus gained His victories over Satan’s works through times in prayer nated for prayer: the third hour, the sixth hour and the ninth hour, which refer
with the Father. When we read of Christ confronting Satan in the lives of men to 9:00 AM, 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM respectively. Throughout the book of
and women and nature in the forms of devil possession, disease, death, storm, Acts we nd the disciples praying at these times (Acts 3:1; 10:9).
etc., we do not see Christ at that moment in deep prayer with His Father pray- The early church members were men and women of prayer. It is recorded
ing for the power to deliver. He had already received that power from the of them:
Father during the times of intimate prayer seasons. When confronted with
Satan and his works Jesus simply spoke the word in the power and authority “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
of the Father and Satan’s power was broken. Christ’s word cast out devils, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
healed the sick, raised the dead, and quelled the storm.
The lesson is clear. Christ maintained His oneness with the Father and These early believers prayed in the Temple, in their homes, and outside
received His power over the enemy during His seasons of prayer with the in nature.
Father. He then came away from these prayer times taking the Father with
Him. He was conscious of the Father’s presence moment by moment and “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer
day by day. Christ maintained this conscious and very real oneness with was wont to be made…” (Acts 16:13).
the Father throughout His life. Whenever He was confronted with Satan,
He was prepared to meet the challenge and gain the victory because of His The apostle Paul was a man of prayer. He prayed day and night for the
prayer life. believers (1 Thessalonians 3:10). Once, when he was on his way to pray, he
cast a devil from a woman (Acts 16:16-18).
82 83
The apostles were men of prayer. Because of this, they were men of power the degree that we are “one” with Christ and the Father. This oneness will
in the Lord. The early Christians were men and women of prayer. Because of happen in our lives just like it did in Jesus’ life, through much secret prayer.
this, God was able to do mighty wonders and miracles. Because of prayer, the
gospel went to the world (Colossians 1:23). The Necessity of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The reason the baptism of the Spirit is so essential to the Christian is because
Jesus, the Father, and we are to be One without the Spirit’s inlling, the Christian will not have the desire for such in-
Do we want the same power and success the apostles and early church had? timate communion with God. He will have a desire for communion in prayer,
Then we must become the same kind of men and women they were—men but it will be somewhat supercial and short-lived. The prayer life will be
and women of prayer. Not just praying a few minutes once a day. Instead, performed as much from a sense of duty as from the deep inner desire to pray.
we must learn to pray formally and informally many times a day. We must See the chapter “Obedience from the Heart” for a further discussion of the
learn how to apply Paul’s counsel to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians obedience of the Spirit-lled Christian verses the non-Spirit-lled believer.
5:17). We must become surrounded by an atmosphere of prayer continually. The inlling of the Spirit will cause the believer to desire more and more
Then we will have Christ continually with us. Ellen White spoke of this when of Jesus. This inlling will cause us to declare as Paul did:
she wrote: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” (Philippians
3:10).
“We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company As we draw nearer to the coming of Christ, God’s Spirit-lled children
with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the sur- will spend much time with their Lord in prayer—not minutes, but hours.
render of ourselves to Him moment-by-moment we shall be overcome. Not hasty one-sided conversations, but a two-way communication. We must
Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, learn how to listen for that “still, small voice” so we can better discern God’s
we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.” will for us. As we go forward to do battle with Satan and advance the gospel
(The Desire of Ages, p.324, emphasis added). we must be under the constant direction of God as Jesus was. This is what
Jesus was referring to when He spoke of Himself being the vine and we the
Jesus had a special “oneness” with the Father. The disciples and early branches:
church had a oneness with their Lord. This same oneness is offered to every
believer today. Jesus knew this oneness was essential for His followers to be “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman….Abide in me,
victorious over Satan. That is why Jesus prayed to the Father: and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in
the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou the branches: He that abideth I me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth
shouldest keep them from the evil….Neither pray I for these alone, but much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing…If ye abide in me, and my
for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto
may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be you” (John 15:1, 4-7).
one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory
which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as
we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in Prayer Motivated by Our Need
one; and that the world may know that thou has sent me, and hast loved When one enters into the deeper spiritual experience under the Holy Spir-
them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:15, 20-23 emphasis added). it’s inuence, he will develop a much keener sense of his own unworthi-
ness. This sense of unworthiness will be the motivating factor leading
Jesus knew that the believer being “one in” the Father and Son was es- him more frequently to prayer and to a deeper dependence on Christ.
sential if they were to be kept “from the evil.” Jesus was kept from Satan’s Edward Payson, an early 19th century New England clergyman, com-
power and defeated him at every step because of His oneness with the Father. mented that a true spiritual view of oneself is essential to earnestness in
The same is true of us. We can be completely victorious over Satan in our prayer. Payson stated, “You cannot make a rich man beg like a poor man;
personal lives and advance God’s kingdom in this earth successfully only to you cannot make a man that is full cry for food like one that is hungry:
84 85
no more will a man who has a good opinion cry for mercy like one who are “poor in spirit” truly sense their spiritual poverty, which causes them
feels that he is poor and needy.” A true view of oneself is at the heart of to deeply “mourn” their sinful condition and yield their will to God (meek-
the Christian experience and is the experience into which the Holy Spirit ness). Only those who are brought by the Spirit to these three conditions—
will seek to lead the sincere Christian. Payson aptly describes this experi- “poor in spirit,” “those who mourn,” and “meekness”—will truly “hunger
ence with the words: and thirst for righteousness” and will ultimately develop Christ’s character
of “mercy,” “purity,” and that of a “peacemaker” between God and their
“As our views of our own sinfulness, and of the abominable malignity fellow men. This breaking of self by the deep moving of the Holy Spirit
of sin, are always in direct proportion to our views of the divine purity brings the recipient closer and closer to God and prepares him for even
and glory, the Christian never appears to himself so unspeakably vile, so greater victories over self, sin, and Satan. These are the ones who become
totally unworthy of his Saviour’s love, or so unt to enjoy his presence, the nal generation of Christians who proclaim God’s last message to a dy-
as at the very time when he is favored with these blessings, in the highest ing world. These are the ones who are able to stand when Christ returns and
degree. The consequence is that he is astonished, confounded, crushed are received by Him into glory.
and overwhelmed by a display of goodness so undeserved, so unexpected.
When he has perhaps been ready to conclude that he was a vile hypocrite Prayer Brings Victory
and to give up all for lost; or, if not, to fear that God would bring upon Great personal victories and corporate victories await God’s children and
him some terrible judgment for his sins, and make him an example to oth- church. These victories will actually be gained during intimate prayer times
ers – then to see his much-insulted Saviour, his neglected Benefactor, his with our God. When we get up off our knees and go out to meet the enemy,
injured Friend, suddenly appear to deliver him form the consequences of the victories will then become a reality.
his own folly and ingratitude; to see him come with smiles and blessing, Such prayer will develop a condence in God’s Spirit-lled children that
when he expected nothing but upbraidings, threatenings, and scourges- it nothing of Satan will be able to stand before them. The “gates of hell will
is too much; he knows not how to bear it; he scarcely dares take the con- not prevail against them.” They will pull down the “strongholds” of Satan.
solation offered him he sinks down ashamed and broken-hearted at his The gospel of deliverance will go forth with power. Men and women will be
feet; feels unworthy and unable to look up; and the more condescendingly delivered from every inrmity Satan has put on them whether it be spiritual,
Christ stoops to embrace him, so much lower and lower does he sink in physical, or emotional. The demons of the “lust of the esh,” the “lust of
the dust. At length his emotions nd utterance, and he cries, O Lord, treat the eyes,” the “pride of life”, etc. will not stand before them. The demons of
me not thus kindly. Such favors belong to those, only, who do not requite anxiety, depression, dissension, anger, bitterness, etc. will not stand before
thy love as I have done. How can it be just, how can it be right to give them. The demons of sickness, disease, pain, etc. will not stand before them.
them to one so undeserving? Thy kindness is lavished upon me in vain; The power of the gospel of total deliverance from Satan’s power will be ex-
thy mercies are thrown away upon one so incorrigibly vile. If thou pardon perienced and proclaimed. Multitudes will respond to this last great work of
me now, I shall offend thee again; if thou heal my backslidings, I shall God on earth. The power of God as never before seen will be manifest in the
again wander from thee; if thou cleanse me, I shall again become pol- preaching of the gospel and great signs and wonders will follow them that
luted; thou must, O Lord, give me up – thou must leave me to perish, and believe.
bestow thy favors on those who are less unworthy, less incurably prone Why will such marvelous things happen? Because those lled with the
to offend thee. Such are often the feelings of the broken-hearted penitent” Spirit have come to know their God so intimately that they know with-
(Complete Works of Edward Payson, p. 513-4). out a shadow of a doubt that He will do what He says He will do. Their
faith will become invincible. They will go forward in faith believing His
This clearer sense of our own unworthiness in contrast to God’s holiness promise:
comes only through the inlling of the Spirit of God. A true godly sorrow
for one’s sin is felt. This is the “sorrow” Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
7:10. It is a sorrow that draws one closer and closer to Christ causing him God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (He-
to depend totally and completely on Christ for his salvation. Christ de- brews 7:27).
scribed this experience in the “beatitudes” (Matthew 5:3-11). Those who
86 87
The word “save” refers to God delivering spiritually from sin, physically Then when confronted with Satan’s power you will believe and speak with
from disease and emotionally from depressions, anxieties, etc. All that come the authority of Jesus Christ and Satan’s power will be broken. James wrote
to Him, He will deliver to the “uttermost,” wholly and completely. Those the truth when he stated that the devil would ee from us in terror when we
who have been baptized by the Spirit and maintain intimate communion with resist him (James 4:7).
God will believe this with all their hearts and souls. Their faith will overcome An in-depth presentation on prayer is presented in my book, Spirit Bap-
all circumstances that appear impossible to the “natural” eye because they are tism & Prayer. A Spirit-lled Christian who knows the science of prayer
seeing with the eye of “faith.” Whatever work of Satan confronts them, no is the greatest threat to Satan’s reign on earth. Philip Samaan in his book,
matter how impossible the deliverance appears they will not falter. Christ’s Way to Spiritual Growth, quotes the following statement by Wesley
In my book, Spirit Baptism & Deliverance, I present the biblical prin- Duewel concerning the vital importance of prayer.
ciples of how the Christian can be delivered from all of Satan’s oppressions
and inuences: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. “Satan is more afraid of your praying than of your pure life or zealous
God’s promises are sure. If we do not see them fullled it is not God’s witness. One’s life may be a beautify witness that cannot be silenced, but
fault. It is ours. For Paul tells us: prayer is a militant force that has the potential of defeating Satan, destroy-
ing his works, and driving him out of places and lives he claims for his
“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of prom- own (p. 212).
ise the immutability of his counsel, conrmed it by an oath: That by two
immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might
have a strong consolation, who have ed for refuge to lay hold upon the
hope that is set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, Discussion Questions
both sure and steadfast…” (Hebrews 6:17-19).
How will receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit affect our prayer life?
In Galatians 3:29, Paul tells us that the believer in Jesus is the “heir” of
the promises of God’s word. Those baptized in the Spirit, who spend much
time with God in prayer, have every condence in God’s promise and oath. What is one of the problems Laodicean Christians have in relation to doing
Do you want to experience God’s power as it is your privilege to experi- God’s work?
ence? Do you want to see Satan’s strongholds fall before you? Then seek
the inlling of His Spirit. Yield to the Spirit’s prompting to seek God every
day in prayer and stay there enclosed with Him separated from the cares of Who did the works in the life and ministry of Jesus? John 14:10
the world. Stay there as long as it takes to hear that “still, small voice” and
receive the assurance and power needed to come forth victorious as Jesus did.
Keep His presence with you moment by moment, day by day. Then Christ’s What did Jesus do in order to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Luke
words will be fullled in your life: 3:21-22
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I
do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go What were the occasions when Jesus prayed listed in the following texts?
unto my Father” (John 14:12). Luke 5:16
Luke 6:12
You will have the same Spirit dwelling in you that Jesus did. You will Luke 9:29
have the same victories in your life Jesus did. You will have the same power
manifested through you that Jesus did. You will actually have Jesus living
and ministering through you. You will see Satan’s power broken before your
eyes because in prayer you have seen it and believed it with the eye of faith.
88 89
Why did Jesus spend so much time in prayer? How only can this happen?
What two priorities did the Holy Spirit lead the Apostles to set for them- When do our victories over Satan begin?
selves? Acts 6:4
What areas of our life will be affected by our prayer life?

How often did David pray? Psalm 55:17
What does the Bible say the devil will do when we submit ourselves to God,
What does the following text tell us about Daniel’s prayer life? Daniel draw neigh to Him through prayer and resist Satan in the name of Jesus?
6:10 James 4:7-8
In the Bible what were the designated times for prayer? Acts 3:1; 10:9 Do you think the devil is afraid of your prayers? Why?
What four things did the early Christians consistently practice? Acts 2:42
Do you think he will try to keep you from having a meaningful prayer life?
Why?
Was Paul a man of prayer? 1Thessalonians 3:10
How successful were those early Christians in spreading the Gospel? Colos- List any changes in your prayer life you have decided to make.
sians 1:23
What counsel does Paul give to us? 1Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer Focus:
• Ask God to:
What does Ellen White say about unceasing prayer? Baptize you with His Spirit
Lead you to always pray in the Spirit every day
What Holy Spirit insight about ourselves will cause us under the Holy Spir-
it’s motivation to want to pray more?
In the Sermon on the Mount what did Jesus say was the rst step in becoming
like Him? Matthew 5:3-11
90 91
One Church’s Experience
Appendix 1
is difcult to describe in words. One would have to be there to understand.
His presence and blessing seemed to grow from meeting to meeting. The
moving of the Spirit in personal lives, the joy, and the fellowship were won-
derful. One lady described it as “falling in love with Jesus again.” Night after
night I would hear individuals making comments about the renewed experi-
One Church’s Experience ence they were having with God.
God led in the format of the meetings since I didn’t know exactly what He
wanted. We participated in praise singing from contemporary praise songs
Since seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the fall of 1999, the Lord has
and hymn singing from the hymnal. Those attending participated in two ses-
led us into many and varied experiences. I have sought to share this important
sions of prayer. The attendees were instructed to pray “unitedly” (Acts 1:14)
teaching with the churches I have pastored since then as well as at churches
and not for every need that came to mind. Instead, all were to pray for (1) re-
and conferences around the world. The following is an experience the Lord
vival, (2) the personal baptism of the Holy Spirit, (3) the outpouring of God’s
gave us when we sought Him during a series of revival meetings in New
Spirit and (4) the special prayer focus I had presented from God’s Word for
Haven, Connecticut, USA. I will never forget what happened, and pray that
that night. This united focus in prayer proved to be a great blessing. I believe
God will continue to lead us into deep, meaningful experiences with Himself.
it played a major role in what we experienced. We came to understand more
As part of the New Haven church’s plans for the year, we scheduled two
clearly what Christ meant when He stated, “…if two of you shall agree on
coinciding events. One event was a 10-day prayer fast. The second was a six-
earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
night series of revival meetings. The prayer fast and revival meetings both
Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).
began on a Sunday night. The revival meetings were to end the following Fri-
The Lord led in a very direct way concerning the subject to be presented
day while the prayer fast ended on a Tuesday, the tenth day of the prayer fast.
each night. My personality is to have everything planned well in advance.
Hence, the prayer fast was to extend four days beyond the revival meetings.
Normally I would have had my sermons outlined and prepared well before
the rst night of the revival meetings. The Lord didn’t allow that this time. I
10-Day Prayer Fast
was unable to determine what to give beyond each upcoming meeting. Then
The concept of the 10-day prayer fast was to follow the pattern in Acts 1,
each night following the meeting as I began praying about what the Lord
when the disciples prayed for 10 days before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
wanted presented the next night the subject would clarify in my mind. By the
on the day of Pentecost. The goal was to eliminate media distractions—TV,
next meeting, the message for that night was complete. This happened every
radio, secular magazines, computer surng and games, etc.—and seek God
night except for Friday night. On Friday the Lord gave me the message for
as much as possible during this time. During the 10-day prayer fast, the mem-
both Friday and Saturday night, which I very much appreciated, knowing
bers were encouraged to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians
how busy I would be all day Sabbath with little or no time to prepare for the
5:18), and for revival in their personal lives (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 85:6)
Saturday night meeting.
and in the church. They were also to ask God to pour out His Spirit on the
church (Zechariah 10:1) and meetings we were having.
Outline of Subjects
The revival meetings began the same night the prayer fast began. The
The general outline and order of the subjects the Lord led us to study follows.
focus was the same at each meeting: seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
revival, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I had never conducted revival
1. Laodicean Warning—Laodicea was known for its therapeutic hydro-
meetings like this, so I wasn’t sure what to present or what would happen.
therapy, which implements hot and cold treatments. The Laodicean
church is neither “hot” nor “cold.” Hence, she is of no therapeutic
The Results
value to God in her present condition. Therefore, revival is urgently
The results of this effort of earnestly seeking God and asking Him to revive
needed. The prayer focus was the three requests we made to God ev-
us far exceeded my expectations as pastor, and the expectations of those at-
ery night: (1) the baptism of the Holy Spirit, (2) revival, and (3) the
tending. During the rst six days of the revival meetings we experienced the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There was no additional prayer focus
presence of God as I have never previously experienced Him. This encounter
the rst night.
92 93
Baptism of the Holy Spirit One Church’s Experience
2. Our Part in Seeking Revival (2 Chronicles 7:14)—Prayer and com- Unexpected Experience
plete surrender to God are necessary if we are to experience revival. Several things happened that I had never experienced before. First, we savored
The additional prayer focus was to ask God to make us willing to the sweet presence of the Spirit every night. Second, obvious changes took
submit 100 percent to Him. place in the hearts of all who were present through a quiet moving of the Spirit.
3. In Revival New Life is Found Only in Jesus—Revival is not seek- The revival meetings were originally planned to continue Sunday, Mon-
ing some feeling, emotion, or ecstatic experience. Rather, revival is day, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. As we approached
seeking Jesus and letting Him into our lives more fully (Revelation Friday night, members started asking if we could extend the meetings for the
3:20). The additional prayer focus was to ask God to remove any- remaining 10 days of the prayer fast. They were experiencing God’s presence
thing blocking the door that is hindering us from letting Jesus into in their lives in such a dramatic way that they didn’t want it to end that Friday.
our hearts. So we decided to continue through the following Wednesday, which was one
4. In Revival We Exchange Our Lives for Jesus Living in Us—We are to day past the 10-day prayer fast time period. This was also something I had
become just like Jesus. The additional prayer focus was to give our never experience—members asking for more nightly meetings.
lives to Jesus in exchange for Jesus living in us. The blessings of God were so pronounced that we decided to have a tes-
5. A Passion for Lost Souls— We looked at the passion Jesus and the timony service for the Sabbath worship service. Several shared the experi-
early church had for souls. The additional prayer focus was to ask ences they were having in the Lord. We invited the church to come to the
God to give us the same passion for souls that Jesus has. meeting that night. We had been having about 40 in attendance through the
6. The Deliverance Jesus Offers— We studied how Jesus made it pos- week, which was very large compared to the usual number who attended
sible for us to be victorious over all known sin. The additional prayer prayer meeting. I didn’t know what would happen that Saturday night, espe-
focus was seeking God for complete deliverance. cially since the worship service had continued much longer than usual and
7. Walking in the Spirit— Learning how to walk in the Spirit is essential many who had been attending the revival meetings participated in witness-
to our lives. We discussed how we keep walking in the Spirit every- ing activities in the community around the church during the Sabbath after-
day. The additional prayer focus was to ask God to subdue every noon hours. Hence, many had already spent all morning and afternoon at the
sinful and wrong desire in us, and bring our lives into conformity to church. To my astonishment, around 60 members came to that Saturday night
His will. revival meeting. I knew that had to be the power of God to draw Adventists to
8. The Power and Authority We Have in Jesus—We must understand a prayer meeting on Saturday night after such a busy Sabbath schedule. One
the power and authority we have in Jesus. We discussed the power thing this exceptional turnout told me was that our people very much desired
and authority Jesus has given the believer over Satan. The additional more than they had in their present relationship with God. We felt the need,
prayer focus was to ask God to give us understanding of our power but we didn’t know how to get it met.
and authority over Satan. The prayer fast continued through the following Tuesday, and the revival
9. The Fruit of the Spirit— We discussed what the fruit of the Spirit is meetings continued to Wednesday. The blessings of God didn’t stop. Each
and how Jesus living in us will manifest the fruit of the Spirit in us. night brought more depth and breadth to what we were experiencing from God.
The additional prayer focus was to ask God to manifest the fruit of The last meeting of the 11-night revival series ended Wednesday. I once
the Spirit in our life. more wondered how many would attend since this was the eleventh consecu-
10. The Gifts of the Spirit— We studied the gifts of the Spirit the last tive night of meetings. Again, I was amazed. We had the largest attendance
night of the revival meetings. The additional prayer focus was to ask of all except for the Saturday night meeting. The sense of God’s presence
God to manifest the gifts of the Spirit He has chosen for us and to and the joy we all felt are indescribable. We planned to continue the revival
give us the courage to begin ministering in those gifts. meetings every Wednesday night.
One side note: a man from Africa of Islamic faith, who had been attend-
One lesson the Lord had for me was the importance of earnestly seeking our church for several weeks and was taking Bible studies, attended the
ing Him to direct in the entire program, including the subjects and their se- revival meetings. During the ninth night of the meetings he gave a testimony
quence. He also revealed how essential personal and corporate prayer is for a that he had given his life to Jesus Christ. A thrill of godly joy surged through
deeply spiritual and meaningful relationship with Him. everyone present.
94 95
The Future
Appendix 2
I didn’t know what God’s plans were for the weeks and months ahead. One
thing I do know, I would never forget what God did in New Haven and how
He revealed Himself during this special time. I asked myself, “Will we lose
the experience we have had?” It all depends on us. If we continue to person-
ally and earnestly seek God and avail ourselves of future times of prayerful Ellen White and the Holy
fellowship and study of God’s Word we will not lose the experience. Such Spirit
fellowship can take place at the church or in homes.
Lessons Learned The following quotes are taken from the writings of Ellen White on the sub-
I personally feel the baptism of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives is essential ject of the Holy Spirit and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It should be evident
to achieving the relationship we desire to have with God. Seeking the Spirit’s from our study that the changes she describes the Holy Spirit accomplishing
occur only when the believer receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
inlling was a major focus during those 11 days. Ellen White strongly en-
couraged us to daily seek this experience. God heard our request during those Christ’s Example of Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
11 days and His answer far exceeded our expectation. We should not have “Christ labored for his vineyard. The Prince of heaven, he was yet the in-
been surprised. tercessor for man, and he had power with God, and prevailed for himself
He always blesses abundantly. Paul knew this when he wrote, ”Now unto and for his people. Morning by morning he communicated with his Father
him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, in heaven, receiving from him daily a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. The
according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Lord awakened him from his slumbers in the early hours of the new day, that
his soul and his lips might be anointed with grace which he should impart
There is a solution to the Christian’s last-day, Laodicean condition. That
to others. His words were given him fresh from the heavenly courts, words
solution is revival. Of this Ellen White wrote: that he might speak in season to those that were weary and oppressed. Of
Christ we read, ‘The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that
“A revival of true godliness among us is our greatest and most urgent of I should know to speak a word in season to him that is weary; he wakeneth
all our needs. To seek this should be our rst work” (Selected Messages, morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned’” (Signs of
Vol. 1, p.121) the Times, November 21, 1895, paragraph 3).
We Need the Spirit’s Baptism

She also understood the relationship between receiving the baptism of the
“The Holy Spirit is wanting [lacking] in our work” (Selected Messages, Book
Holy Spirit and revival. 1, p. 411)
“How greatly do the workers need a baptism of the Holy Spirit, that they
“The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost will lead to a may become true missionaries for God” (Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
revival of true religion and the performance of many wonderful works.” p. 156).
Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 57 “God’s work is to be carried forward with power. We need the baptism of
the Holy Spirit” (Evangelism, p. 66).
“There needs to be a waking up among God’s people, that His work may
Another essential lesson I have learned since these meetings is the im-
be carried forward with power. We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit”
portance of continual fellowshipping together of Spirit-lled believers. If we (Evangelism, p. 559)
want to keep the ame of revival burning in our lives and church, continual “Those who bear responsibility as mangers
managers in the work need to place
fellowship is necessary. It is in the context of this genuine Christian fellow- themselves where they can be deeply impressed by the Spirit of God. You
ship that the gifts of the Spirit are most effectively manifested for the per- should have as much greater anxiety than do others to receive the baptism of
sonal spiritual growth of the participants. Such fellowship will also play a
97
signicant role in winning others to Christ.
96
Baptism of the Holy Spirit Ellen White and the Holy Spirit
the Holy Spirit and a knowledge of God and Christ, as your position of trust fruit-bearing trees of the Lord’s planting” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.
is more responsible than that of the common worker” (Testimonies for the 6, p. 86).
Church, Vol. 7, p. 188). “This instruction is of the greatest importance to us; for we are living in
the last days of this earth’s history. Soon we shall enter upon the fulllment
Teach Your Children about Holy Spirit Baptism of the events which Christ showed John were to take place. As the messen-
“Teach your children that it is their privilege to receive every day the baptism gers of the Lord present these solemn truths, they must realize that they are
of the Holy Spirit. Let Christ nd you His helping hand to carry out His pur- handling subjects of eternal interest, and they should seek for the baptism
poses. By prayer you may gain an experience that will make your ministry of the Holy Spirit, that they may speak, not their own words, but the words
for your children a perfect success” (Child Guidance, p. 69). given them by God” (Signs of the Times, July 4, 1906, paragraph 3).
“I would that we had the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and this we must
God’s People Should Better Understand the Holy Spirit have before we can reveal perfection of life and character. I would that each
“Just prior to His leaving His disciples for the heavenly courts, Jesus en- member of the church would open the heart to Jesus, saying, ‘Come, heav-
couraged them with the promise of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs enly Guest, abide with me” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 2, p. 26).
as much to us as it did to them, and yet how rarely it is presented before “I entreat of the church members in every city that they lay hold upon
the people, and its reception spoken of in the church. In consequence of the Lord with determined effort for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Be as-
this silence upon this most important theme, what promise do we know less sured that Satan is not asleep. Every obstacle possible he will place in the
about by its practical fulllment than this rich promise of the gift of the way of whose who would advance in this work. Too often these obstacles
Holy Spirit, whereby efciency is to be given to all our spiritual labor? The are regarded as insurmountable. Let every one now be soundly and truly
promise of the Holy Spirit is casually brought into our discourses, is inci- converted, and then lay hold of the work intelligently and with faith.—Letter
dentally touched upon, and that is all. Prophecies have been touched upon, 148, 1909. (To Brother and Sister Starr, December 2, 1909)” (Manuscript
doctrines have been expounded: but that which is essential to the church in Releases, Vol. 7, p. 108).
order that they may grow in spiritual strength and efciency, in order that “It is this baptism of the Holy Spirit that the churches need today. There
the preaching may carry conviction with it, and souls converted to God, has are backslidden church members and backslidden ministers who need re-
been largely left out of ministerial effort. This subject has been set aside, as converting, who need the softening, subduing inuence of the baptism of
if some time in the future would be given to its consideration. Other bless- the Spirit, that they may rise in newness of life and make thorough work for
ings and privileges have been presented before the people until a desire has eternity. I have seen the irreligion and the self-sufciency cherished, and I
been awakened in the church for the attainment of the blessing promised of have heard the words spoken, ‘Except ye repent and be converted, ye shall
God; but the impression concerning the Holy Spirit has been that this gift is never see the kingdom of heaven.’ There are many who will need rebaptizing,
not for the church now, but that at some time in the future it would be neces- but let them never go down into the water until they are dead to sin, cured
sary for the church to receive it. of selshness and self-exaltation; until they can come up out of the water to
“This promised blessing, if claimed by faith, would bring all other bless- live a new life unto God. Faith and repentance are conditions essential to the
ings in its train, and it is to be given liberally to the people of God. Through forgiveness of sin.”--Letter 60, 1906, pp. 4-6. (To S. N. Haskell, February 8,
the cunning devices of the enemy the minds of God’s people seem to be inca- 1906)” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, p. 267)
pable of comprehending and appropriating the promises of God. They seem
to think that only the scantiest showers of grace are to fall upon the thirsty We Need to Pray for the Holy Spirit
soul. … The power of God awaits their demand and reception” (Testimonies “Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit, since this is the
to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 174-175). means by which we are to receive power? Why do we not talk of it, pray for
it, preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to
The Importance of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Needs to be Impressed us than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the baptism of
Upon All the Spirit every worker should be pleading with God”(Testimonies for the
“Impress upon all the necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the sanc- Church, Vol. 8, p. 22).
tication of the members of the church, so that they will be living, growing,
98 99
“Will we carry forward the work in the Lord’s way? Are we willing to be “The truths opened to John are of the greatest importance to us, for we are
taught of God? Will we wrestle with God in prayer? Will we receive the living in the very last days. Soon we shall enter upon the fulllment of the
baptism of the Holy Spirit? This is what we need and may have at this time. events which Christ showed John were to take place. As the messengers of
Then we shall go forth with a message from the Lord, and the light of truth the Lord present these solemn truths, they must realize that they are handling
will shine forth as a lamp that burneth, reaching to all parts of the world. If we subjects of eternal interest, and they should seek for the baptism of the Holy
will walk humbly with God, God will walk with us. Let us humble our souls Spirit, that they may speak, not their own words, but the words given them
before Him, and we shall see of His salvation” (Fundamentals of Christian by God”(Pacic Union Recorder, “The Study of Revelation,” January 14,
Education, p. 532). 1904, paragraph 4).
“We need to cry to God as did Jacob for a fuller baptism of the Holy “This is a small part of that which the Lord has revealed to me. Our lack
Spirit. The time for labor is short. Let there be much praying. Let the soul of faith is the reason that we have not seen more of the power of God. We
yearn after God. Let the secret places of prayer be often visited. Let there be a exercise more faith in our own working than in God’s working for us. God
taking hold of the strength of the Mighty One of Israel. Let the ministers walk designs that everything possible shall be done to enable us to stand heart to
humbly before the Lord, weeping between the porch and the altar, the crying, heart, mind to mind, shoulder to shoulder. This lack of love and condence
‘Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach’” (Histori- in one another weakens our faith in God. We need to pray as we never have
cal Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, p. 294). prayed before for the baptism of the Holy Spirit: for, if there was ever a time
“If we know God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, unspeakable glad- when we needed this baptism, it is now” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, p.
ness will come to the soul. Oh, how we need the divine presence! For the 388).
baptism of the Holy Spirit every worker should be breathing out his prayer “Satan is trying to x upon every one that he can inuence, all the discour-
to God. Companies should be gathered together to call upon God for special agement possible. Lord, I pray Thee, let the baptism of the Holy Spirit come
help, for heavenly wisdom, that the people of God may know how to plan and into this congregation. I pray Thee, for Christ’s sake, to sweep back the mist
devise and execute the work” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, and the cloud that Satan interposes here. He is here; his followers are here;
p. 169). there are those here who are listening to his words; and I ask Thee, Lord, to
“God’s faithful messengers are to seek to carry forward the Lord’s work break the spell; I ask Thee that there may be such marked consecration before
in His appointed way. They are to place themselves in close connection God, that Christ can say, ‘I will clothe thee with change of raiment’” (Ser-
with the Great Teacher, that they may be daily taught of God. They are to mons and Talks, “Lessons from the Fifteenth of Romans,” p. 382).
wrestle with God in earnest prayer for a baptism of the Holy Spirit that they
may meet the needs of a world perishing in sin. All power is promised those Preparation for Receiving the Holy Spirit
who go forth in faith to proclaim the everlasting gospel. As the servants of “The heart must be emptied of every delement and cleansed for the indwell-
God bear to the world a living message fresh from the throne of glory, the ing of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest
light of truth will shine forth as a lamp that burneth, reaching to all parts of prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared
the world. Thus the darkness of error and unbelief will be dispelled from for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost”(Testimonies to
the minds of the honest in heart in all lands, who are now seeking after Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 507).
God, ‘If haply they might feel after Him, and nd Him’” (Testimonies to “Today you are to have your vessel puried, that it may be ready for the
Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 459). heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter rain; for the latter rain will
“We need to pray as we never have prayed before for the baptism of the come, and the blessing of God will ll every soul that is puried from every
Holy Spirit, for if there was ever a time when we needed this baptism, it is delement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be
now. There is nothing the Lord has more frequently told us He would bestow tted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord--tted for the
upon us, and nothing by which His name would be more gloried in bestow- baptism of the Holy Spirit . . .” (Evangelism, p. 701).
ing, than the Holy Spirit. When we partake of this Spirit, men and women
will be born again. . . . Souls once lost will be found, and brought back” (The Don’t Call God’s Spirit’s Work Fanaticism
Upward Look, p. 346). “We are to pray for the impartation of the Spirit as the remedy for sin-sick
souls. The church needs to be converted, and why should we not prostrate
100 101
ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from angels of heaven come among us, and work through human agents, there will
a broken heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy be solid and substantial conversions, after the order of the conversions after
Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that when it the day of Pentecost.
shall be graciously bestowed our cold hearts may be revived, and we may “Now brethren, be careful and do not go into or try to create human ex-
have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy. citement. But while we should be careful not to go into human excitement,
Some have treated the Spirit as an unwelcome guest, refusing to receive the we should not be among those who will raise inquiries and cherish doubts in
rich gift, refusing to acknowledge it, turning from it, and condemning it as reference to the work of the Spirit of God; for there will be those who will
fanaticism. question and criticize when the Spirit of God takes possession of men and
“When the Holy Spirit works the human agent, it does not ask us in what women, because their own hearts are not moved, but are cold and unimpress-
way it shall operate. Often it moves in unexpected ways. Christ did not ible.” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 56-57).
come as the Jews expected. He did not come in a manner to glorify them
as a nation….. Pentecost Available Today
“This is the danger to which the church is now exposed - that the in- “As the disciples, lled with the power of the Spirit, went forth to proclaim
ventions of nite men shall mark out the precise way for the Holy Spirit the gospel, so God’s servants are to go forth today.
to come…. The Holy Spirit atters no man, neither does it work accord- “What the Lord did for His people in that time, it is just as essential, and
ing to the devising of any man….” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel more so, that He do for His people today. All that the apostles did, every
Workers, p. 64-66). church member today is to do. And we are to work with as much more fer-
vor, to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the
God Will Move Upon His People to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit increase of wickedness demands a more decided call to repentance.
“As long as individuals are content with a theory of truth, and are yet lacking “A work similar to that which the Lord did through His delegated mes-
in the daily operation of the Spirit of God upon the heart, which is manifested sengers after the day of Pentecost He is waiting to do today” (Review and
in outward transformation of character, they are cutting themselves off from Herald, June 13, 1903).
the qualications that would t them for greater efciency in the Master’s
work. Those who are devoid of the Holy Spirit cannot be faithful watchmen The Latter Rain
upon the walls of Zion; for they are blind to the work that ought to be done, “But near the close of the earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace
and do not give the trumpet a certain sound. is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This
“The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost will lead to outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for
a revival of true religion and to the performance of many wonderful works. this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the
Heavenly intelligences will come among us and men will speak as they are harvest ‘in the time of the latter rain.’ In response, ‘the Lord shall make bright
moved by the Holy Spirit of God. But should the Lord work upon men as He clouds, and give them showers of rain’ (Zech. 10:1). ‘He will cause to come
did on and after the day of Pentecost, many who now claim to believe the down… the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.’ (Joel 2:23).
truth would know so very little of the operation of the Holy Spirit that they “But unless the members of God’s church today have a living connection
would cry, ‘Beware of fanaticism.’ They would say of those who were lled with the Source of all spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time of
with the Spirit, ‘These men are full of new wine.’ reaping” (Acts of the Apostles, p.54-55).
“The time is not far off now when men will want a much closer relation
to Christ, a much closer union with His Holy Spirit, than they have ever had, What the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Brings
or will have, unless they give up their will and their way, and submit to God’s “Let every church member kneel before God, and pray earnestly for the im-
will and God’s way. The great sin of those who profess to be Christians is that partation of the Spirit. Cry, ‘Lord, increase my faith. Make me to understand
they do not open the heart to receive the Holy Spirit. When souls long after Thy Word; for the entrance of Thy Word giveth light. Refresh me by Thy
Christ and seek to become one with Him, then those who are content with presence. Fill my hart with Thy Spirit that I may love my brethren as Christ
the form of godliness, exclaim ‘Be careful, do not go to extremes.’ When the lives me.’
102 103
“God will bless those who thus prepare themselves for His service. They who are not penitent, not humbled, is not to be depended on, for they are
will understand what it means to have the assurance of the Spirit, because blinded in regard to the meaning of righteousness and sanctication through
they have received Christ by faith. The religion of Christ means more than the truth. When men are stripped of self-righteousness, they will see their
the forgiveness of sin; it means that sin is taken away, and that the vacuum spiritual poverty. Then they will approach that state of brotherly kindness
is lled with the Spirit. It means that the mind is divinely illumined, that that will show that they are in sympathy with Christ. They will be able to
the heart is emptied of self, and lled with the presence of Christ. When appreciate the high and elevated character of the work of Christian missions”
this work is done for church members, the church will be a living, working (This Day with God, p. 326).
church. “Oh, that the baptism of the Holy Spirit might come upon you, that you
“The baptism of the Holy Spirit, and nothing less, can bring us to this might be imbued with the Spirit of God! Then day by day you will become
place. more and more conformed to the image of Christ, and in every action of your
“We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare life, the question would be, “Will it glorify my Master?” By patient continu-
ourselves for His reception, of what avail are our works”... Are we seeking ance in well-doing you would seek for glory and honor, and would receive
for His fullness...” (Review and Herald, June 10, 1902). the gift of immortality” (Review and Herald, May 10, 1892).
“We must have a living connection with God. We must be clothed with “Oh, when we come to the pearly gates, and have an entrance into the city
power from on high by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that we may reach a of God, will anyone who enters there regret that he devoted his life unreserv-
higher standard; for there is help for us in no other way” (Review and Herald, edly to Jesus? Let us now love Him with undivided affections, and cooperate
April 5, 1892). with the heavenly intelligences, that we may be laborers together with God,
“With deep interest, and grateful, wondering joy, the disciples listened to and by partaking of the divine nature, be able to reveal Christ to others. Oh,
the words of Paul. By faith they grasped the atoning sacrice of Christ, and for the baptism of the Holy Spirit! Oh, that the bright beams of the Sun of
acknowledged him as their Redeemer. They were then baptized ‘in the name Righteousness might shine into the chambers of mind and heart, that every
of Jesus;’ and as Paul laid his hands upon them, they received also the bap- idol might be dethroned and expelled from the soul temple! Oh, that our
tism of the Holy Spirit, by which they were enabled to speak the languages tongues might be loosened to speak of His goodness, to tell of His power!”
of other nations and to prophesy. Thus these men were qualied to act as (Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 163).
missionaries in the important eld of Ephesus and its vicinity, and also from “We are to seek most earnestly to be of one mind, of one purpose. The
this center to spread the gospel of Christ in Asia Minor.” (Sketches from the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and nothing less, can bring us to this place. Let us
Life of Paul, p. 130) by self-renunciation prepare our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit that a great
“Those who are under the inuence of the Spirit of God will not be fanati- work may be done for us, so that we can say, not ‘See what I am doing,’ but
cal, but calm and steadfast, free from extravagance in thought, word, or deed. ‘Behold the goodness and love of God!’” (Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 318).
Amid the confusion of delusive doctrines, the Spirit of God will be a guide “The Spirit of God, as it comes into the heart by faith, is the beginning of
and a shield to those who have not resisted the evidences of truth, silencing the life eternal. With the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the teacher of truth,
every other voice but that which comes from Him who is the truth” (Sons and he can talk of Christ and him crucied in language that savors of heaven. The
Daughters of God, p. 29) mind and spirit of Christ will be in him, and he can present the will of God to
“The baptism of the Holy Spirit will dispel human imaginings, will break man because his own heart has been brought into submission, and has been
down self-erected barriers, and will cause to cease the feeling that ‘I am ho- gloried by the Spirit of God. The Sun of Righteousness is risen upon him,
lier than thou.’ There will be a humble spirit with all, more faith and love; self that he might reect its brightness to the world, and he will give evidence
will not be exalted. . . . Christ’s spirit, Christ’s example, will be exemplied in a holy life that the truth he has received has been a sanctifying principle,
in His people. We shall follow more closely the ways and works of Jesus. . . and not a mere theory” (Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, “The Truth with
. The love of Jesus will pervade our hearts.” (That I May Know Him, p. 114). Power,” March 1, 1892, paragraph 6).
“In much of the service professedly done for God, there is self-emulation “We must have the holy unction from God; we must have the baptism
and self-exultation. God hates pretense. When men and women receive the of the Holy Spirit; for this is the only efcient agent in the promulgation
baptism of the Holy Spirit, they will confess their sins, and, pardon, which of sacred truth. Yet this is what we most lack. The divine power combined
means justication, will be given them. But the wisdom of the human agents with human effort, connection rst and last and ever with God, the source of
104 105
our strength, is absolutely necessary in our work. We must hang our whole faith in God will be seen. The Sun of Righteousness will be in our midst, with
weight on the world’s Redeemer; he must be our dependence for strength. healing in His wings.” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, p. 389).
Without this, all our efforts will be unavailing. Even now the time has come “One reason that there are not more conversions now is because you your-
when we must recognize this fully, or we shall be outgeneraled by a power- selves need to be converted. Just as soon as you receive the baptism of the
ful, cunning foe. We must connect more closely with God; and all our plans Holy Spirit you will see of the salvation of God. Let the breaking-up plow
and arrangements must be in harmony with his plans, or they will not prove do its work in the heart. We desire to see everyone drawing strength from
effectual.” (Review and Herald, December 15, 1885, paragraph 2) Christ by eating His esh and drinking His blood. May God help you. May
“This work is given to all who have had Christ set forth crucied among He cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and let His light shine upon you.
them. By the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God’s people are to do, through the May we see the salvation of God before this meeting closes. (Manuscript 77,
instrumentality of their Master, the work that Christ did. They are to repre- 1902. Sermon at Petaluma, California, Campground, Sabbath, June 7, 1902)”
sent the benevolence of God to our world. Partakers of the divine nature, (Peter’s Counsel to Parents, p. 34).
they are not only to save their own souls, through faith in Jesus; but Christ
says of them, Ye are laborers together with God. As his witnesses, he has No Specic Time Known When Latter Rain Will Come
given to each his work. As his representatives, they are to bear to the world “I have no specic time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy
the message of invitation and mercy” (Review and Herald, March 22, 1898, Spirit will take place - when the mighty angel will come down from heaven,
paragraph 3) and unite with the third angel in closing up the work for this world; my mes-
“Nothing but the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring up the church to sage is that our only safety is in being ready for heavenly refreshing, having
its right position, and prepare the people of God for the fast approaching our lamps trimmed and burning” (Review and Herald, Mar. 29, 1892).
conict. Why is there not individual growth in the church? Why is not every
member of the church growing up into Christ our living head? This growth Spirit Not Under Man’s Direction
does not mean growing earthward, but heavenward; not downward, but up- “The Holy Spirit is a free, working, independent agency. The God of heaven
ward. We are living in the dispensation of the Spirit. We hold in our hands uses His Spirit as it pleases Him: and human minds, human judgment, and
the promise of His Spirit, and ministers may be qualied to give the trumpet human methods can no more set boundaries to His working, or prescribe the
a certain sound, to arouse the sleeping people and set them at work for them- channel through which He shall operate, than they can say to the wind, “I bid
selves and for others out of the fold.”—Letter 15, 1889, p. 5. (To Dr. Burke, you to blow in a certain direction, and to conduct yourself in such and such a
Dec. 20, 1889)” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 2, p. 30). manner” (Signs of the Times, March 8, 1910).
“He will impart His Holy Spirit in the plenitude of His reviving, and there
shall not be room enough to receive it. Nothing but the baptism of the Holy Why the Spirit is Rejected
Spirit can bring up the church to its right position, and prepare the people of “The Holy Spirit is often rejected because He comes in unexpected ways. Ev-
God for the fast approaching conict.—Letter 15, 1889” (Manuscript Re- idence upon evidence that the apostles were speaking and acting under divine
leases, Vol. 4, p. 329). inspiration had been given the Jewish priests and rulers, but still they rmly
“When you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, then you will resisted the message of truth” (Signs of the Times, September 27, 1899).
understand more of the joys of salvation than you have known all your life
hitherto. ‘Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; Danger if We Do Not Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
and ye shall be witnesses to Me . . . unto the uttermost parts of the earth.’— “The atmosphere of the church is so frigid, its spirit is of such an order,
Letter 33, 1890, pp. 9, 10. (To ‘Dear Brethren and Sisters in Norwich, Mas- that men and women cannot sustain or endure the example of primitive and
sachusetts,’ December 4, 1890)” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 5, p. 231). heaven-born piety. The warmth of their rst love is frozen up, and unless
“There is nothing the Lord has more frequently told us He would bestow they are watered over by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, their candlestick will
upon us, and nothing by which His name would be more gloried in bestow- be removed out of its place, except they repent and do their rst works. The
ing, than the Holy Spirit. When we partake of this Spirit, men and women rst works of the church were seen when the believers sought out friends,
will be born again. There will be a rm pressing together. A rm, unwavering relatives, and acquaintances, and with hearts overowing with love, told the
106 107
story of what Jesus was to them and what they were to Jesus” (Testimonies to “No greater harm could be done to the work of God at this time than for
Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 167). us to allow a spirit of fanaticism to come into our churches, accompanied
“Our faith is weak, our sense of God’s requirements feeble. We must by strange workings which are incorrectly supposed to be operations of the
awake to duty. We must be endued with power from on high; we must have Spirit of God.
a baptism of the holy Spirit before we leave this place. Instead of resting “I have been instructed that when one offers to exhibit these peculiar
satised with our present attainments, let us cherish a longing desire that our manifestations (tongues), this is a decided evidence that it is not the work of
unclean lips may be puried, and touched with a live coal from off the altar. God” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 41-42, parenthesis added).
The words of God to us must come to the people, not in a hesitating, doubting Spontaneous Praise
manner, but with earnestness and power. We must pray more fervently, more “Praise the Lord in the congregation of the people.
perseveringly, that God may work in us and by us. In these days of multiplied “There is too much formality in our religious services… When the church
popular fables, there is no way to reach the people only as God works through is walking in the light, there will ever be cheerful, hearty responses and words
our efforts. Angels are commissioned to be our helpers. They are passing be- of joyous praise” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 317-318).
tween earth and heaven, bearing upward the record of the doings of all the
children of men” (Review and Herald, June 24, 1884, paragraph 14). The Spirit’s Preserving Strength During the Time of Trouble
“Christ is our refuge; and it is only through faith in him that we can “As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last con-
form characters that God can accept. We may add knowledge to knowledge, ict, “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” they will grow up into Christ, and will
strength to strength, and virtue to virtue, and yet fail in the soul-testing con- partake largely of His Spirit. As the third message swells to a loud cry, and
ict just before us, because we do not make Christ our strength and righ- as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God
teousness. No outward forms can make us clean; they cannot take the place will partake of the glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens
of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All who have not experienced the regener- them to pass through the time of trouble.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.
ating power of the Spirit of God are chaff among the wheat. Our Lord has his 1, p. 353-354).
fan in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his oor. In the coming day he
will discern ‘between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not” Danger of Being Unprepared
(Signs of the Times, July 14, 1887, paragraph 9). “Those professed believers who come up to the time of trouble unprepared,
will, in their despair, confess their sins before the world in words of burning
Danger of Doubting the Manifestation of the Holy Spirit anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. The case of all such is
“It is a dangerous thing to doubt the manifestations of the Holy Spirit; for if hopeless.
this agency is doubted, there is no reserve power left by which to operate on “Those who have delayed a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain
the human heart. Those who attribute the work of the Holy Spirit to human it in the time of trouble, or at any future period” (Signs of the Times, Nov.
agencies, saying that an undue inuence was brought to bear upon them, are 27, 1879).
cutting their souls off from the fountain of blessing” (Review and Herald,
February 13, 1894).
Danger of Fanaticism
“There is constant danger of allowing something to come into our midst that
we may regard as the workings of the Holy spirit, but that in reality is the fruit
of a spirit of fanaticism.
“…I have long known that fanaticism will be manifest again, in different
ways.
“How afraid I am to have anything of a fanatical nature brought in among
our people” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 43-44).
108 109
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countries aroundbooks
mightily
writtentobybring
the world Pastor
God in many
Dennis revival
spiritual Smith. andAs
individuals
to lead othersandtochurches
Christ. participate
Colin has in andtheis 10 days and
teaching 40 days
church of prayer,
members and
and seeking the daily
denominational baptism
leaders of the
in Asia, theHoly SpiritIslands,
Pacific revival Europe,
and reformation
Africa andare
Colin Hone, associate speaker and Inter-
experienced.
America howNot only are small
to establish their own lives
groups changed,
using but they
this book are led growth,
for church to pray
national Director for Holy Spirit Minis-
for others
revival andtosoul
know Jesus in preparation for His soon return.
winning.
tries and distributor for this 10 Days de-
votional was 29 years old when he was
walking down Bondi Beach in Australia.
A young Christian handed him a book on
the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
After reading the book he was convinced
there was a God who could declare the
beginning to the end. Then after reading
the books, The Great Controversy and
Desire of Ages, and taking Bible studies
he was baptized six months later. Colin
is married with 5 children and has a -
nancial planning business on the Central
Coast in Australia.
After attending a revival weekend in
2009 with Pastor Dennis Smith and reading the books by Pastor Smith on the
topics of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and righteousness by faith and expe-
riencing God’s love Colin began seeking and praying for the daily baptism of
the Holy Spirit. Soon a new spiritual life began for Colin. He experienced a
greater desire to read God’s word and to pray for others. A strong desire also
grew in his heart to witness to others about the love of Jesus and His plan to
rescue us from sin and eternal death.
God then led Colin to start preaching on the teachings he had experi-
enced. He is now serving in ministry as a national and international associate
speaker for Holy Spirit Ministries with Pastor Dennis Smith since 2009. He
has conducted many revival meetings at Church’s in Australia, Borneo Ma-
laysia, Thailand, Indonesia, USA, Philippines, Ethiopia and Zambia. In the
Philippines 319 people were baptized at the end of the meetings. In Ethiopia
3000 people came to the meetings each night with many hundreds commit-
ting to baptism and nearly all recommitting their lives to Jesus and praying
for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Colin has seen God lead many thousands
of people to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit and experience the abiding
110 111
Books By: Pastor Dennis Smith
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Spirit Baptism & Earth’s Final Events
This book presents the biblical teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the benefits of receiving This book unveils Satan’s last-day prophetic deceptions, and reveals the role the baptism of the Holy
this Gift in fullness, and why it is necessary for the Christian to receive this special Spirit infilling in Spirit and righteousness by faith plays in preparing God’s people for earth’s final events.
order to become like Jesus.
Spirit Baptism & the Latter Rain
Spirit Baptism & Evangelism - The latter rain of the Spirit has been long prayed for and earnestly desired by Christians for centuries.
The relationship between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and witnessing for Christ is presented along This book presents what the latter rain is, why it has not been poured out in fullness, and the spiritual
with Christ’s method of evangelism. The spiritual problems last-day Laodicean Christian’s face and condition necessary for God’s people to receive this powerful Holy Spirit experience.
the solutions to those problems are discussed.
Transformed by the Spirit
Spirit Baptism & New Wineskin Fellowship - The true story of Juan Cubero, a young man who went from serving Satan in gangs, drugs and prison
This book gives a biblical and historical study into; how the early Christians “did church”, the historical to being a minister for God. Juan’s inspiring story will be a blessing to all who read it.
“falling away” from God’s original plan for His church, the implications of how this apostasy is still
influencing the church today, and why “new wineskin” fellowship is necessary for the Christian to 40 Days – Book 1 (English & Spanish Editions)
grow into the fullness of Christ. A 40 day study and prayer devotional focusing on the needed relationship God’s people must have
in order to be ready for Christ’s second coming. A daily prayer focus is provided with an emphasis
Spirit Baptism & Deliverance on reaching others for Christ. It can be used individually, in a small group or by a church. It is an
It is God’s will to deliver His children from every influence and oppression of Satan in the Christian’s excellent preparation for evangelistic meetings.
life; spiritually, emotionally and physically. Along with powerful testimonies of deliverance, the
biblical principles of how these deliverances took place are presented in a manner that every Christian 40 Days – Book 1 NKJV
can apply to their own life. This is a smaller, black and white, NKJV edition of the original, larger, full color 40 Days - Book 1.
Spirit Baptism & Prayer 40 Days – Book 2 (Revival),

Prayer is the most powerful force on earth. Prayer moves the arm of God on behalf of His people. A daily devotional focusing on revival, God’s sovereignty, how God uses the difficult times in the
In this book the necessity and method of intercessory prayer for the unsaved and fellow believers.. Christian’s life to bless, how God works in one’s life to strengthen their relationship with Himself,
The question: “Why does God need our prayers?” is answered. What it means to pray in the Spirit, and much more.
persevere, unite and fast I prayer are presented.
40 Days - Book 3 (Health)
Spirit Baptism & Christ’s Glorious Return A 40 day devotional focusing on God’s principles to achieve spiritual, physical, and emotional health;
This book gives the characteristics of those who are ready for Christ’s return. The question is and the role these principles play in preparing for Christ’s second coming.
answered; what do I have to do to be among that final generation whom God is calling into existence
today? 40 Days – Book 4 (Earth’s Final Events)
A daily devotional focusing on earth’s final events and the spiritual experience Gods’ people must
Spirit Baptism & Abiding in Christ have in order to remain faithful to God through these events and be ready for Christ’s return.
This book explains how the Christian is to obtain victory over every temptation and sin by allowing
Christ to live out His life in and through them. When this is experienced one’s life will never again be
the same. Victory is no longer a struggle and joy in Christ is experienced as never before.
Pastor Smith’s books can be ordered from:
Spirit Baptism & Waiting on God Adventist Book Centers
This book presents the biblical teaching about waiting on God for everything: prayer, guidance, or
service, Christ’s character, and why God allows trials and difficulties to enter the Christian’s life. Dennis Smith
Phone: 203-389-4784
Spirit Baptism & the 1888 Message of Righteousness by Faith Email: [email protected]
Websites: www.spiritbaptism.org
In 1888 God brought the message of righteousness by faith to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
www.40daysdevotional.com
This book presents what that message was and why it is essential we experience righteousness by faith
in Christ alone today in order to be ready for His second coming.

Dennis Smith

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Baptism of the

A 10 Day Devotional Study

8 The Fruit of the Spirit 66

9 Walking in the Spirit 73

10 Prayer and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit 81

Appendix 1 – One Church’s Experience 92

Appendix 2 – Ellen White and the Holy Spirit 97

About Colin Hone - Distributor of this 10 Day Devotional 110

What is the basic concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

“The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive will be proportioned to the

What were the results of Apollos’

What do you think the extra oil is?

The Believer’s Experience

Is water baptism and Spirit baptism two separate experiences?

The great focus of the prayers of 46

What happened in the Christian church that caused miracles to stop?

What is Christ described doing in God’s warning message to the Laodiceans?

What did David ask God to do for him? Psalm 119:25-38

How only can God’s law be written on the believer’s heart?

How did God write the 10 commandments? Exodus 31:18

Is external conformity to God’s law acceptable to God if it is not written on

Where is God’s seal placed on the Christian? Revelation 7:4

What does Ellen White say about the foolish virgins?

Discussion Questions Meekness

What attitude must the Christian have in order to be completely victorious

Too Much Self-Sufciency

“I and my Father are one” (John 10:30).

What areas of our life will be affected by our prayer life?

What counsel does Paul give to us? 1Thessalonians 5:17

We Need the Spirit’s Baptism

Spirit Baptism & Prayer 40 Days – Book 2 (Revival),

You might also like

Appendix 1 – One Church’s Experience 92

Appendix 2 – Ellen White and the Holy Spirit 97

“The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive will be proportioned to the

The Believer’s Experience

What is Christ described doing in God’s warning message to the Laodiceans?

How only can God’s law be written on the believer’s heart?

Is external conformity to God’s law acceptable to God if it is not written on

Where is God’s seal placed on the Christian? Revelation 7:4

“I and my Father are one” (John 10:30).

We Need the Spirit’s Baptism