Dear Brother/Sister in Christ,

Transcription

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2 Dear Brother/Sister in Christ, Congratulations on your new life! You have made the fabulous choice of accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I guarantee you that your life will never be the same again. Jesus wants not only to save you, but also to change your life forever. He said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). He wants you to live life to the fullest here on earth! Allow Him to heal and deliver you of everything that has affected you negatively. Allow Him to empower you for His work and ministry and be a part of a HOME Group where you can be ministered to and learn to minister. You will not regret doing that! This is what the life of a child of God is all about. In the past, you were on your own, but now God is with you. In the past, you were handling situations your own way, but now you can choose to follow God s ways. In the past, you were spiritually dead. But now, you are alive in Christ. So friends, start your new life, leave the past behind and take hold of the future that God has for you. Blessings, Rev. Dr. Edmound & Yvonne Teo 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Water Baptism A. Why be water baptized? 5 B. Who can be water baptized 6 Questions on Water Baptism 7 2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit A. What is baptism in the Holy Spirit? 10 B. Why be baptized in the Holy Spirit? 13 C. What happens after you receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? 13 Questions on Baptism in the Holy Spirit Holy Communion A. What is Holy Communion? 17 B. Do the Bread and the Wine turn into the literal body of the Lord? 18 C. What should we do before taking Holy Communion? 18 D. Can children participate in Holy Communion? 19 Answers: Water Baptism 19 Answers: Baptism in the Holy Spirit 21 3

4 CHAPTER 1: WATER BAPTISM IT S TIME TO CELEBRATE You are now a child of God who has exchanged your past for a wonderful future. That calls for a celebration! There are three celebrations we can participate in Water Baptism Baptism in the Holy Spirit Holy Communion These joyful events are very meaningful and have great significance. They will remind you of what God has done for you. The word baptize or baptism means, to immerse. Water Baptism is not something entirely original to Christianity. To the Jews in Jesus day, it signaled a turning point in one s life. When someone was baptized, it showed that he had a change of heart. It meant a clean fresh start, a turning from one way of life to a new way of living. Non- Jews (Gentiles) who wanted to worship and serve the one true God of Israel were baptized in water. This proved their decision to turn away from idols to worship and serve the one true God. Today, water baptism still serves as a public expression of a person s full commitment to Christ. All who have accepted Christ as Savior should be baptized. 4

5 WHY BE WATER BAPTISED? Jesus said, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matt. 28:20 God s commands should always be taken seriously and obeyed. We should obey them at all times, not only when it is convenient or easy. Water Baptism is a symbolic act of the inner work of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47 & 48, Romans 6:4): 1. Burial (Going down into the water) Symbolizes our sinful nature being put to death when we received Christ 2. Resurrection (Coming out of the water) symbolizes our new life to righteousness and to God. Water Baptism is a symbolic act of our baptism into the Body of Christ and becoming a member of God s family when we received Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) Water Baptism tells others that you have been changed; you are a new person and have changed masters. You no longer serve yourself or other gods. From now on, you live for Jesus and serve Him only. Water Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ. For example, when a man and a woman want to get married, they usually plan a big ceremony and invite many guests. They want their family and friends to witness their commitment of love to one another. The solemnization seals their love and tells other people that they are no longer available. From now on, they have eyes only for each other. Water Baptism is the same kind of powerful binding commitment and should never be treated lightly. 5

6 WHO CAN BE BAPTISED? Repent, and be baptized, every one of you. Acts 2:38 All, including children, who have repented of their sins, accepted Jesus into their hearts, and have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Infants are not baptized but are dedicated to God in a dedication ceremony because an infant has no knowledge of sin and salvation. Must a person be baptized to be forgiven of sins and to go to heaven? NO! The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin, and we have been reconciled to God through His blood. (Read Col. 1:20-22; 2:14, Heb. 9:12 & 14, Matt. 26:28). Water baptism is a matter of obedience to the Lord and a testimony to the world. If a person is not saved, baptism cannot save him. If a person has accepted Jesus, not being baptized does not disqualify him from heaven. The thief hanging next to Jesus repented on the cross and was with Christ in Paradise that day, but was never water baptized (Luke 23:39-43). 6

7 QUESTIONS ON WATER BAPTISM 1. What reason did Jesus Himself give for being baptized? (Matt. 3:15) 2. How did the Holy Spirit show that He was pleased with the baptism of Jesus? (Matt. 3:16) 3. What did God the Father say about Jesus when He was baptized? (Matt. 3:17) 4. Did Jesus go down into the water to be baptized? (Matt. 3:16) 5. If a person wishes to be saved, what did Jesus say he should do after believing the Gospel? (Mark 16:16) 6. What did Jesus tell His disciples to do as part of making disciples of all nations? (Matt. 28:19) 7. To whom did Jesus send his disciples with this message? (Matt. 28:19) 8. What does Jesus expect His disciples to do after baptizing people? (Matt. 28:20) 7

8 9. What did Peter tell people to do before being baptized? (Acts 2:38) 10. How many people did Peter say should be baptized? (Acts 2:28) 11. What did the people who received God s Word do? (Acts 2:41) 12. What did the people of Samaria do after they believed Philip s preaching? (Acts 8:12) 13. What did Philip tell the eunuch he must do before he could be baptized? 14. What did the eunuch answer? (Acts 8:37) 15. Did the eunuch go down into the water to be baptized? (Acts 8:38) 16. What did the eunuch do after being baptized? (Acts 8:39) 17. After Cornelius and his friends had been saved and had received the Holy Spirit, what did Peter command them to do next? (Acts 10:44-48) 8

9 18. What did the Philippian jailor and his families do after believing Paul s message? (Acts 16:29-33) 19. What did the disciples at Ephesus do after believing Paul s message? (Acts 19:4,5) 20. Through which two experiences do believers follow Christ when they are baptized? (Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12) 21. How does Paul say believers should live after being baptized? (Romans 6:4) 22. Is there any difference between believers of different races after being baptized? (Gal. 3:26-28) CHAPTER 2: BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT When you received Jesus, God made you a new creation by putting the Holy Spirit in you. You have Him, the Holy Spirit, in you at all times. He is your Guide, your Comforter, your Teacher. The Holy Spirit will also energies you with the power of God. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John14:12) 9

10 In Mark 16:17, Jesus said: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, they will get well. You have been chosen to be God s witness and you can tap into His power when you choose to surrender to the Spirit of God and let Him fill, lead and empower you. This immersion in the energizing power of the Holy Spirit is called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. WHAT IS BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT? When the garment is dyed, it becomes immersed in the color of the dye. It is baptized into that color. You could say that the garment submits itself to the dye and takes on the color of the dye. It is also called being filled with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and when we surrender to Him, He fills us with His power and presence. There is an obvious evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for the believer. What the Bible tells us 1. It was spoken of by the prophets A. Joel - I will pour out My Spirit on all people Joel 2:28-32 & Acts 2:17 B. John the Baptist (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire Matt. 3:11 2. It was announced by Jesus I am going to send you what my Father promised Luke 24:49 10

11 Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard me speak about but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4 3. It is a separate and distinct experience from salvation At salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes every believer into Jesus Christ. We become totally identified with Jesus Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Cor. 12:13 When Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, we also become totally identified with and submitted to the Holy Spirit. This is a separate and distinct function and experience from the salvation experience. John answered them all, I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire Luke 3:16 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit Acts 8:14-17 Some people in Samaria had believed in Jesus but had not yet received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, these were Christians. It was only after Peter and John came to pray for them that they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Hence the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience, although it may also take place at the time of salvation. 11

12 What Does It Mean To Be Filled With The Spirit? Every Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit does NOT mean receiving more of the Spirit. Rather, as you surrender to the Spirit of God within you, the Holy Spirit has more of you. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He does not invade or possess a Christian; we must surrender to Him. When we do so, He will come and empower us. Therefore, to be filled with the Spirit is to be completely led and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Who can receive it? The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every believer. The promise of the Holy Spirit was first received by: 1. Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 15 & 16) 2. Gentiles in Samaria (Acts 8:5-17) 3. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:17-19) 4. Gentiles in Caesarea (Acts 10:44-16a; 11:15) 5. Gentiles in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7) Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38. The First (physical) Evidence is Speaking in Tongues supernaturally. 1. This was recorded for every occasion in which details of people baptized in the Holy Spirit were given in the New Testament (Acts 2, 10, 19). 2. This was recognized by the early church leaders as the evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-47; 11:15-18). 12

13 WHY BE BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT? Power to Witness The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be a witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8). A New Prayer Language When we pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit prays through us. So our prayers are not limited by our own human understanding (Romans 8:26, 27). Door to the Supernatural Gifts The Holy Spirit enables us to operate in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1Cor. 12. Simply ask for it and receive it by faith (Luke 11:11-13) WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? 1. You are ready and empowered to serve God and be a witness for Him. So serve Him! 2. Pray in your new prayer language daily. 3. Be open and available to God when He asks you to move in the supernatural gifts. 4. Walk in the Spirit daily. In one sense, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct event. But in another sense, it is also a continuous experience. You need to continually seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to fill you afresh daily, so that you will be sensitive to His leading and guiding, and ready for every good work. 13

14 QUESTIONS ON BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT 1. What happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost when they were filled with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:4) 2. Through whose preaching did the people in Samaria come to believe in Jesus Christ? (Acts 8:12) 3. When Peter and John came down to Samaria, how did they pray for the Christians there? (Acts 8:15) 4. How did the Christians at Samaria receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 8:17) 5. How did Saul of Tarsus (Paul) receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 9:17) 6. As Peter was preaching to the people in the house of Cornelius, what happened to all who heard him? (Acts 10:44) 7. How did Peter and his companions know that all these people in the house of Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit? (Acts 10:45-46) 8. What question did Paul ask the disciples at Ephesus? (Acts 19:2) 14

15 9. How did these disciples at Ephesus receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 19:6) 10. What happened after the Holy Spirit came on these disciples? (Acts 19:6) 11. How much did Paul say that he himself spoke in tongues (1 Cor. 14:18) 12. Write down three things that a Christian does when he speaks in an unknown language. (1 Cor. 14:2,4) 13. If a Christian prays in an unknown tongue, what part of him is then praying? (1 Cor. 14:14) 14. How did Jesus say that true worshippers should worship God? (John 4:23-24) 15. How does Jude exhort Christians to build themselves up in their faith? (Jude 20) 16. When a Christian speaks in an unknown tongue, what may he pray for next? (1 Cor. 14:13) 17. In a public meeting where there is no interpreter, how may a Christian speak in an unknown tongue? (1 Cor. 14:28) 15

16 18. Did Paul say that he wished that all Christians spoke in tongues? (1 Cor. 14:5) 19. How many Christians did Paul say may prophesy? (1 Cor. 14:31) 20. Should Christians be ignorant about spiritual gifts? (1 Cor. 12:1) 21. Make a list of the nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 810) 22. Make a list of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) 23. Should a Christian have spiritual gifts without spiritual fruit? (1 Cor. 13:8) 24. Should a Christian have spiritual fruit without spiritual gifts? (1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1) 25. Write down three supernatural occurrences that will result from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of this age. (Acts 2:17) 26. Write down five different spiritual contributions that a Christian may make at a meeting with fellow Christians. (1 Cor. 14:26) 16

17 CHAPTER 3: HOLY COMMUNION WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION? During Holy Communion (also called the Lord s Supper) we celebrate and remember that: Jesus died on the cross for us Jesus is coming back soon We are all part of the Body of Christ & have fellowship with one another. When we celebrate communion, we take the bread and the wine, which represent his body and blood. An Emblem is a visible symbol that stands for something else. For example, the cross is the emblem for Christianity. The bread and wine are emblems of communion. The Bread Represents CHRIST BROKEN BODY This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me 1 Cor. 11:24 On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus and His disciples were celebrating the Passover, the great feast of the Jews. Jesus knew that He would soon die as the sacrifice for mankind. He gave His disciples a visible form of celebration, so that they would always remember what He was going to do for them. In many societies bread is the basic necessity of life. It is the center of every meal. So when Jesus said He is the bread (John 6:48:51), He was really saying He is the center, in fact, the meaning of life. 17

18 When His body was broken by death on the cross, salvation was made available to all who would receive it. Therefore, the bread represents Jesus body, broken for mankind. The wine represents CHRIST S BLOOD This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me - 1 Cor. 11:25 The wine represents the blood of Jesus. Because of the blood He shed on the cross, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness and made righteous before God. When we take the wine, it is an act of faith recognizing that God has made us righteous through Christ. Because of this sacrifice, we can have a relationship with God. This is the covenant God makes with us. DO THE BREAD AND THE WINE TURN INTO THE LITERAL BODY OF THE LORD? NO! The Lord s Supper was symbolic. Jesus stood in His flesh and blood and told the disciples to take and eat the bread, which was His flesh (a symbol of His flesh), and the cup, which was His blood (a symbol). Jesus took two basic elements, present at almost any meal (bread and drink), so even the most common person could participate. Received in faith, the transformation happens in the spirit of man and not in the bread and wine. WHAT SHOULD WE DO BEFORE TAKING COMMUNION? Paul told the Corinthians, A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 Cor. 11:28,29) Self-examination should come before taking the emblem of communion. This does not mean that we never examine ourselves at other times. 18

19 Rather, communion is a special and sacred time for us to remember His sacrifice and celebrate the salvation and freedom we now have in Him. CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNION? Yes if they have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Question No & Answers ANSWERS - WATER BAPTISM 1. To fulfill all righteousness 2. He descended like a dove, and lighted upon Him 3. This is my Son whom I love, with him I am well pleased 4. Yes 5. He should be baptized. 6. To baptize them and teach them to obey his commandments 7. To all nations 8. To teach them to obey His commandments 9. To repent 10. Everyone 11. They were baptized 12. They were baptized 13. Believe with all his heart 14. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God 15. Yes 16. He went on his way rejoicing 17. To be baptized 18. They were all baptized 19. They were baptized 20. (1) His burial (2) His resurrection 21. They should live a new life 22. None 19

20 NOTES ON CORRECT ANSWERS (The numbers in the left hand margin correspond to the numbers of the correct answers on the previous page) 1-4 Although Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, He was not in the same class as all the others whom John baptized John s baptism was a baptism of repentance, accompanied by confession of sins (Mark 1:4-5). But Jesus had no sins to confess, or repent of. Rather, by being baptized in this way, Jesus set a pattern for all who would afterward follow Him in obedience to the will of God. This is indicated by the reason, which Jesus gave: Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Thus establishes the manner of baptism: going down into, and coming up out of, the water. It becometh us establishes a precedent for all sincere Christians to follow. To fulfill righteousness establishes the reason: to complete all righteousness. First, the Christian is made righteous through his faith in Christ. Then, in being baptized, he completes this inward righteousness of faith by the outward act of obedience. Thus understood, this ordinance of Christian baptism has the openly expressed approval of all three Persons of the Godhead: Father, Son and Spirit. 5,6,9,13 Before being baptized, a person should fulfill the following three conditions: (1) be taught the nature and the reason of the act; (2) repent of his sins; (3) believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. 7,10,11,12 Jesus told His disciples that this ordinance of baptism was 20

21 17,18,19 to be for all nations. There were to be no exceptions. In fulfillment of this, the New Testament record shows that all new converts were always baptized without delay. In most cases this took place on the actual day of conversion. Never was there any lengthy delay between conversion and baptism. There is no reason why this pattern should not be followed now, just as much as in the early church. 8,20,21 By baptism, Christians publicly identify themselves with Christ in His burial and resurrection. After baptism, they are required to lead a new life of righteousness, made possible by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. 23 (a) 1 Cor. 10:1-2 presents a double baptism for God s people, in the cloud and in the sea. Baptism in the cloud typifies baptism in the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the sea typifies baptism in the water. 23 (b) By faith Noah and his family entered into the ark (Christ). Then, in the ark, they passed through the water of the flood (baptism). They were thus saved from God s judgment, separated from the old, ungodly world, and ushered into a completely new life. ANSWERS BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Question No & Answers 1. They began to speak in other tongues a the Spirit enabled them 2. The preaching of Philip 3. That they might receive the Holy Spirit 4. They (i.e. Peter and John placed their hands on them) 5. Ananias put his hands upon him 6. The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message 21

22 7. They heard them speaking in tongues and praising God 8. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? 9. Paul placed his hands upon them 10. They spoke in tongues and prophesied 11. More than all of you (i.e. more than all the Christians at Corinth) 12. He speaks to God (not to men); He speaks mysteries; He edifies himself 13. His spirit 14. In spirit and in truth 15. To pray in the Holy Spirit 16. That he may interpret what he says 17. Keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God 18. Yes 19. All 20. No 21. The message of wisdom; The message of knowledge; Faith; Gifts of healing; Miraculous powers; Prophecy; Distinguishing between spirits; Speaking in tongues; Interpretation of tongues. 22. Love; Joy; Peace; Patience; Kindness; Goodness; Faithfulness; Gentleness; Self control 23. No 24. No 25. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; Your young men shall see visions; Your old men shall dream dreams 26. A hymn; A word of instruction; A revelation; A tongue; An interpretation 22

23 NOTE ON CORRECT ANSWERS (The numbers in the left hand margin correspond to the numbers of the correct answers on the previous page) 1 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matt. 12:34). The first outflow of the Holy Spirit is from the believer s mouth. 2-4 Through the ministry of Philip, multitudes in Samaria had been wonderfully saved and healed. But this was not sufficient for the apostles. They expected all new converts to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This came to the converts in Samaria through the ministry of Peter and John, as a separate experience, subsequent to salvation. 5 Laying on of hands to impart the Holy Spirit was not confined to apostles. Ananias is merely called a disciple (Acts 9:10). Nor is laying on of hands always needed to impart the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:2-4 and 10:44-46 the believers received without any laying on of hands At Ephesus, as at Samaria, these disciples received the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a separate experience, subsequent to salvation. As in Acts 2:4 and 10:46, their experience culminated in speaking with other tongues (and also, in this case, prophesying) After receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the primary use of speaking in another tongue is for personal worship and prayer. The believer does not understand with his mind what he is saying, but his 23

24 spirit holds direct communion with God, and in this way he is able to edify (build up) himself Through the gift of interpretation Christians may come to know the meaning of an utterance previously given in an unknown tongue. In public meetings an utterance given out loud in an unknown tongue should normally be followed by the interpretation. If there is no one to interpret, the believer may speak in an unknown tongue to himself and to God. 19 To Prophesy is to speak by the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit in a language understood by the speaker and by those spoken to There is an important logical distinction between gifts and fruit. A gift is imparted and received by a monetary act. Fruit is cultivated by time and labor (see 2 Tim. 2:6). Consider the difference between a Christmas tree with its gifts, and an apple tree with its fruit. Spiritually, gifts are not a substitute for fruit, and fruit is not a substitute for gifts. God s provision is for all Christians to have both. (Not that love is never called a gift) The full outpouring of the Holy Spirit always produces a variety of supernatural manifestations. Through these, Christians are able to minister to one another on a level higher than that of natural ability or education. 24