Baptism in Water
Romans 6:4
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.”

Water baptism is another of the three baptisms referred to in Hebrews 6. New Testament Christians, baptizing by immersion, considered baptism an important part of their profession of faith. In fact, baptism was the normal way in which new believers gave public confession of their faith in Christ in Bible times. No Christian in Bible times would have omitted this step of obedience.

When should this baptism occur?
It is a believers baptism where an individual has experienced repentance and faith (salvation – 1st baptism).

1. Jesus Himself was baptized in water.
- "When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened" (Luke 3:21).

2. Jesus and the apostles commanded water baptism.
- "Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38).

Why water baptism?
1. Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved, and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,"
- Because of man’s sinful nature, is "dead" in sin.
- If he repents of his sin and accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, he is then given new life just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father.
- Water baptism becomes an affirmation and reference point of this reality for the believer. "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4).

2. So when you are baptized, you bury that old man, that old life.
- Old Man – refers to the nature we have inherited from Adam.
- Nobody teaches us to sim but we do it naturally (observe small children).
- The “old man” needs to be crucified so that this SIN NATURE (inclination toward sinning) can be destroyed and removed from our lives.
- The “old man” (sin nature) is buried in the water of baptism.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is another baptism experienced by New Testament believers.

It was preached by the apostles as a baptism separate from the baptism into the body of Christ and water baptism.

Its primary purpose is to provide power for the Christian walk, for a more effective witness and a greater understanding of God's Word.

"It is easier for a man to breathe without air than it is for a Christian to live without the Holy Spirit." - D.L Moody

Nothing happens between God and man that doesn't happen through the Holy Spirit.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is more than a one-time experience. It is an ongoing lifestyle of being controlled by the Holy Spirit.

5 works of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life:
1. Draws
- The Holy Spirit is active in our lives before we’re saved He is the one who convicts (convinces) us that we are lost and need a Savior.
2. Regeneration
- The Holy Spirit births us into relationship with Jesus.
3. Infills
- This is an ongoing daily experience to be filled full of the Holy Spirit.
4. Guided
- The Holy Spirit is the one who gives direction for our lives. In Ro. 8:14, growing, maturing believers have (are) learning to follow the Holy Spirit.
5. Empowered
- The Holy Spirit provides the power/ability to live the christian life with authority and impact.

Why tongues?
- Tongues edify (build up) the speaker (I Corinthians 14:4).
- Tongues are used in intercession (prayer) (I Corinthians 14:14 -15; 13:1, and Romans 8:26).
- Tongues are used to rightfully glorify (praise) God (I Corinthians 14:15-16).
- Tongues help release demonstration (power & boldness) (Acts 1:8 and Jude 20)
- Tongues help release the gifts (Acts 19:6)
- Tongues bring refreshment (I Corinthians 14:21 and Isaiah 28:11-12).

How to receive the Holy Spirit

1. The heart must be prepared by thorough repentance (Acts 2:38).
2. One must arrive at Biblical conclusions about the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
- It is Biblical (Acts 1:8).
- It is necessary for abundant Christian living (Ephesians 5:17,18).
- It is applicable for today (Acts 2:38,29).
- It is an experience beyond salvation (Acts 9:17).
- It is marked by praise (Acts 2:11, Acts 2:46-47, Acts 10:44-46).
- It is beneficial to the believer (Romans 8:26,27).
3. Ask to receive and expect to receive (Luke 11:9-13).

Criticisms

Baptism in Water:
It’s just getting dunked in a big bathtub. Nothing really happens.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit:
From Christians, they say it died with the apostles.
From the world, it is crazy gibberish.

These are two elements of Christianity that can really only be defended by experience.

We can recite the Bible, but if the person doesn’t believe in the Bible, the only evidence we have is what has happened to us.

Student Forum

Baptism in Water
1. Quickly tell us why you chose to get water baptized, and what did it do in you?
2. Was it just for show, or did you experience something from God in that moment?

Baptism in the Holy Spirit
1. Why did you ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit?
2. Did you receive the gift of tongues at that time, or later, or have you still not?
3. What changed in your life after that moment?

At the end of the day, if you receive Jesus as Lord of your life, then baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit are your next steps.