John 1:30-34 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
It is clear from the understanding of John that although Jesus did not send the Holy Spirit to the believers until after his resurrection, baptizing with the Holy Spirit was a major reason for his ministry. Baptism for repentance was possible for John, but to provide the presence of God the Holy Spirit was jesus domain. All four gospels and the book of Acts witness to this message that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and power.
The church too often has had little emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit. The pieces of scripture we say what the Holy Spirit will do and why He is needed are just ignored or de-emphasized. Focus tays on the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, but downplays the he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and power.
Some people act like the ten commandments are a pick seven out of ten list of options, while others neglect the gospel message of taking care of the poor. Still others think they can solve all the issues with their own effort while ignoring the need for the power of the Holy Spirit. Christianity is not meant to be a menu of possible selections but a complete plan for life. Take it all is the Christian choice not one entree and one appetizer.
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