Part 2: How to Get Empowered With God's Power Today
In Part 1, “Putting the Puzzle Together,” we looked at a multitude of scriptural evidence to support the biblical message that everyone must repent (turn away from “self” and turn instead to God), be baptized by full immersion in water, seek the Lord to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and thereafter walk in Jesus’ ways in order to live eternally in the Kingdom. For now, here’s a summary before we delve into the important subject of how it all happens:
John 3:5, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost…” (John the Baptist declared this.)
Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 19:1-6: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Hebrews 5:9, “…being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Note: This is referring to Jesus, and it emphasizes the need for everyone to regard and obey His instructions for salvation. Jesus Christ the Messiah (the promised deliverer), the Son of God, was crucified – as the perfect sacrifice – upon the cross at Calvary so that everyone on this earth can have the presence of God living within them. This presence of God is made possible through the infilling – or anointing – of the Holy Spirit:
John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (Jesus was saying that He needed to depart from this world so that the Holy Spirit could then come in His place.)
John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”