The Promise of the Father Acts 1:1-9; 2:1-13 Our reading this week in Acts chapters one and two brings us face to face with the subject of Baptism of the Holy Spirit. People argue much about this subject. Was the experience of the disciples meant to be a once-for- all giving of the Spirit to the church? If we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, then what could be the value of another experience called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? What was the purpose of speaking in tongues? Should these same things happen to us today? Realizing there is room for discussion among sincere Christians on these subjects, I will describe what I believe as clearly as I can, using Scripture, quotes from some great teachers, and my own observation over the years. 1) In Acts 1:4, Jesus tells us that what would happen on the day of Pentecost was something that had been “promised by the Father.” What did the Father promise? • Jeremiah 31:31-34 • Ezekiel 11:16-21; 36:24-27 • Joel 2:28, 29 2) What did Jesus promise? (John 4:13, 14, 7:37-39; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) 3) To whom did the Father promise this> (Acts 2:37-39) 4) Why did the Father send the Spirit? a) to give believers the power to declare Christ (Acts 1:8) b) to continue the miraculous ministry of Chris (John 14:12; 16:7) c) to give believers an inward desire to obey God (Jeremiah 31:31-34) d) to give believers an accurate understanding of God (John 16:13) e) to exalt Christ in our hearts (John 16:14; 14:26) 5) How do I receive this promise of the Spirit? a) remember my qualification is Christ b) determine to be a full disciple c) repent of any known areas of disobedience (an unforgiveness, improper behavior, involvement with occult practices…) d) ask God to give me this promise e) focus on opening up to receive, not on getting Him to give f) be patient and persistent if necessary g) be open to get help from others including the laying on of hands