Week 03

Pentecostal and Proud Of It

At Leigh Elim we are a Pentecostal Church, and we believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

So before we leave the account in Acts of Paul's ministry in Ephesus, let’s look a little closer at the beginning of  Acts chapter 19. Although these disciples have been baptised for the forgiveness of sins and repentance they have not received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Read John 1: 14-34 to find out what the ministry of John the Baptist was like. With this information fresh in your mind, read again the account of Paul’s visit to those Ephesian believers in Acts 19:1-7.

What gifts of the Holy Spirit do we see here?

Have you been baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Have you ever spoken in tongues?

Do you have the gift of interpretation of tongues?

Have you ever prophesied?

In 1 Corinthians 12:31 Paul encourages us to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit. Ask! If you want more of Him, ask! He is always far more willing to give than we are to receive. Jesus promises that the Father will give the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Read Luke 11:9-13.

The way this passage is written means that we are to keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking – it is His delight to give what you ask for, it is His desire to be found by you and to open the door into new experiences of His presence.

Do you remember reading Acts 20? Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was greatly appreciated, as we can tell from the reaction of the Ephesian Elders to his farewell speech.

What does he commends them for?

Then he commits them to God’s word; he prays for them, and also warns them that people whom he calls savage wolves will come into the flock with false teaching. Getting good sound teaching is so important. Stick at it!

Let us know if you find this coures beneficial.  Email us at leighelimchurch@aol.com.