On the Day of Pentecost a huge crowd gathered to see what all the commotion was about. Peter stood and addressed them and a large number were "cut to the heart." They asked Peter what they should do to have their relationship with God put to right, to which he replied: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit . . ."Baptism in Water & The Spirit explores the implications of Peter's instruction for today's Christian. If you have ever pondered: the meaning of water baptism and how important it really is? what does it mean to be filled or baptized in the Holy Spirit? whether the dramatic events of the Day of Pentecost were unique in history, or a pattern to be repeated in every generation of the Christian Church? . . . then this book is for you! This book sets forth a theological position for believers' baptism (in water), and in the Holy Spirit, and has three types of people in mind: Firstly, those who are new believers. This book is for those new to the Christian faith as an encouragement toward some of the early steps of obedience and empowering in their Christian walk. Read it and discuss it with someone further on in the spiritual journey, like a pastor or small group leader. Secondly, some reading this book may have been Christians for many years, but have never been exposed to biblical exposition on believer's baptism. They have a profound love for Jesus, but the church tradition they have grown up with has not stressed the significance of baptism by immersion. This book is a challenge to obey one of the foundational commands of Christ, and seeks to set forth as simply as possible the meaning of baptism, and why all Christians should participate in it. Thirdly, some reading this book may have been confused or concerned (perhaps even hostile) toward teaching about the work of the Holy Spirit. Talk of baptism in the Holy Spirit, and gifts of the Spirit, seem foreign and unsettling. This book attempts to lay out a theological foundation for what the Holy Spirit still does in the lives of believers. Many people who have been Christians for decades have testified to a profound sense of spiritual renewal through praying to be filled with the Spirit. God has touched them and changed them, and their experience of God's power seems so much like that of the New Testament Church.
