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From: gkm@ho95b.UUCP (gkm)
Newsgroups: net.religion.christian
Subject: Re: Some Information on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Message-ID: <386@ho95b.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 23-Apr-85 16:22:56 EST
Article-I.D.: ho95b.386
Posted: Tue Apr 23 16:22:56 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 26-Apr-85 08:09:43 EST
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Just as in physical life some things are more necessary for good
health than others, so also are some things more necessary in our
spiritual lives than are other things.  As Paul says (see I Cor.3)
it is necessary that our lives be build upon the right foundation
(i.e. Jesus Christ), and that some of the works we do will be
lasting and others will be burned up.  Questions have been posed as
to the importance of the "baptism of the Holy Spirit".  The results
of this baptism are a Spirit empowered life to serve Jesus.
However, as Jesus himself said when his diciples returned to Him
after healing the sick and raising the dead, they should not rejoice
in these things, but rather that their names were written in heaven.
As Paul says in I Cor.14 we should follow after charity (ie LOVE),
but nonetheless desire spiritual gifts, especially that of prophesy.

Many christians take Pauls statement "...I had rather speak five
words with my understanding,..., than ten thousand words in a
tougue." to mean that speaking in tongues is not worthwhile.  He
elsewhere says that speaking is tougues is very worthwhile and
desires that they all speak in tongues.  My point here is that even
of the gifts of the Spirit some are more important than others.  The
fruit of the Spirit is however much more important than the gifts.
One fruit in particular is more important than all the gifts put
together, and that fruit is LOVE. (see I Cor 13)  
The word baptism means to be immersed in or to be surrounded by.
Therefore the baptism of the Holy Spirit means that the Holy Spirit
is surrounding us and overflowing to others around us.  Every
Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling with him.  The Christian is
sealed by and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  He (the Holy Spirit) will
never leave the christian.  This indwelling is what is meant by
being born again or born from above.  It is what is meant by us
being partakers of the DIVINE NATURE, and us being children of God.
It is because of this gift of His Spirit that we have as a present
possession ETERNAL LIFE, the very LIFE of God.  I think it is
obvious that this internal indwelling is most important.  It is
necessary for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  All christians should
seek God first in their lives and all these other things will
follow.