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Sermon Starter - Water Baptism and the Holy Spirit

Water Baptism and the Holy Spirit Key Verse: Acts 8:15 I. Philip baptized believers and unbelievers with water. A. Many in Samaria were baptized after hearing Philip preach about Christ and believing “the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 8:12). B. Among them was Simon the magician who had been influencing the people in that region with his magic. Although Simon claimed to be a believer, his heart had not yet been enlightened by the Holy Spirit. II. The apostles responded to the situation. A. After hearing “that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John” (Acts 8:14). B. The Apostles’ concern was that the believers receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:15, 17), the sign of true acceptance by God (Matt. 3:11; Acts 10:44–48). III. Water baptism is invalid without the Holy Spirit. A. The believers’ faith was confirmed and their salvation made sure when they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:21, 22; Eph. 1:13, 14). B. However, Simon, who observed the proceedings, completely misunderstood their significance. He thought the Holy Ghost was some kind of magical power that could be purchased with money (Acts 8:18, 19). C. The Apostles rebuked Simon and said that he was still “in the bond of iniquity” and needed to “repent” (Acts 8:22, 23) despite his previous confession and water baptism (Acts 8:13). D. Jesus had promised that the Holy Ghost would direct His followers into “all truth” (John 16:13). Simon’s ignorance of the truth was proof that his heart had not yet been changed by the Holy Ghost and was “not right in the sight of God” (Acts 8:21); water baptism alone had not saved him. Only the Holy Spirit can truly join us to the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Spiros Zodhiates, Sermon Starters : Volumes 1-4 (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1998).

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