Inspired by Kenneth E. Hagin
In the previous post, we talked more on the Holy Spirit within, which is gotten at the point of Salvation (John 14:17 & Romans 8:14,16)
Now, we will be discussing on the Infilling of the Holy Spirit – the Holy Spirit upon and how it’s a different experience from the Holy Spirit within.
Let’s examine Acts 8:12-17
Acts 8:12-17
12. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God and The Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.
15. Who, when they came down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost
16. [For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: Only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus]
17. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost
Verse 12 and 13 tells us that indeed the Samaritans had heard the word of God, believed it, were baptized and saved. But Philip who preached the Word of God to them didn’t think they had all to have of the Holy Spirit, so they sent forth Peter and John to lay forth their hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit.
You might wonder if truly, these people were saved before Peter and John came? – Well, let us find out together!
Jesus said in Mark 16:15-16
15. Go ye into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned!
So, according to Lord Jesus, they were!
Even Peter testified the Samaritans were saved in First Peter 1:23
23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
And, John 1:1, 12, 14 tells us – the Word of God is Jesus Christ and Jesus is called The Word of God.
Now let’s look at Acts 8:15
15. Who when they (Peter and John) came down, prayed for them (the Samaritans), that they might receive the Holy Ghost
Did Peter and John pray for the Samaritans that they might be saved? No
Did they pray for the Samaritans that they might accept Christ? No
Did Peter and John pray for them that they might be born again? No
Did they pray for the Samaritans that they might receive eternal life? No
The Samaritans were already believers, yet Peter and John prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Being filled with the Holy Ghost was and is a separate experience from New Birth!
You may ask, how can one get the Infilling of the Spirit?
- Through Laying of Hands – Acts 8 (KJV): This talks about the story of the City of Samaria and Philip
- Through Prayer – Acts 9:1-17 (KJV): This explains the story of Saul of Tarsus and his witness that indeed salvation and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are two separate experiences.
- Through Consecration – Luke 4:1-22 (KJV): This illustrates the story of Jesus witnessing the Infilling of the Holy Spirit.
‘The generator is the human, the Holy Spirit is the fuel in it. The fuel in the generation is not enough to power the generator, till you switch on the generator for the fuel to burn, you will never know the power and capacity of that generator’
Pastor Kenneth Odogwu
Thanks for reading! Hope it was insightful, make sure to share your views below 😉 And don’t forget to click the link 👇🏾
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FC9XaBycbA
THRIVE IN THE WILD 