Laying Fire

Acts 19:4-6

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Herein lies the explanation of John's baptism. It pointed to another person, even that of Jesus Christ. See, the issue here is not being baptized. Rather the issue lies in whose name you are doing so. Should everything be in your name, well I see why house arrest came to be. I can hear some of you now saying, 'how absolute dare.' I wanted to take time to share the story of a certain man with you. Galatians 2:7-9 tells of a rugged salty fisherman by the seaside. He said anything and did anything. Generally, it was whatever he wanted not what society accepted. Yet when he met the Lord, all that changed. Then this other man John could hardly stand a woman. He much preferred life in the wilderness with his locusts and raw honey to that of domesticated bliss. He dunked his followers in swift currents of water while hollering at them about the one to come. But when he met Jesus, all his searching and striving ceased. He now had peace because of Christ. It is not for nothing Scripture says believe and you will be saved as in Acts 16:31. There is no might or maybe. There remains only the I will of God. How many of you know that he is worth getting inconvenienced for. More than that, the text says these here repented of what they had done. Meaning, they went off and did it no more. How we need his baptism with the water and the Word now. He changes us from the inside out today as well as every other day down here. Could it be that God trusted Peter to preach to the parolees of the circumcision because he knew where they had been. Even so he knew firsthand what God could do with a life fully committed unto him. Now you know Paul's story. I hardly need repeat it again. Still, after all that God trusted him with the growing church of the Gentiles. These might not be wearing ankle monitors, private modifications, or even a house arrest. Yet with or without all that, God is still faithful.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Notice how these other men did not convince the Ephesians to believe. Rather, the Lord Jesus Christ did for his good name. See, it is even as Song of Solomon 1:3 says, "as oil poured" out. It just does something when you hear it. Even those people who do not believe in him pause when they hear his name. Yet for those who believe, his name brings salvation indeed. These people here in the city by Christ knew nothing except for him. I love how Paul is so gentle with everyone. Indeed, he rightfully should. Here he does not ask these questions to shame them. Rather he would like to ascertain what they know about this man named Christ. Nor do they look for any other but him. They do not seek the preacher, the pope, or even a world leader. Oh, to seek him more today. In every situation in which you find yourself, you should seek Christ. Is someone missing? Seek Christ. Are you lacking something? Seek Christ. Do you know nothing? Seek Christ. I see these believers here seek only Christ. Now you know faith comes by hearing the Word and that by the name in Romans 10:17. So, it seems the little church is also baptized by this name. See, this same Christ did a work in Paul. For many of the Gentiles believed by his name. So, he did the same in Peter with much power. Indeed, he was appointed an apostle of the circumcised to bring them to Christ. How good it is to be able to trust upon his name no matter who you are.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

If whose you are is important, with whom you go is equally so. You know how some of you do. Some of you would call your mother or a friend for advice. Before long you have the entire church's tongues wagging and some people's outside too. But God is very much not like you. See, when you do so are you not being filled with yourself. You called about something bothering you and now you are about to attack me for it. That is why it is important to have some Spirit filled leaders around. Nor should you neglect them; for these are the ones to go to for guidance. Now I am not saying to call them every time the cat dies. If it comes back as the dog, oh well. At least God has seen fit to return what was never yours to keep. But look here at these leaders found in "James, Cephas, and John." Paul has designated these as pillars at the church of Jerusalem. So rooted and planted in Christ were they that these could not be moved. Notice their stability and their faith. So also, these same show forth the Spirit gifts of prophecy and tongues for the edifying of the church. I know; that term is just a fancy way of saying built up. It seems the elders saw the grace of God in Paul. Given this, they also lent their right hands to the work and to fellowship. Notice here the wisdom that these elders have; they do not go chasing after them to the Gentiles barking madly all the while. Instead, they stayed where God has called them and testified of him. See what God will do now with those of this region of Ephesus. Now Paul, as one of these apostle leader things himself, lays hands upon them all. Note how it is always done with their consent. God forces himself upon no one; he is always the perfect gentleman. We see the Spirit comes upon the little church as it did at Pentecost. Yet certainly, Paul did not have to put his hands on them. At Pentecost as told in Acts 2:1, they only prayed. See, these people believed on God, and he rewarded their faith with himself. So also, these exhibited much the same characteristics as the early church elders. For the same Spirit came with much power and authority to do many might works among them. As in John 1:12, his power came even to all "that believe on his name."