Month: August 2012

Have you heard of it?

The “bapt’sm in the Spirit”?

It is a myst’ry
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Many tell stories
How this “bapt’sm” changed their lives
Many testify:
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Now they KNOW God’s love (1Jn.4:16)
The Sacraments become REAL!
Scripture comes ALIVE!
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A new THIRST for praise
A joyful DESIRE to pray
To share Christ with all!
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God “stirs up” their gifts
Often tongues and prophecy (1Cor.14:5)
Tools to build the Church
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Filled with the Spirit
They can proclaim with deep faith
That “JESUS IS LORD”! (1Cor.12:3)
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This phenomenon
Called “bapt’sm in the Spirit”
Has changed many lives
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Now, you may object
“Huh? But I have been baptized!
Just what do you mean?”
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This experience
Isn’t a unique sacrament
It “renews” bapt’sm
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Bapt’sm “now saves you” (1Pt.3:21)
Yet we’re called to own our faith
Through a mature choice
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If you make this choice
Your mind will be light-flooded
Your heart love-flooded
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Do you desire this?
Then follow the Savior’s call
“Repent and believe” (Mk.1:15)
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First, prepare your heart
Recall the Gospel’s “Good News”
Christ died to save YOU (Jn.3:16)
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He had you in mind
As he bore that rugged cross
He carried your sins
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His death destroyed yours
His rising restored your life
He has set you free
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Jesus surely yearns
To fill you with His Spirit (Jn 16:13)
To give “abundant” life (Jn.10:10)
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If you believe this
Make a choice for Jesus Christ
Are you ready now?
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His Holy Spirit
Is best received with others
Let folks pray with you
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Some seminars help
Especially one that’s named
“Life in the Spirit”
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This has helped many
Can you find one near or far?
The drive is worth it
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Before attending
Prepare yourself; till the soil
Seek Christ’s forgiveness
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Repent of your sins
Truly intend to end them
Surrender your pride
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Go to confession
Receive the absolution
Christ gives through His priest
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Next, ask Jesus Christ
To be YOUR Lord and Savior
To be YOUR everything

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Then, ask him with faith
“Baptize me with your Spirit!
Give me your good gifts!”
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Don’t seek a “feeling”
Or an emotional high
“Seek first the kingdom” (Mt.6:33)
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Eagerly expect
That Christ will really do it
He did it for me!
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Next? A seminar
Or someone to pray with you

God will TRANSFORM you!