One time a minister asked me a question. He said, “In the Bible, were people filled with the Holy Spirit when they became a Christian or did it happen later?”
Well, let’s look at a typical case in the Bible.
After the church was established, there was great persecution and the believers were scattered abroad. It was during this time that Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to the Samaritans.
The Bible says in Acts, chapter eight, that when Philip preached, the multitudes listened and obeyed the things he preached. Also, they were in unity and great miracles took place. Demons were cast out and many who were paralyzed were healed. Because of this great revival, there was great joy in the city.
Then the Bible says these people believed all that Philip preached concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Men and women alike were baptized.
Now, you must remember this. In the New Testament church, only those who had become saved and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were baptized. By all the standards of the modern church, these people of Samaria were Christians.
Now listen to this. Verse 14 says, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He (the Holy Spirit) had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Much time had passed between the time of the revival and the time the apostles got there. They didn’t have telephones or fax machines. News traveled slowly. This experience of receiving the Holy Spirit was definitely a second experience.
Many years later, Paul was traveling through the upper regions and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples and he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” These disciples didn’t know anything about the Holy Spirit. Paul taught them and then laid hands on them. Then they received the Holy Spirit. It was definitely a second experience. Evidently these disciples had been followers of Jesus for some time. But, not until they met Paul did the Holy Spirit come upon them.
Several years ago, I was the pastor of a church that did not believe that receiving the Holy Spirit was a second experience. I taught that you received the Holy Spirit when you were saved and that was it. But, if that is true, then what do we do with all the biblical examples to the contrary? What do we do with the Book of Acts?
As Christians we have a decision to make. Do we believe the Word of God unconditionally or do we check everything against our denominational doctrines?
Now, don’t take me wrong. All doctrines and traditions are not wrong. In fact, most church doctrines are right on. However, as a believer, it is our responsibility to check everything out with the Word of God, the Holy Bible. If a doctrine lines up with the Word, keep it. If it doesn’t, then get rid of it.
Jesus said, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.