THE HOLY SPIRIT

Are there Holy Spirit baptized preachers today like the ones in the New Testament?
The following comparisons expose modern so-called “Holy-Spirit Baptized” preachers as counterfeit by comparing them with those known to be genuine—the apostles.

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTIZED APOSTLES--------------------------------------------- MODERN “HOLY SPIRIT BAPTIZED” PREACHERS
Confirmed oral message when originated Heb. 2:3-4 -----------------------------------------“Confirm” Bible already confirmed - ?
Taught same thing Ac. 2:14...37...42; 2Pt. 3:15-16 ----------------------------------------------Contradict one another. Different creeds.
Taught miracles not always be needed 1Co. 13:8-13 ------------------------------------------Teach they are and will always be needed
Taught order in worship 1Co. 14:23-24,27-33,40 ------------------------------------------------Promote confusion, random outbursts, many speak at same time
“Tongues” were languages Ac 2:6-11--------------------------------------------------------------- “Tongues” are unintelligible
Required interpreter in assembly 1Co. 14:5,28--------------------------------------------------- Not a requirement
Made prophecy the priority 1Co. 14:1-6,17-18 ---------------------------------------------------Tongues and healings often the focus
Commended physicians Col. 4:14 -------------------------------------------------------------------Some reject physicians
Recommended medicine 1Tim. 5:23 ---------------------------------------------------------------Some deny need for
Performed unexpected miracles Ac. 3:1-10 ------------------------------------------------------Prepare people for healing
Granted instantaneous healing with observable results Ac 3:1-10 -------------------------Progressive healing while retaining old symptoms
No faith necessary to heal Ac. 3:1-10 ---------------------------------------------------------------Failures attributed to lack of faith
Taught that elders have jurisdiction in the local church Ac. 20:28--------------------------- Preacher-pastor one man rule
Practiced and encouraged singing for music in worship
Ac. 16:25; Eph. 5:19; Jam. 5:13----------------------------------------------------------------------- Instrumental music, bands
Never left a true seeker seeking Ac. 2:37-41; 16:30-33 ---------------------------------------Some are left seeking “experience” and eventual “victory with the Lord”
Taught man can and should do something to be saved Ac. 2:38,40 -----------------------Some teach the sinner is helpless until acted upon by the Holy Spirit
Taught believers to be baptized for remission of sins Ac. 2:38,41 -------------------------Teach baptism not essential to salvation


True Holy Spirit baptized men (apostles) are responsible for revelation and confirmation of the gospel! Jn. 16:13; Mk. 16:20; Ac. 8:18. If what they had was no more than what men today have, how credible is the gospel?!


Quick Quiz
Choose all correct answers in the following.
1. If a preacher today claims to be baptized in the Holy Spirit
a. We ought to pay even more respect to him
b. We can know he is deluded or an outright fraud
c. His teaching should harmonize with what the Scriptures teach—if they do not, this undermines his claims
d. He is worthy of our support due to the good he does

2. Men in the first century who were baptized in the Holy Spirit
a. Taught the same doctrine other men baptized in Spirit taught
b. Could give undeniable signs they were apostles
c. Taught believers to be baptized for the remission of sins
d. Never used their power to make themselves rich

3. Apostles who were baptized in the Holy Spirit in the New Testament
a. Engaged in slaying people in the Spirit
b. Raised large sums of money from the large crowds they gathered
c. Were humble men, never seeking their own glory or wealth
d. Sent an entourage before them to announce their coming

4. Indications a preacher today is not baptized in the Holy Spirit are
a. His name is Paul
b. He says the people he heals must have faith
c. He cannot perform miracles that are observable and undeniable by all
d. Practices “progressive” healing where the sick person gets well over time but not instantaneously

Return to the Holy Spirit Study index page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /