why is it essential for every church & its members to receive holy spirit

Let’s open with an account that took place in a city called Samaria. As we begin to read Acts chapter 8, we see Philip, who was a deacon and evangelist, went there to preach Christ to the people in Samaria. While there, Philip encountered a sorcerer by the name of Simon. Simon was known for his great magical arts among the Samaritans (Acts 8:9-11).

After hearing Philip preach about the Kingdom of GOD and the name of Jesus Christ, Simon decides to convert from his practice of magical arts to the faith in which Philip was teaching (Acts 8:12-13). In fact, Simon took his newfound faith to the point of getting baptized in the name of Jesus. That part, ‘in the name of Jesus’ is important because we are going somewhere with this.

Shortly after Simon’s baptism, he followed Philip on his preaching tour throughout the city of Samaria. It was here that Simon witnessed firsthand the miracle works of Philip’s ministry. He witnessed Philip not only preaching and teaching. But observed him laying his hands on the people. And when he did, instantaneously, the paralyzed and lame were healed and the demon-possessed or oppressed were set free (demons were cast out of people). Simon was amazed by Philip’s anointing, power, authority, and giftings (Acts 8:13; also compare to 1 Corinthians chapter 12). 
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Holy spirit is made known

Philip was having great success in Samaria. In fact, his evangelicalism work was having a great impact and influence over and in people’s lives that it reached the hearing of the apostles who were in Jerusalem. 

SIDEBAR: We need to be mindful that the Samaritans were non-Jews. So, they were the first non-Jewish descents to receive the message of Christ. Because these individuals were not of Jewish heritage. It was necessary to send apostolic delegates to investigate the matter. For if you recall, when Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman at the well. She declared to Jesus, a Jewish man. “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (John 4:9). 

So, the apostles sent John and Peter down to Samaria to pray for those who received the message of Christ. And so they might receive Holy Spirit. For none of the people that Philip had preached to and baptized in the name of Jesus had received the SPIRIT of the LIVING GOD – that is, Holy Spirit. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [Please note: I never say “the Holy Spirit” because Holy Spirit is not an object, adverb, or adjective. He is a person – a part of the triune GOD (3 in 1)].

As I was saying, the people of Samaria who received Christ and were baptized in the name of Jesus had not received the indwelling of Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). 
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biblical correction

Now, guys, there is a real lesson here that we all need to consider. Because it is much different from what many of us have been taught in church. Many of us have been taught that at the moment of our baptism, we automatically receive Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us. 

THOUGHT PROVOKING: This is one of the reasons why many Christians believe that Christians cannot be demonic possessed or oppressed, which is not true. This is an error presented to the church that has crept into our church as if this is doctrine when it is not.

Now, keep in mind, that what I am about to say, is not the rule or true in every case. But I am confident enough to say it is probably the situation for most baptisms.

When an individual receives Christ in their heart or at the time of their baptism, this is not necessarily when Holy Spirit comes into their lives and live, that is, dwells within them. Every situation and individual is different. Some will receive Holy Spirit either at the time they receive Christ in the heart (prior to their baptism). While others may receive Holy Spirit at the time of their baptism. But for most of us, we do not receive the baptism of Holy Spirit until much later after our baptism. And there is a reason for that. Unfortunately, I will not be able to go in-depth in this discussion to break this down for you. This is not GOD’s focus in today’s Talking Point lesson. Maybe one-day GOD will give me the green light to break this down for you all. In the meantime, back to our current discussion.
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As we can see in this account in the book of Acts, chapter 8. Philip’s evangelist work was so successful in Samaria that many Samaritans got baptized in the name of Jesus. But NONE the Bible says. NONE received Holy Spirit (that is the SPIRIT of the LORD) within them at their baptism. An extra step or steps were required for them to receive the SPIRIT of the LIVING GOD within them. [(Again, this will vary from person to person – depending on the person, their circumstances, and maturity level in Christ at the time they received Christ in their heart or at their baptism). Compare to Hebrews 5:12].

Now, we need to stop right there and you need to investigate this a little more. Because as I mentioned before. Many of us have been taught and believe that as soon as one either receives Christ in their heart or gets baptized, they automatically receive Holy Spirit. That is where the contradiction resides in what we have been taught in our churches compared to what the WORD of GOD actually says and teaches. Much of what we believe or not believe about the Trinity, celebrating customs and holidays, the giftings of the SPIRIT, baptism, Holy Spirit, etc. is erroneous. Not unless you get in your WORD for yourself and study the Scriptures for yourself, you will never come to a true knowledge of GOD, HIS ways, HIS WORD, or Biblical truth or revelation as taught by GOD’s SPIRIT. (Compare to Acts 17:11). GOD’s SPIRIT, that is HIS Holy Spirit is key, a critical part of our ministry and livelihood more than ever before today. And that’s what I need to discuss in this Talking Point today. The role of Holy Spirit. 
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the role of Holy spirit

Let’s start with the apostles' very first encounter with Holy Spirit. As we know, the apostles of Christ (speaking of the 12) were with Jesus, our Messiah, throughout His 3 ½ years of ministry – prior to His crucifixion. Now, try to follow me.

During those 3 ½ years, not one of Jesus’ apostles had received Holy Spirit. GOD’s SPIRIT was not dwelling in them although all of them were baptized in the name of Jesus.

So, let’s go back a few chapters to Acts chapter 1, and let’s read about how Jesus the Christ, introduced Holy Spirit to His congregation of Saints. Starting with verse 4. 
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And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8)
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We see in the previous three verses, we are provided a brief introduction, or a snapshot of events that have occurred.
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1. The things Jesus did and taught
2. The mention of Jesus’ death at the cross and resurrection
3. And finally, the events that have taken place during the 40 days Jesus was on the earth, after His crucifixion and resurrection, to which He spoke about many things to His apostles pertaining to the Kingdom of GOD (Acts 1:1-3). 

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It is here where Jesus transferred His authority and mission from Himself to His apostles. So, what Jesus said next to them was critical to their mission's success and their livelihood.

As His apostles assembled together, Jesus instructs them to not leave Jerusalem under any circumstances. They are to stay there until the Promise of the FATHER has come. Now, this Promise Jesus was speaking of was Holy Spirit. At this point in their ministry. No man or woman, who was baptized in the name of Jesus, received a baptized by Holy Spirit. They were only baptized in the name of Jesus (See Acts 1:5).

What is interesting is what Jesus’ apostles asked next. It certainly indicated that they still did not clearly understand what Jesus was talking about and knew nothing about Holy Spirit – His role or abilities or authority or power; although they all were baptized Christians.
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Noticed what they asked. 

“… Lord, will you at this time restore the Kingdom of Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
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What they wanted more than anything was for Jesus to restore their right to rule and lead over their nation and beyond. To regain their power and authority as leaders on the earth. Hmmm, this certainly sounds familiar concerning the mindset of the church today and its leaders. But moving on.
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At any rate, Jesus once again had to correct their thoughts, their mindset, their misconception, and misdirection of what needed to be done and what GOD’s intention was. So, Jesus responded to them by saying.

“… It is not… time or season which the FATHER has put in HIS own authority.” (Acts 1:7)
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In other words, it ain’t time for that – restoring the nation of Israel’s authority. Jesus goes on and says,

“… You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come to you….” (Acts 1:8)
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It is obvious, based on Jesus’ words to His apostles that their ministry and way of living were going to be ineffective (without power), even void to a degree, until GOD sends HIS SPIRIT, Holy Spirit to come and dwell with and in them. The people, GOD’s apostles, and HIS disciples needed to be baptized by Holy Spirit – The SPIRIT of GOD. They have had their encounter with Jesus, the Son of GOD. They have been introduced to GOD by means of Christ. But now, they need to have their encounter with the SPIRIT of the LIVING GOD, which is Holy Spirit (the completion of the Trinity). 

The coming of holy spiriT

So, Holy Spirit, the third part of the triune GOD, is introduced to Jesus’ disciples. But they still did not fully understand Him (Holy Spirit). And why would they? For they had not been taught accurately about the SPIRIT of GOD through their Jewish writings or upbringing. And plus, they had Jesus with them. But Jesus was pointing them to something that was equally greater than Him that was coming to dwell in them. (Compare to John 14:14-26). But notice what happens next.

In verses 9 through 11 of Acts chapter 1, Jesus returns to His rightful place to the FATHER in heaven. Upon ascending to heaven, His apostles did as Jesus instructed and returned to Jerusalem. When they arrived, they all gathered in the upper room. While there, they all in one accord continue to pray and supplicate. Now, a lot of other things took place while they were in Jerusalem in the upper room. But we are going to skip that part and go straight into the main event that took place in Acts chapter 2.

So, it was time for one of the Jewish required annual festivals – Pentecost. Also, called Feast of Weeks or Days of Firstfruits. Therefore, all the Jews were gathered in one accord in one place. And when they least expect it. A loud, unusual, and distinct sound came from heaven. This sound was not a wind, but its sound resembled the wind. (Compare to John 3:8). This sound entered the house (the upper room) where the apostles were gathered. The apostles were about to enter into a new church era because of what they were about to experience, that is encounter. They were about to see first hand, this Promise that Jesus spoke of previously. (See Acts 1:4-8). They were about to understand the triune GOD, that is the Trinity of GOD for themselves – that is, the FATHER, the Son, and now Holy Spirit (GOD’s SPIRIT).

Verse 4 says, when this sound entered their upper room, all who were present were filled with Holy Spirit. 
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SIDEBAR: Please note that when Holy Spirit came and took over their upper room and filled all who were present. This took place during the Jewish holiday or annual festival – the festival of Pentecost. So, all of the Jews would have been present in the city of Jerusalem for this feast. But Holy Spirit only entered the upper room, came and indwelled in Jesus’ apostles and a few disciples that were present in the upper room. Holy Spirit did not come to indwell in all of Jesus’ disciples or all the Jews that were in the city at that time for the festival. Neither did Holy Spirit come to indwell in the entire congregation of GOD (all Christians) at that time. The Scriptures did not say that and we know there were more Christians, disciples of Christ in the city at the time of this festival.

Please, do not let this point escape you. Here too is another evidence that individuals must go through individualized processes before Holy Spirit will come and indwell in a Christian. It does not always happen immediately when a person decides

1. In their heart they receive Christ
2. Or at the time of their baptism

It does happen for some but not for all. Why? Because many (if not most) of us are still living in some form(s) of sin(s) at the time of our accepting Christ or our baptism. And until we truly repent from certain things and root out of us of certain habits, ways, and mindsets of this world and our flesh – we will not and cannot be baptized by fire or the SPIRIT of the LIVING GOD, that is Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit cannot reside in what is still living in (meaning practicing) certain sinful nature. We can come as we are to Christ, and Christ will receive us – that is, get baptized in the name of Jesus. But the baptism of Holy Spirit will not take place and come and dwell in us until we have reached a certain point in our walk with Christ FOR MOST OF US. These two different things, that require two different processes – baptism in the name of Jesus and baptism by Holy Spirit.

And let me add. Speaking in tongues IS NOT EVIDENCE that you have or I should say, Holy Spirit is in you. This too is an erroneous teaching that is taught as if it is doctrine by some. Speaking in tongues is just an ability, one of the gifts of the Spirit that GOD distributes to some for a specific purpose. (See 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 18, 27-31). Gifts of the Spirit serve a specific purpose in the Body of Christ. All Christians rarely have the privilege of operating in all 9 gifts of the Spirit. This means, there may be some, who will not operate in the gift to speak in tongues although I do believe, we all should be able to speak in tongues. Moving on. 
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Why is it critical, and necessary for Holy Spirit (GOD’s SPIRIT) to come and enter into the spirit of man (GOD’s apostles) at that time? If we go back to the book of John, Jesus clearly explains why.

First, let us establish that GOD wanted to do a new thing on earth at that time. It was necessary to do something different than what the apostles were accustomed to doing in and through their ministry.

Now, the difference between Christ’s leaders (His apostles) back then and His leaders today is this. When Christ’s apostles understood that GOD was doing something totally different than HE has done in the past. They all in one accord submitted to the will of GOD. But today, both men and women refuse to change even when they sense or discern or speak about the fact that GOD is doing something new, something different than HE has done in the past. Many refuse to submit to the will of GOD in order to maintain their status and position in the BODY. Or due to the fear they have toward man – they want and need to be accepted and approved by man. As a result, of this positioning that many have or are currently taking – they will lose their position, authority, or role in the Body of Christ. But in the case of the apostles of Christ. Because they submitted to GOD’s will (the new thing GOD was doing). These men became more influential and more powerful, and they began to do greater things on the earth than Christ did as Christ had said they would. (See John 14:12).

Now, why were they able to do greater things than Christ? Because the SPIRIT of the LORD was now with and in them.

So, let’s go to John chapter 14 to clearly understand what Jesus said to His disciples before ascending to heaven. In verses 7 through 11, Jesus first talks about the relationship the apostles have with Him as the Son of God. And then He takes it a step further by saying
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If you had known Me, you would have known My FATHER also…. (John 14:7)
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Here, Jesus is pointing out the fact that they have a relationship with Him. Then they also have established a relationship with GOD. Because Jesus and GOD are one of the same although they are separate beings. This is why Jesus said.

… He who has seen Me has seen the FATHER… I am in the FATHER, and the FATHER is in Me…. The FATHER that dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the FATHER and the FATHER in Me…. (John 14:9-11; also see John 10:30; John 1:1; Colossians 2:9)
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Now, notice what Jesus says next to His apostles.

… I will pray the FATHER, and HE will give you another Helper that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world (people in general) cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him…. (John 14:15-17)
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People will reject the Promise that Jesus said He will send back to them once He (Jesus) leaves to return to His proper place in heaven, next to the FATHER. He established, it was essential that they receive the Promise GOD was sending to them. For this Promise was going to be their Helper throughout this new church era – the new thing GOD was doing on the earth. To reject this Promise meant the church will be without the primary tool, resource, and source they need to get through (to survive) this next season of persecution and growth. This is one of the primary reasons why the church will see a great multitude of individuals falling away from the Body of Christ. Because people, individuals, and the church (congregations of GOD) have rejected the one Christ Himself told us we must receive – that is Holy Spirit (the SPIRIT of the LORD). 

… For He dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:17).
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The indwelling of Holy Spirit; being baptized by means of Holy Spirit is no longer an option for the Body of Christ. Water Baptism is not enough. Not in this new season of persecution and the growth of the Church has entered. Baptism by Holy Spirit is a necessity for all and it cannot be done half haphazardly. Nor can one fake it. That is not going to cut it, as we see in the case of Simon the Sorcerer who professed he had converted to the faith. We actually can see through the Scriptures that his conversion was hollow – lacking in real value, substance, or sincerity. Just like the ‘sinners prayer’ that is often done in church services or during conferences or worship concerts. But don’t get me started on that – I don’t need to get sidetracked here.

Here's the point concerning Simon’s conversion. When the apostles – John and Peter came down to Samaria to lay hands on the people ‘so they might receive Holy Spirit.’ That is, to be baptized with Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost as some like to say). Simon observed the things that took place whenever John and Peter laid hands on the people. Simon desperately wanted what they had. He wanted to possess the level of power that John and Peter were operating in. He thought the giftings of the LORD and the SPIRIT of the LORD were for sale (like some in the church believe and operate today). Simon actually believe by buying this power from John and Peter that he would be able to lay his hands on people and many would receive Holy Spirit from him (John 14:16-19).

This was a sin on Simon’s part. And as we can see. There was something(s) that still reside in Simon at the time of his conversion to Christ and his baptism that prevented him from receiving the indwelling of Holy Spirit in him. Therefore, he did not receive Holy Spirit or was baptized by Holy Spirit at his baptism. Nor will he ever truly receive the indwelling of Holy Spirit because of his mindset, his erroneous doctrine, and beliefs, and due to the motive of his heart. 
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Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” (Acts 8:20-24)