Have You Received the Holy Ghost?
When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he asked a simple but powerful question: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2)
These disciples had believed in Jesus, repented of their sins, and been baptized in John’s baptism, yet something was missing.
Paul’s question reminds us that faith and repentance are the beginning, not the end, of the Christian life.
THE FULL PATERN OF NEW BIRTH
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
Repent of your sins
Be baptized in the name of Jesus
Receive the Holy Ghost
This pattern, repeated throughout Acts, (Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19), demonstrates that baptism and the Spirit are not optional — they are the completion of salvation and the empowerment for a victorious life in Christ.
When Paul laid hands on the Ephesians, they spoke in tongues and prophesied — the Spirit’s presence was undeniable.
Acts 1:8 promises power through the Holy Ghost, not just belief or ritual.
SEIZE THE MOMENT— KAIROS TIME
Chronos = ordinary, measured time
Kairos = God’s appointed, life-changing moment
Jerusalem missed its Kairos — Luke 19:41–44
Felix delayed — Acts 24:25
Salvation is urgent: 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Now is the day of salvation.”
The Ethiopian eunuch acted immediately when he saw the water: “Here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
Don’t wait for convenience, a better time, or a perfect moment — obedience now matters.
BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME
Acts 19 shows that even believers baptized in John’s name were rebaptized in Jesus’ name.
Acts 4:12 – “Neither is there salvation in any other.”
Baptism is about obedience to God’s command, not ritual or ceremony.
Common Reasons People Delay Baptism
1.“I’m waiting for a more convenient season.”
Salvation isn’t about convenience; it’s about obedience.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
2. “I was already baptized in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — that’s good enough.”
Every baptism in the New Testament church — without exception — was done in the name of Jesus Christ.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
To be baptized in Jesus’ name is to take on the name of the One who died for you, was buried, and rose again.
It’s not “just a formula.” It’s the fulfillment of the gospel — death, burial, and resurrection applied to your life.
3. “Baptism isn’t really that important.”
But Jesus Himself said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16)
Peter said on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38)
If It Was Important for Jesus…
Even Jesus — who knew no sin — was baptized.
He didn’t need forgiveness, yet He said,
“Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)
He was showing us the pattern —
obedience before ministry,
humility before glory, and
water before the Spirit.
WHY BAPTISM MATTERS
Baptism completes the new birth: 1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism doth also now save us”
Obedience through baptism connects repentance with the Holy Spirit.
It is both symbolic and real:
Buried with Christ, raised to new life — Colossians 2:12
Old sin and bondage left behind — Psalm 103:12
Like the Red Sea: passing through brings deliverance, leaving enemies behind
Baptism is not about the water itself, but the Name and obedience.
Every chain, every sin, every past failure is left behind when you step into the water in Jesus’ name.
water before the Spirit.
SO WHAT DOTH HINDER ME?
There is water — here
Faith — now
A Savior — ready to forgive, fill, and transform
Step into the water in Jesus’ name and let new life begin!