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Dear Brother/Sister in Christ,
Congratulations on your new life! You have made the fabulous choice of
accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I guarantee you that your life will
never be the same again.
Jesus wants not only to save you, but also to change your life forever. He
said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John
10:10). He wants you to live life to the fullest here on earth! Allow Him to
heal and deliver you of everything that has affected you negatively. Allow
Him to empower you for His work and ministry and be a part of a
HOME Group where you can be ministered to and learn to minister. You
will not regret doing that!
This is what the life of a child of God is all about. In the past, you were on
your own, but now God is with you. In the past, you were handling
situations your own way, but now you can choose to follow God’s ways.
In the past, you were spiritually dead. But now, you are alive in Christ.
So friends, start your new life, leave the past behind and take hold of
the future that God has for you.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Edmound & Yvonne Teo
3
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Water Baptism
A. Why be water baptized? 5
B. Who can be water baptized 6
Questions on Water Baptism 7
2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
A. What is baptism in the Holy Spirit? 10
B. Why be baptized in the Holy Spirit? 13
C. What happens after you receive the
baptism in the Holy Spirit? 13
Questions on Baptism in the Holy Spirit 14
3. Holy Communion
A. What is Holy Communion? 17
B. Do the Bread and the Wine turn into the literal body
of the Lord? 18
C. What should we do before taking Holy Communion? 18
D. Can children participate in Holy Communion? 19
Answers: Water Baptism 19
Answers: Baptism in the Holy Spirit 21
4
CHAPTER 1: WATER BAPTISM
IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE
You are now a child of God who has exchanged your past for a wonderful
future. That calls for a celebration!
There are three celebrations we can participate in –
Water Baptism
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Holy Communion
These joyful events are very meaningful and have great significance. They
will remind you of what God has done for you.
The word “baptize” or “baptism” means, “to immerse”.
Water Baptism is not something entirely original to Christianity. To the
Jews in Jesus’ day, it signaled a turning point in one’s life. When someone
was baptized, it showed that he had a change of heart. It meant a clean
fresh start, a turning from one way of life to a new way of living. Non-
Jews (Gentiles) who wanted to worship and serve the one true God of
Israel were baptized in water. This proved their decision to turn away
from idols to worship and serve the one true God.
Today, water baptism still serves as a public expression of a person’s full
commitment to Christ. All who have accepted Christ as Savior should be
baptized.
5
WHY BE WATER BAPTISED?
Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matt. 28:20
God’s commands should always be taken seriously and obeyed. We
should obey them at all times, not only when it is convenient or easy.
Water Baptism is a symbolic act of the inner work of the Holy Spirit (Matt.
28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47 & 48, Romans 6:4):
1. Burial (Going down into the water) –
Symbolizes our sinful nature being put to death when we received Christ
2. Resurrection (Coming out of the water) – symbolizes our new life to
righteousness and to God.
Water Baptism is a symbolic act of our baptism into the Body of Christ
and becoming a member of God’s family when we received Christ
(1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
Water Baptism tells others that you have been changed; you are a new
person and have changed masters. You no longer serve yourself or other
gods. From now on, you live for Jesus and serve Him only. Water Baptism
is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ.
For example, when a man and a woman want to get married, they usually
plan a big ceremony and invite many guests. They want their family and
friends to witness their commitment of love to one another. The
solemnization seals their love and tells other people that they are no
longer available. From now on, they have eyes only for each other. Water
Baptism is the same kind of powerful binding commitment and should
never be treated lightly.
6
WHO CAN BE BAPTISED?
“Repent, and be baptized, every one of you.” Acts 2:38
All, including children, who have repented of their sins, accepted Jesus
into their hearts, and have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Infants are not baptized but are dedicated to God in a dedication
ceremony because an infant has no knowledge of sin and salvation.
Must a person be baptized to be forgiven of sins and to go
to heaven? NO!
The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin, and we have been reconciled
to God through His blood.
(Read Col. 1:20-22; 2:14, Heb. 9:12 & 14, Matt. 26:28).
Water baptism is a matter of obedience to the Lord and a testimony to the
world. If a person is not saved, baptism cannot save him. If a person has
accepted Jesus, not being baptized does not disqualify him from heaven.
The thief hanging next to Jesus repented on the cross and was with Christ
in Paradise that day, but was never water baptized (Luke 23:39-43).
7
QUESTIONS ON WATER BAPTISM
1. What reason did Jesus Himself give for being baptized?
(Matt. 3:15)
2. How did the Holy Spirit show that He was pleased with the
baptism of Jesus? (Matt. 3:16)
3. What did God the Father say about Jesus when He was baptized?
(Matt. 3:17)
4. Did Jesus go down into the water to be baptized? (Matt. 3:16)
5. If a person wishes to be saved, what did Jesus say he should do
after believing the Gospel? (Mark 16:16)
6. What did Jesus tell His disciples to do as part of making disciples
of all nations? (Matt. 28:19)
7. To whom did Jesus send his disciples with this message?
(Matt. 28:19)
8. What does Jesus expect His disciples to do after baptizing people?
(Matt. 28:20)
8
9. What did Peter tell people to do before being baptized?
(Acts 2:38)
10. How many people did Peter say should be baptized? (Acts 2:28)
11. What did the people who received God’s Word do? (Acts 2:41)
12. What did the people of Samaria do after they believed Philip’s
preaching? (Acts 8:12)
13. What did Philip tell the eunuch he must do before he could be
baptized?
14. What did the eunuch answer? (Acts 8:37)
15. Did the eunuch go down into the water to be baptized?
(Acts 8:38)
16. What did the eunuch do after being baptized? (Acts 8:39)
17. After Cornelius and his friends had been saved and had received
the Holy Spirit, what did Peter command them to do next?
(Acts 10:44-48)
9
18. What did the Philippian jailor and his families do after believing
Paul’s message? (Acts 16:29-33)
19. What did the disciples at Ephesus do after believing Paul’s
message? (Acts 19:4,5)
20. Through which two experiences do believers follow Christ when
they are baptized? (Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12)
21. How does Paul say believers should live after being baptized?
(Romans 6:4)
22. Is there any difference between believers of different races after
being baptized? (Gal. 3:26-28)
CHAPTER 2: BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
When you received Jesus, God made you a new creation by putting the
Holy Spirit in you. You have Him, the Holy Spirit, in you at all times. He
is your Guide, your Comforter, your Teacher.
The Holy Spirit will also energies you with the power of God. Jesus said,
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been
doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to
the Father.” (John14:12)
10
In Mark 16:17, Jesus said: “And these signs will accompany those who
believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new
tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink
deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on
sick people, they will get well.”
You have been chosen to be God’s witness and you can tap into His
power when you choose to surrender to the Spirit of God and let Him fill,
lead and empower you. This immersion in the energizing power of the
Holy Spirit is called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
WHAT IS BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
When the garment is dyed, it becomes immersed in the color of the dye. It
is baptized into that color. You could say that the garment submits itself
to the dye and takes on the color of the dye.
It is also called being “filled with the Spirit”. The Holy Spirit dwells in us
and when we surrender to Him, He fills us with His power and presence.
There is an obvious evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for the
believer.
What the Bible tells us…
1. It was spoken of by the prophets
A. Joel -
I will pour out My Spirit on all people – Joel 2:28-32 & Acts 2:17
B. John the Baptist –
(Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire –
Matt. 3:11
2. It was announced by Jesus
I am going to send you what my Father promised – Luke 24:49
11
Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised,
which you have heard me speak about … but in a few days you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:4
3. It is a separate and distinct experience from salvation
At salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes every believer into Jesus Christ.
We become totally identified with Jesus Christ.
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or
Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
1 Cor. 12:13
When Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, we also become totally
identified with and submitted to the Holy Spirit. This is a separate and
distinct function and experience from the salvation experience.
John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more
powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy
to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire – Luke 3:16
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the Word
of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed
for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit
had not yet come upon them; they had simply been baptized into the
name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them
and they received the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:14-17
Some people in Samaria had believed in Jesus but had not yet received the
Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, these were Christians. It was only after
Peter and John came to pray for them that they received the Baptism of
the Holy Spirit. Hence the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate and
distinct experience, although it may also take place at the time of salvation.
12
What Does It Mean To Be Filled With The Spirit?
Every Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The Baptism in the Holy
Spirit does NOT mean receiving more of the Spirit. Rather, as you surrender to
the Spirit of God within you, the Holy Spirit has more of you. The Holy Spirit is
a gentleman. He does not invade or possess a Christian; we must surrender to
Him. When we do so, He will come and empower us. Therefore, to be “filled
with the Spirit” is to be completely led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Who can receive it?
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every believer. The promise of the Holy
Spirit was first received by:
1. Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 15 & 16)
2. Gentiles in Samaria (Acts 8:5-17)
3. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:17-19)
4. Gentiles in Caesarea (Acts 10:44-16a; 11:15)
5. Gentiles in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7)
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit – Acts 2:38.
The First (physical) Evidence is Speaking in Tongues
supernaturally.
1. This was recorded for every occasion in which details of people
baptized in the Holy Spirit were given in the New Testament
(Acts 2, 10, 19).
2. This was recognized by the early church leaders as the evidence of the
Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-47; 11:15-18).
13
WHY BE BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Power to Witness
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be a witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8).
A New Prayer Language
When we pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit prays through us. So our prayers are
not limited by our own human understanding
(Romans 8:26, 27).
Door to the Supernatural Gifts
The Holy Spirit enables us to operate in the supernatural gifts of the Holy
Spirit mentioned in 1Cor. 12.
Simply ask for it and receive it by faith (Luke 11:11-13)
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU RECEIVE
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. You are ready and empowered to serve God and be a witness for
Him. So serve Him!
2. Pray in your new prayer language daily.
3. Be open and available to God when He asks you to move in the
supernatural gifts.
4. Walk in the Spirit daily. In one sense, the Baptism of the Holy
Spirit is a distinct event. But in another sense, it is also a
continuous experience. You need to continually seek the fullness
of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to fill you afresh daily, so that you will
be sensitive to His leading and guiding, and ready for every good
work.
14
QUESTIONS ON BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. What happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost when
they were filled with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:4)
2. Through whose preaching did the people in Samaria come to
believe in Jesus Christ? (Acts 8:12)
3. When Peter and John came down to Samaria, how did they
pray for the Christians there? (Acts 8:15)
4. How did the Christians at Samaria receive the Holy Spirit?
(Acts 8:17)
5. How did Saul of Tarsus (Paul) receive the Holy Spirit?
(Acts 9:17)
6. As Peter was preaching to the people in the house of
Cornelius, what happened to all who heard him?
(Acts 10:44)
7. How did Peter and his companions know that all these people
in the house of Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit? (Acts
10:45-46)
8. What question did Paul ask the disciples at Ephesus?
(Acts 19:2)
15
9. How did these disciples at Ephesus receive the Holy Spirit?
(Acts 19:6)
10. What happened after the Holy Spirit came on these disciples?
(Acts 19:6)
11. How much did Paul say that he himself spoke in tongues
(1 Cor. 14:18)
12. Write down three things that a Christian does when he speaks
in an unknown language. (1 Cor. 14:2,4)
13. If a Christian prays in an unknown tongue, what part of him is
then praying? (1 Cor. 14:14)
14. How did Jesus say that true worshippers should worship God?
(John 4:23-24)
15. How does Jude exhort Christians to build themselves up in
their faith? (Jude 20)
16. When a Christian speaks in an unknown tongue, what may he
pray for next? (1 Cor. 14:13)
17. In a public meeting where there is no interpreter, how may a
Christian speak in an unknown tongue? (1 Cor. 14:28)
16
18. Did Paul say that he wished that all Christians spoke in
tongues? (1 Cor. 14:5)
19. How many Christians did Paul say may prophesy?
(1 Cor. 14:31)
20. Should Christians be ignorant about spiritual gifts?
(1 Cor. 12:1)
21. Make a list of the nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 810)
22. Make a list of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)
23. Should a Christian have spiritual gifts without spiritual fruit?
(1 Cor. 13:8)
24. Should a Christian have spiritual fruit without spiritual gifts?
(1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1)
25. Write down three supernatural occurrences that will result
from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of this age.
(Acts 2:17)
26. Write down five different spiritual contributions that a
Christian may make at a meeting with fellow Christians.
(1 Cor. 14:26)
17
CHAPTER 3: HOLY COMMUNION
WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION?
During Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper) we celebrate and
remember that:
Jesus died on the cross for us
Jesus is coming back soon
We are all part of the Body of Christ & have
fellowship with one another.
When we celebrate communion, we take the bread and the wine, which
represent his body and blood.
An Emblem is a visible symbol that stands for something else. For
example, the cross is the emblem for Christianity. The bread and wine are
emblems of communion.
The Bread Represents CHRIST BROKEN BODY
“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me”
1 Cor. 11:24
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus and His disciples were
celebrating the Passover, the great feast of the Jews. Jesus knew that He
would soon die as the sacrifice for mankind. He gave His disciples a
visible form of celebration, so that they would always remember what He
was going to do for them.
In many societies bread is the basic necessity of life. It is the center of
every meal. So when Jesus said He is the bread (John 6:48:51), He was
really saying He is the center, in fact, the meaning of life.
18
When His body was broken by death on the cross, salvation was made
available to all who would receive it. Therefore, the bread represents Jesus’
body, broken for mankind.
The wine represents CHRIST’S BLOOD
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this whenever you drink it,
in remembrance of me” - 1 Cor. 11:25
The wine represents the blood of Jesus. Because of the blood He shed on
the cross, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness and made righteous
before God. When we take the wine, it is an act of faith recognizing that
God has made us righteous through Christ. Because of this sacrifice, we
can have a relationship with God. This is the covenant God makes with us.
DO THE BREAD AND THE WINE TURN INTO THE
LITERAL BODY OF THE LORD? NO!
The Lord’s Supper was symbolic. Jesus stood in His flesh and blood and
told the disciples to take and eat the bread, which was His flesh (a symbol
of His flesh), and the cup, which was His blood (a symbol). Jesus took
two basic elements, present at almost any meal (bread and drink), so even
the most common person could participate. Received in faith, the
transformation happens in the spirit of man and not in the bread and wine.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO BEFORE TAKING
COMMUNION?
Paul told the Corinthians, “A man ought to examine himself before he
eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks
without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on
himself” (1 Cor. 11:28,29)
Self-examination should come before taking the emblem of communion.
This does not mean that we never examine ourselves at other times.
19
Rather, communion is a special and sacred time for us to remember His
sacrifice and celebrate the salvation and freedom we now have in Him.
CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNION?
Yes…if they have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
ANSWERS - WATER BAPTISM
Question No & Answers
1. To fulfill all righteousness
2. He descended like a dove, and lighted upon Him
3. “This is my Son whom I love, with him I am well pleased”
4. Yes
5. He should be baptized.
6. To baptize them and teach them to obey his commandments
7. To all nations
8. To teach them to obey His commandments
9. To repent
10. Everyone
11. They were baptized
12. They were baptized
13. Believe with all his heart
14. “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”
15. Yes
16. He went on his way rejoicing
17. To be baptized
18. They were all baptized
19. They were baptized
20. (1) His burial (2) His resurrection
21. They should live a new life
22. None
20
NOTES ON CORRECT ANSWERS
(The numbers in the left hand margin correspond to the numbers of the
correct answers on the previous page)
1-4 Although Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, He was
not in the same class as all the others whom John baptized
John’s baptism was a “baptism of repentance”,
accompanied by confession of sins (Mark 1:4-5). But Jesus
had no sins to confess, or repent of. Rather, by being
baptized in this way, Jesus set a pattern for all who would
afterward follow Him in obedience to the will of God.
This is indicated by the reason, which Jesus gave: “Thus it
becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”
“Thus” establishes the manner of baptism: going down
into, and coming up out of, the water. “It becometh us”
establishes a precedent for all sincere Christians to follow.
“To fulfill righteousness” establishes the reason: to
complete all righteousness. First, the Christian is made
righteous through his faith in Christ. Then, in being
baptized, he completes this inward righteousness of faith
by the outward act of obedience. Thus understood, this
ordinance of Christian baptism has the openly expressed
approval of all three Persons of the Godhead: Father, Son
and Spirit.
5,6,9,13 Before being baptized, a person should fulfill the following
three conditions: (1) be taught the nature and the reason of
the act; (2) repent of his sins; (3) believe in Jesus Christ as
the Son of God.
7,10,11,12 Jesus told His disciples that this ordinance of baptism was
21
17,18,19 to be for “all nations”. There were to be no exceptions. In
fulfillment of this, the New Testament record shows that
all new converts were always baptized without delay. In
most cases this took place on the actual day of conversion.
Never was there any lengthy delay between conversion and
baptism. There is no reason why this pattern should not be
followed now, just as much as in the early church.
8,20,21 By baptism, Christians publicly identify themselves with
Christ in His burial and resurrection. After baptism, they
are required to lead a new life of righteousness, made
possible by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
23 (a) 1 Cor. 10:1-2 presents a double baptism for God’s people,
“in the cloud and in the sea”. Baptism “in the cloud”
typifies baptism in the Holy Spirit. Baptism “in the sea”
typifies baptism in the water.
23 (b) By faith Noah and his family entered into the ark (Christ).
Then, in the ark, they passed through the water of the
flood (baptism). They were thus saved from God’s
judgment, separated from the old, ungodly world, and
ushered into a completely new life.
ANSWERS – BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Question No & Answers
1. They began to speak in other tongues a the Spirit enabled them
2. The preaching of Philip
3. That they might receive the Holy Spirit
4. They (i.e. Peter and John placed their hands on them)
5. Ananias put his hands upon him
6. The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message
22
7. They heard them speaking in tongues and praising God
8. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?
9. Paul placed his hands upon them
10. They spoke in tongues and prophesied
11. More than all of you (i.e. more than all the Christians at Corinth)
12. He speaks to God (not to men); He speaks mysteries; He edifies
himself
13. His spirit
14. In spirit and in truth
15. To pray in the Holy Spirit
16. That he may interpret what he says
17. Keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God
18. Yes
19. All
20. No
21. The message of wisdom; The message of knowledge; Faith; Gifts
of healing; Miraculous powers; Prophecy; Distinguishing between
spirits; Speaking in tongues; Interpretation of tongues.
22. Love; Joy; Peace; Patience; Kindness; Goodness; Faithfulness;
Gentleness; Self control
23. No
24. No
25. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; Your young men
shall see visions; Your old men shall dream dreams
26. A hymn; A word of instruction; A revelation; A tongue; An
interpretation
23
NOTE ON CORRECT ANSWERS
(The numbers in the left hand margin correspond to the numbers of the
correct answers on the previous page)
1 “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). The first outflow of the
Holy Spirit is from the believer’s mouth.
2-4 Through the ministry of Philip, multitudes in
Samaria had been wonderfully saved and healed.
But this was not sufficient for the apostles. They
expected all new converts to receive the baptism in
the Holy Spirit. This came to the converts in
Samaria through the ministry of Peter and John, as
a separate experience, subsequent to salvation.
5 Laying on of hands to impart the Holy Spirit was
not confined to apostles. Ananias is merely called a
“disciple”
(Acts 9:10). Nor is laying on of hands always
needed to impart the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:2-4 and
10:44-46 the believers received without any laying
on of hands.
8-10 At Ephesus, as at Samaria, these disciples
received the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a
separate experience, subsequent to salvation. As in
Acts 2:4 and 10:46, their experience culminated in
speaking with other tongues (and also, in this case,
prophesying).
11-15 After receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the
primary use of speaking in another tongue is for
personal worship and prayer. The believer does not
understand with his mind what he is saying, but his
24
spirit holds direct communion with God, and in
this way he is able to edify (build up) himself.
16-17 Through the gift of interpretation Christians may
come to know the meaning of an utterance
previously given in an unknown tongue. In public
meetings an utterance given out loud in an
unknown tongue should normally be followed by
the interpretation. If there is no one to interpret,
the believer may speak in an unknown tongue “to
himself and to God.”
19 To “Prophesy” is to speak by the supernatural
inspiration of the Holy Spirit in a language
understood by the speaker and by those spoken to.
21-24 There is an important logical distinction between
gifts and fruit. A gift is imparted and received by a
monetary act. Fruit is cultivated by time and labor
(see 2 Tim. 2:6). Consider the difference between a
Christmas tree with its gifts, and an apple tree with
its fruit. Spiritually, gifts are not a substitute for
fruit, and fruit is not a substitute for gifts. God’s
provision is for all Christians to have both. (Not
that love is never called a gift).
25-26 The full outpouring of the Holy Spirit always
produces a variety of supernatural manifestations.
Through these, Christians are able to minister to
one another on a level higher than that of natural
ability or education.