“For in one Spirit were we all baptized were we all baptized into one body…” (I Cor. 12:13)

“For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body…” (I Cor. 12:13)

Holy Spirit Baptism…?

Denominationalism?

Unity In The Spirit

• Context is miraculous spiritual gifts (I Cor. 12:1-3; 4-11)

• But Holy Spirit baptism occurred twice to usher in salvation to the Jew first and then to the Gentiles (Acts 2, Acts 10, cf. Acts 1:5, 11:15-16)

• Speaking in tongues was the sign both times (Acts 2:3-4, 10:44-46) – not all in Corinth spoke in tongues (I Cor. 12:30)

• Laying on of apostles’ hands –miraculous gifts received (Acts 8:17-19, 19:6, 2 Cor. 12:12-13)

Unity In The Spirit

• All through the same teaching of the Holy Spirit were baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27)

• The epistles never command people to be baptized, but remind them of the implications of their water baptism (I Pet. 3:21, Rom. 6:2-3, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 2:38 -41)

• Paul reminds them that through baptism, they being many, entered a unified spiritual body

Is this one body made up of different denominations?

• Is it made of baptized believers in the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, etc. Churches?

• No! – Jews and Greeks, bond and free, drank of the teachings of one Spirit (I Cor. 12:13)

• Regardless of ethnicity, social status or sex all are one man in Christ (Galatians 3:28)

Unity In The Spirit

• Paul reminds them that through baptism, they being many individuals , entered a unified spiritual body.

• So, Act like it! (I Cor. 12:14-31)• Use the individual gifts instead of wanting

the “better” – You have a place ; Others have a place (v. 14-20; 21-25)

• United in loving care (v.26-27)• United in the way of love – exercising gifts to

edify all (I Cor. 12:31; 14:1,5,12,19, 39-40)