Immersed In The Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker cautions against seeking spiritual experiences based on personal testimonies, emphasizing that true understanding must come from diligent study of Scripture. He uses the example of the Bereans, who were praised for examining the Scriptures daily, to illustrate that believers must test all claims against God's Word. The central message is that one must understand the true meaning of Jesus' name—which signifies salvation from sin—rather than treating prayer as a mere mantra or relying on tradition.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why testimonies can confuse us about spiritual experiencesSeeking spiritual experiences based on human testimonies rather than searching the scriptures often leads to confusion and frustration.
The example of the noble-minded BereansThe Bereans were commended because they received the word with eagerness and examined the scriptures daily to verify what Paul preached.Acts 17:10–11
The true meaning of the name JesusThe foundational promise in the New Testament is the name Jesus, which means He will save His people from their sins, not merely forgive them.Matthew 1:21
Recognizing that sin is more serious than sicknessTrue spiritual seriousness begins with recognizing that sin is far more dangerous and destructive than physical sickness.
The second New Testament promise of baptism in the Holy SpiritJohn the Baptist declared that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire.Matthew 3:11
Understanding the true meaning of baptismThe word baptism simply means immersion, pointing to being immersed in water and in the Holy Spirit by Jesus alone.
The wind blows where it wishesThe ministry of the Holy Spirit is diverse and cannot be reduced to a single formula or identical human experience.John 3:8
Receiving power to be witnessesJesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give believers power to be witnesses for Him to the ends of the earth.
The rooms of our heart and hidden areas of disobedienceMany Christians want the Holy Spirit to fill them while keeping certain private rooms of their life closed to God's control.
The mutual surrender between the Father and the SonJesus received the Holy Spirit without measure because He held nothing back from the Father and was completely yielded.John 17:10
Asking, seeking, and knocking with persistenceJesus encourages persistent prayer for the Holy Spirit, assuring us that God gladly gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask.Luke 11:13
Faith is believing God is eager to giveTrue faith is trusting that God is more eager to fulfill His promises and fill us than we are to receive.
Changed into another personWhen the Spirit of the Lord comes upon a surrendered believer powerfully, He changes them into a completely different person.
