It is good to know that we are able to turn to the pages of God's word and find inspired authority for all our faith and practice, As one of the old prophets has said in the long, long, ago: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isa. 8:20) -- we are truly living in a great day! We are living in a time when men can-see the true light, the one foundation if they will only open their eyes and seek with honesty. There are many today who are "willingly ignorant" --- (2nd. Pet.3:5) --- However Jesus says to Stand ye in the ways, and SEE. And ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. -- (Jer. 6:16)
The apostle Paul declared that he was a wise masterbuilder and he said, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. (lst Cor. 3:10-11) We have no need to fear when we depend on the preaching and doctrine of Paul! He said, If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. (lst Cor.14:37) --- Jesus told Ananias during the time that Paul was being converted that he (Paul) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my NAME before the Gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel: (Acts 9:15-16)
Now, we will invite your attention to some of the preaching and teaching of this man that was selected as a chosen vessel by the Lord Jesus. We trust you will follow with an open heart willing to accept any truth that might be revealed. Please feel free to open your bible and read as they did in the days of old and see if we are preaching the truth!
We find in the l9th chapter of Acts and the first verse where Paul came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples. Please notice that these were DISCIPLES (not sinners) Paul asked them a simple question: Have you received Holy Ghost SINCE ye believed ---- Ver.2 --- How many of YOU that are reading this tract right now have been told that you receive the Holy Ghost the very minute you believe? Notice this scripture! Here are some Disciples that were believers (they couldn't be disciples unless they were believers) yet they DID NOT have the Holy Ghost. They answered Paul's question by saying, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. In other words they meant, We haven't heard that the Holy Ghost had yet been given.
Now, let us take special notice to another question as ask by Paul. Unto what then were you baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. (Ver.3) It doesn't take a smart bible student to see and understand this conversation! Paul merely ask them if they hadn't heard about the Holy Ghost being given, Who baptized you? The bible is clear when they told him that John had baptized them.
Notice this! Paul goes on to tell these disciples that John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus ---- Ver. 4 --- Now notice what happens! When they heard this, they did something! Yes, they did something! What was it? They were baptized in the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS ---- Ver. 5 --- Yes, they were re-baptized! Some will tell you it doesn't matter how you are baptized, one way is just as good as another. My friends, this is untrue! If one way is as good as another, WHY were these disciples re-baptized? There is no doubt but what John didn't BURY them just as deep as the minister did in the verse above but here is the thought: John didn't baptize them in the name of the Lord Jesus-------- Please don't overlook this fact: The BIBLE says that these disciples were baptized in the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS --- I will ask you, Have YOU been baptized in Jesus' name? If not, WHY?
Now, let us look a little deeper into this foundation as it is recorded in the word of God. After these disciples had been re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus ---- Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:5-6) --- yes, After they had been baptized in water in Jesus' name they received the gift of the Holy Ghost (Baptism of the Spirit) and when they did they spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
God's called and chosen were baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus and they received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. We ask you humbly to receive this truth and walk in the light as He Is in the light. Jesus will bless you if you will obey his word.