Holy Spirit – Salisbury Baptist Church

When Do We Receive the Holy Spirit?

23rd March 2025

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not a second blessing separate from salvation that is ours through Calvary's work. There are no blessings that do not come through the work of Christ on the cross. The giving of the Holy Spirit comes along with the forgiveness of sins when we respond to the gospel to be reconciled to God. But the work of the Spirit baptising us into the body of Christ is a part of the one work of grace accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection. The time gap mentioned in Scripture is between John the Baptist's promise that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 1) and its fulfilment at Pentecost (Acts 2), not between when a believer receiving salvation as one step and then later receives an extra blessing in the Spirit. When you believe in Jesus and receive forgiveness of sins, you simultaneously receive the Holy Spirit as a part of what God gives you at Christian conversion. There are not two separate works of grace, one when we are forgiven through Calvary's action and a second other spiritual grace called the "Baptism in or by the Spirit". Rather, there is one complete salvation that includes all spiritual blessings. When someone responds to the Gospel to come to God they receive two blessings – the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross

The Seven Sayings from the Cross #5

16th March 2025

Christ's declaration "I thirst" from the cross speaks not only of His physical suffering but also points to His promise that believers would never thirst again. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus would send after His glorification, brings rivers of living water to flow from within those who believe. This spiritual satisfaction comes with just three simple conditions: acknowledge your thirst, come to Christ in faith, and drink. There is nothing between our believing and the rivers flowing—no delay, no special preparation, only the simple act of surrender expressed in the words "Father, into Your hands I commit my life." The flowing rivers of the Spirit are immediately available to anyone who truly surrenders to Christ.

Love on the Stretch

The Ministry of the Comforter

9th March 2025

The Holy Spirit's role as Comforter extends far beyond mere emotional soothing. The Greek word "Paraclete" gains rich meaning from its Old Testament Hebrew equivalent, describing God's comfort which includes forgiveness of sins, a fresh experience of God, and victory on our behalf. The Comforter convicts the world of sin (pointing us to Christ for cleansing), of righteousness (applying Christ's life through us), and of judgment (demonstrating that evil has been conquered). These three ministries represent God's love stretched out in its fullness—forgiving our past, transforming our present, and securing our future as we experience victory through Christ.

The God “called alongside”

2nd February 2025

The Holy Spirit's relationship with Jesus Christ is foundational to understanding the outworking of Christian salvation. Rather than being a separate blessing or secondary experience, the Holy Spirit comes specifically in Jesus' Name as the promised Comforter (Paraclete). He does not bring a different salvation but rather makes real the presence of Christ in believers' lives. This understanding corrects common misconceptions about receiving the Holy Spirit as a separate experience from receiving Christ, while highlighting the Spirit's essential role in Christian life.

The Spirit’s Work in bringing us all that we have in Christ

26th January 2025

The fullness of God dwells bodily in Christ, and through Him, believers receive everything needed for salvation and spiritual life. When we come to Christ, we receive not just a portion of God's presence, but the complete indwelling of His Spirit. Just as Jesus experienced being born of the Spirit, anointed by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and raised by the Spirit, these same happenings are granted to all who trust in Him. Our journey is not about acquiring additional blessings beyond Christ, but rather discovering the depths of what we already possess in Him.

The Narrow Path to True Discipleship

24th November 2024

The path to genuine Christianity is through a narrow gate that few find, not because it is physically restrictive, but because it demands costly commitment. Many religious activities and outward displays of faith—even miraculous gifts and prophecies—cannot substitute for true knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit's work of conviction and call for genuine repentance marks the difference between authentic faith and mere religious observance. Without this deeper work, one's spiritual house, though impressive on the surface, may collapse when tested by life's storms or the final judgment.

The Awakening of the Soul

15th September 2024

Christian conversion is more than a change of religion or joining a church; it is a spiritual awakening brought about by the Holy Spirit. This awakening involves a conviction of sin, a turning to Christ as Saviour, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. The process of conversion is often contested by Satan, but Christ intercedes on our behalf. True conversion results in a transformed life, described in Scripture as being 'snatched from the burning'. The need for genuine conversion applies not only to individuals but also to entire communities and nations.

Three Prongs of the Gospel

30th June 2024

A more comprehensive view of the Gospel includes not only Christ's death for our sins but also His incarnation and resurrection. It highlights the critical role of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers' lives and providing spiritual assurance. By understanding and embracing the full Gospel, Christians can experience deeper spirituality and recognise the world's need for the ministry from “the Spirit of Truth.”

Unified Worship and the Spirit’s Power

21st April 2024

In the sermon, the preacher explores the significant role of glorifying God in experiencing His presence, drawing parallels between Old Testament practices and New Testament teachings. Focused on the manifestation of God's presence through unified worship, as seen in the Old Testament with the temple dedication, the sermon connects these events to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as described in John 7. Emphasising that glorification of God and Jesus enables believers to experience the Holy Spirit's power today, the preacher expounds on how this spiritual understanding can transform personal faith and communal worship. This sermon encourages believers to recognize and participate in the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit, inspired by a genuine acknowledgment of God’s glory.

Revival and Worship in the New Covenant

21st April 2024

This sermon explores the profound shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant and the critical role of the Holy Spirit in this transformation. The preacher delves into biblical instances of God’s manifested presence, such as the cloud filling the temple, to illustrate God’s continued desire to be amongst His people. The message highlights the need for genuine spiritual revival which often comes when heartfelt worship from God’s people occurs. This talk is especially relevant for those interested in understanding how historical biblical events in the Old Testament apply to modern faith practices and church life.