The Holy Spirit Fell

At a time when the church sits on the brink of falling into total apostasy and darkness the ONLY answer to bring us into the full LIGHT of the glorious gospel of Christ is the power of the Holy Ghost. The "system" we call church today has become nothing more than a religious gathering while at the same time there are millions of people, many who are believers, hungry and thirsty for more of God knowing there is so much more to this Christian walk than what they are experiencing. What took place at the House of Cornelius is what is so desperately needed in our churches today. If the Holy Ghost don't fall in our churches then ICHABOD will be wrote on our threshold - "the glory has departed."

By Chris McDonald

TEXT: - Acts 10:44  - While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

The only answer to ills of the human race is the energized, anointed Word of God that points men to the Cross of Christ! The Cross of Christ is the only answer for man's deliverance and salvation. The Cross is the only thing which stands between man and eternal hell! That is why the Holy Ghost works only within the parameters of the Finished Work of Christ.  We cannot separate the Cross from the working and operation of the Holy Ghost; there is no greater lesson and attribution to that statement than what was recorded in Acts 10 concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles for the very first time among the household of a "God-fearing, devout," man named Cornelius and his family. From what we read in Acts 10 and 11, Cornelius was a military man, actually a centurion or leader of about one hundred soldiers. He was of the Italian band (Acts 10: 1), and was a devout, God-fearing, generous, and prayerful (Acts 10: 2) man.

Acts 10:1-2
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, [2] A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He was also a just man and was of "good report among all the nation of the Jews" (Acts 10: 22). Nonetheless, Cornelius was lost (Acts 11: 14).

Acts 11:14
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
 

I am planning on writing an entire journal on Cornelius' salvation very soon so I won't go into detail about the condition of his soul at the time Peter arrived but I do want to say this. The Holy Spirit sent Peter to preach words of life to a man who was and is a good example of how a man can be religious but lost without Christ. When it says Cornelius was "just," it did not mean he was born again, but meant that he was a "good," man;  like so many today, while being a good moral citizen of this world, Cornelius had never put his trust in the righteousness of Christ! Men can "act" righteous without "BEING" righteous! We can never let it slip from our minds and hearts however that the only type of righteousness that counts in the sight of God is that is produced as a result of faith in the Cross through the work of the Holy Ghost! Cornelius was honest it seems and prayed daily; my Lord, the man was having angelic visitations telling him someone named Peter was coming to see him - how much more religious can you get than that????? YET HE WAS LOST. Let that sink in neighbor; Millions stand in the same state as Cornelius today.

He is a type of most today who believe there is a God, or at least they believe in a "being" that is larger than they; some see God as a force, some do see Him as a person, yet their view and understanding is very jaded or at the very least 180 degrees from reality. The world's false religions believe in a "god," of their choosing which can number in the thousands,  but precious very few know the God of Heaven, who can ONLY BE KNOWN THROUGH THE REVELATION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST made possible by the Cross and the power of the Holy Ghost. One well known self-help organization (AA) uses the term "higher power," or "force," to foster faith among their participants thinking that type of belief can keep men from the bondages of drink and sin! NONE of these ideas helps man know or reach God and if men die in this state of unbelief they will spend eternity separated from God in eternal hell.

Man's whole dilemma today - including RELIGIOUS man and MILLIONS in the system we call Church - is the fundamental problem of seeking after God through a myriad of ways other than THE WAY - the Lord Jesus Christ - and one cannot do that and expect to inherit eternal life.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Cornelius evidently operated on a very similar premise most believe today that mankind is judged by God somehow by certain good deeds they perform, or certain bad things they have not done. Most think of their lives, just as Cornelius did probably, as having two columns, with the good in one column and the bad in the other. When they come to the end of their life, if the good outweighs the bad, they are "saved," or at least they think so, or else they will receive some type of reward of some nature. On the flip side, if a person does not do any of the major sins- drink, cuss, kill, fornicate, dope, steal or a myriad other moral failures-  they then think that same column in which their good works are recorded will notate how "little" 'bad' things they do. This is usually the attitude of most church goers who look down their noses at those who are bound by homosexuality, lust, alcohol, divorce, drugs, etc. Self-righteousness is the bane of the modern church and it's bred from a heart of unbelief!

This was the attitude of the Pharisee in Luke 18 when he stood in the Temple self-righteously  and proudly proclaiming the fact he was not "like other men are"  and he listed their traits - "extortioners, unjust, adulterers, 'or even this publican,' who in the eyes of National Israel was as bad as the worst murderer, thief or harlot in town.

Luke 18:10-14
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

This Pharisee reeked with the stench of the same attitude that grips millions today in the modern system we call church. There has never been a time when the church has "boasted" of its good works than which it does today. That is why this writer bites nails when he hears of preachers of the gospel preaching sermons out of the Purpose Driven LIE book instead of preaching from the Bible! That is why this writer bites nails when he hears of churches pushing "40-Days of Purpose," "Life Recovery," and all the other foolishness which does nothing but promote good works instead of pointing people to saving FAITH in Christ and CHRIST ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man cannot be saved outside the Cross of Christ! We cannot come to God except we come through Christ. I've heard this statement a lot lately and feel it bears being shouting from the mountaintop - that's why you hear on it on this website often, but "The Cross  is the ONLY thing that stands between man and eternal hell at this very moment," - hear me neighbor and friend. To the Pharisee, Cornelius would have been a big buddy during his local synagogue visits and a member in great standing in most churches today; in the sight of God however, BOTH were lost and it was the PUBLICAN who went home justified!

I preached a sermon just a week or so ago at a local inner city meeting and made the statement that Adam's fallen race needed more than "40 Days Of Purpose," and the gentleman in charge of the inner city work got angry. The power of the Holy Ghost was present though because we were preaching the CROSS - several people came forward to either re-dedicate their life to Christ or get saved.  I don't say to that self-servingly, God forbid as He knows my heart as I write this. I will say this however; had I had the Purpose Driven Life book open and read out of it instead of preaching the cross, the result would have been a dead lifeless book report  which may have pleased this gentleman who was heading up the work there, he may have even liked me who knows and invited me back a million times -  but NO ONE WOULD HAVE VISITED THE ALTAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Neighbor, I'd rather you get angry with this writer and feel the convicting tug of the Holy Ghost than we write something soothing and non-confrontational and you feel nothing and not be confronted as Cornelius was confronted that fateful day so long ago about his soul!!!!!!!!!!

Preacher, GET FREUD and RICK WARREN out of your church and give the HOLY GHOST a chance again. GET the false doctrine-laced books off of your book shelves in the library and put the Bible back as THE BOOK; man of God, get filled with the Holy Ghost and start preaching the Cross again. Preach Jesus saves, Jesus heals, Jesus baptizes in the Holy Ghost and Jesus is coming again. Jesus saves, Jesus heals, Jesus baptizes in the Holy Ghost and Jesus is Coming Again. Preach Jesus and the Cross, Preach Jesus and the Cross, Preach Jesus and the Cross. Preach hell hot; preach there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. Preach that man's ONLY HOPE for righteousness is found by repenting of his sins and coming to the foot of the cross and having JESUS give him  HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS not man exalting and resting in his own - which is nothing but wicked, filthy rags!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PREACH THE CROSS.

The Publican in this same story (told by Jesus Himself) in Luke 18, smote his breast and said, "God be 'merciful' to me a SINNER," not being able to even look up to heaven. That is the attitude of Bible repentance and true salvation and what is sorely missing in today's modern feel good shameful display of what we have made Christianity into these days. The Pharisee exalted himself and was abased in the eyes of heaven; however the Publican humbled himself and was exalted in the eyes of heaven. That which the world hates and disdains, heaven usually loves; that which the world finds attractive and lovely, heaven finds repugnant.

 [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

Another related incident in Luke worth mentioning took place right after this a rich young ruler approached Jesus and yelled, "GOOD Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus looked at him and said, "why do you call me 'good,' there is NONE GOOD BUT GOD!"

Luke 18:18 -20 - 18] And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [19] And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. [20] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
 

The modern gospel message centers on "man's" goodness which is nothing but self-righteousness. We need to read those words and repent!  Most of what is proclaimed today is the church's "goodness," and "greatness," and a myriad of other self-exalting fallacies and fables. Our Sunday morning worship services in most churches have turned into nothing more than a "pep rally" for the denomination we belong to. A pastor of one of the largest Baptist churches in Knoxville told his secretary just last week to change the picture of the church on the front of their newsletter, "because it made the church look too small," he said. "We want to be able to be known 'statewide,' and above all things let people know we're Southern Baptist." WHATEVER HAPPENED TO US WANTING PEOPLE TO KNOW WE'RE RIGHTEOUS THROUGH CHRIST AND THE CROSS,  JESUS LOVING AND HOLY GHOST FILLED??????? We had better stop worrying about being "user" friendly and become "GOD" friendly!

Cornelius evidently did not have the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees, yet he was still in the same boat - very religious but LOST. This is the condition of MILLIONS of church going, well-meaning people today. They have great pride in what church they belong to; they may even give a little money to the work of God occasionally, and most try to adhere to some type of ethical and moral standard and rule, but the TRUTH is, despite all of that, if, in fact, that is their claim to Salvation, as Cornelius, they are not saved!

Let the reader be CLEAR on this all important point: The word of God is the criteria for ALL things. The message of the Bible is Christ Crucified and God's plan of redemption for a fallen human race. The Bible alone sets the standard; it alone IS the standard. God's Word plainly tells us that one can only come to God through ones acceptance of Christ as one's Saviour (i.e. placing faith in what Christ did at the Cross), thereby availing themselves of what He has done in order that we can be Redeemed. As well, they must lay aside any faith or confidence in their good works, whatever those works may be, trusting SOLELY in Christ. To state it plainly and in no uncertain terms - a person cannot be saved except they have placed faith in Christ and what He has done at the Cross.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9-13
That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Ephes. 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 

Warned By God Through An Angel, Yet Lost,

Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
 

Despite all the good things one could say about Cornelius, ALL of these good things could not save him. Cornelius then had to hear the WORD OF GOD in order to be saved. This is the New Covenant pattern for evangelism.

Romans 10:10-16
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
 

The Holy Spirit had already chosen the Words Peter would speak before Peter even arrived; these words were not just mere "verbiage," or given in some great oratorical satire; these worlds would be energized and anointed by God the Holy Ghost!!!! The issue however, which is the issue today, is that would be up to Cornelius to "hear them" and believe.

That is why the anointed Word of God is so desperately needed in our churches today for it is through the anointed Word of God  people are saved today. Sadly, these words are MISSING in most churches! As one commentator wrote, "In MOST cases, the preacher preaches no Truth at all, or else a mixture of truth and error. Some try to preach the truth but they preach without the anointing of the Holy Ghost, which in effect destroys the effectiveness of the truth. The anointing of the Spirit is what breaks the yokes off men's hearts - not the words themselves." 

1 Peter 1:23-24
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. [24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Jesus said "the Spirit of the Lord is upon ME, because He has ANOINTED Me to PREACH the Gospel to the poor."

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

The Truth simply because it's the Truth, is not automatically anointed by the Holy Ghost. The anointing comes as a result of the preacher of the gospel consecrating himself to the Lord, studying the WORD OF GOD and spending time alone with God through intercessory prayer, fasting and seasons of travail and heart wrenching repentance. There has NEVER been a preacher YET who has been used mightily by God in historical revivals who did not have a heaven-touching prayer life. Most of the time the prayer closet is shunned by most because there is no glamour and glitz in that but it is the most vital exercise the preacher of the gospel can embrace. Instead of embracing the private travail and pain of the prayer closet the modern church has taken another road thinking that if we get men pursuing the right "purpose," and a myriad of other fallacies that will change men's hearts.

By today's standards in the church Cornelius would have been "set," and labeled a Christian because he had the right "purpose" in life. He was a success in the Roman guard, a family man, paid his tithes, attended church and had a good report among all the nation. BUT that which the world and the church esteems as being "set," is viewed in heaven as being "LOST," and repugnant. Man's righteousness can NEVER deliver him from the evil and darkness found in his heart.

The Holy Spirit "FELL"

Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

The saving of Cornelius and his family and their subsequent being baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues was pivotal regarding the Gentiles and  in some ways probably as one Commentator put it, "one of the greatest moments in all of human history outside the advent of Christ and His subsequent Death, Burial and Resurrection."  It would seem in some ways the powerful events at the house of Cornelius fulfilled in some ways, all that which the prophets foretold and predicted regarding the Spirit's coming and took place right in front of Peter and those with him. The events that took place in Acts 10 were so prophetic and powerful in nature that they would be discussed again by Peter many times to those who doubted their validity as we see throughout Acts Chapter 11 and in portions of Acts 15.

In summary, the Word of God said that:

• The Spirit fell on them all - Acts 10:44; 11:15

• The gift of the Spirit had been poured out on them - Acts 10:45

• The had received the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:47

• They had been baptized in the Spirit - Acts 11:16

• God gave them the same gift - Acts 11:17

• God gave them the Holy Spirit - Acts 15:8

Prior to this event at Cornelius, there had been preaching to the Gentiles before Act 10, in Samaria, (Acts 8) but mostly the Jew was targeted (Rom. 1: 16). In some ways this was because there were traces of racial prejudice even after the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 18-20) among the apostles, including Peter himself, who was dealt with directly by God and confronted about his own personal bias against the Gentiles:

Acts 10:28
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Acts 10:9-20
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: [10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, [11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. [14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, [18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.  [19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. [20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

The gospel up to this time had been given "to the Jew first," without a doubt; as a result, the baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues had only been experienced by the apostles (Acts 2: 1-13, on the Day of Pentecost ten years earlier, the Samaritans, and the Apostle Paul, whose surname was Saul. (Acts 2:1-13, 8 and 9)

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

In addition to Cornelius' salvation, he and his family received the mighty baptism of the Spirit (Acts 11: 16, 17, 10: 44-46), which Peter pointed to as proof that God had now included Gentiles (Acts 11: 17, 18). in this great plan of Salvation, which ALWAYS involves the baptism in the HOLY GHOST!!!!!!! That does not mean one has to speak in tongues to be saved, no, no, no. But the message of the gospel includes the message of the operation and moving of the Holy Ghost! Any gospel message void of that message is NOT THE GOSPEL! It may be a "form" of the gospel, or "another" gospel but it's not THE gospel.  One cannot divorce the Cross from the Holy Spirit and one cannot divorce the Holy Spirit from the Cross.

As a result of Cornelius' salvation and baptism in the Spirit, the gospel of the Cross of Christ and the mighty infilling of the Holy Ghost began to really be preached among the Gentiles in earnest and set the stage for the ministry of Paul and others in the early church that would literally turn "this world upside down," for Christ.

Acts 11:19
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

The turning of Cornelius to God was and is a powerful statement that God accepts Gentiles into this great covenant and that means for the great majority of the readers of this website- YOU AND ME neighbor!!!! That should make us shout. That should make us Praise God. That should make us say "Thank you Jesus," "Thank you Lord," Hallelujahs," and say a whole lot more but because I can't "write" in tongues I can't convey that to you here -but you get the message!!! I'm glad I'm Pentecostal; I'm glad I speak in tongues; I'm glad I'm saved; I'm glad I'm washed in the Blood of the Lamb, in the SOUL Cleansing BLOOD of the Lord Jesus Christ; I'm glad I'm born again; I'm glad I'm spirit-filled; I'm not ashamed of this; I don't care if your church doesn't believe in tongues and the moving and operation of the Holy Ghost - all I can tell you is get full of the Holy Ghost and you WILL believe in this mighty outpouring and operation of the HOLY GHOST.  Some of you reading this are very religious but you just flat need to get born again, saved, changed by the power of Almighty God. Born again Christians know JESUS personally, intimately, one on one, and are changed from glory to glory by His Spirit. Religious people know a lot "about" Jesus but they don't know HIM!

The same Holy Ghost who brought you to Christ is the same Holy Ghost that Christ wants to fill you with child of God! GLORY TO GOD, GLORY TO GOD, GLORY TO GOD. Preacher if you'd get your head out of the Purpose Driven Life Seminar Books and get it back in the Bible and allow the Holy Ghost to flood your soul, church, mind, home and life you'd be surprised at how your dead church would change; you'd be surprised how those dead sermons would all of a sudden get life in them and people may not fall asleep on you as much on Sunday mornings; you'd be surprised at how those barren altars would all of a sudden be filled every Sunday; I don't care if you have million dollar stain glass windows, million dollar toilets and a million dollar gold-plated pew; IF THE HOLY GHOST IS ABSENT FROM YOUR CHURCH  PASTOR YOUR CHURCH IS IN A SERIOUS SPIRITUAL CONDITION!

I'M NOT MEANING TO SOUND UNKIND BUT PREACHER OF THE LIVING GOD, PREACH THE CROSS, PREACH THE HOLY GHOST, COME BACK TO THE HOLY GHOST PENTECOSTALS, COME BACK TO THE HOLY GHOST ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, COME BACK TO THE HOLY GHOST CHURCH OF GOD; COME BACK TO THE HOLY GHOST PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS, COME BACK TO THE HOLY GHOST METHODIST, GET THE HOLY GHOST BAPTIST, BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT BAPTISTS  - YOU SAY YOUR MISSIONARIES CAN'T PRAY IN OTHER TONGUES BECAUSE AS THOSE IN LEADERSHIP AT THE SBC PUT IT 'WE DON'T SEE THERE IS ROOM FOR SUCH IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER.'

YOU DON'T SEE THERE IS ROOM FOR PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER??????? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER HAS ROOM FOR???? POODLE SHOWS, PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE, BOOK REPORTS, CELL-GROUPS, PSYCHOLOGY, HUMANISM, SOFTBALL GAMES, ROCK CONCERTS, AND BINGO PARLORS????????? HAND CUFFING MISSIONARIES ON FOREIGN FIELDS WHERE DEMON POWERS ARE ARRAYED AGAINST THEM IN POWERFUL FASHION FROM ALLOWING THE HOLY GHOST TO PRAY THROUGH THEM IN OTHER TONGUES IS LIKE SENDING THE BOY SCOUTS TO FIGHT THE CHINESE ARMY.  GET REAL AND GET FILLED SOUTHERN BAPTISTS - I LOVE YOU BUT YOU NEED TO STOP RESISTING THE HOLY GHOST!!!!! THAT IS SPIRITUAL SUICIDE at worst and spiritual stupidity at best.

Peter emphasized this event experienced by Cornelius and his household was the same thing that had happened at the beginning of the Church. "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'

Acts 11:15-17
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. [16] Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. [17] Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
 

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:15-17). Read Peter's words again carefully Church! How dare we or how can we so foolishly think we can "withstand God?"

Now, consider what happened at the beginning and notice the similarities to what happened to Cornelius and his household. "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4).

The events that took place on the Feast of Pentecost were the beginning Peter referred to!  The fact that the experience of Cornelius TEN YEARS LATER reminded Peter of what happened at the beginning implies that NOTHING had "ended" at Pentecost, but was just beginning. AND NEIGHBOR, while the Holy Ghost has been at this 2,000 years - He's JUST BEGINNING! Glory to God. Praise God.

The Holy Spirit Is Busy

The Holy Spirit is seen as being quite busy in the book of Acts! The conversion of the Samaritans in Acts 8  is given in a fair amount of detail.

Acts 8:12-17
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. [14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The experiences of the Samaritans were different somewhat from Cornelius in that the Samaritans were saved, baptized and even experienced miracles at the hands of Philip,  but they did not receive the baptism of the Spirit immediately like that which took place at the house of Cornelius.  Even though Philip was present, and he evidently had the gifts of the Spirit, these people had to wait until apostles (Peter and John)  came from Jerusalem and laid their hands on each one who was hungry and wanting to receive this mighty infilling of the Spirit.

Acts 8:18
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Even though Peter was present in Samaria, his mind was taken all the way back to the beginning when the church was endued with power from on high on the Day of Pentecost. Despite the differences, it was the SAME HOLY GHOST who was at work in BOTH events!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The mighty baptism in the Holy Spirit is a baptism that is administered by Christ. Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Ghost!!! The Holy Ghost convicts the sinner of his sinful condition as He did Cornelius, but once into the Body of Christ, Jesus then in turn BAPTIZES us with HIS SPIRIT - at least for those who ask in faith!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

John promised that Jesus would baptize with the Spirit.

Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

And when we read of the events in the book of Acts, including what happened at the house of Cornelius, we see that no man was involved in its administration. In Acts 2:2 we are told that it came from heaven and in both events we are told that God gave the recipients the gift (Acts 2:17, 32-33; 11:17; 15:8).

• Acts 2:17
  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

• Acts 2:32-33
  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. [33] Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

• Acts 11:17
  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

• Acts 15:8
  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

The baptism in the Spirit is not only administered by Christ, but was also promised by Christ.

• Luke 24:49
  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

• Acts 1:5-8
  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. [6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

It is interesting to note and very important to remember that at Cornelius' house, Peter preached the Word of God for Cornelius to be saved FIRST, THEN as he was preaching the word of God, the HOLY GHOST FELL!  While Peter did COMMAND Cornelius to be baptized in water, that had nothing to do with the glorious fulfillment of the PROMISE of the infilling of the Spirit that took place simultaneously at conversion. As one commentator wrote, "baptism in water is not promised, but commanded. A command can be obeyed, but a promise cannot be obeyed; a promise must be given."

Peter commanded it of Cornelius and his household to be baptized in water "in the name of the Lord." This was very similar to what Ananias instructed Saul to do concerning water baptism, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize people of all nations in Matthew 28:19.

• Acts 10:48
  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

• Acts 22:16
  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

• Matthew 28:19
  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Our point in contrasting the two types of baptism is this: When one reads about people being baptized in the Spirit, we see those baptized began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave the utterance. But baptism in water can not change men's hearts whatsoever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Being baptized in water it but a sign and testimony one has accepted Christ.  The Gospel was about to be given to the Gentiles, with no strings attached, no necessity of having to become a Jewish proselyte, but by SIMPLE FAITH IN CHRIST, which is the ONLY prerequisite for one being baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues.

I want to make three quick points in this journal concerning what took place at Cornelius' house 1,990 years ago and the message it holds for us today. What Peter said that day and what took place was not just intended for Cornelius but for the ENTIRETY of mankind and for ALL time. The Holy Ghost knows the hunger of the heart and just as He energized the words of Peter that generated this tremendous event as it pertains to the plan of God, He too wants to energize the church of THIS modern era as well!

Acts 2:37-38 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

This promise is to ALL that were afar off from Peter- speaking of YOU and ME reading this journal today. As MANY as the Lord our God shall "call," meaning those who are born again can receive this glorious infilling of the Spirit. Don't listen to the pandering of the doubters. BELIEVE the word of God and be filled today.

1. The Holy Ghost Must Fall

The first point of this message is simple - the HOLY GHOST MUST FALL once again upon our churches. Make no mistake neighbor, without the Holy Ghost moving in our midst the church will just continue to sink deeper and deeper into greater apostasy, false doctrine and error!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While the Baptism in the Holy Spirit  should be an experience that is preached and taught about without reservation or question, the mighty infilling with the Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues has become one of the most attacked doctrines in the Bible other than the rapture. Since the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in Los Angeles, California,  Azusa Street in the early 1900s, the mighty Pentecostal experience of speaking with other tongues has come under attack from evangelical circles within the church which have refused or outright rejected the experience. Most people who speak in tongues today are labeled fanatics, unlearned and ignorant, while others are even accused of being of Satan. Interestingly enough, this was said of Peter and John when they stood before the religious hierarchy of their day who were questioning the power in which they had caused a lame man from birth to walk.

Acts 4:13-20
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. [14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. [15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. [17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. [18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.