Holy Spirit Research Paper

“The Holy Spirit work within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.” This is the liturgy used by United Methodist Clergy when a human being of any age is baptized into the kingdom of God. The methods of invoking the Holy Spirit may be the choice of sprinkling, pouring or immersion. All three methods are acceptable in the United Methodist denomination. The “Baptismal Covenant is a Holy Baptism, by which we are incorporated into the Church, which is the body of Christ.” The United Methodist denomination recognizes “all Christian baptism and look upon baptism as something that should unite, rather than divide, Christians.” It is the belief of the demonization that once a human being is baptized, there is never a need for another baptism as long as the baptism was performed by a universal church. The early church witnesses to how the baptism of Christ brings about a new reality through the Holy Spirit for those who believe and act in the name of Jesus. This belief of Paul is seen in Acts 19:1-7 where the Apostle Paul arrives in Ephesus and meets several disciples of Christ. Paul speaks to them in Acts 19:2 (CEB) “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe.” Paul learns that these disciples had not heard of the …show more content…
Individuals baptized by John quite possibly felt a change in their lives. However, with the invitation of the Holy Spirit, long lasting true transformation cannot occur. The way Paul responded to the twelve disciples he encountered in Ephesus was a response that would be typical of a Christian who lived with the Holy Spirit. Scripture indicates Paul talked with the disciples. He did not belittle them or treat them rudely. Paul offered grace; the same grace that would have likely been extended by Jesus