In 1 Corinthians 9.7-10, Paul sets out another aspect of the operation of this same principle telling us that what God did of old and caused to be written then, was written for our sakes. It was all historically true and beneficial for those people, but he was quite clear that it was recorded for our benefit also. But besides this there were other factors which, when taken into consideration, may explain why God dealt with the Samaritans in this particular way. We will not here investigate all the scriptural grounds with which we have been supplied, but remark only that there were certain ethnic reasons which provided God with both a righteous ground and good opportunity to break down and set forth in an analytical manner this one Baptism He has instituted for both Jew and Gentile.
The Samaritans were not a pure race, but were a kind of 'in-between' people. Originating from Gentile stock, with decadent Jewish religious and cultural habits superimposed upon them, they were consequently neither Jew nor Gentile, but had developed into quite a different race. The Lord therefore took advantage of the opportunity presented by the situation created by Philip's preaching among them, and used it to teach the Church some very important truth. In doing so He in no way deprived them of fullness of blessing, nor jeopardised their faith; they were brought partially into truth by Philip and fully into it by Peter, and all by God.
Baptism in Holy Spirit is the important thing though, for apart from it, baptism in water in this dispensation has lost its chief meaning, Although other meanings it may still have, if it loses this, its greatest meaning, then all other meanings must ultimately vanish also. If it does not mean the Baptism in the Spirit, then soon it will cease to mean remission of sins and crucifixion with Christ, for these have only been made constant and of permanent value to us by the Christ in the Spirit.
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G.W. North (1913 - 2003)
G. W. North was born in London England in 1913. As a young man he became aware that the Lord was calling him into the work of the ministry. At timely stages the Lord placed folk in his path who were able to direct him into the truth of heart purity and a more expansive understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He held pastorates in Kent and Bradford. By the late 1960s, following a significant period of ministry in Liverpool, he began a more itinerant ministry. This led him to many parts of the world, and occupied him until well into his eighties. His powerful preaching and the unique sense of the Lord's presence, which seemed to brood over his meetings, were always intensely challenging.The true secret of his remarkable ministry stemmed from his personal communion with the Lord Jesus. To him, 'entering the holiest' was not merely a theological concept; it was a distinct spiritual reality - and the central feature of his spiritual life. It was here, in the place of worship, that his revelatory ministry found its source. He preached from understanding and conviction. He was never the echo of another, nor did he take on board the ebb and flow of various contemporary emphases. He was not a man of 'books'; he soaked himself in Scripture and allowed it to saturate his heart and mind. Truly, this is a man who has lifted up a standard for the people. Mr North went to be with the Lord on 29th April 2003, shortly after his ninetieth birthday.