Baptism of the Spirit Part 2Baptism of the Spirit Part 2
Lance Johnson Ministries
We know that God is good and that He always and only does what’s right. But when we look at the world around us and all the things going wrong, even in our own lives, it’s hard to remember that God’s at work. But Bishop Lance explains to you in toda
29:30•24 Nov 2024
Baptism of the Spirit Part 2: Old Wineskins, Real Change and Freedom from Addiction
Episode Overview
- Real holiness and fruitfulness cannot be achieved through personal strength or discipline alone but through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
- Old wineskin church traditions, including gossip and self-focused attitudes, are portrayed as harmful to spiritual growth and community health.
- Relying on repeated prayers or multiple baptisms without visible fruit is challenged as a dangerous form of empty religion.
- Bishop Lance links problems like alcohol abuse and social breakdown to compromises within the church, summarising it as "So goes the church. So goes the world."
- Repentance from religious systems and traditions that are placed above the Bible is presented as necessary for genuine renewal and freedom.
“Religion is behavioral modification. But true Christianity is spiritual inward transformation that reflects in the fruitfulness of your life.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? For Bishop Lance Johnson, that strength is rooted in what he calls true, Spirit-led Christianity rather than religious routine. Coming out of a history of alcohol and drug addiction, his message in "Baptism of the Spirit Part 2" hits hard at church culture that, in his view, can actually feed self-centred behaviour instead of healing it.
Across this fiery sermon, you'll hear Lance contrast "old wineskins"—traditions, gossip and me-first attitudes—with a life changed from the inside out. He puts it bluntly: "Religion is behavioral modification. But true Christianity is spiritual inward transformation that reflects in the fruitfulness of your life." For those wrestling with addiction or trying to rebuild life without alcohol, that distinction matters; he's talking about change that sticks, not just ticking religious boxes.
The episode calls out familiar church habits: gossip over coffee, criticising leaders, and throwing "tantrum tantrums" when services or sermons don’t match personal preferences. Lance links this mindset to wider social problems, including alcohol use, saying, "So goes the church. So goes the world," and pointing to how "sipping saints" and a soft stance on drinking can ripple into a broader addiction crisis.
You’ll also hear strong warnings about relying on a quick prayer or multiple baptisms as proof of being "safe" while life shows no real fruit. He shares his own story of growing up in religious systems, believing he was fine, yet being trapped in addiction until a genuine encounter with Jesus in 1990 changed everything. The tone is direct, sometimes uncomfortable, but aimed at people who want a faith that actually breaks chains—including those tied to alcohol.
If you’ve ever wondered whether spiritual tradition is helping or hurting your recovery, this message might leave you asking honest questions about what needs to change inside, not just outside. So, are you ready to look at where old wineskins might still be holding you back?
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