I remember years ago when I was in prison and brother Jackson took me through the scriptures and explained the Baptism of the Holy Ghost to me. I was saved and didnt know the Word of God that well at all. Once he asked me if I wanted to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I simply said yes! He instructed me to ask God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, believe that I receive open my mouth and speak in faith. I did just that and received immediately. I went back to my cell and kept speaking in tongues and crying like a baby (which I now know that I was in Christ. ) my life was never the same after that! The very next day I was out on the yard winning souls and laying on hands and others were receiving salvation and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. You see I had never had anyone to tell me that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost was not for today. So I just opened up and received Him in faith! The Holy Ghost begin to teach me from that time on and God used me as a prison Pastor, Apostle Evangelist and Teacher for ten years. It is as simple as that if youre a believer. Try it today and inbox me! It works my Beloved Brothers and Sisters that hasnt received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues! Read this article first, take your time, this is a training site. Your Beloved Brother and Servant in Christ Jesus. Pastor/Teacher Floyd Harris ( First Wave Commander by Gods Authority ). Introduction The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an infilling of power which Jesus performs in the life of one who is completely yielded to Him. This baptism is not a requirement for salvation; rather, it is a gift for those who have already received new spiritual birth. There are some who say that the baptism in the Holy Spirit no longer exists today and was only given to the first-century church. Others say that every Christian is already baptized in the Holy Spirit. Still others maintain that the sole evidence of being filled with the Spirit is speaking in tongues. Setting aside all denominational traditions, let us find out what the Word of God has to say on this important topic. The Day of Pentecost Before ascending into heaven, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:5). What was the purpose of this baptism? Jesus told them: 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 Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). It is important to note that the baptism Jesus promised would not be the disciples salvation experience, for they had already received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when they saw and believed in the risen Lord (see John 20:22). Instead, Jesus told His disciples that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would give them power to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and boldness to spread the good news wherever they went. The disciples faced severe persecution ahead, so they needed to be endued [clothed] with power from on high (Luke 24:49). When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples and other followers of Jesus 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 all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4). This amazing blend of sight and sound caught the attention of the Jews who had come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, because they heard the disciples speaking the wonderful works of God in foreign tongues which had not been learned! This baffled the visiting Jews. Some of them doubted and others mocked this unusual occurrence. But Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, preached a powerful message that brought conviction to their hearts. He said, This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out 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: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath (Acts 2:16-19). Peter then declared that Jesus Christ, Who had been crucified and raised from the dead, was their long-awaited Messiah! This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 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 ... Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:32-33,36). When the multitude heard these things, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 (Acts 2:37-41). Peter and the other apostles continued to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, and that day about 3,000 people received the message, repented, and were baptized. The Early Church Following the outpouring of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost (Acts 2), the early church continued to experience the baptism in the Holy Ghost. Four incidences in particular are recorded in the book of Acts. New Christians in Samaria — Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-17). Saul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul) — And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized (Acts 9:17-18) Cornelius and his household — To him [Jesus] give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision [Jews] which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God (Acts 10:44-46). Disciples at Ephesus — Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johns baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:1-6). Notice from these experiences that the gift of the Holy Ghost was available to both Jews and Gentiles and was only given to those who had previously repented and believed on Jesus. It is also interesting to note that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was usually accompanied by the supernatural sign of tongues. We will study more on this later. Prophecies Fulfilled The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts was a fulfillment (or partial fulfillment) of several prophecies in Scripture. First, the cry of the heart of Moses began to see fruition: Would God that all the LORDS people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them! (Numbers 11:29). Second, the prophet Isaiah anticipated the outpouring: Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city ... until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest (Isaiah 32:13,15). Third, the words of the prophet Ezekiel started to come to pass: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ... and I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Fourth, the word of the prophet Joel was fulfilled: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke (Joel 2:28-30; also see Acts 2:16-19). Joels prophecy, however, was only partially fulfilled. The terrifying signs in the heavens and earth (blood, fire, and pillars of smoke) did not take place at Pentecost; those signs are still yet to come. According to Joels prophecy, the last days would contain both a former rain of the Spirit and a latter rain of the Spirit (see Joel 2:23). The Holy Spirits outpouring at Pentecost was the former rain, ushering in the last days, and the Spirits outpouring prior to the end of this age is the latter rain. A fifth prophetic word concerning the outpouring of the Holy Ghost was spoken of by John the Baptist. John preached the baptism of repentance, yet he knew that something (or rather, Someone) greater than he was to come. John said, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable (Luke 3:16-17). The baptism John foretold was certainly not water baptism, for Jesus did not baptize anyone in water according to John 4:2. Instead, it was a baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire which was first poured out at Pentecost. From the context of Luke 3:17, we see that a baptism of fire will either destroy or empower. This is because the same fire that purifies gold also consumes chaff. The Bible tells us, But who may abide the day of his coming and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiners fire, and like fullers soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Malachi 3:2-3; also see II Corinthians 2:14-15). The fire of God brings wrath upon those who do not know God or obey Him. The Bible says, For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thessalonians 1:8). On the other hand, fiery trials purify and refine the children of God in order that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:7). In the same chapter we read, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (I Peter 1:22). Thus, the Holy Spirit within the heart of a believer is a purging fire within. Old Testament Prophets Some readers might be wondering if the Old Testament prophets had Gods Spirit in them. Yes, they did! For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:21). The prophet Micah stated that he was full of Gods power: But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob [Judah of the Southern Kingdom] his transgression, and to Israel [the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom] his sin (Micah 3:8). Even King David experienced the stirring of Gods Spirit: My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue (Psalm 39:3). Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost all the prophets gave witness to the Messiah (Acts 10:43) and prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow (I Peter 1:10-11). Yet, even while these ancient men prophesied to the nation of Israel about Gods coming salvation, they longed for the day when Gods Spirit would be poured out freely upon all His people, not just on prophets. For unto the prophets it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into (I Peter 1:12). Truly, just as the prophets of old so eagerly anticipated, the power of God is now available to all Gods people ever since the outpouring at Pentecost. Is Holy Spirit Baptism for Today? So, how do we know that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for believers today? First of all, the Bible declares that the gift of the Holy Ghost (the promise of the Father) is given unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts 2:39). This means that both Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles) may receive the Fathers gift: And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them [Gentiles] the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us [Jews]; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith (Acts 15:8). As evidenced by these verses, the gift of the Holy Spirit is clearly available to anyone who is called and to anyone who believes; no other conditions apply. For there is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11; also see Galatians 2:6 and Ephesians 6:9). A second reason why the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for today is because Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12). Jesus even mentioned what signs would follow those who believe: And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18). Notice that these signs and miracles were not exclusively for the apostles; these signs would follow those who believe. Please note: Jesus was not suggesting that His disciples tempt God by purposely handling venomous snakes, seeking demons, or drinking deadly poison. Instead, Jesus was telling those who believed in Him that if they happened to find themselves in such life-and-death situations, His power would be available to them. A case in point occurred when the apostle Paul was bitten by a viper while collecting firewood but suffered no harm from it (see Acts 28:1-10). Thirdly, Gods Word gives no indication that believers today are excluded from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; rather, the Word teaches that divine callings require supernatural power! Followers of Jesus in the last days need the same empowerment that the early church received, for without a doubt, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12; also see John 15:18-19). The power (dunamis in Greek) of the Holy Spirit actually enables Christians to stand firm in the face of persecution and do the works Jesus did. Sadly, many Christians quench the Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19) by teaching that manifesting spiritual gifts, receiving miraculous healings, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons, and speaking in tongues died out in the first century. However, the Bible never implies any such thing! Has the Great Commission ceased? No, it has not. Has persecution on Christians ended? Not at all! Just as in the early church, believers today must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Gods Power in Modern Times There are, in fact, Christians around the world right now who are experiencing amazing signs and miraculous provision by the Holy Spirit, especially in places where persecution is intense (read, for example, The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun from China). These brothers and sisters in Christ have forsaken all to follow Jesus and often risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel. They do not seek signs and wonders but the signs and wonders follow them. Yet most Christians, it seems, are not seeing true signs and miracles or experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives because they are not willing to forsake all, walk by faith, or depart from sin. Such people have embraced a cheap and persecution-free gospel (which is not the message Jesus preached) and usually live defeated and discouraged lives; ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (II Timothy 3:7). Paul warned that in the last days, people would be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (II Timothy 3:4-5). Tragically, this rings true today. Many people have a form of godliness but deny or quench the power of godliness. What is the power of godliness? It is the Holy Spirit flowing through a pure, obedient vessel. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (II Corinthians 4:7). The Holy Spirit will work mightily through those who forsake fleshly and worldly ways, seek God with their whole heart, and walk in sanctification (allowing the Lord to purge all sin). It is understandable why there is such great opposition to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. After all, false tongues, counterfeit signs, and misuse of prophecy run rampant in many churches. However, abuses of a biblical doctrine do not invalidate the doctrine. Quite the contrary, abuses and counterfeits help to establish the importance of the genuine baptism in the Holy Spirit! Are there false tongues and false signs? Absolutely. The devil always counterfeits the things of God. But if there are false signs, by definition there must also be true signs and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. To find the biblical balance, we are to prove all things; hold fast that which is good (I Thessalonians 5:21) and search the Scriptures like the Bereans did (see Acts 17:11). Those who oppose the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues sometimes quote I Corinthians 13:8-10 which says, Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. Does this passage prove that speaking in tongues is not for today? Well, Paul refers here to prophecy, tongues, and knowledge as temporary signs, saying when that which is perfect is come then those temporary things will be done away. So we ask, what is that which is perfect? We dont have to guess, because Paul tells us in verse 12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. According to Paul, that which is perfect will happen when we see and know Jesus face to face! Until then, Paul said, we need prophecy, tongues, and knowledge to help us comprehend the supernatural things of God. Whats more, prophecy and tongues couldnt have died out yet because knowledge (Greek: gnosis) is still very much in existence. The three go together! In fact, these last days have ushered in an increase of knowledge (see Daniel 12:4). Paul understood the importance of the power of God for a believer when he said, And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (I Corinthians 2:4-5). Gods Word gives no indication that the infilling of the Holy Spirit was exclusive to the early church; rather, Jesus Himself said that His baptism was for anyone who believes. Those who desire to be bold and effective witnesses for Jesus and grow up into the fullness of their spiritual gifts and callings will not find what they need in clever preaching or in man-centered teachings (enticing words of mans wisdom). But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ... that no flesh should glory in his presence (I Corinthians 1:27-29). Gods power flows only through yielded vessels and humble servants. Who is the Holy Spirit? Well, the Bible teaches that God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and He is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator (Elohim, Deuteronomy 6:4) Who is revealed throughout Scripture in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. Now lets take a moment to discover what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is likened to oil (I Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 61:3). The Holy Spirit is likened to fire (Judges 15:14; Acts 2:3). The Holy Spirit is likened to water (Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37-39). The Holy Spirit is likened to wind (John 3:8; Acts 2:2). The Holy Spirit is Gods anointing (I John 2:27). The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (Isaiah 66:13; Matthew 23:37; John 14:16, 14:26, 16:7; Acts 9:31). The Holy Spirit is the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16). The Holy Spirit is the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5; Isaiah 11:2; Romans 11:33; II Corinthians 10:5; II Peter 1:2). The Holy Spirit is the breath of the Almighty (Job 32:8). The Holy Spirit is our helper (Acts 11:12, 16:6; Romans 8:26). The Holy Spirit is our teacher (Deuteronomy 32:9-11; Psalm 143:10; I Corinthians 2:10,13). The Holy Spirit bears witness within the children of God (Romans 8:14-16). The Holy Spirit convicts of sin (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit gives supernatural gifts (I Corinthians 12:8-10). The Holy Spirit births the Fathers spiritual children (Isaiah 48:16; John 3:5-8; Galatians 4:26-31). The Holy Spirit makes intercession for the children of God (Romans 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit reveals the Fathers love, or agape (Romans 5:5, 15:30; Galatians 4:6; II Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit always glorifies Jesus (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit (Spirit of truth) guides into all truth (John 15:26, 16:13; I John 4:6, 5:6). The Holy Spirit (Spirit of grace) sanctifies by the blood of Jesus (Romans 15:16; Hebrews 10:29). The Holy Spirit is power (Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13). The Holy Spirit is wisdom (Exodus 28:3, 35:31; Proverbs 8; Isaiah 11:2; Acts 6:3, 13:2; Ephesians 1:17; James 3:17). The Holy Spirit is the hand of God (Isaiah 1:25, 40:10; Ezekiel 3:14; Luke 11:20). Notice the last point above. Throughout Scripture, the arm of the Lord is a direct reference to Jesus (Yeshua), while the hand of the Lord refers to the Holy Spirit. O sing unto the LORD [Jehovah, the existing One] a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory (Psalm 98:1). The LORD hath sworn by his right hand [Spirit], and by the arm of his strength [Yeshua] (Isaiah 62:8). Both the arm and the hand of God work in perfect agreement with the will of the Father, Who is the head (see Matthew 26:39; John 14:28, 15:26; and I Corinthians 11:3). This is a powerful visual illustration to help us understand the biblical concept of the Godhead. Arm of the Lord: Jesus The salvation of God is revealed through Jesus the Messiah, Who is the arm of the Lord. Isaiah 52:10 says, The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isaiah later said, Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? (Isaiah 53:1). The verses which follow in Isaiah 53 are perhaps the most vivid prophecy ever written about the Messiah. An arm represents strength, authority, and leadership. Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand [Spirit], and his arm [Jesus] shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm [the Good Shepherd], and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:10-11). Jesus Christ is the arm of God extended to mankind, by Whom we may come to the Father. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself (II Corinthians 5:19). Jesus is the Redeemer: Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people (Psalm 77:15). Jesus is also the Image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the only Door to God (John 10:9), and the exclusive Mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5). Amazingly, the same outstretched arm Who reached out to mankind also created the universe! Ah Lord GOD! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm [Jesus], and there is nothing too hard for thee (Jeremiah 32:17; also see John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; and Revelation 4:11 about God creating the world through His Son). Jesus the Word became flesh (John 1:14), died on a cross as the perfect Lamb of God, was raised from the dead by the power of Gods Spirit (Romans 8:11), and then ascended to the right hand of Gods throne (Hebrews 12:2). Hand of the Lord: The Holy Spirit Old Testament prophets often associated the hand of the Lord with Gods Spirit. So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me (Ezekiel 3:14). The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones (Ezekiel 37:1). Psalm 80:17 is a prophetic verse about Jesus, the Man of Gods right hand: Let thy hand [Spirit] be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man [Jesus] whom thou madest strong for thyself. Some other verses linking the power of God with the hand of God are as follows: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever (Joshua 4:24). The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly (Psalm 118:16). A hand suggests direction, instruction, help, and comfort. The Holy Spirit is indeed the Helper, the Teacher of Gods children (I Corinthians 2:13; I John 2:27), and the divine Comforter (John 14:26). Also, a hand can represent skill, power, restraint, and touch (see Job 32:18; Isaiah 50:2; Luke 4:14, 11:20). All of these words accurately describe the work of God through the Holy Spirit. Now that we have a better grasp on the Bibles teaching about the Holy Spirit, lets find out how the hand of God (Holy Spirit) was essential to the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Jesus Was Filled with the Holy Spirit Like fresh heavenly oil, the Holy Spirit is the anointing from the Father, given to His Son Jesus (Yeshua). God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38). Notice in this verse that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. We know that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20), and therefore had the indwelling Holy Spirit all His life: And the child [Jesus] grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him (Luke 2:40). However, the time came when Jesus needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit to carry out His earthly mission. Remember that before coming to earth, Jesus emptied Himself of His divine privileges and power, making Himself nothing so that He could become human (Philippians 2:5-8). He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). As the perfect example of a human, Jesus did not perform any miracles until after He was filled with the Holy Spirit (see John 2:11), nor did He work miracles and endure trials with His own power. Instead, Jesus healed people and overcame suffering by daily yielding Himself to the power of the Holy Spirit. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men (Matthew 9:8). Jesus confirmed this truth when He said, But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you (Matthew 12:28). In His humanity, Jesus had to fully rely on His Father to perform miracles through Him, strengthen Him through suffering, and even raise Him from the dead (see Acts 3:15; Romans 10:9). So, how was Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit? Well, at about thirty years of age (Luke 3:23) Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. When Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, filling Him with power (Matthew 3:16). And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4:1). From that time on, Jesus was led by the Spirit and walked in the power of the Spirit. He healed the sick, raised the dead, overcame the temptations of Satan, cast out devils, faced persecution by those who did not believe, and ultimately, bore the sins of the world upon the cross. Jesus life on earth perfectly exemplified total dependency upon God (see Matthew 23:9; Luke 11:2). Jesus said, I and my Father are one (John 10:30), revealing that the Spirit of the Father (John 15:26) and the Spirit of the Son (Galatians 4:6) is the same Holy Spirit. The children of God are invited to share in this divine fellowship (oneness of Spirit), for the same Spirit Who filled and empowered Jesus is present within the heart of every born-again believer. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (I Corinthians 2:12). The Indwelling and the Infilling Now the question arises, Doesnt every Christian already have the Holy Spirit? If so, why is there a need to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? The answer is that the indwelling of the Spirit is not the same as the infilling of the Spirit. The indwelling of the Spirit, also called the Spirit of earnest (seed of the Holy Spirit), is given by the Father to every person who repents and believes in Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:16; II Corinthians 1:22). This is the spiritual baptism into Christ, or new birth, which Christians depict through water baptism. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). This is the Spirit of earnest (II Corinthians 1:22) by Whom we are saved. The infilling, on the other hand, is a gift offered to the children of God and is the power from on high (Luke 24:49) which Jesus promised to His disciples. Also called the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the infilling is received through faith and prayer and may be accompanied by the laying on of hands. Results of receiving the infilling include power to overcome sin, boldness to witness, divine comfort, sweet fellowship with Him, and a fuller manifestation of spiritual gifts. The indwelling and the infilling are distinctly different, although it is possible for both to coincide almost simultaneously. Just as the indwelling Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus in the heart of a believer unto salvation, so the infilling or outpoured Spirit reproduces the ministry of Jesus with power and boldness. The Holy Spirit is the living water in which believers are baptized (see I Corinthians 12:13) and the heavenly drink which Jesus offers (John 4:10). Jesus promised, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39). After Jesus was glorified, the living water of the Holy Ghost was poured out at Pentecost and numerous times thereafter to empower believers to spread the Gospel. The primary reason our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit is so that we can inherit salvation, but the Holy Spirit also empowers believers with the following: Ability to overcome sin (Galatians 5:16; Revelation 12:11) Boldness in witnessing (Acts 1:8) Deeper understanding of Gods Word (Isaiah 50:4; Revelation 2:29) Faith to endure trials (I Peter 1:7, 4:12) Greater manifestation of spiritual giftings (I Corinthians 12:7-10) Power in prayer (Romans 8:26-27) Truly, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for any believer who desires a closer walk with the Lord. However, the world cannot receive the Holy Spirit because it loves darkness rather than light (John 3:19) and worships what it sees and knows. Jesus told His disciples, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (John 14:17). Receiving the Holy Spirit Baptism Below is a biblical guideline on receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit based on the examples of New Testament believers. #1You must first receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Before you can receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, you must be born again (that is, spiritually conceived again). This new birth is a spiritual baptism whereby God cleanses you from all sin, makes you a new creation in Christ, and quickens (makes alive) your spirit by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples in 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. The disciples most likely received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when they saw and believed in the risen Lord (see John 20:22), but they received the baptism in the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This baptism was the power from on high to make them bold witnesses for Christ. #2Be water baptized as a profession of your faith. Although you can be baptized in the Holy Spirit prior to being baptized in water (see Acts 10:47), water baptism by full immersion is an important step in walking out your faith. It outwardly demonstrates the inner work of God in your heart and often helps prepare you to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Scripture says that there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one (I John 5:8). This verse could be applied to spiritual baptism, which has three facets: baptism in the blood of Jesus, baptism in water, and baptism in the Holy Spirit. A believer should experience all three. In Acts 8:12-17, Philip preached the Gospel with power, and people were water baptized to show that they received his message. 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. Afterwards, Peter and John came to these believers and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus [water baptism]. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Later in the book of Acts, Luke recounted Pauls conversation with some believers in Ephesus. These men had repented of their sins but had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul asked them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he [Paul] said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johns baptism [water baptism]. Paul then explained that Johns baptism pointed to Christ. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:6). #3Prepare your heart to receive the Holy Spirit baptism. Brothers and sisters in Christ, God will fill you with the Holy Spirit, but first you must walk in repentance and be willing to humble yourself to receive His gift by faith. The Lord looks not at the outward appearance but He looks on the heart (see I Samuel 16:7). Is your heart broken and contrite? Is it repentant? Is it hungry for Him? A pure heart, emptied of all pride, is one that is ready to be filled. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us (Acts 15:8). #4Ask your Heavenly Father to fill you with His Holy Spirit. The infilling of (immersion in) the Holy Spirit is a gift for those who earnestly desire and ask for it. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6). Jesus said in 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? This gift of the Holy Spirit, Who is the Comforter, is sent by the Father and the Son. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me (John 15:26). We cannot merit or deserve the baptism in the Holy Spirit; it is a free gift of the Father, and He is no respector of persons (see Romans 2:11). Every disciple of Jesus can receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit by faith (see Acts 15:8). In Acts 10:44-45 Luke wrote, While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision [the Gentiles or non-Jews] which believed were astonished, as many came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. #5Receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit through prayer and worship. Although you can receive the infilling of the Spirit in the privacy of your own home, sometimes it is helpful to have someone who is filled with the Holy Ghost lay hands on you and pray over you. This was common in the book of Acts (see 9:17-18 and 19:6). Here is a sample prayer to get you started: Heavenly Father, You said in Your Word, 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? (Luke 11:13). So I come to You as Your child, with a pure and hungry heart, desiring the infilling of Your Holy Spirit. Let Your Spirit rise up within me as I praise You. Im asking You in the name of Jesus (Messiah Yeshua) to baptize me with the Holy Spirit. Humble yourself before the Lord and begin worshipping and praising Him from your heart. The Bible says, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18-19). #6Be willing to speak in a new tongue as the Spirit gives utterance. While you are worshipping the Lord with all your heart, begin to praise Him for filling you with the Holy Spirit. You may sense joy and peace bubbling up inside you, as well as words or syllables which are not in your own language. Do not be afraid to speak forth these words, but begin to boldly worship and praise Him in the words that He gives you. That is the language of the Holy Spirit. Please note that the Lord will not force you to speak in tongues, but you may if you wish. He gives the utterance; you simply cooperate in speaking. As the reality of Gods promised blessing fills you, let it set you free. Step out in faith. Open your mouth and begin speaking in a language that only God could understand. The language of tongues does not come about through natural mental processes, but through the Spirit (see I Corinthians 14:14-15). For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries (I Corinthians 14:2). #7Seek the Lords presence and pray in the Spirit daily. Every day, you are encouraged to come into the presence of the Lord and find rest and refreshing by worshipping Him and praying in the Spirit. For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12; also see Acts 3:19). Praying in the Spirit is a marvelous way to communicate with God. The Holy Spirit knows what is needed and actually intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27). Continue to seek the Lord Jesus with all your heart and read His Word as if it were your daily sustenance. Your spirit will grow stronger from each moment spent in Gods wonderful presence, and the Holy Spirit will teach, empower, and equip you for every good work. Jude 1:20 states: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Through this process of spiritual growth, the Lord will teach you what it means to walk in the Spirit so that you do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (see Galatians 5:16). Moreover, He will bring about a fuller manifestation of your spiritual gifts and empower you with boldness in your faith. Hindrances to Receiving the Baptism There are a few hindrances to receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. These must be dealt with before the Spirit will come with power. Doubt — Unbelief (doubt) is the worst enemy of faith. You will not be able to come to God or receive from Him without faith. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). When approaching God, doubts such as What if the infilling of the Holy Spirit doesnt happen for me? must be conquered with the shield of faith. Listening to the world (television, media, certain friends and music) will tear down your faith and cause doubts, so build up your faith by reading and hearing the Word. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Pride — In the presence of Jehovah, no person will find approval in his own merits; for God alone gets the glory. The Bible tells us that God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise, and the things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence (I Corinthians 1:27-29). Pride shows up when a person seeks the praise of others or desires the power of the Holy Spirit to serve his or her own lusts (read the example of Simon in Acts 8:14-25 who tried to buy the Holy Spirit with money). God resists the proud heart, but He gives grace to the humble heart. We must therefore humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (see I Peter 5:5-6). The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite [humble] spirit (Psalm 34:18). Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not make someone better than another and should never be a reason for prideful comparison among believers. Fear — The Bible tells us to fear God only, for when you fear Him, you will have no need to fear anyone or anything else. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). This kind of fear is an awesome reverence and respect for Him Who is holy; it is recognizing how all-powerful our God (Jehovah) really is. For a Christian, the fear of God is the secret to inner peace. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3). The children of God can approach the throne of grace with boldness because of Jesus Christ. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). There is no place for fear of rejection when seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit, for your Heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (I John 4:18). Evidences of Holy Spirit Baptism In the book of Acts, the most common sign of Holy Spirit baptism was the expression of unknown tongues. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4; also see Mark 16:17; Acts 10:44-48, 19:6). Why was the sign of tongues the most common evidence of Holy Spirit baptism? Well, probably because a persons tongue is the most unruly member of the body (see James 3:2-10), so when the tongue is brought under the inspiration and influence of the Holy Spirit, there can be no doubt that the whole person has been immersed in the Holy Spirit. Some churches teach that speaking in tongues is the sole evidence of being filled with the Spirit, but this is not altogether true. The biblical examples indicate that in addition to tongues, evidences of being filled with the Spirit include prophecy (Luke 1:41, Acts 19:6), boldness (Acts 4:31), miraculous healings (Acts 5:15-16), spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19), wisdom (Acts 6:3), faith (Acts 6:8), and joy (Acts 13:52). Tongues were the common sign, but it was not recorded in every instance (see Acts 8:15-17 and 9:17-19). Also, some believers received the Holy Spirit infilling after water baptism (see Acts 10:5-6); others received it before water baptism (see Acts 10:44-48). Man often likes to put God in a box and predict the move of Gods Spirit with restrictive formulas, but the Holy Spirit works best with repentant, humble hearts that are yielded to Him and are willing to go with the flow. Like a heavenly wind, the Spirit comes and goes in perfect agreement with the will of the Father (see John 3:8). Paul taught that the sign of tongues was meant for prayer and personal edification, for building up the Body of Christ, and as a sign to unbelievers (see I Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:4-5,22). Paul said, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all and Wherefore, brethren, covet [desire] to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues (I Corinthians 14:18,39). Although tongues are beneficial, speaking in tongues should not be the focus of Holy Spirit baptism but rather fully yielding oneself in worship to Jesus. A language of the Spirit will often come spontaneously when the heart is so full of the Spirit that common words are insufficient for expression. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah experienced this kind of fullness, like a fire within: But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (Jeremiah 20:9). What did Jeremiah do? He prophesied with boldness to the people of Judah as the Spirit gave him the words to say. The apostle Paul said that every member in the Body of Christ is necessary, and not all will speak in tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (I Corinthians 12:30). There are, in fact, nine gifts or manifestations of the Spirit and diverse tongues is just one of them. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will (I Corinthians 12:7-11). Each of these nine gifts is a different manifestation of the same Spirit. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift, distributed by God as it pleases Him (I Corinthians 12:11). The gifts are given to edify the Body of Christ in love. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:16). A believer must exercise faith in using his or her gift, because the gifts are initially undeveloped and must be exercised to grow and become fully mature over time. The goal, however, is not for us to be self-focused on our spiritual gifts, but to honor Jesus Christ and walk in His footsteps of humility and servanthood. Conclusion The oil of the Holy Spirit consecrates us and lights our spiritual lamps, while the fire of the Holy Spirit purges sin (a process called sanctification) and ignites a flame of passion (love for Jesus) in our hearts. As believers in Christ, we are responsible for keeping our vessels pure and the oil full like the five wise virgins in Jesus parable (see Matthew 25:4) so that the light of Christ may shine brightly within us (see Matthew 5:14-16). Those of you who have been filled with the Holy Spirit in the past but have let the oil run out of your spiritual lamps, we encourage you to go to the Lord and ask for a fresh infilling of the Spirit. The Bible says, Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (Hebrews 2:1). The Greek wording of this verse could be translated lest at any time we should run out as leaking vessels. You, dearly beloved ones in Christ, are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual light is completely dependent upon the oil and flame of the Spirit of God. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (II Corinthians 4:6-7)
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 01:36:06 +0000
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