Today I visited a baptist community.I had emailed with the pastor before and told him I wanted the baptizm of the holy spirit.I expected him to lay his hands on me and then I thought I would be slain in the spirit but nothing of this happened.He simply took some oil and "painted" a cross on my forehead and that was it.I didn't start speaking in tongues and I also feel like I can't speak in tongues.I am insecure and don't know what to think now, did it work or not?
I mean don't people usually lay hands on to make others recieve the holy spirit? How shall I know wether he did everything correctly?
Posted by: koppen
To define the terms, baptism means "immersion or complete covering by, as to be engulfed by." The Holy spirit is God Himself. Just the thought of being engulfed with God is enough to thrill any heart! The baptism of the Holy spirit is the same as being "filled with the Holy Spirit." These terms are used synonymously in Acts 1:5 and 2:4.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a scriptural experience. Jesus referred to it several times during His ministry. In John 7:37-39 we read. "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, 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.) In John 3:5 Jesus declared, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Before His ascension, Christ told the disciples to wait it Jerusalem "for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me… Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts 1:4-5).
About ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell upon 120 obedient disciples who were gathered together in an upper room in Jerusalem. The twelve apostles and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were among this number. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4). This phenomenon and the powerful message of the Apostle Peter resulted in the conversion of 3,000 more on the same day.
In Acts 8:14-17 we read that the Samaritans were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:44-48 tells us that the household of an Italian named Cornelius received this wonderful experience of speaking with other tongues as they were filled with the Spirit.
Twelve disciples of John the Baptist were converted in Acts 19:1-6, being rebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. They, too, spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. This experience was a powerful force in the lives of the early Christians. Being born again of the Spirit, they entered into a new spiritual realm of life. The Spirit empowered them for witnessing, comforted them in trials, and enriched their daily lives with blessings. The fruit of the Spirit was manifest as the Spirit cultivated in their lives the Christian virtues mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience offered throughout this present age. In the last century many millions of people have received the Holy Spirit. This happened in churches, in homes, on trains, in autos, and anywhere a repentant heart has looked up to God in faith.
People from all walks of life and all religious convictions have proved the promise of the Scripture in Acts 2:38. "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."
"Whosoever will" is the language of the Scripture. All who will surrender to the terms of the gospel may receive this vital experience with God.
Don't settle for less! Forget about denominational dogmas, and study your Bible concerning this experience. Then find a church that preaches the full gospel, where the Holy Ghost is being receiver. Open your heart to Christ and let Him be real to You. He wants You for a temple of His Holy Spirit.
Revelation 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him."
Do tongues always accompany the baptism of the Spirit? The Book of Acts indicates this to be so; it describes tongues and nothing else as the initial sign associated with the individual filling. A Spirit baptism without tongues is a nonbiblical concept; the Bible does not discuss this possibility. We should always expect speaking in tongues when someone receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
When you receive the Holy Spirit, the evidence to you and the church will be when you speak with tongues. The tongue is the most "unruly" member of the body. Doesn't it make sense that when we receive the Holy Ghost, God would take that which we have little or no control over and use it for His glory? James 3:5-8
John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.''
Posted by: jedijeb
My question here would be does this mean that not all Christians have the Holy Spirit. I believe that all born again believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them,
(1Co 6:19 Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own)
and tongues is only one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit just as mentioned by Paul
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.
1Co 12:7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:
1Co 12:9 to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;
1Co 12:10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:
1Co 12:11 but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will. -----
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
Of course the next chapter speaks of how all that we do should be done in love, and without love all is in vain. Then in Chapter 14 Paul goes on to tell the church at Corinth that focusing so much on speaking in tongues that they ignore the rest of the gospel and gifts of the Spirit is also not what God wants them to do.
I do believe in speaking in tongues, and I have done it once myself. It was only briefly while in deep prayer and at a time when I was hurting and desparately seeking God and to know His presence. But I had experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit many times in my life before that, and in some pretty miracleous ways.
It is not wrong to desire to speak in tongues, but don't desire it above all else.
There are places where the Bible mentions a filling or baptism of the Holy Spirit where those filled are not mentioned as immediately speaking in tongues
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
Act 4:30 while thy stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.
Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul:
Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Act 8:17 Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Act 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity.
Act 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Act 9:17 And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Act 9:18 And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;
Act 9:19 and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
Act 9:20 And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
Frederik, if the Lord knows that you are seeking His will and are wanting to be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit for His purposes, you will be filled so full that you will be amazed beyond belief. If God knows though that as soon as it happened you would immediately start questioning what had happened by saying " maybe I was just too excited or maybe I just made it up myself" then He is most likely not going to bring the experience to you. And would you even want God to give you that experience if there was the possibility that you would question it that way, because I think doing that sounds like blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and you definately would not want to do that. Maybe God is still protecting you from yourself, waiting till He knows you have come far enough to accept Him totally before giving you this experience you are seeking. Remember God is all wise and all loving and will not give you something which could do more harm than good. Seek God with all your heart, try to push beyond the point that you would ever question anything which could come from Him. Learn to stand on faith alone, and remember if you have to have proof, then it isnt faith. Faith is when you decide in your heart that you will believe even if there is never proof.
Posted by: Ericsmom
agree with above posts - let's not focus on the gift but just praise and worship the Giver.
Posted by: Frederik
I cannot speak in tongues, this would mean it didn't work.
Maybe he should have laid his hand on me.
Posted by: Tafi
Frederik, you being unable to speak in tongues does not mean you didn't receive the Holy Spirit. There is no one sign alone to show that you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there are many different signs of the outpouring of the Spirit in the book of Acts. Even, in Luke for example, Luke 1:41-45 and 1:67 give examples of people "filled with the Spirit" with the result that they prophesied, they didn't speak in tongues. Sometimes tongues appear as a sign that people have been baptized by the Spirit. Other times: boldness in evangelism, prophecy, joy, thankfulness, submission, or musical praise. Why do we need to make a choice of just one?
Don't limit or underestimate God, you could have received the Holy Spirit and there are great manifestations in the Spiritual world but not the physical. If you believe in your heart that you received it, then you did, just seek God now, Him alone and all other things shall be added to you.
Posted by: Frederik
Hi Tafi,
what does believing in my heart mean?
I mean I am a bit insecure cause I felt nothing and because he didn't lay his hands on me****ually you lay hands on when somebody wants the holy spirit.
Thr problem is that I ask myself wether I might have messed it up by doubting, but I don't think I doubted before.I simply was kind of disappointed afterwards cause nothing happened and I had imagined it differently.I cannot believe that I recieved it as much as I believe in Jesus.
There are simply too many elements of uncertainty.
Posted by: Tafi
I guess beleiving in your heart is taking it as it is without doubt and being sure of it even if you can't see it physically. That you asked Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit and that Jesus will not keep it from you but He will give it to you immediately but it is up to you to receive it. However the pastor prayed for you I don't think really matters because it is up to God and he will use whatever ways to give you the Holy Spirit and we shouldn't limit God with our own traditions.
I'll pray for the uncertainty and confusion to be removed, in Jesus' Name, because it is not of God. I pray for the doubt and whatever ways satan is trying to steal this gift from you by lying will stop, Jesus I pray for protection, peace and a sound mind. Let Frederik know, in whatever way, with physical manifestations or just in his heart. AMEN.
Posted by: Frederik
Thank you.
But what if God gave my the baptizm and I am not sure wether I got it, does this mean he removes it cause I doubted?
Posted by: Tafi
God's grace is sufficient for us, He will not remove it from you, just receive and keep praying.
Posted by: Frederik
I pray. But when I've already got it then I don't have to pray for it anymore, correct?
Posted by: Tafi
I guess so. You know what I also was very confused about the baptism thing. I was baptized by water when I was a baby but a while back I felt God saying that I needed to be baptized. So I thought that God was saying that, because babies don't know why they are being baptized, I had to be baptized again. He was actually saying that He wanted to me to be baptized by the Holy Spirit not by water, that although I was baptized by water as a baby, that His grace will take care of that. God's grace is amazing and it really is sufficient.
When I got baptized by the Holy Spirit, I didn't speak in tongues, I didn't fall over, I didn't even feel anything. But I definately did get baptized by the Holy Spirit and the manifestations physically started to show a little later. God works differently with different people, we can't try to figure out why God does certain things, because He is God. If you beleive you got baptized and you received it, just trust God now and the fruit will be seen later. Pray that God shows you and that you hear whatever He says to you and I guess when you see the fruit you can stop praying for it but start praying for other stuff.
Posted by: Frederik
I'll do that. Thank you.
Posted by: focusongod
I know that you placed this message a while ago, God is in control. My reply to this is simply this. Quit looking to man for something that only God can give. This is a gift from God not a gift from man. I am Baptist and I truly believe in being baptized in the Holy Spirit. I have spoken in tongue and I have translated. Relgion has nothing to do with this, having a true relationship with God has everything to do with this. Don't think that because you haven't spoken in tongue that you are not worthy, it may be that you are not spiritually prepared for this gift. Allow God to mold you so that one day you will receive this gift and let our father know that this is your desire.
God Bless YOu,
Focusongod
Posted by: Frederik
I want a true relationship with God, but I don't know what to do.
I mean I talk to God but I never get an answer, at least I hear nothing.
I cannot simply talk to God the whole time cause I don't even know what he wants to hear. In my eyes a relationship is not just talking to somebody and not getting an answer.
Posted by: cgirl
Hi Freddy. You do have a relationship with God. The Bible says Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Do you believe the Lord Jesus? Yes, of course you do. So you see, you are saved. And Fred, you do more than just believing. You are seeking Him. Like you are now, asking for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. That's seeking Him, and you dont even realize it. You are stronger than you think you are. I have the same problems you do. I was baptized in the Holy Spirit 136 years after I had first asked (kidding of course but it felt that long.) So don't be discouraged. Instead of receiving doubts, speak faith. And keep seeking Him, you will gain more and more strength.
1Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
Posted by: Frederik
Of course I am seaking, but seaking without finding is boring,you know?
I wanna finally see results.
Posted by: Tatian
Dear Frederik, Jesus placed His hands on the little children and blessed them who were in health. He wants childlike trust in Him. If you listen to testimonies of others who received the Spirit it is like salt which makes you thirsty for living water and God's other blessings. You can receive the Spirit, and not know it.
One of the Hell's Angels sluts was prayed for and testified that even in her rebellion she received Christ and that this gradually transformed her off sex and drugs. She became a Christian.
You can have the gift of tongues and need help to release the prayer verbally. Sometimes the minister does not give as freely as he received. As it was said by Jesus we shall freely give. Thus you may not have a gift.
It is a matter of the heart. Look in your mind relaxedly to God, and read Hebrews 11 and 12 on meditating on Christ crucified. The Spirit points us to Him and not to Himself. And go thru the names of God with understanding. Elohim, the name Adam knew. The mighty creators of all and yourself individually. Take it personally for He looks at you by yourself and created you for the times you live in.
El Shaddai, God who is mighty to satisfy, nourish and supply. Yahweh, God who is actively present with His people. Yahweh Rohi, God our shepered. Yahweh Rapha, God our healer. Yahweh Tsidkenu, God our righteousness. Yahweh Shalom, God our or your peace, nothing missing and nothing broken, fullness of life.
You should look out to Him trusting He is very, very near to you and trust He is all for you, the shepered that lays down His life for the sheep and lambs. Be a trusting lamb and let fear go. Fear and doubt are intricately related. His providential hand reaches as far into your life as need be to give you your hearts desire if it glorifies God.
And choose to glorify Him unreservedly. Reflect His excellencies become Christ-like (therein is glorification). The Spirit from within does this. Tongues edifies you into Christ righteousness. Glorify Him by spreading the Kingdom of God. Wherever Christ is enthroned there is His Kingdom. To come to love and obey God glorifies Him greatly indeed ("God is love", John). To suffer for what is right does too. Faith and healing glorifies Him.
Your salvation from sin and trouble, your healing of spirit, soul and body and your prosperity with restoration in each area, pleases and glorifies Him.
Worship in itself is what God wants, praises and thankful attributions. Honour to His name and services rendered according to His will are what we are made for and please Him. Coming to Him unselfishly to accomplish these ends will cause God to respond to your faith and requests and will. He will enrich you with healing, changes and equipment.
So listen to testimonies and read God's word (on the blessings of living water, the anointing... and promises), go over His names often and look to Christ crucified choosing to trust in your heart of your spirit, deeper than just mentally till fear goes. Feed your faith and hunger for more of God.
Look up to your personal sacrificial Lamb on the highest throne interceding for you and become as confident as you will. In private perhaps bow to him and at His names like Jesus was worshipped in the Gospel and like Daniel and Namaan mentions. Tell God what you want so to glorify Him... and a good pastor will know about it sometimes without you telling him or her.
Find the right pastor of the true Spirit of God. And ask for a foot up into the things of God. You should not always need to rely on a man to help you up but seek God's hand and face (relational presence) for yourself. Aim to become independant. Dependant on God, interdependant with fellows.
When being prayed for, tell God he is a priviledge and honour to be touched by and ask Him in. Faith and intimacy with Him should win over fear and control and analysis. You receive by faith and you and your pastor can't give away what you and your pastor don't have.
In sickness and troubled time we close up our hearts to God, but the sprinkling of Jesus blood opens our hearts and spirits for filling and cleansing!!!
The blood of the lamb and the blessings of the Spirit change us from the inside out to Christ-likeness. It makes us righteous and drives away fear, washes away sins and foul thoughts. It claims us for His purposes as His own possession. Ask for His blood and His choice of pastor, I have experienced these!
The blood heals up holes in us and nourishes our, your spirit when applied and taken and accepted such as in a quiet unconfused moment. It will open and soften and warm your heart. You can be a liberal giver.
If confused you may mistakenly harden your heart so be discerning.
I have experienced some of these things, go for God with violence and apprehend His Kingdom and best blessings Frederik! Just relax and be yourself (some pastors give strange instructions).
Posted by: Ruth Terech
Dear fellow christian,
Maybe you are a little impatient, and God is teaching you patience. My son was baptist in the spirit. And I looked for something right away, but it didn't happen like that. As days went by I saw the God in him. His life changed, his spirit became more patient, loving, and caring of others. He prayed more,
he loved deeper. Not everyone gets all the gifts, God decides who can handle what. I have been a christian for years, at least 40 years and I can not speak in tongues. But I know I am one of his. Relax with your love, look in the mirror, are you reading the word, studing to become more God like. It is work on your part, and God will answer your prayers but sometime you must just be still.
God Bless You
Ruth
Posted by: Frederik
Thanks for your replies.
I am still, I try to listen to God but I never hear anything, I don't know what to think of this.
Posted by: koppen
Acts 19: "Into what, then, were ye baptized?"
He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"
They answered him, "We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Acts 19:2
Opening prayer: Father, there is a lot of misunderstanding about baptism and your Holy Spirit. Please open our hearts to understand both water baptism and being baptized with the Holy Spirit, we pray in Jesus' name.
Have you ever met folks that thought they were Christians but didn't have a clue?
Paul met a group of people like this, in Acts 19, verses 1-3:
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" So they said to him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism."
This little group apparently had sincerity and faithfulness, since they were observing something besides the local flavor of idolatry. They might have even called themselves disciples of Jesus. But the Holy Spirit gave Paul the discernment that they were missing something.
Getting it right
Paul took three steps to get the Ephesians onto the right track:
He explained the plan of salvation more clearly, as we have done in the Transformed Life series of lessons.
He explained the proper meaning of water baptism. This is implied by the fact that they wanted to be baptized in water again.
He introduced and explained the concept of being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Water Baptism
The word "baptism" translates the Greek word baptisma, which means "dipping" or "immersion." It is related to another Greek word baptismos, which refers to the ceremonial washings performed by Jewish people.
John the Baptist taught baptism (baptisma) as a symbol of repentance from sin. Later, the disciples of Jesus taught baptism as a symbol of identification with their Lord.
The symbolism of Christian water baptism is very simple. When a person is lowered under the water, the picture is that of a person dying or drowning voluntarily, without putting up a struggle. When the new believer is lifted back above the surface of the water, it is a picture of being raised from the dead by God's power.
The obvious parallel is to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus permitted the Roman soldiers to take His life, and His lifeless body was laid into an underground tomb. Three days later, God raised the body of Jesus to life.
When we are baptized, we declare that we're voluntarily dying to our old way of ignorance and spiritual death. We thereby identify with our Lord, Who died for us. We confess that our old life (our old religion) was powerless to save us, and we willingly give it up.
When we're lifted to the surface, we declare that by trusting in God's power and grace, we will be raised to walk in newness of life.
You should be baptized in water
Jesus voluntarily submitted to be baptized by John the Baptist, not to earn His salvation but to serve as an example for us. You should be baptized in water as a sign to the outside world that you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. You should be baptized as an act of obedience to the commands of Jesus.
In the last two verses of the gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19-20 we read:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
This is clear and simple. Jesus is not describing the plan of salvation. He is telling the disciples to go and teach other people to follow Jesus. People who follow Jesus should do certain things as an act of faith in the principles shown in Scripture.
Does water baptism save you?
At Calvary, one of the two criminals crucified with Jesus repented and gave his heart to Jesus before he died. Jesus said to him, "Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) Nobody took that criminal down from the cross and baptized him before he died. But he had Jesus' personal assurance that he would instantly go to heaven on his death.
Most of us have a bit more available time than the criminal on the cross. We can surely find time, between now and the grave, to be obedient of a simple request of Jesus.
Be wary of denominations who teach that baptism -- in accordance with their rules and doctrine -- is required for salvation. Don't believe it. If you study the Scriptures for yourself, you might discover that these same denominations deviate from Scripture in some of their other doctrines, too.
Infant Baptism
Only one group of people ever got baptized in the Bible: those old enough to make a conscious decision to follow the Lord. Baptism was (and should be) an act of obedience performed after a person begins to trust in Jesus.
Infant baptism is a meaningless ritual in God's eyes. The baby is too young to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus. It's as pointless as trying to wish salvation on a stubborn sinner.
On the other hand, many churches perform "baby dedications." The parents bring their young ones forward for the pastor and congregation to pray over them. In this way, the parents dedicate themselves to raising the children to follow Jesus, in accordance with the Scriptures. God certainly does approve of this.
If you were baptized as an infant, please don't be angry if your pastor suggests getting baptized to celebrate your new birth in Jesus. If you rebel against this simple command of Jesus, then ask yourself, "Why not?" It's just part of growing up -- to make a public identification with the death, burial and resurrection of your Lord. Receive water baptism, so you can move on to the more exciting baptism: being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Immersed in the Holy Spirit
The people that Paul encountered said they were disciples of John the Baptist. They had been baptized in water as a symbol of their repentance from sin. But they were very likely converted and baptized secondhand, by traveling disciples of John.
Their ignorance was not John's fault. John's teaching concerning baptism and the Holy Spirit is featured prominently in all four Gospels.
Let's start with Matthew chapter 3, verses 11-12:
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
These verses not only introduce the concept of Holy Spirit baptism, they also introduce the fire of judgment. Jesus will baptize His people with the Holy Spirit and gather them like wheat into His barn. Those who rebel against His Holy Spirit will be torched. It's a simple black-and-white choice. There will be no half-burned weeds in heaven, and no half-toasted wheat grains from Purgatory.
We see the same message in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, verses 7-8:
And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 "I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
In Luke 3:16-17, we see the same message:
John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire."
This account is very similar to the one in Matthew, with its reminder that not everything growing in the Lord's field is real wheat.
The Gospel of John, chapter 1 verses 32-33 has a slightly different perspective, quoting John the Baptist after he had baptized Jesus in the Jordan:
And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'"
When you see the Gospel accounts side-by-side, several points jump out at you:
This must be an important subject, to be mentioned in ALL FOUR Gospel accounts.
John the Baptist taught this on multiple occasions, both before and after he had baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
The precise phrase is being "baptized with the Holy Spirit."
The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Christian experience. Like Water Baptism, it is NOT an absolute requirement for salvation. However, like Water Baptism, it is a matter of obedience. If you rebel against either type of baptism, maybe you aren't really saved.
The word "baptism" means dipping, used in the Greek language to describe the process of dying a garment or drawing water from a pot. To be Baptized with the Holy Spirit means to be immersed in God and brought up filled or drenched in Him.
This is a very precious offer from God. The Creator of the universe is willing to immerse you in Himself. The implications are staggering. To refuse this precious offer ("My denomination says that stuff is from the devil.") is to insult the One who created you, and to risk being left behind on the threshing floor.
If you have been innocently ignorant of this Baptism, please keep reading. The Lord has a very special treat for you. Soon.
Jesus also spoke of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, in Acts chapter 1, verses 4-8:
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 5 "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
This passage gives us even more insight:
This was our Lord's final conversation with His disciples before ascending to heaven.
The disciples minds were cluttered with ambitious notions and questions about Jesus' Kingdom. Jesus brushed all that aside to focus their attention on their upcoming Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus commanded the disciples NOT to begin their evangelistic work until AFTER receiving this Baptism.
The disciples were already saved. They had trusted in Jesus for their salvation and had been baptized in water.
The disciples were already trained. They had been personally tutored by Jesus for three years. They had already made missionary trips, preaching the Gospel. They had worked powerful miracles and cast out demons in Jesus name.
The disciples were saved, water baptized, trained, sincere and enthusiastic. They had already achieved certain things in Jesus' name. But they had not yet received POWER.
YOU might be saved, water baptized, trained, sincere and enthusiastic. Perhaps you have already achieved certain things in Jesus' name. But until you have been Baptized with the Holy Spirit, you have not received the POWER that Jesus considered essential.
Until you receive this POWER, you will be trying to do the work of God in your own strength. God may bless you partially, but the fullness will elude you.
The very first Baptism with the Holy Spirit was not subtle, as we see in Acts 2, verses 2-4:
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
This was different than anything the disciples had ever experienced before. In fact, it's probably different from anything that YOU have ever experienced.
Hey, teacher! My seminary professor says that was a one-time event, never to be repeated.
Your professor is only partly correct. Special outward manifestations of God's power accompanied several events in the Book of Acts.
One notable event was Acts 4, verses 29 through 31:
"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
The disciples were praying for boldness, because they were beginning to encounter opposition. The disciples had great faith, and they were praying for God to keep His promises (always a good idea). God sent a tiny manifestation of His power to shake the building, and sent a mighty manifestation of His power to give His people boldness.
Another special event is in Acts 10, verses 44-47:
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
Peter was preaching the Gospel to Gentiles who feared the God of Israel but were not born Jewish. As Peter spoke, they believed his message and began trusting Jesus for their salvation. In response to their faith, God sent the Holy Spirit upon them in great power. The believers who were "of the circumcision" were astonished because the Gentiles had: "...received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
A third special event is in Acts 18:25-26.
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.
Wait a minute, teacher! None of these events happened just like Acts chapter 2.
That's exactly my point -- that God frequently manifests His miraculous power for a special occasion. But He never allows Himself to be put into a ritualistic pattern.
God does this for a reason. In the five books of Moses, God precisely spelled out important worship procedures. He called for special types of sacrifices to be performed by specially dedicated priests on specially designated occasions in a specially designed Tabernacle. He did this for a reason: to point forward to His Son, Jesus, the Messiah of Israel. All the rituals and Tabernacle furniture painted a picture of Jesus, so we would be sure to recognize Him when He came. Only the Messiah could fulfill EVERY symbol of Tabernacle worship.
In the New Testament, Jesus came and perfectly fulfilled the prophecies. The Mosaic Law and Levitical worship procedures are now like maps in a museum. They reflect the best information available at the time, but we no longer put our trust in them. The Messiah has already come. Now we put our trust in Him.
Under the New Covenant, Jesus says, "Follow Me." If we obediently follow Jesus and become Baptized with the Holy Spirit, God Himself comes to dwell in our hearts. If we submit to the Holy Spirit and walk uprightly, He will transform our lives from the inside out.
If we continue steadfastly walking in faith, submitted to the Holy Spirit, we become a functional part of the Body of Christ, the Church, with Jesus Himself as our Head. This composite picture, then, will look like Jesus. Individually we have good days and bad days, but we have a more-important role to play in His Body.
The net effect is that when a non-believer encounters the Church, he or she should encounter Jesus. The Holy Spirit will work through us to speak to that person's heart. From time to time, the Holy Spirit may require a miracle to be done through our hands or through our prayers. If we are functioning parts of Christ's body, miracles should be a normal part of our lives.
Doesn't the Baptism of the Holy Spirit happen at the same time as conversion? I thought that ALL believers were filled with the Holy Spirit automatically.
Again, there is a grain of truth in that. All believers do receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts at the moment of conversion. That's what it means to be born again: to be given a supernatural implant of God's own nature within us. The Lord's disciples were saved. They were born again, and had an implant of God's Holy Spirit in their hearts. But until Pentecost, they were not yet empowered for service.
A passage in Acts 8, verses 5-13 illustrates this principle:
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
Make no mistake about it: God was working powerfully through Philip. People were repenting of their sins and being baptized. The sick were healed. Demons were cast out. "And there was great joy in that city" (verse 8). Even the local sorceror was impressed. God was working mighty things -- through Philip. But there's more to the story.
We see the rest of the story in verses 14-17:
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
We learn quite a bit from this story:
There was nothing wrong with the work that Philip had done. God had used him mightily to accomplish His will.
The people of Samaria were genuinely saved and water-baptized before receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The joy they felt was genuine, and proof that the Holy Spirit had already begun working in their hearts.
The miracles were done by Philip, who had received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
We are not told why Philip didn't pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. My personal conjecture is that God deliberately worked this way to illustrate a principle: that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is separate from the infilling of the Holy Spirit in power.
So what happens when people become Baptized with the Holy Spirit?
Good question! We've already seen some examples in the Book of Acts. At Pentecost, the disciples miraculously spoke in other languages, so that all the foreigners in Jerusalem observing the feast were able to hear in their own languages. At other times, people spoke in unknown tongues or began to prophesy. Sometimes there were miracles and healings. In every case, the believers seemed to have a different type of experience.
Despite the diversity of experiences, we can generalize that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit does two things to the believer:
The believer receives spiritual GIFTS.
The believer begins to bear spiritual FRUIT.
Both the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit are profound subjects, worthy of in-depth study. We have separate lessons on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Now let's return to Acts 19 and read verses 4-6:
Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
What should strike you about this scene is how NORMAL it is. You can see these activities (conversion, water baptism, laying on of hands, and Holy Spirit gifts) on a regular basis in good, Bible-believing churches today. This was a small group of people, and the display of the Holy Spirit's power didn't shake the ground or part the river in the middle. And it's clear that Paul and the other early believers believed the infilling with the Holy Spirit and the gifts were a separate transaction from salvation and water baptism.
OK, I'm convinced. How do I get Baptized with the Holy Spirit? What's the formula?
In our Scriptural examples, we saw believers receive the Baptism several different ways:
The disciples at Pentecost received the Holy Spirit by praying as a group as commanded by Jesus. They had been specifically promised this Baptism by Jesus, and were acting in faith, expecting to receive it.
The Gentiles at Cornelius' house received the Holy Spirit while Peter was still explaining the basic Gospel message to them. They had no expectation of this Baptism, but God blessed them with it for His glory and for our education.
The believers in Samaria received were Baptized with the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid hands on them and prayed for them. This appears to be the most-common method in Scripture.
A few friends of mine (actually, only two, and they live in opposite ends of the country) received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit almost by accident, like the people in Cornelius' house. Both were members of churches that taught against the Holy Spirit gifts. Both began speaking in tongues spontaneously, without any effort or expectation. One was just a teenager at the time. This type of Baptism MIGHT happen to you, but don't hold your breath.
At various times in Church history, groups of believers (from non-Spirit-filled denominations) have sparked revivals by gathering together to pray persistently for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. These Christians just KNEW that God wanted to Baptize them with the Holy Spirit, and were determined to pray until they received that blessing.
In my personal experience, the surest way to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit is to find a good Bible-believing, Spirit-filled congregation and have a responsible person (pastor, counselor, home group leader, deacon, or elder) pray with you.
I tried that, teacher! But I haven't experienced anything special yet!
Not everybody has an "experience" at the time. As a home group leader and counselor, I've seen the full range of possibilities:
Some have felt a peaceful joy come over them, moving them to tears.
Some have immediately begun speaking in tongues.
A few have passed out.
One fellow (at an outdoor evangelistic crusade) prayed with us to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, and asked for the Holy Spirit baptism -- anything that might help him get free of drugs. As we prayed, he passed out and lay on the ground -- twitching occasionally -- as we continued praying over him for release from the demons that had run his life. When this man finally came to his senses (20 minutes later), his first words were: "What was THAT?" We explained that the Holy Spirit had immersed him, filled him, and done a healing work in his heart. The experience was dramatic and real, but rare.
Some other people haven't felt anything at the time. Your teacher was in this group. That's a story to be told in another lesson.
If you have not yet received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, you have a wonderful experience ahead of you. If your church congregation teaches against the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, ask God to lead you to another congregation. If you aren't sure where to look or what to look for, try finding the nearest Calvary Chapel.
Closing Prayer: Lord, I earnestly desire ALL that You have for me, even if it sounds a little strange to me at first. Fill me with Your Spirit, and guide me in Your truth, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Posted by: JeriRose12
Frederik, remember the dream you had when you felt the heat on you in your sleep? And it scared you? Well, that was God. I have been praying and praying to be in the place where I can barely breath in God's Presence, as you said happened to you (what they call rarified air). Recently, God spoke to me that I would be in the place of rarified air and many other things I have been asking and asking Him for. But it hasn't happened yet. You alreday received something that I haven't!!! I, who have been asking God FOR YEARS, to touch me in awesome ways (and whom you seem to think has so much more in God than you do).... Don't be afraid, Frederik. God just shared a word with me recetnly that His people are not to be afraid of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And as Benny Hinn is explaining on his program this week the Holy Spirit was the pillar of fire in the old testement. Therefore, the Holy Spirit was The Source of the heat that touched you!
Dear Lord (are we allowed to pray in Christian Discussions?), please touch Frederik again, and please let him know it's You, and please let him receive his tongue of men or of angles. In Jesus Name, amen.
~JeriRose~
Seeking HIM in 2004
Posted by: Frederik
I don't know if this was genuine or just a dream, all I know is that it didn't really feel good but I would rather say it was a dream. I cannot remember much of it cause this was month ago but I don't think it was heat, maybe it was also cold, I'm not sure.
I think if God had given me something back then, then I'd know it.
Posted by: Tatian
Recieve by faith and worship by faith. People often seem to recieve alot when worshipping. Sometimes however when in prayer to recieve a foot up from another (who moves) in the things of God, we must be in quiet and unconfused. We need get rid of all issues and dilemmas with God, trust wholly in His absolute goodness and open our heart to God. Opening ones arms out is part of this. It is like a door. Jesus blood can open the way if you find it too tricky!! Check Vineyard and The Pentecostal Assemblies Of God churches for a powerful minister and guest preachers, and pray for God to give you the right pastor.
Cornelius was baptized after the greater blessings. Be hungry for God, food for eternal life and glory. The Bread of Life...,...
