BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Joel 2:28 – Old Testament prophesy referring to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. God wants to “pour out” His Spirit on ALL flesh. (See Acts 2:38 – this Baptism is for ALL.)

“And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, …dreams, visions,” etc. When the Holy Spirit is poured out, unique gifts will be activated!

This prophesy was fulfilled for the first time in Acts 2:14-18 on the Day of Pentecost. This was the “former rain” of Joel 2, but today we are receiving the “latter rain”— an even greater outpouring of God’s Spirit.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an immersion into the Holy Spirit. (Jesus is the baptizer; the Holy Spirit is the element of baptism.) This is a separate experience from our Salvation experience. When we are first saved, we receive the “seed” of the Holy Spirit which enters us and “germinates” with our spirit. The Bible calls this seed the “Spirit of Christ”. In Acts 19:1-6, we see a number of born-again believers who have not yet received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. When a believer is immersed in the Holy Spirit, there is always evidence of an “overflowing” of that Spirit out of our mouth, (ie. tongues, prophesy, spiritual songs, etc.) Jesus prophesied of this in Jn. 7:38-39.

Acts 2:12-13 – on the Day of Pentecost, note that there were two reactions to speaking in tongues:
a) Sincere curiosity, open amazement. (This is the correct reaction!)
b) Mocking skepticism.
Acts 1:8 – Purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit; “You shall receive power.” Jesus didn’t want His disciples to leave Jerusalem until they received power. WE need power for today! See Lk.24:49.
Acts 2:4 – The primary outward sign of being Baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues.
(See Acts 10:46) In Mk. 16:17, Jesus named speaking in tongues as one of the signs that
should accompany believers.

What is the Purpose of Tongues? (the language of the Holy Spirit)
1) 1 Cor.14:4 – “One who speaks in a tongue edifies (builds up) himself.” Speaking in tongues strengthens your spirit (inner man). Jude 1:20 – “building yourselves up…praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Note: The Bible mentions two kinds of tongues in 1 Cor.13:1: a. “tongues of men” – ethnic languages with an interpretation; (spoken to men). b. “tongues of angels” – devotional heavenly tongues, “speak mysteries in the Spirit” to God; (1 Cor.14:2).
2) Rom.8:26-27: Speaking in tongues enhances your prayer life. “We do not know how to pray as we should…the Spirit Himself intercedes with groanings….” 1 Cor.14:14 – “If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays…” (the mind doesn’t comprehend) When we are being tempted, attacked, or just confused, speaking in tongues is a powerful weapon. As we speak “mysteries” directly to God, even the demons do not understand!
3) Eph. 5:18-19: “spiritual songs” means singing in tongues. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit enhances your ability to worship. Jn.4:24 – Worship in spirit and truth.

Results of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
1) Will increase your revelation of the Word of God—Jn.16:13, “He will guide you into all truth.”
2) Will give you power to witness – more effective evangelism. Acts 2:41 – 3,000 saved!
(see Jn.16:26-27, Acts 1:8)
3) Will give you power to minister in some of the Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor.12).
4) Will increase the fruits of the Spirit in your life (ie. love, joy, faith, peace, etc.) See Gal.5:22.
5) Will increase purification in your life – it is a baptism with fire! (Mt.3:11-12, Is.4:3-4) Speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “He will convict the world of sin…” Jn.16:7-8

How To Receive This Baptism
1) Begin Praising God – Ps. 22:3, He inhabits our praises. Praise out loud with abandonment—get your tongue “mobilized”! Acts 10:44-48; they heard them speak with tongues and MAGNIFY GOD.
2) Activate your Faith – We receive every experience in God by faith. As you sense the anointing of the Holy Spirit, step out in faith. (Take a risk.)
3) Receive – Allow the Holy Spirit to overflow. Stop speaking in English, but continue to
vocalize. (“seize, take hold off”, Acts 8:15, Acts 19:2, Acts 2:38) It is a GIFT from the Father;
we do not have to do anything special to “merit” this gift—we simply receive.* Remember—Maintain what you Receive! Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you daily as you pray,
worship, and speak or sing in tongues each day. Use the gift He has given you!