Baptism - Part 4 (Power, continued)

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 "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance."  (Acts 2:4, NASB) 
   There are three baptisms mentioned in the New Testament writings. Each is unique, and each has it's own meaning and significance. This post is the final of four that looks at what Scripture says about each, although they will be covered in a different order than they chronologically appear in the NT.

   There have been a number of arguments against Holy Spirit baptism, but they will not be addressed here. The New Testament revealed this experience to be the norm for all believers, whether Jew or Gentile. In addition, the NT gives no command, precept, or prophecy that this was to cease until Jesus returns (1 Cor. 13:10).  
   The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an empowering to witness and live. (Acts 1:5-8) It is true that the day of Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2 is the arrival of the Holy Spirit to humanity as a whole, but not entirely. The Bible records that the disciples (minus Judas) received the Holy Spirit into their lives after Jesus rose from the grave. (Jn. 20:22-23) In other words, they became temples of the Holy Spirit.(1 Cor. 3:16) On the day of Pentecost something different happened. The disciples saw the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy of God that said, "... I will pour out My spirit on all mankind..." (Joel 2:28-29, NASB) The events that happened on that day were not limited to the day of Pentecost. It happened to the Samaritans (Acts 8:4-18), the Gentiles at Ceasarea (10:44-48), and even Paul experience this incredible event (Acts 9:17-18, 1 Cor.14:18). Furthermore, Scripture gives no indication that this should be any different for succeeding generations.
   When looking at the verses mentioned above, there is a common event or sign that accompanies the baptism in the Holy Spirit: speaking in tongues. So much focus has been on this, and much of it  has been negative. Speaking in tongues is a heavenly manner of communication which Jesus desires to give to all of His children. The Bible tells us that a person speaking in tongues speaks to God  and speaks mysteries in the spirit (1 Cor. 14:2), edifies or builds up themselves (14:4), their spirit prays (14:14). It is the first or initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as recoded in Acts, although it may not, and should not, be the only evidence.
    Let me share just a couple of thoughts on the issue of "how" to receive this baptism of power.  First, not to be overly simple here, but exercise faith, much the same way as when you were saved. (Rom. 10:9-10)  Jesus said, "All things are possible to him who believes." (Mk. 9:23, NASB) If you are not going to believe when you ask Jesus to baptize you, then what is the point? Second, surround yourself with like-minded believers. Those who say this is not real or has ceased will only bring more doubt to your spirit. Finally, ask to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Lk. 11:13) Jesus is the baptizer (Mk. 1:8). Another Christian cannot baptize you in the Holy Sprit, it is an act of Jesus. There is not enough room to in this post to answer every question or address every obstacle, but that is not the purpose either. I simply want you to see what the Word of God says about the matter. 
   I had a bumper sticker on my truck years ago that said, "Sometimes you must believe before you can see."  It is my prayer that the LORD Jesus would send a fresh wave of His power over all who read this post, baptizing each of you in the Holy Spirit. 
   If you have any questions, please add them below. I would love to tell you personally of the change that happened in my life once I was baptized in the Holy Sprit.
   

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