Speaker: Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit – Part 7

1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: (2) You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. (3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

In verse 3 notice Paul said that the Holy Ghost will always exalt the Lordship of Jesus, not the lordship of a man or even draw attention to some man.

The gifts of the Spirit are categorized:

Three Revelation Gifts:

• The word of wisdom
• The word of knowledge
• The discerning of spirits

Three Power Gifts:

• The gift of faith
• The working of miracles
• The gifts of healings

Three Utterance or Inspirational gifts:

• Prophecy
• Divers kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

These are often in manifestation together such as tongues and interpretation of tongues.

Word of Knowledge:

The Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God.

A word is a fragmentary part of a sentence just as the Word of Knowledge is a fragmentary part of the complete knowledge that God has.

The Word of Knowledge can come through several different means: inward revelation, audible voice, an angel, dreams, tongues and interpretation, etc.

The Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom – a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine purpose and plan in the mind and will of God. It is the revelation of the plans and purposes of God.

The difference between the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom is that the word of knowledge is always present tense or concerning something that has happened in the past. The word of wisdom always speaks of the future.

Examples of the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom operating together in the Scriptures:

1. John on the Isle of Patmos and the Book of Revelation
2. Ananias in Acts 9:10-16

Acts 9:10-16 NKJV Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” (11) So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. (12) And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (13) Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” (15) But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 

Examples of the Word of Wisdom in the scriptures:

1. Noah – Genesis 6:13-18

Genesis 6:13-18 NKJV And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (14) Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. (15) And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. (16) You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. (17) And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. (18) But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark–you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.

2. Joseph – Genesis 37 – 50

3. Agabus the Prophet – Acts 11:28; Acts 21:10-13

Acts 11:28 NKJV Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts 21:10-13 NKJV And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. (11) When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” (12) Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. (13) Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

4. Apostle Paul – Acts 27:10-11

Acts 27:10-11 NKJV saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (11) Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

Gift of Discerning of Spirits:

The Gift of Discerning of spirits: the seeing or hearing in the realm of spirits.

It is somewhat limited because it is only revelation in regards to the realm of the spirit and not as broad as the word of knowledge or the word of wisdom.

• It is not the gift of discernment. 
• It is not the gift of discerning the faults of others. 
• It is not limited to the discerning of devils.

The gift of discerning of spirits is supernatural insight into the spirit world where there are Divine spirits as well as evil spirits.

It can be discerning the Similitude of God. (form or likeness – No man can see God and live.)

Exodus 33:18-23 NKJV And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” (19) Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (20) But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” (21) And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. (22) So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. (23) Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Isaiah 6:1 NKJV In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.

The gift of discerning of spirits also reveals the kind of spirit behind a supernatural manifestation – whether evil or God. They can come from either God or the devil.

Acts 16:16-18 NKJV Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. (17) This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” (18) And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

You don’t necessarily need the discerning of spirits to know when something is out of order. You can know that simply by the inward witness of your spirit.

You can also be aware of spiritual activity by the word of knowledge because you may not see into the realm of the spirit but you may know by revelation.

Any time in the scriptures that someone had an angelic visitation and “saw” the angel, this was through the gift of Discerning of Spirits.

Remember, these manifestations are to operate in the life of believers not just preachers and great ministers.

They are, however, as the Holy Spirit wills and not as we will.

The Gift of Faith 

The Gifts of faith is not the same as saving faith.

Ephesians 2:8 NKJV (8)  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Saving faith comes to us by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).

The Gift of Faith is a supernatural manifestation of Holy Spirit whereby a believer is empowered with special faith, or wonder-working faith and it is beyond simple saving faith.

• The gift of faith is given to the believer so that he can receive miracles.
• The working of miracles is so the believer can work miracles.

You start with simple faith in stepping into any of the manifestations of the Spirit as He prompts you, then the manifestation steps in to do the work.

It is not the same as the fruit of the Spirit called faith which actually is faithfulness.

We rely on the simple saving faith to receive answers to our prayers because if it was based on special faith, then some could say they did not receive answers to their prayers because they were not operating in special faith. This is by the Spirit and would thus make God a respecter of persons.

Special faith receives a miracle while the working of miracles actually works the miracle.

Different Kinds of Faith:

• Saving Faith – which leads one to salvation
• General Faith – which every believer possesses
• Fruit of Faith (faithfulness) fruit of the recreated human spirit
• Gift of Faith – Supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit

Fruit is something that is grown and this gift of faith is given.

When special faith is in operation, the believer will believe God in such a way, that God honors their word as if it is His own and miraculously causes it to come to pass.

This special faith is not the faith that one receives to answers to prayers for the most part.

That answer comes to you based on the Word and simple faith in God’s Word.

The Word says that this gift, as do the others, operate as the Holy Spirit wills. If answers to prayers depended on this special faith would have to wait for a manifestation of the Spirit but we all know that one can receive answers to prayers anytime that the believer wills or desires.

This special faith cannot be increased by hearing the Word of God like simple saving faith can.

Daniel 6:23 NKJV (23)  Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Daniel received a miracle, he did not work a miracle. (gift of faith vs. working of miracles)

Now we know that this was the gift of faith even in the Old Testament because there were even Christians who were martyred for their faith in the New Testament that were thrown in the lion’s den and were eaten by the lions.

Mark 4:38-39 NKJV (38)  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (39)  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Jesus went to sleep aided by special faith, but notice He spoke to the storm with simple faith.

Many times we see in the scriptures this special faith in operation in the face of danger. This is a calmness that comes beyond the natural.

The gift of faith works in conjunction with the working of miracles to actively work a miracle.

The gift of faith employs active faith that expects a miracle.

The gift of faith is a divine enabling by the Spirit of God that causes what is spoken or desired by man or spoken by God to eventually come to pass.

We saw this sometimes as the Patriarchs spoke over their children to pronounce blessing and curses that would sometimes take years to come to pass.

That word will come to pass.

Smith Wigglesworth said that if you will take a step of ordinary faith, when you come to the end of that faith, very often this supernatural gift of special faith will take over. One reason more folks don’t see the manifestation of special faith operating in their lives is that they don’t first use what faith they already have.

The working of miracles is an act whereas that the gift of faith is a process.

The Holy Spirit – Part 6

1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

Benefits of Praying In Other Tongues

• Tongues is primarily for a believer’s own personal, spiritual edification.

• God has given us a divine means by which we can speak to Him supernaturally. 

• Tongues is a means of building yourself up spiritually. 

• Praying in other tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will.

• Praying in tongues is a means of magnifying God. 

Acts 10:45-46 NKJV 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,

By praying in the Spirit, we make God bigger in us. (God does not get bigger but He becomes bigger to us.)

• Speaking in tongues helps us to stay conscious of the Holy Spirit’s presence. 

John 14:16-17 NKJV And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– (17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 

• Tongues will aid you in worshipping God.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 NKJV (14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. (15) What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

• Praying in tongues will stimulate your faith. 

Jude 1:20 NKJV But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Faith does not come by praying in the Spirit; it comes by hearing the Word.

How does it stimulate our faith? Just simply but the very act alone requires faith.

• Praying in tongues gives spiritual refreshing.

Isaiah 28:11-12 NKJV For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, (12) To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, “This is the refreshing…”

• Praying in tongues is the introduction or doorway to the Gifts of the Spirit. 

(Tongues is not the doorway to the fruit of the Spirit.)

Introduction to the Gifts of the Spirit 

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: (2) You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. (3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (4) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

In verse 3 notice Paul said that the Holy Ghost will always exalt the Lordship of Jesus, not the lordship of a man or even draw attention to some man.

The gifts of the Spirit are categorized:

Three Revelation Gifts:

• The word of wisdom
• The word of knowledge
• The discerning of spirits

Three Power Gifts:

• The gift of faith
• The working of miracles
•  The gifts of healings

Three Utterance or Inspirational gifts:

• Prophecy
• Divers kinds of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

These are often in manifestation together such as tongues and interpretation of tongues. 

These are listed in the order of their importance.

Of the three gifts of revelation, the word of wisdom is most important because it brings supernatural revelation into the plan and purpose of God.

Of the three gifts of power, the gift of faith is the best gift because it is the supernatural ability to work a miracle.

Of the three gifts of utterance, the gift of prophecy is best because it is complete in and of itself and it brings edification, encouragement, and comfort to the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 14:3)

Word of Knowledge:

The Word of Knowledge is the supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost of certain facts in the mind of God.

A word is a fragmentary part of a sentence just as the Word of Knowledge is a fragmentary part of the complete knowledge that God has.

This is not called the gift of knowledge. This is not referring to natural knowledge. It is supernatural.

The Word of Knowledge is not a profound knowledge of the Bible.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV (15)  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

If this was the case we could ask the Lord to manifest this gift so we would not have to study the Bible.

The Word of Knowledge is not knowledge that comes from walking closely with God.

One can certainly gain some spiritual insight from walking with God but this is not the supernatural revelation that comes by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Examples of the Word of Knowledge:

1 Samuel 9:3,5,6,15,16,19,20 – The Lord revealed to Samuel the status of the lost donkeys.

1Kings 19:14-18 – The Lord encouraged a discouraged Elijah by revealing to him that he wasn’t the only one that left serving God.

2 Kings 5:21-26 – The Lord revealed to Elijah the hypocrisy of Gehazi the servant.

2 Kings 6:8-12 – The Lord reveals to Elisha the plans of the King that were secret

John 4:7-26 – The Spirit revealed to Jesus the marital status of the women at the well.

Acts 5:1-4 – The Lord reveals to Peter that Ananias and Sapphira had lied about the amount they had sold their property.

Revelation 1:10-20 – John received revelation from Jesus about the seven churches that he could not have possibly known by natural means as he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos.

Acts 9:10-12 – There is no way the Ananias could have known the specific details about the location of Saul unless they were revealed to him by the Spirit in a vision.

God knew about everyone that was praying at that moment but He only revealed to Ananias about Saul.

Acts 10:9-19 In verse 19, following the vision as Peter was meditating on what the Lord had shown him, the Spirit spoke to him and said, “…three men seek thee.”

The Word of Knowledge can come through several different means: inward revelation, audible voice, an angel, dreams, tongues and interpretation, etc.

The Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom – a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine purpose and plan in the mind and will of God. It is the revelation of the plans and purposes of God.

The difference between the Word of Knowledge and the Word of Wisdom is that the word of knowledge is always present tense or concerning something that has happened in the past. The word of wisdom always speaks of the future.

The Holy Spirit – Part 5

1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

The word “gifts was added by the translators. This verse actually says,

1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

The Benefits of Praying in Other Tongues

• Tongues is primarily for a believer’s own personal, spiritual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4 NKJV (4) He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Tongues is the initial evidence of one having been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

• God has given us a divine means by which we can speak to Him supernaturally. 

1 Corinthians 14:2 NKJV (2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 

1 Corinthians 14:2 AMP For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].

Moffat’s Translation: “…in the spirit he speaketh divine secrets.”

1 Corinthians 14:14 NIV (14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 

Ephesians 6:18 NKJV praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

There is praying in other tongues and then there is praying in the Spirit. They can be one in the same but praying in the Spirit can also be praying with the spirit of prophecy.

Prophecy is a divinely inspired utterance. You can be praying in the Spirit in your known tongue and your mind still not be fruitful because the words are coming out of your spirit by the Holy Spirit.

• Tongues is a means of building yourself up spiritually. 

1 Corinthians 14:4 AMP He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness].

The actual Greek word for “edify” more accurately means to “charge up”. In other words, as we pray in tongues, we are charging up our spirits by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jude 1:20 NKJV But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

You can’t edify people unless you have first been edified.

The Holy Spirit can lead us to pray in other tongues to build us up spiritually for something He know is coming. 

Ephesians 3:14-16 NKJV For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

These were Spirit-filled people that needed to be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit in the inner man. How? By praying in other tongues.

• Praying in other tongues is praying in line with God’s perfect will. 

Romans 8:19 NKJV For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 

Romans 8:22 NKJV For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Romans 8:26-27 KJV  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.  (27)  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

Underline or circle “helpeth”, “infirmities”, “what”, “ought”, “intercession”.

Helpeth – sunantilambano – three separate words

Sun – partnership and cooperation, this verse is not what the Holy Ghost does for us, but does in conjunction and partnership with us, side by side with us

2 Cor. 6:1 co-laborers together with God.

Anti – against, not just positionally against, but a person filled with rage.

Lambanomai – to take something to yourself, forcibly seize something

Infirmities (asthenios) – generic which embraces all kinds of sicknesses and diseases

English (sick) which is applicable to all diseases or sicknesses.

Five categories of sickness that Jesus healed in His ministry and in this one Greek word asthenios is encapsulated in all of these words, fit like a glove.

1. Nosos – Matthew 4:23 (“sickness”) – terminal condition for which there is no natural cure. (example – cancer, AIDS)

2. Malakian – Matthew 4:23 (“disease”) – disease which attacks the nerves, muscles, or bones. You can live with this disease but it is a crippling or debilitating disease.

3. Kakos – Matthew 15:22 (“greviously”) greviously vexed with demon spirits – someone that is mentally confused or mentally ill.

4. Mastigos – Mark 5:35 (“plague”) normally translated “plague”. This is an old word of torture, where a victim would be beaten with a cat-of-nine-tails bringing them to the edge of death, take them back to their cell, let them heal until they are recovered, then take him back to beat him again. This would never be enough to kill him. (migraine headaches, allergic reaction, etc.)

5. Arrhostos – Mark 6:13; 16:18; 1 Cor. 11:30 – someone so physically ill that they have lost all consciousness, comatose. (Mark 16:18) (Mark 6:35 “a few sick folk” those that were comatose).

Romans 8:26 is about spiritual weaknesses not physical diseases.

The Holy Spirit is actually saying that if you do not have the help of the Holy Ghost you are just like someone that is afflicted with all of these types of diseases.

Your infirmities (weaknesses) do not eliminate you from His help, they qualify you for His help.

What – (ti) – the very little thing. It underscores that we don’t even know how to necessarily pray for the small things not to mention the larger issues in life. We are so limited in our view but He can see it ALL. 

Ought (dei)– as the new situation requires and dictates, as the new problem demands.

Intercession – (huperentugchano) – this is the only time that this word is used in the entire New Testament.

This word paints the picture of someone who has come upon someone who has fallen into some kind of quandary.

It would be as if someone has fallen into a deep cavern and is stuck. There is someone who immediately swings into action to rescue and deliver the one who is in trouble. It conveys the idea of a full scale rescue operation.

When we do not know how we should pray for that situation, the Holy Spirit swings into a full-scale rescue operation. But in order to do this, He falls into that place with you. Now you are no longer facing that situation alone, for the Holy Spirit has stepped into your dilemma and is initiating a rescue plan to get you out of that mess!

The Holy Spirit feels everything that you feel. He understands the complete inadequacy you are experiencing. He willingly joins you in your circumstances sharing your emotions and frustrations. Then He begins to put a supernatural plan of rescue into operation to get you out of that problem. 

Romans 8:26 BBE  And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say;

The Holy Spirit – Part 4

1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

The word “gifts was added by the translators. This verse actually says,

1 Corinthians 12:1 BBE But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

How To Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
(OR How To Minister the Baptism of the Holy Spirit) 

Acts 1:4-8 NKJV 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.”

Acts 2:1-4 NKJV When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) 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.

We want to talk about how to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.

This will also help us as believers to learn how to effectively ministry the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

As believers we need to know how to effectively minister the New Birth, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, healing, and any other assignment that we may have.

There are seven things that we need to establish in order to receive or minister the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

1. Understand this ministry of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience to being Born Again. 

Acts 8:5-8 NKJV 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.

Acts 8:14-17 NKJV 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. 

2. We must understand that God has already given the Holy Spirit and now we simply RECEIVE God’s free gift.

Acts 19:1-6 NKJV 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.” (4) 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.

3. The only requirement to being able to receive is to be Born Again.

Acts 2:37-38 NKJV Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that people that are saved can go to heaven. If they are good enough to go to heaven, then they are good enough to have a little bit of heaven in them here on the earth.

If you could do everything you ought to do and be everything you to be without the Holy Ghost, what would you need Him for? If you can do everything for yourself, why do you need the Holy Spirit?

Baby Christians, carnal Christians, and all Christians can and should be filled with the Holy Spirit. They can receive power that will help them. (Acts 1:8)

4. You do not need to fear receiving anything other than the Holy Spirit. 

Luke 11:11-13 NKJV If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? (12) Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Notice Jesus’ reference to the serpent and scorpion. Remember He had just said in Luke 10:19 that we have authority over serpents and scorpions.

When you ask to receive the Holy Spirit that is exactly what you will get – the Holy Spirit.

5. Here is what you can expect to happen when you receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit begins to move in you:

• First, understand that you receive by faith. You have received whether you feel anything or not. 
• The Holy Spirit will move upon your spirit to give you supernatural words that YOU have to speak out in cooperation with Him. 
• The Holy Spirit gives the utterance but man does the speaking. 
• YOU yield to the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:4 NKJV And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Acts 10:44-46 NKJV 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,

Acts 19:6 NKJV And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 14:2 NKJV (2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:4 NKJV (4) He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 NKJV (14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. (15) What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:18 NKJV (18) I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;

6. When you pray and receive the Holy Spirit, open your mouth and be ready to use your own mouth and vocal chords. 

The Holy Spirit will give you the utterance but you must yield and give voice to that utterance.

• Anytime you ever speak with other tongues, it will definitely be you doing the talking.
• The Holy Ghost gives you the utterance supernaturally. 
• He does not take over you or force you to speak. 
• The Holy Ghost does not speak in tongues – YOU DO!
• You must cooperate and yield to Him.
• Speaking in tongues is entirely you and it is entirely the Holy Spirit.

Try not to speak in your natural language but give voice and speak out whatever utterance is given by the Holy Spirit no matter what it may sound like to you.

Speak the utterance that you hear by faith and the more that you speak it forth, the more fluent it will become.

John 7:37-39 NKJV On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. (38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Tongues is the initial evidence that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit and that evidence is mostly for you.

7. Stay focused and do not get distracted. 

If you are praying with someone help them to not get distracted.

Be an encouragement to them by praying in other tongues. This will encourage them to jump on the water.