2 Corinthians 13:14 | MSG (14) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
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 (1) 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
Acts 1:8 | NKJV (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 (1) 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 minister the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- This ministry of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience after being Born Again.
Acts 8:5-8 | NKJV (5) 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 (14) 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.
- God has already given the Holy Spirit and we simply receive God’s free gift.
Acts 8:14-17 | NKJV (14) 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.
Just like salvation, the Holy Spirit is a gift given to men and must be received.
- The only requirement to being able to receive this experience is to be Born Again.
Acts 2:37-38 | NKJV (37) 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.
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)
- You do not need to fear receiving anything other than the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11:11-13 | NKJV (11) 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.
- When you receive, you yield to the Holy Spirit and you do the speaking.
The Holy Spirit is a gentleman, and He will never force you to do anything. Jesus said He leads and guides us.
Acts 2:4 | NKJV (4) 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 (44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…
Acts 19:6 | NKJV (6) And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
1 Corinthians 14:18 | NKJV (18) I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
- When you pray and receive the Holy Spirit, open your mouth and be ready to use your 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.
- He does not take over you or force you to speak.
- The Holy Ghost does not speak in tongues – YOU DO!
- 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 (37) 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.