Basic Christianity 103: 

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Introduction

Every Christian needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:2-6 (NIV) 2 and (Paul) asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 

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What Is Baptism Of The Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the Advocate, Helper, and Comforter promised by Jesus.

John 14:16 (ESV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

John 14:16 (NIV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever—

John 14:16 (KJV)  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

Baptism is the third role of the Holy Spirit. The first role is to convict us of our sins and to bring us to Jesus for Salvation. The second role is to dwell in us when we get saved and to teach us about our journey with Jesus. The third role is to endow us with power for ministry (Acts 1:8). Many Christians receive the first two but fail to receive the third (Acts 19:2-6). 

Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 19:2-6 (NIV) 2 and (Paul) asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an immersion (baptism) in the Holy Spirit’s presence, during which the believer is saturated with the Holy Spirit's love, power, and gifts (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit's love, power, and gifts are given to equip God’s children for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. 

Ephesians 4:12-13 (NIV) to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

How do I receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Ask; it is a free gift. 

By asking, we acknowledge that we know what Baptism in the Holy Spirit is (See the previous section).

By asking, we acknowledge our responsibility in using this gift of Baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

Ephesians 4:12 (NIV) to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

By asking, we are acknowledging that we know that God wants to give us this gift. 

Acts 2:39 (NIV) The promise (of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit) is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

By asking, we are acknowledging that we want to receive this gift. 

1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV) Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Receive; it is freely given.

We know we received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit when the gifts manifest themselves in us. The most common gift Christians manifest first is their Spiritual language or personal gift of tongues. This is not the gift of tongues and interpretation used to build up the body of Christ but the gift of tongues to build up the individual Christian.

Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 19:6 (NIV) When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Do not be ashamed if you think you did not receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. You are not alone. Many people are filled with doubts and need help receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Find someone to encourage you, help guide you, and confirm that you received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. 

Learn; there is a lot more to come.

Every believer is responsible for learning about the Gifts of the Spirit as much as possible.

1 Corinthians 12:1 (NIV) Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 

Note: There are several lessons available on AlohaActivationNetwork.com and HopeChapelKona.org