The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a foundational experience for every Christian (Acts 1:5-8; 2:39). We need the power of the Spirit to enable us to live as Christians. Baptism in the Spirit is the dynamic power of God himself exploding from within us! This experience is not the same as being ‘born of the Spirit’ (John 3:3-8). It is a subsequent filling and empowering (Acts 8:12-17; 19:1-6).

What happens when you are baptised in the Spirit? You are filled to overflowing (John 7:38-39). A clear evidence of this overflow is speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4). Speaking in tongues is the ability to speak to God in a language you have never learned. It is the doorway to the supernatural. By it you are enabled to speak mysteries to God in your spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2), and it is a means of building up your spiritual strength and faith (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20). Through using it properly you will be strengthened in your Christian life and keep your ‘spiritual antennae’ open.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a one-off experience; but it is important that the Holy Spirit is involved in all areas of your life. He gives you the power to witness (Luke 24:48 and Acts 1:8); he enables you to live the Christian life (Romans 14:17); he empowers you with his gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Romans 12:6-8); he produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26), which is the life of Jesus himself. So be filled with the Spirit!

Roger Aubrey