I’m convinced that the reason why there is so much confusion about the subject of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking/praying in tongues is that Satan knows there is much power released when a child of God steps into the glorious power of the baptism and begins releasing the will of God on the earth through praying in tongues. I believe Satan himself has worked extra hard through the ages to stain and poison the Body of Christ against this wonderful enduement of power (that Jesus promised for all who believe) so that the tremendous power of the Holy Spirit would not be released against him.
We’ve said this many times: it is not necessary to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit to enter into eternal life with Jesus Christ; but the baptism in the Holy Spirit is simply one of three baptisms for the believer today.
First, a born-again believer is baptized into the family of God by the Holy Spirit when he or she receives Jesus Christ as Savior.
The second baptism available to the believer today is being baptized into water by another believer. This is a common practice in most churches and is a powerful statement of faith before many witnesses (physical and spiritual) that declares the one being baptized as fully owned by God and no longer a slave of sin under Satan’s power.
The third and final baptism spoken of in Scripture is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is the only baptism where Jesus Christ Himself is the One personally doing the baptizing!
Notice what Jesus says in Acts 1:5.
For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit.
In John 1:33, we find that Jesus is the One doing the baptizing:
And I did not know Him nor recognize Him, but He Who sent me to baptize in (with) water said to me, Upon Him Whom you shall see the Spirit descend and remain, that One is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
God’s Word has much to say on this subject! This wonderful enduement of power is available for you today!
I pray you find today’s podcast fresh, inspirational, and full of life–and that through taking a Biblical approach to some of the most common misconceptions about these things, your faith will be strengthened and you will be built up by the Holy Spirit to receive everything Jesus has for us.
Enjoy the podcast!