Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18--And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit

     Confusion.  The waves of confusion can quickly overtake you when swimming in a topic such as this.  I have been there, and I have seen and heard about others being there as well.  My hope, over the next few weeks, is to educate and alleviate any doubt or confusion on the topics surrounding the Holy Spirit.  I acknowledge that there are many different opinions offered and suggestions stated about this topic, so I will attempt to have Scripture speak while keeping my biases on the sidelines.  Today, I will cover 3 parts dealing with the baptism in the Holy Spirit: Who gives it, How do you get it, and what signs accompany your receiving it.

     The Giver.  Matthew 3:11 says, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."  This point is not debated, but must be stated: baptism in the Holy Spirit only comes from God, not man.  No matter who prays for you, anoints you with oil or repeats certain chants, the baptism in the Holy Spirit can and will only come from God.

     How do I get it?  Luke 11:13 says, "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!"  I understand this may seem very simple, but to receive the Holy Spirit all you must do is ask.  Verse 9-10 of Luke 11 say, "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."  Ministers may adhere to different methods, but all are in error if they deviate from the simple command to ask.

     Are there any signs?  Acts 1:8a says, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me..."  When one receives the Holy Spirit, power will most definitely accompany it.  But, what type of power?  Acts 4 will help us understand this.  Peter and John have just been taken into captivity and questioned by those that had recently killed their Master, Jesus.  After being released, they rejoined their companions and raised their voices in prayer to God.  In verse 29 we see that they requested that they be able to speak the Word with boldness.  When looking back at Acts 1:8 we see that this is exactly what Christ was describing.  Jesus understood that if the disciples were to be adequate witnesses, they would need the Spirit.  We too must have the Spirit to aid us in our works.  Other signs that would accompany the Spirit-filled believer would be the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.  As II Peter 1:8 states, "For if these things(fruits that the Spirit gives) are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

     Do not be deceived, nor confused by the many teachings that are found in churches today.  Allow Scripture to be your guide and not works of man.  May Christ continually fill you with His Spirit as you continually express your dependence upon Him.