Many churches put a great emphasis on conversion and water baptism, and for good reason; they are crucial steps in the life of the believer and are the doorway to a new life in Messiah. But not many people talk about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yet this special gift, given by Yahweh, is available to all believers. Though not required for salvation, its true importance is not generally understood. It represents a deeper revelation of and communion with the Father, as well as spiritual empowerment.
John the Baptist spoke of this experience: “I indeed baptize you with water, but He comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16. See also Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:8).
Yahshua the Messiah promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well: “For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). This promise was fulfilled only days later on Pentecost:
“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind… there appeared to them tongues dividing apart, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4).
Was this outpouring limited to those who came together that day? No, it was not.
“And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Yahshua the Messiah to the remission of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
In fact, there were numerous instances in the New Testament where people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit: Acts 8:14-17; 9:17-18; 10:44-47; and 19:1-7. In all of these occurrences there was evidence to prove that Yahweh had poured out His Spirit on a person or a people. While there may be many proofs of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the two initial signs identified most prominently in Scripture are speaking in tongues and prophesying.
As we already saw in the account from Acts 2, the disciples were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. We find a similar occurrence in Acts 10, where the apostle Peter was ministering the Gospel at Caesarea to Cornelius and many of his friends:
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and magnifying God…” (Acts 10:44-46).
At Lion of Judah Family Worship Center, we wholeheartedly embrace all of the spiritual gifts as outlined in Scripture, including both speaking in tongues and prophesying (see 1 Corinthians 12 and 14). Tongues can take several forms: as a private prayer language, for the edification (building up) of the one praying, in order to stir oneself up to greater faith and expression of worship; or as an utterance in the congregation as an expression of one of the gifts of the Spirit. When this happens, it will be accompanied by interpretation by someone in the assembly, so that the whole Body may be edified. Prophesying, on the other hand, is a divinely inspired utterance in a known language for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and consolation of the Body (1 Corinthians 14:3-5).
If you have never put your faith in Messiah for salvation, we exhort you to do so. And if you have, then we also exhort you to receive the gift of the Father – the baptism of the Holy Spirit – and experience a new dimension in Him. Yahshua said, “It is expedient that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart I will send it to you” (John 16:7). He went on to say that the purpose of the Comforter coming was to “lead you into all truth” (John 16:13). What a blessing for all believers!
Should you have any questions about this experience, please don’t hesitate to ask. You may also listen to free audio teachings on the subject on our Sermons page.