God’s “Secret Weapon”—The Baptism in the Holy Spirit!

[John the Baptist is Speaking:]  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matthew 3:11);

For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:5);

But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8);

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4);

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

GOD PROMISES HOLY SPIRIT OUTPOURING

According to The Bible, in the Last Days:

The Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh and God’s people will receive visions and spiritual dreams:

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit (Joel 2:28-29);

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:17-18).

Believers will do even greater works than Jesus:

[Jesus is Speaking:]  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father (John 14:12).

SPIRITUAL HUNGER IN THE WORLD

A deep spiritual hunger exists in the world today and I believe it originates from man’s innermost need to be reconciled to his Creator.  Satan takes advantage of this hunger by providing “counterfeit” demonstrations of his limited power by way of aberrant manifestations (UFO’s, Bigfoot, demon-possession, etc.), and humanity’s insatiable curiosity and heightened interest in occult activities and practices (psychic readings, horoscope readings, palm readings, Tarot card readings, séances, New Age mysticism, etc.).  More and more people, particularly troubled teens, are becoming involved in Satanism and witchcraft, believing the occult will satisfy their spiritual hunger.  In truth, they are victims of deceiving, seducing spirits (1 Timothy 4:1).  This is why the apostle John warned us to “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits” (1 John 4:1).  Satan is more than willing to demonstrate his limited power because he wants the world to believe that his power is greater than God’s greater power.  By the Word of God, Christians know this is not true (1 John 4:4). 

SPIRITUAL HUNGER IN BELIEVERS

Jesus also referenced a spiritual “hunger and thirst” that relates to Believers:

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).

PERSONAL TESTIMONY

In 1994, I experienced the spiritual hunger and thirst and filling that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:6.  At the time, I was a member of a denominational church where I had served faithfully for seven years.  The denomination with which I was affiliated was well-grounded in The Word of God and Prayer, the importance of living a consecrated, holy life, and they supported Missions.  However, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something vital was missing in my spiritual life.  Although I didn’t understand this spiritual void, I was in fact hungering and thirsting for more of God.

Early in 1994, the Holy Spirit led me to 1 Corinthians 14 and Acts 19.  As I learned more about the early church and how the apostles and disciples operated in various supernatural gifts, my spiritual hunger increased.  As I studied and meditated, the Holy Spirit began to deal with me about speaking in tongues which was not taught in my church.  I believe this explained why my pastor never preached sermons about the nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).  However, I didn’t understand why since I knew Spirit-filled Christians who spoke in tongues.  Naturally, I wondered why my church was different.

In my quest for truth, I visited a Spirit-filled church in June of 1994 and responded to an altar call to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  The pastor and a visiting minister anointed me with oil, laid hands on me, and prayed for me to receive my prayer language.  Although I didn’t leave that church speaking in tongues, I believe that I received an impartation for a later manifestation.

On Wednesday nights, my pastor taught an adult class which I attended without fail.  One night, he taught on the subject of entire sanctification which he described as a “second work of grace.”  I thought, “Maybe this is the missing element in my spiritual life.”  Desiring to know more, I raised my hand and asked, “What is our denomination’s equivalent to the Spirit-filled church’s Baptism in the Holy Spirit?”  Instead of seeing his eyes light up with the excitement that I felt, I saw a stern look come across his countenance.  After what seemed like a lifetime, he curtly replied, “Sanctification.”  I thanked him and settled back in my seat to ponder his answer.  

My question had been asked from a hungering and pure heart; however, I would soon learn that my pastor had a different opinion.  After dismissing the class, he asked me to remain behind because he wanted to talk to me.  As soon as the church emptied, he accused me of having a bad spirit because I had tried to take control of his class by asking that question.  Taken aback and hurt by his reaction, I assured him that was not the intent of my heart at all.  I explained that I was merely hungering for more of God, but he didn’t believe me.  By the time he finished dressing me down, I walked out of the church in tears and wished that I had stayed home.  I did not understand then what I know now—that I had been targeted by a “religious spirit.” A religious spirit fears loss of position, new things, and being wrong.  It will oppose all whom it believes threatens its sense of importance.  A religious spirit is a murdering spirit and will murder by words and deeds (Acts 6:8-12).  

God understood the desire and longing of my heart and He had no intention of disappointing me.  During Labor Day weekend in 1994, I retired one evening hungering and thirsting even more for the manifested presence of God in my life.  Sometime during the night, I awoke hearing myself whispering, “Father, fill me with your Spirit.”  I drifted back to sleep, but I awoke two more times hearing myself whisper the same prayer.  After the third time, I suddenly felt a bubbly, effervescent “infilling” sensation rising from the depths of my belly into my chest.  It felt like 7-UP bubbling up and spreading throughout my chest cavity.  Great peace and joy flooded my SOUL and as I drifted off to sleep, I instinctively knew that something unusual and wonderful had just occurred:

[Jesus is Speaking:]  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).  [Emphasis Mine]

When I awoke the next morning, I knew I was a different person!  An internal change had definitely taken place!  I felt a spiritual excitement that I had never known before and my stomach was full of fluttering butterflies!  I felt giddy—like I could float on thin air and the love that I felt for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit was all-consuming!

For these are not drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (Acts 2:15-17).

As it happened, God still wasn’t finished with blessing me!  On Friday, October 28, 1994, at exactly 4:50 a.m., I was abruptly awakened.  As soon as my eyes focused, I suddenly saw the word PRAY flash and blink in front of my eyes like a neon sign—not once, but three times!  I had never experienced an open vision before!  At the same time, an overwhelming urge to pray came over me.  I immediately assumed a position of prayer beside my bed.  I didn’t know what God wanted me to pray about, so I started talking about denominationalism which I knew displeased God because of the denominational walls that divide the Body of Christ.  About ten minutes into that prayer, my words suddenly changed from my known language to an unknown language!  The utterance sounded like gibberish and I couldn’t comprehend what I was saying, but it flowed out of me like a gushing river! 

 

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4);

[Jesus is Speaking:]  He that believes on Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).  [Emphasis Mine]

I realized that “my spirit was speaking mysteries to God!” 

 

For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2).

Having previously visited a Spirit-filled church and heard people speaking in tongues, I knew that God had just blessed me with my own prayer language and I was ecstatic!  After what seemed like a lifetime, I began to sing “in the spirit” and I was mesmerized and amazed by the beautiful, lilting melodies that were coming up out of my SPIRIT!

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:15).

Forty-minutes later when I stopped singing “in the spirit,” I was so overwhelmed by this supernatural encounter with the Holy Spirit that I began to praise and worship the Lord in my known language.  (I specifically remember singing “Blessed Assurance” several times.)

Sometime later, I went to find my (then) unbelieving husband who had fallen asleep watching T.V. in the living room.  When I opened my mouth to tell him about my experience, however, I began to speak in tongues again!  I glanced his way and saw that his mouth had dropped open and his eyes bugged out of his head!  

I don’t know how long I spoke in tongues—perhaps three minutes—but when I stopped, I drew a deep breath and, in my known language, blurted:  “What I’ve been trying to tell you is that for the past hour, I’ve been speaking in an unknown language!”  Well, in his usual uninterested way, he retorted, “Obviously!  Now, can I go back to sleep?”  So much for trying to stir up excitement in an unbelieving spouse!

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe (1 Corinthians 14:22).

I eventually (and reluctantly) met with my (then) denominational pastor in his office, to let him know that Jesus had baptized me in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; John 1:33) in the privacy of my home!  Well, that meeting did not go well.  Once again, he dressed me down, this time accusing me of having a demon because he had been taught that speaking in tongues is of the devil:

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men (Matthew 12:31).

Jesus Himself was accused of having a demon!

And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casts He out devils (Mark 3:22).

This pastor also told me that if I dared to speak in tongues in his church, he would ask the congregation to stand to its feet and sing, to drown me out.  Once again I left his company in tears, but not before telling him that I had no intention of sweeping God’s blessing under the carpet like unwanted dirt.  I also let him know that I would leave his church before I would ever say or do anything to cause him grief.  Well, God closed this door, but He had already gone before me and opened a new one!  After leading me out of that denominational church, He led me to a Spirit-filled congregation where I was lovingly embraced and where my spiritual gifts were appreciated and exercised.

Immediately after my relocation, God called me into the ministry of intercession.  Every day for years, I spent hours in my “secret place of prayer,” communing with the Holy Spirit, who taught me everything I know about engaging in spiritual warfare through Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered prayer!

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18);

Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

End of Personal Testimony

LEGALISM & TRADITIONS OF MEN

QUENCH THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition … (Mark 7:13);

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away … (2 Timothy 3:5);

Quench not the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

So many denominational churches are making the Word of God void and of no effect because they are steeped in legalism and “traditions of men.”  They have no interest in God having His Way in their services; their objective is to achieve man’s agendas.  As far as spiritual warfare is concerned, they lack knowledge and wisdom, and they are trying to battle a formidable foe, spiritually blind and powerless!  Why?  Because they reject and deny Truth; specifically that the supernatural and powerful early church of the Book of Acts, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit are for today.  When asked to cite scriptures upon which they base their beliefs, they are unable to do so because none exist!

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

[The Lord is Speaking:]  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to Me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children (Hosea 4:6).

As a result, since an unbelieving and scoffing world has no confidence in dead, powerless churches, they embrace false religions, seeking truth, wisdom and power.  Satan, of course, is more than willing to give them a taste of his limited power, to deceive and entrap them.  Even more tragic, Christian children are being sucked into the dark world of the occult because they see no demonstrations of power in their family’s dead churches.  Powerless Christianity cannot set people free from demon spirits or the works of the devil!  Christians are growing weary of dull, routine church services.  They too hunger for a supernatural touch from God!

POWERLESS CHRISTIANITY IS NO SOLUTION

The Bible says that in the Last Days, men shall have a “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).  Some Christians apply this verse to dead churches, but it primarily references Satanism and the occult.  Still, many Christians are walking in defeat today because dead religion has rendered them powerless.  They are powerless, in part, because they have been taught that God’s supernatural presence and power aren’t for them today.  This is a LIE straight out of the pit of Hell!  Listed below are a few false doctrinal teachings that are propagating fear, unbelief, and powerlessness in the Body of Christ:  (Scriptural answers to these arguments are provided in parenthesis.)

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not for the Church today (Acts 2:38-39; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-19; Hebrews 13:8);

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Salvation are one and the same (John 20:22; Acts 1:4-5,8; 2:1-4; 19:2; John 7:37-38);

Believers can be Spirit-filled and not speak in tongues (Acts 2:4; 8:14-24; Acts 9; 10:44-47; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 14:18,22; 2 Corinthians 13:1);

Sanctification, without the evidence of speaking in tongues, is equal to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  (There is no scriptural foundation for this teaching.  Nowhere in the New Testament is the word sanctification used synonymously with the infilling of the Holy Spirit.)

Recommended Reading:

David M. Pizzimenti’s 1996 book, Tongues: Scriptural Answers to Common Objections (Oklahoma: Albury Publishing).

SATAN—DECEIVER & THIEF!

Satan seeks to rob every believer of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the supernatural gifts.  He does not want Christians to hunger and thirst for more of God—to the extent that they desire and seek the fullness of the Spirit, or the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  He is okay with them rising to a certain spiritual level, but he does not want them going as high as God wants to take them.  Why?  Because he knows that without the Baptism in the Holy Spirit—which is the “open door” to the nine supernatural gifts—a Christian is spiritually blind and powerless to successfully wage war against him and his demonic army! 

Satan’s strategy is to place obstacles and hindrances (fear, prejudice, unbelief, false teaching, etc.) in the way of any Christian who desires to advance to a new and higher level of spiritual growth.  He does this because he wants our churches to be dead and powerless and filled with lukewarm, passive and weak Christians who are satisfied with being spectators in church instead of participators (Luke 24:49; Matthew 5:6).

If passive Christians ever expect to do “greater works than Jesus,” they must let go of false teachings that dictate that the Vocal, Revelation, and Power gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for the Church today.  This is a LIE that Satan uses to render God’s Army impotent! (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

The Vocal Gifts are:

Prophecy

Divers Kinds of Tongues

Interpretation of Tongues

The Revelation Gifts are:

The Word of Knowledge

The Word of Wisdom

Discerning of Spirits

The Power Gifts are:

Faith

Healing

Miracles

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

I am convinced that today’s world is more evil than it was when Jesus and the apostles walked the earth.  Satan knows his time is short, so he’s making hay while the sun shines.  God empowered and equipped the New Testament believers so they would be bold and effective witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They were effective witnesses for two reasons:  1) they received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit; and, 2) this baptism empowered them to perform the same miracles that Jesus did.  Upon witnessing healing and deliverance miracles, signs and wonders, multitudes thronged to Jesus and the apostles!  This is what we should be seeing in churches today; instead, people feel obligated (out of a sense of duty) or are being bribed and coerced to attend dead churches!

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit, and He commissioned ALL believers (including you and me) to continue His supernatural ministry on earth (Mark 16:17-28; John 14:12).  God meant for His Church to be modeled after the New Testament Church, as depicted in the Book of Acts.  He never intended for His Church to be dead and powerless.  Jesus and the apostles were not wimps!  So, what about the Church today?  Is a lifeless, impotent Bride worthy of marriage to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?!  I think not!

Many Christians forget that the Bride of Christ is also the Army of the Lord.  While the Bride prepares her wedding garment (Ephesians 5:27) for the arrival of her Bridegroom, God’s Army is at war with a very real and powerful adversary—Satan and his demonic army!  Is the Army of the Lord today comprised of spineless wimps or seasoned fighting soldiers?  

Consider this.  Jesus is the Captain of the Army of God.  He is also the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; John 1:33).  In order to assure victory in battle for each of His soldiers, Jesus has equipped us with several powerful and effective defensive weapons:  a full suit of armor, the Sword of the Spirit (His Word), His Blood, and His all-powerful Name! 

But this isn’t everything that Jesus has for His soldiers.  He has also provided a “Top Secret” weapon to empower us to defeat the assignments of the devil.  Unfortunately, this weapon has become too much of a “secret” in many Christian circles.

On the other hand, Satan knows about (and is terrified of) this secret weapon.  He will do anything to prevent God’s soldiers from acquiring it.  “The father of lies,” his strategy is simple:  He uses false doctrinal teachings to convince many soldiers in God’s Army that this weapon isn’t for them today.  What is this secret weapon?

THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!

The New Testament clearly teaches that God wants ALL of His children (not just a select few) to walk in victory over the enemy (1 Corinthians 2:4-5; 4:20; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).  The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a supernatural equipping that empowers believers for effective witness and service.  Since God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11), it is available to EVERY Believer who hungers and thirsts for righteousness.  When a person is “born again,” the Holy Spirit INDWELLS him.  When he receives the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit INFILLS him and there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE!  (Luke 24:49; Matthew 5:6; Acts 2:4; 4:31; 1 Corinthians 3:16)

THE SUPERNATURAL LIFE!

Evidence of the supernatural life begins after we receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit:

Begin to flow or operate in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)

Begin to cast out devils with authority and power (Mark 16:17)

Begin to heal the sick (Mark 16:18)

Begin to set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18)

Begin to boldly witness for Christ (Acts 4:13)

Begin to preach the Gospel (Acts 4:31)

Begin to flow in a new dimension of Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered prayer, praise and worship, all of which are spiritual weapons (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)

Begin to destroy the works of Satan (1 John 3:8)

Begin to experience spiritual dreams and visions (Acts 2:17)

Experience righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17)

Receive revelation knowledge of God’s Word (Ephesians 1:17-18; Hebrews 6:4)

REASONS FOR THE BAPTISM

To build up, strengthen, and edify the Church, as well as the believer’s inner spirit man (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20)

To destroy the works of the devil and to set people free from bondage (Mark 16:17-18; 1 John 3:8)

To evangelize the world and reach the lost (Mark 16:15)

To demonstrate God’s love in meeting the needs of suffering mankind (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18)

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE BAPTISM

It is a supernatural experience separate from, and following, Salvation (John 20:22; Acts 1:4-5,8; 2:4; 4:31; 8:12-17; 13:52; 19:2; Ephesians 5:18)

It is God’s FREE gift to every “born-again” believer, and it is received by faith (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38-39)

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Baptizer (Matthew 3:11)

The Baptism is evidenced by the believer speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4; 8:12-19; 9:17; 10:44-46; 19:1-6; 1 Corinthians 14:18)

The Baptism is Jesus’ promise of “rivers of living water” to every believer (John 7:37-39; 4:13-14; Isaiah 12:3)

HOW TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM

You must be a “born-again” believer in Jesus Christ (Luke 11:13; John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38-39)

You must remove any barriers that would prevent you from receiving the Baptism (unbelief, pride, fear, false teaching, etc.)  The best way to remove these barriers is to read and meditate on scriptures relating to the Baptism.

With childlike faith, ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.  He will not give a serpent when you ask for a fish (Matthew 3:11 7:10; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33)

Believe that you receive the gift because you asked in faith (Luke 11:13)

Acting on your faith, begin speaking out loud the new language that the Holy Spirit gives you.  Remember, you cannot speak in your known language and in tongues at the same time.

BENEFITS OF THE BAPTISM

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit …

Changes our priorities, lifestyle and activities (Matthew 6:33)

Empowers us to become bold witnesses and effective soul-winners (Acts 1:8; 4:29-31; 4:33)

Empowers us to conquer Satan, demons, fear and sickness (Acts 1:8)

Enables us to flow in a new dimension of praise and worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)

Enables us to receive God’s guidance and direction in all aspects of our lives (Romans 8:14)

Energizes our physical bodies so we can walk in divine health (Romans 8:11; John 7:38)

Energizes our prayer lives and makes us vessels of effective prayer (Jude 20; 1 Corinthians 14:2; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16)

Equips us to walk in the Agape Love of God (Romans 5:5; Jude 20-21)

Gives us a hatred for sin that compares to God’s hatred, and a deeper repentance if we do sin (Romans 12:9)

Gives us a stronger desire to study God’s Word (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15)

Gives us spiritual revelation and prophetic operations (1 Corinthians 14:6; 2 Corinthians 12:1; Ephesians 3:3)

Opens us up to the supernatural realm of God and is the gateway to flowing in the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4; 6:4-5; John 7:38; Acts 1:8; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; 14:1)

HOW TO MINISTER THE BAPTISM

The following are guidelines in helping “born-again” Believers to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit:

To bypass any potential hindrances to their receiving, ask:

“Are you a “born-again” believer in Jesus Christ?” (Luke 11:13; John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38-39)

“Are you currently involved with any form of the occult?”  If the answer is ‘yes,’ explain that he must renounce Satan and repent of any further association with the occult.

“Do you have any unconfessed or hidden sin in your life?”  If the response is ‘yes,’ lead the person in a simple prayer of repentance and salvation.

Explain to the person that he must remove any other barriers that would prevent him from receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  For example:  false doctrinal beliefs; fear; ignorance of God’s Word; the natural mind; religious pride; unbelief;

Lay hands on the candidate and tell him that the power of the Holy Spirit will come upon him (Acts 8:17-19; 9:17; 19:6);

Instruct the person to act on his faith by speaking out loud the new language that God gives him.  Tell him not to be concerned that the language sounds odd or is repetitive.  It is not unusual for the Holy Spirit to give only one word or one syllable.  What matters is that the person exercise his faith and speak out loud what the Holy Spirit gives him.  The person must also understand that he cannot speak in his known language and in tongues at the same time.  Explain that as his inner SPIRIT speaks mysteries to God, his inner man is also being strengthened and edified (Acts 2:4; 8:12-19; 9:17; 10:44-46; 19:1-6; 1 Corinthians 13:1; 14:2,4,18).

CONCLUSION

Brothers and Sisters, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is VITALLY IMPORTANT!  Power-wise, it is the difference between driving a one-horse cart and being behind the wheel of a Buggati or Lamborghini!  This is why Satan hates this secret weapon and why he has sown so many lies and seeds of doubt and fear, to prevent believers from receiving ALL that God wants to give them!  Christ told His revolutionary followers after His resurrection that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father … the Holy Spirit Baptism (Acts 1:4-5).  Jesus said that He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it.  That governing Church—His Church—would be filled with ruling and reigning disciples (a priesthood of kings) that would need Holy Ghost power to succeed.  Jesus hasn’t changed.  Satan hasn’t changed.  The Church, however, has changed and because the world is even more wicked today, the Church needs the same supernatural power!  If you haven’t received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, you are at a distinct disadvantage against Satan and his demons who are supernatural spirit beings.  You cannot fight supernatural, demon spirits in the physical realm in your own strength and wisdom and expect to win.  To live a supernatural, victorious life, you must be “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).  Receive the baptism today and see how the Holy Spirit will transform your life just like he did mine!  Even more important, Satan will recognize you as a serious threat to his kingdom and he will rue the day that he ever messed with you and your family! 

Receive and Be Blessed!