Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Have You Received the Holy Spirit? Encountering God’s Living Presence

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, many are searching for real connection, purpose, and power. We believe the answer is found in the Holy Spirit, who is not just a force or an idea, but God Himself—a divine Person actively at work in our lives. He’s a powerful, personal gift meant for every follower of Jesus, bringing a dynamic shift into your spiritual journey.

The Holy Spirit brings boldness, comfort, deep wisdom, and an intimate connection with God that transforms you from the inside out. One of the most beautiful and often misunderstood signs of this personal encounter with the Holy Spirit is the ability to pray in tongues, a unique spiritual language described throughout the Bible.

A Promise Fulfilled: Tongues Through History

This supernatural language isn’t new; it’s a thread woven through God’s plan:

• Foretold Long Ago: The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time when God would communicate with His people through “unfamiliar tongues” (Isaiah 28:11–12), a promise later confirmed by Paul as fulfilled in the early Church (1 Corinthians 14:21).

• Exploding at Pentecost: On the day of Pentecost, all 120 disciples—including Mary, the mother of Jesus—were supernaturally filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:14; Acts 2:4). This was a foundational moment for the church.

• For Everyone, Everywhere: This experience wasn’t exclusive. The first non-Jewish believers also powerfully received the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues (Acts 10:44–46). Even over two decades after Pentecost, new believers continued to receive the Holy Spirit with this evidence (Acts 19:6).

• Jesus’ Own Words: Jesus Himself stated that speaking in tongues would be one of the powerful signs accompanying those who believe and follow Him (Mark 16:15–18).

• Paul’s Endorsement: The Apostle Paul, a powerhouse of early Christian thought, openly shared that he spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18) and encouraged others to experience this for themselves (1 Timothy 1:16).

Still Relevant: The Holy Spirit’s Gifts Are for Today

Some wonder if the spiritual gifts, including tongues, are still active. The Bible makes it clear: absolutely!

• Not Yet Perfect: 1 Corinthians 13:8 mentions that tongues will eventually cease, but only “when completeness comes” (v.10), referring to the ultimate return of Jesus. Since Jesus has not yet returned, these gifts remain fully active and essential for today’s believers.

• Until He Comes: Paul further confirms in 1 Corinthians 1:7–8 that these gifts will continue to empower the Church until Christ’s glorious return.

Why the Holy Spirit is Absolutely Essential for Every Disciple

The Holy Spirit, as God, isn’t just a bonus feature; He is crucial for truly living out your Christian faith and becoming an effective disciple. He’s the personal power source for every believer:

• Supernatural Boldness: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” (Acts 1:8). He equips you to share your faith with courage and clarity.

• Direct Line to God: Praying in tongues allows you to communicate directly with God in a heavenly language, transcending human words (1 Corinthians 14:2).

• Praying Beyond Understanding: Even when you don’t know how or what to pray, the Spirit, as God, intercedes on your behalf with perfect understanding (Romans 8:26–27).

• Divine Guidance & Peace: The Holy Spirit personally leads you into all truth and brings deep peace, especially during life’s most challenging moments (Luke 12:12; Acts 9:31).

• Inner Strength & Growth: Praying in tongues significantly strengthens your inner spirit, fortifying you against spiritual attacks and personal weaknesses (1 Corinthians 14:14).

• Authentic Worship: He enables you to worship God deeply, truly, and with genuine heart, moving beyond mere ritual (John 4:24).

• Empowering Gifts for the Church: The Holy Spirit, in His divine wisdom, also distributes powerful spiritual gifts—like wisdom, healing, prophecy, and more—to strengthen, build, and unify the entire body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:8–11). These gifts are how God works through His people.

How to Receive the Holy Spirit: It’s All About Faith

Receiving the Holy Spirit isn’t about working hard or earning anything; it’s about opening your heart and believing in God’s generous promise.

• Ask in Faith: Just like salvation, the Holy Spirit is received through simple faith. Jesus promised that if you genuinely ask, your Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to you (Luke 11:11–13). He desires to fill you!

• Remove Any Barriers: Doubt, unconfessed sin, or a reluctance to fully surrender to God can sometimes hinder receiving. Take a moment to come before God with an open, honest, and humble heart, ready to receive.

• Pray and Receive: Humbly ask Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit. You can also invite Spirit-filled believers to pray with and for you, just as they did for new converts in the early church (Acts 9:6).

• Speak by Faith: As you pray, new words or sounds might come to your mind. It might feel unusual or unfamiliar at first, but trust that this is the Spirit moving. Step out in faith and begin to speak those words aloud. Don’t overthink it; just let the Spirit flow through you.

• Keep Practicing Your Prayer Language: Regularly praying in tongues isn’t a one-time event; it’s a spiritual discipline. Consistently engaging in your prayer language will build your faith, fill you with peace and joy, and strengthen your spirit (Jude 20).

Walking in the Spirit: Your Daily Discipleship

The more you engage with the Holy Spirit—recognizing Him as God, a living Person—the more confident and bold you’ll become in your walk with Christ. He doesn’t just help you survive spiritually; He equips you to truly thrive, to grow as a disciple, and to powerfully impact others for God’s Kingdom, right where you are.