The Holy Spirit TodaySample

DAY THREE: WHAT IS THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Now that we’ve talked about who the Holy Spirit is and some of the ways he impacts our lives, let’s talk specifically about the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Many people wonder where the expression; “baptized with the Holy Spirit” comes from. Jesus was the first one to say it, and his words are recorded in Acts 1:4-5: “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, [Jesus] gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The word baptize essentially means “to immerse.” We could describe the baptism with the Holy Spirit as an infilling experience that takes place when we open our lives to God without reservation, and we ask him to baptize (immerse) us with His Holy Spirit. When we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, our spirits become sensitized to the spirit realm and what God is doing. The book of Acts shows us several powerful accounts of believers being baptized with the Holy Spirit. As we look at these accounts, we find six things we need to know about the baptism with the Holy Spirit:

1. There was an overwhelming inbreaking of God’s presence felt by all. 
2. The baptism with the Holy Spirit is an experience separate from salvation, although it can occur simultaneously.
3. Speaking in tongues is an indicator of Holy Spirit baptism.
4. The laying on of hands can be helpful but isn’t essential.
5. Holy Spirit baptism was a normal and expected experience in the New Testament.
6. The experience is for everyone!

Key Thought: The baptism with the Holy Spirit experience we read about in the New Testament, is available to all believers today. 

Questions to Reflect On:

• Acts 2 tells us there were Jewish believers from every nation gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. What did they hear that caused them to be full of amazement and awe?  
• Read John 7:37-39. What word picture does Jesus use to describe the Holy Spirit within us? What do you think this tells us about the Holy Spirit and his way of working in our lives? 
• In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus refers to the baptism with the Holy Spirit as a “gift” and a “promise.” What do you think the disciples might have been experiencing when Jesus reassured them with these words? How can these descriptions of the Holy Spirit give us confidence and comfort today, too?

Prayer:  God, I want to experience all You have for me. I know You give good gifts to Your children, and I believe the Holy Spirit is one of those good gifts. I know that Your Word says You’ll give the Holy Spirit to all who ask. Help me to embrace what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit so I can receive every good gift You want me to have. Amen.