Baptism In the Holy Spirit Lesson 13
Baptism In the Holy Spirit Lesson 13
Nearly always, when the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is discussed, the subject of tongues is introduced and well it should be, because the two are inseparable.
The subject of “tongues,” is a stumbling block to many Christians. However, it should not be, as this subject of tongues is mentioned over 25 times in the New Testament as well as in the Old Testament. It is as much a part of the Word of God as is John 3:16.
Jesus said every believer should speak in tongues. Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe; In My name they will cast out demons; and they will speak with new tongues.
Paul said he wanted every Christian to speak in tongues: 1 Corinthians 14:18 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. (Here Paul refers to the gift of tongues in a meeting, that edifies the church along with the gift of interpretation.) Today we are considering the evidence of the Baptism, and the reason to use tongues in as your prayer language.)
Paul said that he spoke in tongues more that you all. (here Paul is referring to his praise and prayer language in the Spirit – not the gift of tongues for a message to the church..)
Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. There is no other scriptural evidence, although many would like to think there is.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Acts 11:15-17 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
In every case these believers spoke in tongues (an unknown languages to them) as the sign of their baptism.
Notice the word :FOR” in Acts 10:46 - The reason they knew that they were Baptized in the Holy Spirit was because they heard them speak in tongues.
Acts 2:16 This (what they heard and saw) is that which Joel spoke.
Acts 2:33 – He has shed forth this which you now see and hear.
Acts 8:14-19 Now when Peter and John had come down, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Paul told Simon to repent because you cannot purchase God's gifts.
When we discuss the subject of tongues, it is important for us to know that there is a difference between Tongues as a sign of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Tongues as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:1 “Now concerning spiritual gifts I would not have you to be uninformed.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 “The gifts are to profit withal” The gifts are to encourage, to edify, to build up believers. The gifts of the Holy Spirit of Christ, are for our edification.
1 Corinthians 12:30 “Do all speak with tongues?” (to give a message in tongues that must be interpreted with the gift of interpretation.)
1 Corinthians 14:2-5 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.
Speaking or praying in tongues is powerful and you are praying God's perfect will because the Holy Spirit knows exactly what is needed.
Tongues are for a SIGN, tongues is a GIFT; and tongues is your spiritual prayer and praise language.
The general rule in a meeting, the gift of, “a message in tongues” is to be, no more than three and it must be interpreted.
However at Pentecost there were 120, and at the house of Cornelius, there was himself, his family and friends. At Ephesus there were 12 men. They were not out of order in a group prayer, worship and praise gathering.
Tongues as a SIGN of the Baptism - - - or tongues in personal prayer, worship, and praise; - there is no interpretation needed.
During a church service, Tongues as a Gift for a message; Only one person at a time, no more than three, and it must be interpreted.
There is no baptism of the Holy Spirit without the sign of tongues and there is no sign without the Baptism. The two are inseparable.
What to say to someone who comes to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit;
Are you born again?
Do you believe that the Holy Spirit is for you today?
Do you believe that you can and will receive the Holy Spirit today?
Do you believe that you Will receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues now after we pray?
If their answer is no or they are fearful, tell them; “God bless you, and come back when you can believe and you will receive.”
If they are ready to receive; Tell the person what to expect- understand that every experience is different, but yet is similar.
What to say: We are going to pray and I want you to pray with me.
We are going to ask Jesus to Baptize you in the Holy Spirit and we are going to expect him to do so. Then we will begin to thank him in another tongue.
(don't worry about explaining how words enter the Spirit, into the mind and out of the mouth.)
Do you have to speak in tongues to be filled with the Holy Spirit Baptism?
The question is irrelevant. The advantages to tongues are many and are necessary for spiritual growth and maintenance in the Holy Spirit
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