"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria ant to the end of the earth" - Acts 1:8

Can one receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and not be aware of it?  [top]

Generally speaking, the answer to this question is no, one cannot receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and not know he has received it. But to be more precise, we must qualify the answer in three ways:

(1) On rare occasions the people have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues, although they knew something strange and wonderful had take place, did not know what had happened to them. They had never heard of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and so had no way to define the experience. In such cases, the baptism usually comes in some deep moment of prayer or during a time of spontaneous praise to God.

We know one friend who went forward in a meeting foe what she thought was to be prayer for healing. She had misunderstood the minister's invitation, which had been for those who seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit. As she sat in the appointed place, people gathered around and began praying for her. Suddenly, she felt her tongue begin to thrash around in her mouth and found herself speaking in tongues in the midst of a glorious feeling love and power. But it was only after friend had explained her experience that she understood what had happened. But again, let us stress that such experience are rare.

(2) A second part of the answer is direct to yet another group of people. There are those Christians who seem to feel that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a blessing with God mysteriously and secretly bestows here and there and who wonder if, at the same time their Christian walk or experience, they received this blessing without being aware of it. They wonder if they received the baptism when they accepted Christ or at some point when they have made a special commitment to God. I believe it is fairly safe to say to all such persons, "If you doubt that you've received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, you haven't." This encounter with God's Holy Spirit is too charged with Divine life and power for us to take it for granted or to assume it come to us unnoticed. And this is one of the reasons we look for the manifestation of speaking in tongues. It is concrete evidence that the person speaking has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

(3) A third part of the answer to this question deals with those who have actively sought the baptism in the Holy Spirit, have received prayer for the baptism and have even spoken in a strange word or two in tongues, but doubt that they have really received the baptism. Many, many people experience this problem. they have received the baptism but they are sure of their experience. They haven't spoken as fluently as their friend do, or their experience has not measured up to their expectation. if this is your situation, then let me assure you, yes, you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but the devil's is trying to talk you out of it. If you've spoken so much as one syllable in tongues, claim your experience by faith and persevere in prayer until you become fluent in your new language of praise.

So to summarize: On rare occasions, God does baptize people in the Holy Spirit, and they do not know what happened except that it was wonderful. Secondly, if a person has never sought the baptism, never spoken in tongues, yet wonders if maybe God baptized him without him being aware of it, no, he has not received. But thirdly, when a person actively seeks the baptism and is prayed for to receive, he may receive and even speak a few words in an unknown tongues, yet doubts, then yes, he has received, but the devil is doing his dead-level best to talk him out of it.    

What is the evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit?  [top]

The only clear scriptural evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues. The first Christians to be baptized in the Holy Spirit were the 120 gathered in the upper room at the Pentecost. The unique evidence that the 120 received the Holy Spirit was that "they began to speak in other tongues" (Acts 2:4). All the other spiritual gifts, such as healing and prophecy, appear in the Old Testament and in the Gospels. But with the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which signified God's Presence in the disciples' lives in a new dimension, God gave a new gift: the gift of tongues.        The book of Acts records five separate occasions when the Holy Spirit was received. On three of these occasions, speaking in tongues is specifically mentioned as the visible sign accompanying the experience: at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), at the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46), and at Ephesus (Acts 19:6). Paul received the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him and prayed (acts 9:17), and, while tongues are not mentioned at that point, we know they were a part of Paul's spiritual experience by his own testimony: "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all" (1 Corinthians 14:18). The fifth occasion was the receiving of the Holy Spirit in Samaria (Acts 8:14-17). Philip had made converts, and the apostles at Jerusalem sent down Peter and John to pray for their baptism in the Holy Spirit. Whiles tongues are not directly identified in the account here, there was some visible evidence which made Simon the magician want to purchase from the apostle the ability to transmit the Holy Spirit. Many Biblical authorities agree that what Simon saw must have included speaking in tongues.

Then, there is the statement of Jesus in Mark 16:17-18 where tongues are listed along with other supernatural manifestation which were to follow the ministry of believers.

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues... they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover".

So, according to Scripture, the identifying evidence or sign of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is that of speaking in tongues. While there may be, and frequently are, other spiritual manifestations which accompany the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues remains the primary initial evidence.

Can I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues?   [top]

"With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26), therefore, the answer to this question is yes. However, it is a highly qualified yes! I personally know two people who received the baptism in the Holy Spirit in English rather than with unknown tongues. Both were exceptionally sensitive, prophetic men, true spiritual giants of our times. One is Dr. Frank Laubach, through whom the Holy Spirit manifested Himself supernaturally in English. The other was Rufus Moseley who, some month after his baptism in the Holy Spirit, began speak in tongues and continued to witness faithfully to their value until his death. In a booklet entitled, "How To Enter, Abide, and Increase in Union With Jesus Christ," he makes this excellent statement:

"... My feeling is that we must not be dogmatic and say that no one can have the baptism of the Holy Spirit unless he speaks in tongues. God, of course, can speak in English and in every tongue of men and angels. But He now seems a little more real to me when He speaks in tongues, especially if I am given the meaning of what is spoken. And when an ignorant person speaks in languages entirely unknown to him, it is easy to see that he is not doing the speaking.

The Lord will do wonders for us even if we are prejudiced against tongues, if we are willing to yield at others points. He uses well the all of us that is yielded to Him while he waits for all that is not yielded to be yielded. He doesn't cut us off because we are not yielded at every point, but I have an idea that those of us who have been prejudiced against tongues will be faced around and will like them best of all."

So, we must admit that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit can be received without the manifestation of tongues, but we encourage no one to seek the baptism without expecting tongues. Both are understanding of spiritual gifts and our willingness to receive them affect what gifts and manifestation will appear. Something is missing in your spiritual life if you have received the Holy Spirit yet have not spoken in tongues. Those Spirit Filled Christians who have not yet spoken in tongues will receive a precious added assurance of God's presences and power when they do.                                 True, speaking in tongues is controversial, but if we are really seeking all God wants to bestow, we must seek God's blessings on God's terms, not ours. It is better to hold to the scriptural pattern that be swayed by human prejudices. All who speak in tongues have the authority of Scripture behind their experience. They do not need to defend their baptism in the Holy Spirit by saying, "Yes, I have received the baptism... BUT... I do not speak in tongues." So, if you tell me you have received the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues, I do not deny your claim. But when you witness to me that you do speak in tongues, I rejoice because your experience is fully consistent with Scripture.                                                                                                      We encourage everyone seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit to seek the baptism on Scriptural terms, fully expecting to speak in tongues when they receive.                      Those who ask the question, "Do i have to speak in tongues?" make it sound as if they are being asked to swallow an unpleasant dose of medicine. their question indicates they believe tongues is something to be endured rather the enjoyed! Speaking in tongues is a blessed experience! It is a joy and privilege to be able to communicate with the Lord in this new and exciting manner. Someone has rightly said, "You don't have to speak in tongues, you get to!" Or, as Dr. David du Plessis comments, "You don't have to, but you will."                                                                                                                Any person receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit can, from the moment he accepts  the Holy Spirit into his life in this new and powerful way, speak in tongues. Sometimes, one receiving the baptism may refuse - because of shyness or fear or false teaching - to yield his tongues and lips at the moment he receives the Spirit and so is robbed of this blessings for days or even weeks. But time again, we have  heard the testimony of such persons upon eventually yielding and receiving tongues. They admit that had they not resisted or backed away, they would have spoken in tongues the moment they received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

What is "speaking in tongues?"   [top]

Speaking or praying in tongues is a form of prayer in which the Christian yields himself to the Holy Spirit and receives from the Spirit a supernatural language with which to praise God. It is a miraculous manifestations of God's power, but one which combines both human and divine initiative. It is truly a cooperation between the Christian and the Holy Spirit. Many people misunderstand what takes place when they hear someone praying or speaking in tongues. They are apprehensive over what might happen to them if they "let themselves go like that" or "let some other power take over." They assume the person is completely passive and that the Holy Spirit is doing it all. This is a completely erroneous impression of what is taking place. The person himself is very actively participating in the experience. As someone bluntly put it, "Without the Holy Spirit you can't, but without you the Holy Spirit won't."

Stated in the simplest way: Man does the speaking while the Holy Spirit furnishes the words. Acts 2:4 says, "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as Spirit gave them utterance." a free translation might read, "they... began to speak as the Spirit gave them words to say." Speaking in tongues is a way of praying which liberates the spirit within and strengthens the Christian in a wonderful manner. The primary purpose of it is for use in one's own devotional life. Careful restrictions are placed upon its public use. (see Corinthians 14:18-19, 27-28).

Why should I speak in tongues?   [top]

The most  obvious answer to this question is that the Scripture encourage it. Jesus said it was one of the signs which was to follow the ministry of Christians; "And these signs will accompany those who believe... they will speak in new tongues..." (Mark 16:17). And Paul, while recognizing the need for propriety in the public manifestation of tongues, nevertheless urges Christians to receive and make use of this significant gift. "Earnestly desire the spiritual gifts... Now i want you to all to speak in tongues.. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all..." (1 Corinthians 14:1,5,18). As the late Reverend Samuel Shoemaker observed, "The Christian needs every gift God offers."

The willingness to yield our tongues to God may also indicate a more profound surrender than almost any other act. The tongue is the primary instrument of expression of the human personality, and until God has dominion over the tongue, His control over us is relatively slight.

"So the tongue is little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is unrighteous world among world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and had been tamed by humankind, but no human can tame the tongue - a restless evil, full of deadly poison" - James 3:5-8.

In addition, experience shows that prayer in tongues, which the scriptures also refer to as "prayer in the Spirit" (1 Corinthians 14:14-15, Ephesians 6:18), enables us to pray with an ability and authority not our own. We do not always know how to pray in given situation, but holding the need up to the Father, we pray in tongues, knowing that our prayers are guided by the Holy Spirit.

When, we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God... Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God - Romans 8:15-16, 26-27.

Why speak in tongues? Because it grants the Christians a freedom in prayer which enables him to praise God extravagantly, beyond the limiting confines of known speech. Our Lord had nothing but praise for those who worshiped Him extravagantly or served or trusted him extravagantly; the poor widow who gave God all the money she had (Luke 21:1-4), the Roman centurion and his tremendous faith in Jesus' healing power (Matthew 8:5-13) and Mary, who was extravagant in her devotion in anointing Him with precious ointment (john 12:3). Yet, many of us are so stingy and pinched in our relationship with God that any real freedom can come through praying in tongues.

It may help also to realize that there are strong Biblical reasons for speaking in tongues. Dr. Henry Ness, in his booklet "The Baptism of the Holy Spirit," lists twenty Bible reason for speaking in tongues:

1. Speaking with tongues as the Holy Spirit gives the utterance is the unique spiritual gift identified with Church of Jesus Christ. Prior to the day of Pentecost, all other gifts, miracles, and spiritual manifestations had been in evidence during the Old Testament times. On the Day of Pentecost, this new phenomenon came into evidence and became uniquely identified with the Church (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12-14).

2. Speaking with tongues was ordained by God for the Church (1 Corinthians 12:28, 14:21).

3. Speaking with tongues is a specific fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 28:11, 1 Corinthians 14:21, Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:16-18).

4. Speaking with tongues is a sign OF the believer (John 7:38-39, Mark 16:17).

5. Speaking in tongues is a sign TO the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 14:22).

6. Speaking with tongues is a proof of the resurrection and glorification of Jesus Christ (John 16:7, Acts 2:22-24, 32-33).

7. Speaking with tongues is an evidence of the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4, 10:45-46, 19:6).

8. Speaking in tongues is a means of preaching to men of other languages (Acts 2:6-11).

9. Speaking with tongues is a spiritual gift for self edification (1 Corinthians 14:4).

10. Speaking with tongues is a gift for spiritual gift for the church (1 Corinthians 14:5). 

11. Speaking with tongues is a spiritual gift for communication with God in private worship (1 Corinthians 14:2).

12. Speaking with tongues is a means by which the Holy Spirit intercedes through us in prayer (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:14).

13. Speaking with tongues is a spiritual gift for "singing in the Spirit" (1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:18-19).

14. The apostle Paul was thankful to God for the privilege of speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18).

15. The apostle Paul desired that all would speak with tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5).

16. Speaking with tongues is one of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10).

17. The apostle Paul ordered that speaking with tongues should not be forbidden (1 Corinthians 14:39).

18. Isaiah prophetically refers to speaking with tongues as a "rest" (Isaiah 28:12, 1 Corinthians 14:21).

19. Isaiah prophetically refers to speaking with tongues as a "refreshing" (Isaiah 28:12, 1 Corinthians 14:21).

20. Speaking with tongues follows as a confirmation of the Word of God when it is preached (Mark 16:17, 20).

Is the desire to speak in tongues uncontrollable?  [top]

Through erroneous teaching, many people have been led to believe that the Holy Spirit "makes people do things they don't want to do." They seem to assume that the human will and personality are completely shoved aside, or that they are powerless in the grip of the Holy Spirit, and are quite surprised  to learn how gentle the Holy Spirit is in His dealings with us.

Speaking in tongues is a method of prayer and praise, and the one doing the praying is a much in control of his speaking as he is when he is praying in English, i.e. je starts or stops at will and decides if and when he is to speak. The scriptures make this obvious since Paul gives the Corinthians Christians clear instructions as to when and where to speak in tongues, advice which would have been useless unless the person himself has complete control.

If any speak in tongues, let there be only two or at most three, and each turn; and let one interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silence in church and speak to himself and to these verses make it plain that it is up to the person to decide whether he speaks or not and - if  he decides to speak in tongues- whether or not it will be out loud or only to himself.

Therefore, we see the desire to speak in tongues is never uncontrollable.

Do you know what you are saying when you speak in tongues? [top]

No, not unless you are given the interpretation by the Holy Spirit. The "other tongues" which the 120 began to speak at Pentecost were unknown to them but recognizable to the amazed listeners who, according to the Scripture, were devout Jews from "every nation under heaven."

"And they were amazed and wondered, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God" - Acts 2:7-8, 11.

So, not only did the 120 know the languages with which they were praising God, but the amazed listeners knew they didn't know what they are saying. For them, this was a proof of the miraculous nature of the experience.

When we are worshiping in the Spirit or praying in tongues in our private devotions, there is generally no need for interpretation. This form of prayer is not exercised for the benefit of the intellect. Paul says, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14)." The Holy Spirit knows the content of our prayer for He inspires it; there is no need for us to understand. It is enough to know that God does.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words... because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God"- Romans 8:26-27.

If I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, will it lead me away from my church? [top]

No. not unless you let it. Twenty, even ten years ago, the chances would have been much grater that you would have felt compelled to change churches. Around the turn of the century, when the baptism in the Holy Spirit began a blaze up in the church, many persons receiving it found themselves ostracized from their own congregations. this very fact led to the establishment of many of the present-day Pentecostal denominations. To day, however, it is widely recognized that Pentecost is not a denomination but an experience; an experience of God's power which is being received by people in all denominations.

The spiritual climate in the church has changed greatly in recent years with individual congregations, even whole denominations, rapidly reversing themselves on the question of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Today, the overall attitude of most denominations is much more open. Seldom does one feel compelled to leave his denomination or his local church.

It is true, however, that over-zealousness or over eagerness in wanting to share your experience may tend to alienate you from some of your church friends. If you are to be faithful witness to What God is doing in your life, a certain amount of this estangement seems inevitable. But a gentle witness, filled with love, plus a determined effort to avoid all evidence of spiritual pride, tends to meet little opposition. And the joy which this precious relationship with Jesus brings far outweighs any criticism which may come our way. 

How can I become worthy to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? [top]

You can't. there is no way to become worthy. The gift of the Holy Spirit, like the gift of salvation, cannot be earned; it can only be received by faith. It is not bestowed as a prize nor handed out like wages earned. If you could become good enough to earn it, you wouldn't need it! The idea that we earn God's gifts by our good behavior is great stumbling to receiving spiritual block to receiving spiritual power today.

The only righteousness available to you and me is the righteousness imputed to us because of our faith in Jesus Christ. "For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law" (Romans 3:28). The old heresy of salvation by works often rears its ugly head to rob the Christian of God's promised gifts. What Paul says about Israel is true of many well-meaning church members today who are relaying on their good behavior to save them.

I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified - Romans 10:2-4.

It is not our good works but our faith in Jesus Christ which saves us. Redemption is ours, not by trying, but by trusting. In the same manner, it is by simple trust in God's promise, and not by striving to be "worthy," that we receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we here people say, "Well, I'm just waiting until God decides to give me the Holy Spirit," or, "God will baptize me with the Holy Spirit when He decides I'm worthy." Such people could not be more mistaken! They are being robbed of God's blessing by their own ignorance. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is immediately available to all who humble and sincerely ask in faith.

What are the hindrances to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit? [top]

Obviously, there are many hindrances if one is not in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Unconfessed sin, unchristian attitudes or practices, involvement in religious cults that deny the divinity of Christ, fear, or an unforgiving spirit, all severe hindrances. But i am assuming that this question comes from one who is a Christian in a right relationship with the Lord and who earnestly desires to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Experience shows that there are two major hindrances which block receptivity to the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The first is scriptural ignorance. For years the Biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit has been glossed over or ignored by our ministers and Bible teachers. Most Christians are still in the dark concerning what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and His power. Once the same amount of study has been given to the Scriptures dealing with the baptism in the Holy Spirit as the Scripture dealing in water, we will have much more helpful literature on the subject. People will not ask for spiritual power they do not know exists. Many of us are still like the Ephesians disciples who told Paul, "No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit" (Acts 19:2). Today, with the increasing spread of the charismatic revival, we are witnessing a return to Biblical studies on the subject and a heartening decline in Biblical ignorance.

But years of wrong teaching and Biblical ignorance also leave a psychological barrier that creates difficulty in receiving the baptism, even after we are intellectually convinced it is real. We must cry out like the father of the epileptic, "I believe, help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

The other major hindrance is fear of what others may think or say - fear of public opinion. Until we want the Holy Spirit more than we want of approval of our fellow church members; until we want the power of God more than we want respectability; until we are so spiritual hungry we don't really care what other people think, we may no find ourselves very receptive. Most of us have wanted God on our terms and have steadfastly refused to let Him have us on His terms. For this reason, we find it difficult to move into new spiritual experiences. Many people seem to arrived at the conclusion that speaking in tongues is somehow improper for good, orthodox church members. Perhaps the basic question we need to ask ourselves is whether we want to be prim, proper and powerless, or faithful, yielded and powerful. It seems well-nigh impossible to be both.

How can I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? [top]

There is one prerequisite which is absolutely essential. If you have not already done so, you must accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. By no means should anyone who is not a believing Christian pray for the baptism in the Holy Spirit!

There are two basic ingredients involved in the baptism in the Holy Spirit: the readiness of our Lord Jesus to baptize the believer, and the desire and readiness of the Christians to receive the baptism. If you are ready to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, this chapter is especially for you. I suggest that first you read the entire article, then at your own appointed time, in the privacy of your prayer corner, reread the article, carefully in the Holy Spirit with the miracle of praising God in a new language becomes your own joyous possession. Praise God, He is faithful and will not let your desire go unfulfilled. Are you ready?

1. Find a time and a place for quiet prayer and meditation: While it helps to be in the presence of a group of Spirit-filled Christians who can instruct, encourage and pray with you, such a fellowship is not essential. You may receive in your own home. Just fine a place where you can be quiet and undisturbed for a period of prayer and wait upon the Lord. The physical surroundings are not important as long as you can be quiet and comfortable. You may sit or kneel or take whatever position that will encourage your sense of reverence and spiritual expectancy.

 

2. Reread the Scriptures where the Holy Spirit is promised: I want to point you to a seemingly unrelated, but very important and helpful, passage of Scripture:

The (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves ; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking in the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified , saying "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "take heart, it is I; have no fear."

And Peter answered hi, "Lord if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come" So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord save me." Jesus immediately reached out his Hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" - Matthew 14:22-31

The Scripture contains the story of how Peter sought and experienced a miracle. It is significant for you, because to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues is to experience a miracle. By examining this story and identifying yourself with Peter and his actions, you can greatly helped to receive.

When Peter saw Jesus approaching on the water he said, "Lord, if it is you. bid me come..." Peter wanted assurance that the miracle he sought was accordance with the will of God for His life. Many people today ask, "How do I know it's God's will that I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?" The scriptures you reread about the baptism make it abundantly clear that the Lord does desire to bestow this gift on every Christian. So accept His will for you in this matter with joy and anticipation, know that His invitation applies to " you and to your children and to all that are far off" (Acts 2:39).

Now let us also note that Peter said, "Lord, if it is you, bid me to come to the water." Peter knew he was asking the Lord for a miracle, asking Him to provide what no man on earth can grant. Only God, by His supernatural power, can fill you with His Holy Spirit and enable you to speak in tongues.

By his willingness to come in response to Jesus' invitation, Peter, in effect was saying, "Lord, if You say I can do it - if You say I can walk on the water - I trust You to make it possible."

 

3. Pray the prayer of invitation: In a simple, fervent prayer, ask Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit. You may use a prayer like the following:

"Lord Jesus Christ, I believe with all my heart that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is meant for me. Just as I trust You for my eternal salvation, so now do I trust You to give me Your Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I know open my life to receive the fullness of Your Holy Spirit within. Thank you, Lord Jesus, Amen."

4. Receive the Holy Spirit within: Having prayed your prayer, believe act on it. Know that the very moment the Holy Spirit is moving into your life in a new and powerful way in answer to your prayer. Claim your answer! In a conscious act of surrender, let Him have full control of your body, mind and spirit. Be confidently aware of His presence within.

At this point, you may actually feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, physically. His presence may come as a warmth enveloping you, or as a silent powerful Presence enfolding you. You may experience a tingling sensation or a gentle vibration as if touched by an electrical current. But even if you feel nothing, rest quietly in the confidence that the Holy Spirit is now coming upon you in power and is about to furnish you with a new language of prayer and praise to God.

 

5. Receive and speak the language the Holy Spirit gives: This is the point where your faith and trust must resolve themselves into action. In the Biblical story of Peter's miracle, this is the point where Peter acted boldly and in faith, even as you must. The Scripture simply states, "So Peter go out of the boat and walked..." These few words hold the key! They reveal how the miracle took place, and when you understand this, you have in your hand the key to speaking in tongues.

Before the miracles of God could take place, Peter had to do his part. But peter didn't do anything supernatural, he just stepped out of the boat and began to walk - just as he would have had the boat been pulled up on shore. It was an act of faith and courage, but it was a purely human act. Then, when Peter acted in faith, God moved supernaturally to perform the miracle. As Peter walked, God held the water firm under his feet. Read the story carefully. God didn't lift Peter out of the boat and float him across the waves. Peter walked naturally while God held him up supernaturally. If Peter had waited for power of God to lift him out of the boat and float him across the waves to Jesus, he would still be in the boat today!

So it is with the miracle of speaking in tongues. The miracle is not that you speak; you do your own speaking just like Peter did his own walking. You are to step out with you own lips and voice, just as Peter stepped out with his own legs and feet. The miracles, comes when, as you open your mouth to speak, you trust God to furnish you with a new and unknown tongue. Peter walked - and trusted God to hold the water firm under his feet. You are to speak, trusting God to give you a new language with which to praise Him. Lift up you voice in faith, trusting that as you begin to speak, it will be in a new and beautiful language you have never heard before.     

    

I recently received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues. How do I put my new experience to work? [top]