Baptism of the Holy Ghost – by Joey D. Frechette

The Bible is very clear that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is for all believers who have professed Jesus as Lord. Most often this experience is a separate occurrence following the regeneration of the human spirit by the Holy Spirit which we call being born again.  Jesus tells us in John 3:3 that this must happen before we can see the kingdom of God.  After we are born again we now have right standing with God the Father in which we can ask Him for the promised Holy Spirit.  Luke 11:13 says if we know how to give good gifts to our children how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those of us who ask.  John the baptist preached the baptism (water) of repentance, for the remission of sins.  He went on to say that there would be One that would come and baptize in the Holy Ghost and fire (Matt 3:11, Mark 1:4&8, Acts 1:8).

The purpose of being baptized in the Holy Spirit is that we too would be endued with power from on high, just as we see Jesus “anointed . . .with the Holy Ghost and Power” (Luke 4:1&18 Acts 10:38).  Mark 1:10 gives us the picture of the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus.  It is after this experience that we see Jesus starting His earthly ministry.  Jesus later tells His disciples to wait until they have been given this power; “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” Luke 24:49 NLT, see also Acts 1:8.  You can clearly see this power in operation when Peter and John, after they were filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4, notice they spoke in tongues) healed the man at the gate called beautiful.  Peter tells the man that what they do have they will give.  What did they have?  They had God’s power to heal.  Peter says in Acts 3:12 “why do you look at us as though by our own power we had made this man whole?”  This power or anointing is displayed all throughout Jesus’ ministry and His disciples ministry.

The initial outward sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues.  There have been many small wars fought over this issue.  It is my conclusion that the scriptures clearly show us that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is followed by the evidence of  speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 11:15&16, 19:6).  I believe that tongues should be considered the norm when receiving the Holy Ghost and fire.  The book of Acts also tells us of other results of this power from on high.  First let me mention Peter and Stephen, we know they were both filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 4:8 & 6:5) and we see them preach two of the best sermons ever preached giving witness to Jesus Christ the Messiah (Acts 3:11-26 & 7:1-54). Other results are as follows:

Prophesy, dreams and visions (Acts 2:17, 19:6)
Speaking the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31, 19:8)
Great power and grace to witness (Acts 4:33)
Sick folks healed (Acts 5:16)
Power to serve (Acts 6:3)
Seeing into the heavenly realm (Acts 7:55)
Magnifying God (Acts 10:46)

I want to conclude with this final thought on the baptism in the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues. The bible says that as we pray or speak in tongues our spirit prays or communicates the perfect will of God.  I believe that this is a supernatural way that God can speak to our hearts the mysteries or revelation of His will for our lives (1Cor. 2:9-14).  Jude 20 states as we pray in the Holy Spirit we are building ourselves up and that we are encouraged.  What an awesome gift God has given, I pray that you receive the Holy Ghost.  Study the Word for yourself and ask the Father for the Holy Spirit.  Begin to pray, receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost by faith and now begin to tell Jesus how much you love Him, but do not us your native tongue.  May God continually fill you with His presence and power by the Holy Ghost.