Understanding the Power of Holy Spirit Baptism

Devotional

Day 1: The Fullness of the Spirit

When you are born again, you receive the Holy Spirit, which ensures your salvation and your place in heaven. However, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is subsequent to salvation, is about receiving the fullness of the Spirit. This fullness is characterized by an overflow that manifests in speaking in tongues, a personal prayer language that edifies the believer and confounds the enemy. This overflow is not just a one-time event but a continuous experience that empowers believers to live a victorious Christian life.

The distinction between the new birth and the baptism in the Holy Spirit is crucial for understanding the depth of our spiritual journey. While the new birth secures our eternal destiny, the baptism in the Holy Spirit equips us for effective service and spiritual warfare. It is an invitation to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised, marked by the supernatural presence and power of the Holy Spirit. [04:01]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: Have you experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit in your life? If not, what steps can you take today to seek this deeper experience with God?

Day 2: The Gift for Every Believer

The Acts 2 experience shows that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for every believer, not just a select few. This gift is distinct from the public gift of tongues and interpretation and is meant for personal edification and spiritual empowerment. The 120 believers in the upper room, including the apostles and other followers of Jesus, all received the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that this gift is universally available to all who believe.

This universal availability underscores the inclusive nature of God's promises. Every believer, regardless of their background or status, is invited to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This experience is not reserved for a spiritual elite but is a gift from God to empower all His children for a life of victory and service. [05:05]

Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."

Reflection: Do you believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for you? How can you open your heart to receive this gift from God today?

Day 3: Speaking Mysteries to God

Praying in tongues is a powerful tool for personal edification and spiritual warfare. It allows us to speak mysteries to God, and the devil cannot understand it. This practice enhances our spiritual momentum and brings about significant breakthroughs. Both Kenneth E. Hagin and Oral Roberts found that their spiritual momentum and revelations were greatly enhanced through praying in tongues.

When we pray in tongues, we are engaging in a form of communication with God that transcends our natural understanding. It is a way to align our spirit with God's Spirit, allowing Him to intercede through us according to His perfect will. This practice is not about loud, boisterous displays but about sincere, Spirit-led prayer that aligns with God's will. [07:46]

1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV): "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit."

Reflection: Have you experienced the power of praying in tongues? If so, how has it impacted your spiritual life? If not, are you willing to ask God for this gift today?

Day 4: Deep Intercession

The church needs to restore the practice of deep, Spirit-led intercession. This involves moving beyond simple prayers to praying out God's mysteries and will, led by the Holy Spirit. We must avoid unbiblical practices like "warring tongues" and focus on sincere, Spirit-led prayer. Deep intercession is about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers, bringing about significant breakthroughs and aligning us with God's purposes.

Restoring Holy Ghost prayer in the church means cultivating an environment where believers are encouraged to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in their prayer lives. It is about moving from routine, surface-level prayers to deep, heartfelt intercession that touches the heart of God and brings about His will on earth. [09:59]

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate deep, Spirit-led intercession into your daily prayer life? What steps can you take to move beyond simple prayers to praying out God's mysteries and will?

Day 5: Transition to New Testament Salvation

Jesus' act of breathing on His disciples in John 20:20-23 marked the transition from Old Testament salvation to New Testament salvation. This act was a precursor to the fuller experience of the Holy Spirit baptism, which brings rivers of living water flowing from within us, empowering us for service and spiritual warfare. This transition signifies the shift from the old covenant to the new, where the Holy Spirit indwells and empowers every believer.

Understanding this transition helps us appreciate the fullness of the salvation we have in Christ. It is not just about being saved from sin but being empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a victorious and fruitful Christian life. The rivers of living water that flow from within us are a testament to the abundant life that Jesus promised to all who believe in Him. [35:17]

John 7:38-39 (ESV): "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Reflection: How does understanding the transition from Old Testament to New Testament salvation impact your view of the Holy Spirit's role in your life? What can you do today to experience the rivers of living water that Jesus promised?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Glory to God! Today, we concluded our series on understanding the Holy Spirit baptism. We delved into the distinction between the new birth and the gift of the Holy Spirit. When you are born again, you receive the Holy Spirit, which ensures your salvation and your place in heaven. However, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is subsequent to salvation, is about receiving the fullness of the Spirit. This fullness is characterized by an overflow that manifests in speaking in tongues, a personal prayer language that edifies the believer and confounds the enemy.

We explored the Acts 2 experience, where all 120 in the upper room received the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that this gift is for every believer, not just a select few. This prayer language is distinct from the public gift of tongues and interpretation mentioned in 1 Corinthians. It is a private, powerful tool for personal edification and spiritual warfare. When we pray in tongues, we are speaking mysteries to God, and the devil cannot understand it.

We also discussed the importance of intercession and how praying in the Spirit can bring about significant breakthroughs. Both Kenneth E. Hagin and Oral Roberts found that their spiritual momentum and revelations were greatly enhanced through praying in tongues. This practice is not about loud, boisterous displays but about sincere, Spirit-led prayer that aligns with God's will.

Moreover, we touched on the need for the church to restore the practice of Holy Ghost prayer. This involves moving beyond simple prayers to deep intercession, where the Holy Spirit leads us in praying out God's mysteries and will. We must be cautious not to fall into the trap of "warring tongues" or other unbiblical practices that have emerged in some circles.

Finally, we examined John 20:20-23, where Jesus breathed on His disciples and they received the Holy Spirit, marking the transition from Old Testament salvation to New Testament salvation. This act was a precursor to the fuller experience of the Holy Spirit baptism, which brings rivers of living water flowing from within us, empowering us for service and spiritual warfare.

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Key Takeaways

1. led intercession. This involves moving beyond simple prayers to praying out God's mysteries and will, led by the Holy Spirit. We must avoid unbiblical practices like "warring tongues" and focus on sincere, Spirit-led prayer. [09:59]
5. Transition from Old to New Testament Salvation:
Jesus' act of breathing on His disciples in John 20:20-23 marked the transition from Old Testament salvation to New Testament salvation. This act was a precursor to the fuller experience of the Holy Spirit baptism, which brings rivers of living water flowing from within us, empowering us for service and spiritual warfare.

### [09:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - Introduction and Prayer
[02:35] - New Birth vs. Holy Spirit Baptism
[04:01] - Fullness of the Spirit
[05:05] - Acts 2 Experience
[05:49] - Personal Prayer Language
[06:49] - Kenneth E. Hagin and Oral Roberts
[07:46] - Power of Praying in Tongues
[09:05] - Intercession and Spiritual Warfare
[09:59] - Restoring Holy Ghost Prayer
[11:13] - Unity in Prayer
[12:37] - Avoiding Unbiblical Practices
[14:02] - Importance of Biblical Guidance
[16:02] - Accountability in Spiritual Practices
[16:42] - Understanding the Blessings of Praying in Tongues
[19:07] - Personal Communication with God
[20:19] - Praying God's Will
[23:00] - Spiritual Warfare
[24:28] - Supernatural Gift of the Holy Spirit
[27:16] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[30:17] - Hunger and Thirst for the Holy Spirit
[33:24] - John 20:20-23 Explained
[35:17] - Transition to New Testament Salvation
[40:00] - Rivers of Living Water
[41:26] - Assisted by the Holy Ghost
[42:04] - Invitation to Receive the Holy Spirit

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What did Jesus do to His disciples in John 20:22, and what was the significance of this act? [34:11]
According to Acts 2:1-4, what happened to the 120 people in the upper room, and how did it manifest? [05:05]
In 1 Corinthians 14:2, what does Paul say about speaking in tongues and its purpose? [19:41]
How did Kenneth E. Hagin and Oral Roberts find their spiritual momentum and revelations enhanced? [07:46]

Interpretation Questions

What is the difference between the new birth and the baptism in the Holy Spirit as explained in the sermon? [02:35]
How does praying in tongues serve as a tool for personal edification and spiritual warfare? [05:49]
Why is it important for the church to restore the practice of deep, Spirit-led intercession? [09:59]
How does the transition from Old Testament salvation to New Testament salvation, as seen in John 20:20-23, impact our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role? [35:17]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own experience with the new birth and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced both, and how have they impacted your spiritual life? [02:35]
How can you incorporate praying in tongues into your daily prayer routine to enhance your personal edification and spiritual warfare? [05:49]
What steps can you take to engage in deeper, Spirit-led intercession within your small group or church community? [09:59]
Have you ever experienced a significant breakthrough through praying in the Spirit? Share your experience and how it has influenced your faith. [07:46]
How can you ensure that your practice of praying in tongues aligns with biblical guidance and avoids unbiblical practices like "warring tongues"? [12:37]
In what ways can you help restore the practice of Holy Ghost prayer in your church, moving beyond simple prayers to deep intercession? [09:59]
How does understanding the transition from Old Testament to New Testament salvation deepen your appreciation for the Holy Spirit's work in your life? [35:17]

Sermon Clips

1. "Lord, you know, we just get caught up in into the spirit when we worship you. And Lord, we just thank you for just concentrating and seeing you in our midst through the Holy Spirit. And oh, we know, we know the presence of God is evident here today and wants to really do some things in the people in this congregation and those that are online today. Holy Spirit, you are the helper. You're the teacher. And you just want to break through and really let us understand." [01:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Now, the Holy Spirit's there. But until you're full of the spirit of God and you're overflowing, the Bible says out of what the belly show shall flow rivers of living water. When when you're full and overflowing, what do you begin to do? You begin to speak in other tongues as the spirit gives utterance. It's called the fullness of the spirit. And that's what we see Jesus was talking about. When he said he would send another comforter, it wasn't saying that he would not comfort you anymore, but he said there's one coming." [04:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But Brother Kenneth E Hagan, how many have heard of that man? Amen. You hear me refer to him. That's where I went to school. But, you know, I don't just read over from Brother Hagan. You know, I number one study the Bible. But then I have lots of different books and things. Things that I research and study aside from Kenneth Hagan and even Brother Hagan was a great student. I mean, he studied all kinds of different books, the Bible, number one, but had a tremendous library and preserved the history that was passed down from generation to generation that good." [06:49] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And they both discovered that where they really got much of. Their momentum was praying in tongues and with the understanding. Also, they both matched notes and they said, that's incredible where they really had inroads. And the power of God moving and revelation and understanding is when they prayed in the spirit and prayed with the understanding. Also, you have that ability because Paul said that. So you said, well, then the devil know what I said. Well, so. What? Because we're not concerned about what the devil understands or not." [07:46] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Some people, did you know how many has ever been really caught into the realm of intercession in this place? Really know what I'm talking about. I don't think some of you have really been in it. Some of you maybe not have yet, but you will be. Amen. Praise God. Amen. Because God wants us to get over there. And that that place of intercession. Come on. One of the things God spoke to me years ago was the burden to have prayer school somewhere. This is the first church that we're all we're getting there. Amen. We're getting there." [09:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When a congregation begins to pray together in unity and tongues, you said, well, nobody can understand it. Well, what happened in the Acts? I mean, yeah, they were praying in different languages, different ones understood. But guess what? When the spirit of God begins to move in unity and we pray in tongues, I'm not talking about right in the middle when I'm teaching or something that is out of order. But I'm telling you, when the congregation comes together and begins to pray in the spirit and the Holy Ghost, and really press in, I'm telling you what, God is going to visit his church." [12:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Holy Spirit can lead us in praying in the spirit to deal with issues in the spiritual realm. We have authority to show or a spiritual badge. Just like a police officer. We have the name of Jesus to take authority over the enemy. And we walk in the spirit. Loosing and praying with the understanding also. And we use that to engage and releasing things into this natural realm. Amen. So when we're praying in the spirit. We see things begin to happen naturally. Now remember. And also supernaturally. This gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is supernatural." [24:28] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "But it says they spake. Again I remember Brother Hagum when he was teaching on this. I'm really unexplained it. All of a sudden this woman. He was teaching. She goes. I got it. They spake. She got so excited. And immediately got filled with the Holy Ghost. Oh. It took several sessions. But then when it says. They spake. Oh. Okay. She got it then. But once it drops in your spirit. It says out of the belly shall flow rivers of living water. That's what we're going to talk about a little bit." [26:24] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you are starving and can can find nothing to satisfy your hunger then come and you will be filled. I'm going to say it again if you are starving are you starving for the Holy Spirit are you hungry for the Holy Spirit and nothing else can satisfy your hunger then come and you will be filled if you are thirsty and hungry you will be filled have you ever had a parched mouth to where you're so dry cotton mouth you're spitting cut and you got to get a drink of water." [30:17] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "But what I'm saying is you sit down with that water because you're thirsty. And you don't just go, everybody watching online, I know everybody's paying attention here. You don't go like this. You go, ah, isn't that good? That's how you receive the Holy Spirit. But aren't you thirsty? You've got to be thirsty. I mean, you've got to be thirsty. How many like steak here? Let me preach for another six hours and I think everybody will like a steak. Don't get so hungry." [31:17] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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