Praying in Tongues

Understanding the Holy Spirit: The Power of Praying in Tongues

The Holy Spirit is essential to our Christian walk. We cannot do what God has called us to do without Him. He is our comforter, which means He leads us into uncomfortable places where we need His comfort. Through His power, we can lay hands on the sick, cast out demons, and evangelize effectively—not by our own strength, but by His Spirit.

What is the calling on your life?

God has a calling on every believer's life. When we hear "calling," we often think of becoming a pastor, evangelist, or missionary. But how can we expect to reach people in far-off places if we can't even reach our neighbors?

Some of you may feel you've missed your calling because God spoke to your heart years ago, but you were afraid and ignored it. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is bringing that calling back to your remembrance today.

Why do we resist the Holy Spirit's leading?

Our flesh is always driven by comfort, but the Holy Spirit leads us to places where we need His comfort—which means uncomfortable circumstances. The good news is that if He leads you there, He will empower you there. It's not your power, ability, or strength that matters.

Many of us approach God with our own expectations, mindsets, and filters already in place, which prevents us from hearing Him clearly. When it comes to God, the Holy Spirit, and the Word, we need to be neutral—not expecting confirmation of what we already believe, but allowing ourselves to be transformed into Christ's image.

What keeps people from receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

There are two main barriers that prevent people from receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit:

1. Fear - Many people are afraid of speaking in tongues because they don't understand it. If you've read the gospels, Acts, and Romans, you should have a good understanding of what tongues is.

2. False teaching - Some believe that tongues and other spiritual gifts have ceased. They often misquote 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, which says tongues will cease "when that which is perfect has come." This isn't referring to the completed Bible but to when we see Jesus face to face in our glorified bodies.

What are the different types of tongues mentioned in the Bible?

There are four different types of tongues in Scripture, which explains why there seems to be contradictions when you read about it:

Two types for public use:

1. Tongues as a sign - This is what happened at Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12), where believers spoke in unknown languages that were understood by hearers from different nations. This was a sign to unbelievers.

2. Tongues with interpretation - This is when someone speaks in tongues in a church service, followed by an interpretation that edifies the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:10). Paul instructed that this should

Two types for private use:

1. Tongues as a personal prayer language - This is praying in the Spirit for personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4). Paul said, "I will pray in the Spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand" (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).

2. Tongues for intercession - This is when the Holy Spirit helps us pray for others when we don't know what to pray for (Romans 8:26-28). The Spirit makes intercession for us with "groanings which cannot be uttered."

How can I receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

If you've asked for the baptism of the Holy Spirit but haven't received it:

1. Keep asking - Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be opened." Be diligent in seeking.

2. Repent of known willful sin - There's a difference between occasionally falling into sin and willfully giving yourself over to it. Acts 5:32 says the Holy Spirit is "given by God to those who obey Him."

3. Forgive others - Unforgiveness will keep you stuck. Forgive yourself, your parents, your neighbors—anyone you're holding resentment toward.

How do I know if I'm filled with the Holy Spirit?

While speaking in tongues is a sign, one of the biggest indicators that you are Spirit-filled is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you claim to be Spirit-filled but lack self-control, you may have received the gift of tongues but are not currently surrendered to the Holy Spirit.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to:

1. Surrender to the Holy Spirit daily - Start each morning by saying, "Holy Spirit, I surrender to you today. Lead me where you want me to go."

2. Practice praying in the Spirit - If you've received the gift of tongues, commit to praying in the Spirit for at least 20 minutes each day. If you haven't received this gift, ask God to fill you with His Spirit.

3. Identify areas of resistance - Where have you been resistant to the Holy Spirit's leading? Is there unforgiveness in your heart? Are there areas of willful sin you need to repent of?

4. Step out in faith - Is there something God has been calling you to do that you've been avoiding? Take one step toward obedience this week.

Ask yourself: Am I approaching God with my own agenda or with a neutral heart? Am I willing to go where the Holy Spirit leads, even if it's uncomfortable? What gifts of the Spirit am I neglecting that God wants to activate in my life?

Remember, the Holy Spirit doesn't just bring comfort—He brings power. And that power isn't just for you; it's to equip you to fulfill God's calling on your life.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Understanding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: A Foundational Teaching

Pentecost Sunday reminds us of one of the most important yet often misunderstood aspects of Christian faith - the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This foundational teaching is essential for believers who want to experience the fullness of what God has for them.

Why Is There So Much Division About the Holy Spirit?

When you see significant division in the body of Christ around a particular topic, you can be certain it's an area of great importance. The enemy doesn't want us united in our understanding of the Holy Spirit because unity around the Spirit brings power.

The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room when they were united in prayer and obedience to Jesus. This unity preceded the outpouring of power that changed the world. The enemy's strategy is to divide believers on crucial matters, and few topics create more division than teachings about the Holy Spirit.

The Elementary Principles Every Christian Should Know

In Hebrews 6:1, the writer urges believers to move beyond basic teachings and become mature in their understanding. But what are these basic teachings that form our foundation?

The writer lists six elementary principles:

1. Repentance from dead works - True repentance means turning completely from self-worship to God-worship

2. Faith toward God - Placing our complete trust in God rather than ourselves

3. The doctrine of baptisms (plural) - Understanding the different baptisms mentioned in Scripture

4. Laying on of hands - A biblical practice for healing, impartation, and blessing

5. Resurrection of the dead - Understanding what happens after death

6. Eternal judgment - Recognizing we will all face judgment

These are the foundational teachings every Christian should understand before attempting to go deeper in their faith.

What Are the Five Baptisms in Scripture?

The word "baptism" (baptizo in Greek) means to immerse, submerge, or overwhelm. Scripture mentions five distinct baptisms:

1. Baptism of repentance - John the Baptist's baptism, representing complete immersion in repentance

2. Baptism into the body of Christ - When we are saved, we are fully immersed into Christ's body

3. Water baptism - The public declaration of our faith, identifying with Christ's death and resurrection

4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Being completely immersed in and empowered by the Holy Spirit

5. Baptism of fire/suffering - The refining process that matures us in Christ

Each baptism represents a complete immersion, not a partial experience.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is not an "it" but a person - the third person of the Trinity. While the Trinity can be difficult to fully comprehend (if we could fully understand God, we would be God), we must recognize the Holy Spirit as God Himself.

Jesus called the Holy Spirit our "Helper" (John 14:15-18), who would abide with us forever. The Holy Spirit is our advocate who desires intimate fellowship with us. In 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul refers to "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit," using the Greek word "koinonia," which implies deep intimacy and communion.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit's Power

In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus commanded His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they received the promised gift - the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He told them: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere."

This promise wasn't just for the original disciples but for all believers. We need the Holy Spirit's power to effectively build God's church and fulfill our calling.

The Difference Between Indwelling and Baptism

When you are saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you. Your spirit is regenerated, and you become alive in Christ. The Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and guides you.

However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is different - it's being completely immersed in the Spirit. Rather than just having the Spirit in you, you are in the Spirit. This represents a complete surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to flow through you with power and anointing.

In Acts 19:1-7, Paul encountered believers who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. He asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" When they said no, Paul laid hands on them, "the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."

How Do You Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus made it clear in Luke 11:9-13 that receiving the Holy Spirit is as simple as asking:

"So I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for... how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

Some people haven't received the baptism of the Holy Spirit simply because they haven't asked for it. Others hold back out of fear - fear of receiving "another spirit" or fear of appearing strange.

But Jesus assures us that if we ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, He won't give us anything harmful. The Father gives good gifts to His children.

Life Application

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an optional add-on to your Christian life but a foundational element that empowers you to live beyond your natural abilities. Here are some practical steps to take:

1. Examine your understanding: Have you been taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was only for the early church? Or have negative experiences made you hesitant? Ask God to give you clarity through His Word.

2. Read through the Book of Acts: See how the early believers relied completely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, power, and effectiveness in ministry.

3. Ask with childlike faith: Come to God with simple trust, asking Him to fill you with His Spirit. You don't need a special ceremony - just knock, seek, and ask.

4. Surrender completely: The baptism of the Holy Spirit requires letting go of control and fully surrendering to God's purposes.

5. Stir up the gift: If you've received the baptism of the Holy Spirit but have neglected this gift, it's time to stir it up again (2 Timothy 1:6).

Questions to Consider:

• Have I received all that God has for me, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

• What fears or misconceptions might be holding me back from experiencing the fullness of the Spirit?

• Am I trying to accomplish God's purposes through my own strength rather than through His power?

• How might my effectiveness in sharing Christ be different if I were fully empowered by the Holy Spirit?

God wants to fill you with His Spirit not to make you weird, but to make you powerful - powerful in love, powerful in witness, and powerful in advancing His kingdom. Will you ask Him today?