Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The anointing upon and the anointing within. When you get salvation the Holy Spirit comes to live with inside of you. Experiencing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Speaking in tongues is when HIS spirit comes on you and you have the anointing upon.

Too many Christians today have the spirit within but not upon. He has anointed you with power to be witnesses, not for your personal entertainment. Too many people play with the anointing and become casual with it.

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?

When the apostle Paul met the twelve believers in Ephesus (Acts 19:2) he asked
them a question - "Have you received the Holy Spirit?" They answered
"No, they hadn't even heard about receiving the Holy Spirit". Paul prayed
together with them and "the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke
with tongues and prophesied". The same thing happened to the 120 people
waiting on God's promise of His Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on the day we now
call Pentecost. They ALL (including Mother Mary, Jesus Mother) also spoke with tongues and prophesied (Acts 1 & 2 ). This was all spoke about by Jesus and should have been expected since Jesus was said to be the one who would baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire.

What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
Jesus said that we would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you"
in Acts 1:8. Power to live holy lives, power to witness, power to pray, to
understand scripture, power to minister, and power deny ourselves. (Acts 9:17-20;
John 16:14; Luke 24:24; Rom . 8:26).

The Holy Spirit is to be received by all believers so that they can receive, with the power, certain "gifts" from God. There are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit associated with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit they are all found in 2 Corinthians- These are God's gifts to today's church. There are nine of them but they can be divided up into three groups of three.

I. The relation gifts
1-Word of Wisdom 2-Word of Knowledge 3-The Discerning of spirits

II. The power gifts
1-The gift of Faith 2-The gifts of healing 3-The Working of Miracles

III. The Inspiration gifts
1-The gift of Prophecy 2-Various kinds of Tongues 3-The Interpretation of Tongues

The Holy Spirit is to be received in order to see any of these gifts to be the active "body of Christ" ministering in the earth today. The Apostle Paul said for us to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts"
(1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1)

Who is the baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
Jesus said that "the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven"
so the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not for the casual inquirer (Matt. 12:31).
It is for 'born again' Christians, it is not 'dead religion' it is a living relationship with God, it is not for the unbelieving (John 14:16-17). There are times when I see ministers try to pray for Holy Spirit baptisms upon people when they don't even ensure that the people are saved. You must pray for salvation with people BEFORE they even attempt to receive such a baptism.

When you are sure you are a believer and also are willing to obey God in your life, then ask for the Holy Spirit to enter your life and to fill you and cleanse you with His fire (Matt. 3:11); "Your heavenly father will give the Holy Spirit to them that
ask of Him" (Luke 11:13). The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for now and has always been available for any believer bold enough to trust God and obey God. When the believers asked for advice of the apostles on the day of Pentecost "What should we do?" they were told to "repent", "be baptized" and "receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Jesus said in His sermon on the mount blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled (Matt . 5:6).

Who does the baptizing?
Jesus is the baptizer (Matt 3:11) He baptizes with fire not water. There are actually seven types of baptism spoken of in Scriptures. Fire either
purifies or destroys. You may want to have other Spirit Filled Christians lay
hands on you and pray but it is not necessary. This is between you and God,
just as your salvation is (Acts 2; 10:44-46; 19:6)

I really want to caution you. If you still have reservations about your Christian commitment or if you are secretly still practicing sin be careful. Fire purifies, but don't be afraid. The gift - the promise of our heavenly Father is not evil - he said if your earthly fathers know to give their children good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to a child who asks for Him? A loving God would not first send His Son to die for us and then turn around and trick us by leading us into something evil. If you have ever been involved in the occult
(Fortune Telling through tea leave, palm reading, fortune cookies, horoscopes, Satanism, Witchcraft, Black Magic, Ouija Boards, Spirit-ism, Horror Movies, Harry Potter Books, fantasy collection cards or non Christian religions) then renounce these things before you seek the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Once you begin to live in the power of God's Holy Spirit Baptism you may become a target for Satan and he may try to confuse you in the supernatural leading in your life. Silence his voice and renounce his right to your life by confessing yourself a child of God in Jesus' name.

The occult involvement in any way in your life is NOT innocent child's play.
To engage in this breaks the first commandment and gives the devil legal access to our lives (Deut. 18:10-12).

If you are now going to seek supernatural guidance from God by His Holy Spirit then you need to silence all other occult influences in Jesus name (Acts 19:19) destroy all objects in your home or life that have supernatural ties. God speaks through our hearts not through mediums or objects.

Don't be afraid - there is no need to fear, simply trust God but it is good to be alert to Satan's tricks and resist Him (in Jesus' name) and he must flee (Jam. 4:7). If you are filled with the Holy Spirit 1 John 4:1 tells us not to just believe every spirit that speaks but to try the spirits to see if they are from God or not. "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks around
seeking who he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

Do not seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit if you do not want to be Holy and
obedient to God and are willing to have Him speak to you and guide your life.

Finally I do not want you to think that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the way
to "instant" sanctification and a source of personal power for your own use.
If this is your heart motivation for reading this tract, repent! You will have
neither part nor portion in this blessing of God. (Acts 8:14-24)

How can I receive the Holy Spirit?
With other Spirit filled Christians or privately, raise your hands up to God in
thankfulness and praise. You might close your eyes or leave them open. The
important thing is to "ask" - believing God's promise is for you - and then to
"receive" of your own free will the blessing of God, called the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit. Start to praise God with your voice, tongue and lips. He will not
force you to speak in tongues but you may if you wish.

The Scriptures tell us that when a man speaks in tongues, he does not speak to men but rather he speaks to God, mysteries. As the "Truth" of God's promised blessing fills you, let it set you free.

Step out in faith by moving your tongue or moving your lips or both. Don't try and mimic what someone else says. Your tongue will form words that are unintelligible to your intellect. Try to say something in a language that only God could understand speaking mysteries to God (1 Cor. 14:2).

Maybe you will only be bold enough to speak a few syllables but as you boldly repeat them God will bless you with more . Like a child, your new language of prayer to God will grow. Don't be afraid. This language is not for the benefit of other people it is between you and your Lord and Savior. You will probably not even understand what you are saying, but be assured that God says that as you use this prayer language you will be built up and become stronger in faith (Jude 20).

Your private worship of God will be blessed. You do not pray in tongues with your mind but with your spirit(1 Cor. 14:14-15) you are praying with y our spirit to God who is a spirit (John 4:24).

Even if you do not have the faith to speak in tongues at this time, its important
that you desire to (1 Cor. 14:1,5). One day you may just find yourself doing so.
Nevertheless because you invited the Holy Spirit to come into the "house" of
your life He has promised this gift to you. (Rev. 3:20).

You will therefore find a new intimacy with God as you worship and study God's ways. A new "fire" will burn in your life. A new fervency for God will be experienced and a new level of faith will be your. From time to time you may find the your fellowship with Christ is at a lower level. No need for alarm - just repent of your distraction and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you fresh. Depression will leave when you begin to exercise your spiritual prayer language.

Although there are seven baptisms mentioned in scripture, there will always be only one "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" but there can be many fillings of the Holy Spirit of God (Ep h. 3:14) God wants you to either be hot or cold - never ever be satisfied with a lukewarm Christian life (Rev 3:14-22). As you walk in the Spirit you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:16-25). Now its time for you to learn what the Gifts of the Spirit are and how they operate in your life.

Go ahead and pray with me now. Jesus, you are my baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I ask you now to forgive me of all sin and wash me in your redeeming blood. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and come into my life. I confess that JESUS IS LORD and I believe that God raised Jesus from the DEAD. Therefore, I am born again! Jesus baptism me with the Holy Spirit today...right now in JESUS NAME. AMEN

Now open your mouth and begin as the Holy Spirit gives you the utterance.

Someone once said that Peter spent 3 and 1/2 years walking side by side with Jesus and never became in one day what he became when the Holy Spirit came upon him. You too can become what Jesus wants you to be. Spend each day with the Holy Spirit and watch the power that comes through your life.

Addictions

You will only overcome what you learn to detest.

In a recent church service I had all those who had been praying for a friend, family member or loved one who was addicted to something to stand. Nearly the entire congregation stood to their feet. What was even more shocking was this was a very distinguished congregation.

I have used several times the analogy that mold only grows in the dark. You can only quit what you are willing to admit. Addictions can only be broken when we depend upon God's help. "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:20

The greatest thing a person can do when seeking to be delivered from any addiction is to pour the word of God into their eyes, ears and their heart. Only when we are truly desperate for change will we see change.

Sometimes fasting is required and seeking God's face for an extended period of time will be a helpful solution. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6 The addiction in your life right now is a yoke. It is a bondage that yokes up to your neck.

During a time of addiction it may seem like God is so far away. Remember Bet Midler's secular song, "from a distance, God is watching us?" It is a great tune but from a Bible perspective, it is scripturally incorrect. God is watching us but it is NOT from a distance. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1

Having the truth in your life does not necessarily set a person free. But rather, "knowing the truth" will set you free and keep you free. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32. Did you notice that? Knowledge of the truth gets you free.

Your body is a house. A house for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit used to live in a box called the Arc of the Covenant. Now that we are under a different dispensation of time, we now see that the Holy Spirit will not live in a house made with man's hands but rather, the Holy Spirit will live in this human temple. Your Body is the temple. The temple of the Holy Spirit.

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have from God, and ye are not your own?" I Corinthians 6:19

Today whatever addictive behavior you have in your life not only hurts you but hurts those around you. Learn to detest the addiction in your life and watch how you overcome.

God root out the motivational speakers and give us more HOLY GHOST POWERHOUSE PREACHERS within the land!

I will never forget the time. It was spring break of 1987. I had never been to the southern part of the United States before. Many things were new to me then. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest with a mom and dad who defended the rights of all races of people, they would never tolerate sin. What a shocker it was to see so many things in the south. That day I left New Orleans and begin to cross Lake Pontchartrain bridge which is miles long over the gulf coast. Being from Oregon I was acquainted with heavy rain, but brother, nothing like this. O my, what a torrential downpour. I was real nervous as me and and another preacher friend were making or way to his house in Pascagoula, Mississippi to pray for his ailing grandfather. My friend pushed a cassette tape into the deck in his big huge Oldsmobile. As the winds blew a comfort swept over me as I heard preaching like I have never ever heard. Who was this man aflame with a message? When every word came out of the speakers it felt as if God himself was burning out dross from my spirit man. Peace was surrounding his voice. So much was happening so fast that the storm became the least of my concerns. The preacher? Dr Ray H Hughes.

I was only 17 years old fresh in Bible School and I had already travelled with some pretty "tall cotton" ministers of my time. I had smuggled Bibles to the under ground church. I had seen miracles and healings in abundance. I had ministered in song before a stadium of more than 50,000 at age 12. So much I had done for Jesus with my siblings and my mother. But I had never heard preaching quite like this.

Want to sample a bit of what I heard?





It was truly PENTECOSTAL FIRE. Oh, I wanted that in my life. I was so hungry and so desperate for something real. Years later a pentecostal pastor had me for revival near Ridgcrest, California. He told me before he went to heaven, "David, if you just burn with the fire of the Holy Ghost, people who are dry, will come from nearly everywhere to watch you burn."

I understood what he said. More than anything I ever needed in my ministry was pentecostal fire. Many people have felt what I felt but never had the wonderful experience stay with them. Why? Because prayer is what brings the fiery edge to your life. Sin makes one so dull. Sin ruins and destroys. My life had been so stained by the guilt and the shame, the fear and inferiority as a result of sin. But O the Glory of God. O the fire of the Holy Ghost. O, His Divine presence.

There are so many television preachers today that so many people are watching. These so called preachers are what my granny called "pulpiteers". These so called preachers today are simply put, "motivational gurus". They don't speak of sin. They never call down the fire of the Holy Ghost. They never tell their huge audiences that without accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior that Hell is hot. They never speak of the rapturous time of the catching away of the saints. As a result, the devil has become more embolden. Adultury is rampont on almost every tv channel. Homosexuality is patted on the head and tolerated. Lies flow freely from our halls of congress. You can't but help but feel depressed after 20 minutes watchiing the news. THE DAY WE LIVE IN IS WICKED AND THE PEOPLE ARE COVERED IN GROSS DARKNESS.

But wait a minute. While the preachers write their New York Times best sellers, and ignore their Bible, there is is remnant. While the pulpiteers sell their wares of green hankies and oil and water, and cannot understand the Bible therefore watering it down with modernization, there is a remnant.

While the crowds never take the time to stop and look for a presidential candidate who lifts up the name of Jesus, there is a remnant. This remnant looks small and it looks torn. This remnant looks like it might fall apart and has been used up. But just one moment. This remnant is the church of the Lord Jesus, strong in battle, built by the Lord Jesus himself. Built to withstand the gates of hell. Built to stand against the witches and new age philosophy. Built to stand against all the powers of hell itself.

There are intercessor throughout the earth who now their God and who know how to pray in the Holy Ghost. God is raising me up for this wicked and perverse generation. God is raising others up who will move in the power of the gospel, demonstrating the power of God with signs wonders and miracles following. O Hallelujah!

The dividing line is being drawn. Which side will you be on? The side of weak knee ed, soft, saints? Will you be on the side of the powerhouse ministry? Will you keep the faith and stand strong against the compromise of the Gospel. Choose you this day who you will serve. Stand up strong against the power of the age. Don't go with the flow, stand against the powerful tide and current of universalism and atheism which is in the land today. Make a stand and pray. Make a stand and preach the uncompromising Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I guess you could say, "I'M ON FIRE"!