The House of the Lord Foundational Teaching

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FASTING
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WHAT IS BIBLICAL FASTING?

“But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Matthew 9:15

• A fast is a physical way of saying that you desire to be with the Bridegroom so much that you will deny yourself the worldly satisfactions you crave. It is expecting Christ’s return.
• It is an act of love to Jesus. It is saying, “I want You more than anything!”
• It is a gift from God. This is a practical and physical way you can draw closer to God and experience more of Him in your life. You could see it as a sacrifice, but more than that, it is God’s gift to you so that you can seek Him more deeply.
• Fasting food is the most common way of fasting, but some can’t fast food for medical reasons. So do not go on a fast if you have a medical condition such as an eating disorder, pregnancy, or some other physical condition which requires you to eat a balanced diet. Always be wise and consult a doctor when necessary.
• Fasting could be fasting some other type of pleasure such as movies, tv, social media, caffeine, etc… Anything where you let go of something physical for the reason of drawing closer to God can be seen as a fast.
• True fasting is an exchange. It is not just abstaining from something. It is abstaining from something so that you can feast on God. Don’t fill your life with other things or busyness while on a fast. The purpose is to exchange that for time with God so that you can seek Him.
• True fasting is fasting with the right motives. It is not something you do that has magical powers. Wholeheartedness, wisdom, and understanding are important.
• Fasting must be born out of desire. A good perspective of fasting is this: “Don’t start fasting until you come to a point where you can’t stand not to fast.” Many people fast because they just think it’s a good Biblical thing to do and then it becomes a dead ritual. If you fast because of desire for God, you will be fasting for the right reasons. Ask God to give you the desire.
• True fasting is never forced. It is always voluntary. Don’t let people put you under condemnation if you don’t fast or if you fail in a fast.

What is Your Heart Motivation?

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Matthew 6:16

• Don’t try to fast in your own strength. It is a grace. Many people just try to do it in their own strength, thinking that the more they just persevere and push, the more magical the power of fasting will be. The truth is that you need simply to surrender to God more and more and allow God’s strength to work in your life.
• Don’t try to attract God’s attention. You fast to move your own heart, not God’s heart. Fasting is not a way in which you become God’s favourite. You are already noticed by God and are the apple of His eye. You fast because you desire to move into a place where you are more open to God and more aware of what He is doing.
• With the wrong heart motive you will experience “burnout.” You will feel dead in it. When you try fast in your own strength, you will miss the truth of fasting which actually should be a refreshing time for your spirit. No, it is not easy, but when your focus is right, you are set free and realize the true power fasting produces in our lives. True Biblical fasting does not lead to burnout, but rather to experiencing the supernatural.
• Be careful of pride creeping in. Don’t think that just because you fast you are a better Christian than others who don’t fast. Realise rather that the more you fast for the right reasons, the more humble you actually become and see that you are the one who is in need of more of God.
• When you fail in a fast for whatever reason, it often leads to brokenness. Condemnation sets in. Many people fail in their attempts to fast, and because of that, they never fast again thinking that they just can’t do it. They consider that they are not good enough Christians to persevere in fasting.
• You could be deceived into believing that your fast isn’t worth anything. The inward noise of your addictions are confronted, and you will be tempted to give into them and miss the true blessing of fasting.
• You feel irritable and cranky during a fast at times. This is natural. What human being without food would be their normal self? Rrealizing this, you need to pay all the more attention as to how you deal with people so that you won’t hurt people just because of your own discomfort.

What is Your Heart Motivation? (Continued…)

• Because you fast, the temptation comes to become judgmental on others who don’t fast or who fast in different ways than us. This ties in with point on pride.
• You could become bruised, broken and angry. When you fast and don’t see God coming through for you with your desired result, it is easy to turn around and tell God how much you’ve sacrificed for Him and that He has let you down.
• Fasting could become a mere dead ritual in your life. Its just something you do because it sounds like a good idea and you have done it so many times, that you lose sight of the true reason for fasting.
• Through fasting, your heart motive will be strengthened and concreted in your life. You need to realise that you are prone to spiritual pride (as we all are), and if you fast with pride in your heart as your focus, it is just that which will be concreted in your heart. It is so important to have the right motive for fasting, because wrong motives will blind us in the future. This is the prayer all of us need to pray with humility, “Holy Spirit, search me!”

The Rewards of Fasting

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:17-18

• Fasting takes you to a place of greater pleasure in God. You enjoy God more and more as you leave physical things behind and pursue spiritual things. The spiritual things of God become more real to you and you learn to love spiritual things more than physical things.
• Fasting speeds up the process of your intimacy with God. Because God is your focus, and you choose to leave hindrances behind which would otherwise be in the way, you can get closer to God a lot quicker.
• Fasting causes you heart to be expanded in love. It expands your capacity to experience God in greater ways.
• The Holy Spirit illumines your mind as you read the Word of God. Because you have a clear goal and motive for fasting, you are more perceptive to the voice of God as you read His Word.
• Fasting frees you from the spirit of the age. The world is obsessed with materialism and with power. This is so ingrained in our lifestyles. When you start to fast, you do the exact opposite of what the spirit of the age is telling you to do and God then gives you freedom from this mindset.
• Fasting deepens your longing for Christ to return. The world is not OK until Jesus comes back. You understand that earth is not your home. It keeps you in the place of not making yourself too comfortable here. You don’t accept that what the world is saying is correct, but you pursue God.
• Fasting keeps your heart awake. It keeps you from becoming a dull Christian. We are prone to getting to the place in our Christian walk where we know a lot, but when you fast you realize you have so much more to learn, and you live in a way that is actively pursuing God.
• The motivation for seeking God will be strengthened and concreted in your heart through fasting.
• Fasting speeds up the work of the Holy Spirit in your life,.When you have the right motivation, it becomes your focus and therefore you reach that and it is deepened in your heart.
• When you fast, You cannot physically do what you normally do. When we fast we want to do more for God’s kingdom in a physical sense, but we can’t because our bodies won’t allow us. This is an important place for us to be in to allow God to work in us. It increases humility in us. We are weak when we fast. But God is strong. His kingdom is upside down when compared to the world.
• When you fast, You cannot physically do what you normally would do. When you fast, you naturally want to do more for God’s kingdom in a physical sense, but you can’t because your body won’t allow you to. This is an important place for you to be in to allow God to work in you. It increases humility in you. You are weak when you fast. But God is strong. His Kingdom is upside down when compared to the world.
• You enter into deeper friendship with God because you will have touched the realm of God’s presence. and just want more of it.
• The purpose of fasting is to move your own heart towards God. It tenderizes you to experience God.
• Fasting frees you from the cares of this life and because you focus on God and seek after Him, the things of this world lose their value.
• Fasting makes you aware of false passions. You are confronted by the inner noise of these false passions, but as you seek God these noises become less and less. You will realize that there are things in your life you never even thought were a problem for you, but when you start to fast these things will start creating an inner noise for you, and then you can be set free from them as you identify them and pursue God.
• Fasting enlarges your capacity for a righteous and focused life. Fasting has a way of taking you to a holier life and a more focused life, Your false passions are confronted and you have a single goal less and less hindered by these passions.
• Fasting strengthens your spiritual identity. This is your real identity. This world puts so much emphasis on physical identity, but that is just what people see on the outside. Your true identity is the identity God sees when He looks at you. As you fast, you see more and more of what God sees and less and less of what the world sees.
• Fasting frees you from your pursuit of inferior pleasures. We prop up our soul through these pleasures, but God wants you to build yourself up in His pleasures.
• You trade inferior pleasures for the superior pleasures of God. You start to live primarily by the Word of God and the pleasure that He brings. It is an exchange, not just abstinence.
• Fasting gets you into a lifestyle of seeking God. You live your life centered around God.
• You have access to the movement of God’s heart in greater ways than before.

A Few Extra Points on Fasting

• It is when you look back upon the benefits of fasting that you’re ready to fast again. It is hard while you are in a fast, but don’t listen to the noise on the inside telling you to stop fasting or telling you that you have reached the place you should have reached. You miss out on the full blessing of God if you break your fast by listening to the wrong voice.
• You don’t always experience God in fasting. Many times it just feels like you are fasting for the sake of fasting. The rewards of fasting normally only come after a fast. And many of these rewards only become a reality once you start living a lifestyle of fasting.
• Fasting is yearning for the Bridegroom. It is not just sweet love for God. It is not easy for the bride to be away from the Bridegroom for a long time.
• There is a time delay between entering the superior pleasures of God and exiting the inferior pleasures of this world. You lose your craving for the worldly pleasures, but you are still just getting into the place of experiencing God. Don’t give up, keep pushing on and seeking God with the right heart.
• You have to have a vision. That’s when you can let go of the inferior pleasures. If you don’t have vision, soon fasting will come to an end and will have no purpose.
• You fast because you crave God.
• You have a window of time to offer something precious to God. When Christ returns, you won’t fast anymore. How beautiful it is when the Bridegroom has been away from the bride and He comes back and finds the bride waiting expectantly for Him and preparing herself for Him.
• Create a deliberate lifestyle of seeking God, no matter how busy your lifestyle. Make a point of focusing your lifestyle on God. It will look different for everybody.

The Different Types of Fasts

• Complete Fast (No food, only water)
• Liquid Fast (No food, only water/juices)
• Daniel Fast (No meats/sweets/dairy, only fruits/vegetables/water)
• Partial Fast (From sunrise to sundown, one meal a day)
• Nonfood Fast (Fasting from TV, social media, caffeine, etc)
recommended for pregnant, nursing, teens, and people on medication)

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SALVATION
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Salvation

What is Salvation?

Salvation is being delivered from the penalty of sin, which is death, and receiving the gift of God, which is eternal life.

Salvation is a gracious gift from God through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Salvation is when God changes our spiritual position and seats us with Christ in heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:5-6 …it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus
Salvation is when God gives us everything we need for a godly life.
1 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Salvation is receiving eternal life.
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Salvation is how we become children of God.
1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
Salvation is how we become a part of the family of God.
Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
Salvation is how we become reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Why do we need Salvation?

We are all in need of Salvation because we have all sinned.
Romans 3:23 …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
God has put a longing in each human heart for eternity, which in essence is God Himself. This longing is only satisfied through Salvation.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
God loves us, that is why He created a Way for us to be saved.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God created each of us with a purpose. We can only fulfil that purpose if we have been saved.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

How do we receive Salvation?

Acknowledge: You must acknowledge in the light of God's Word that you are a sinner.
"God, be merciful to me, sinner that I am! (Luke 18:13b).
Repent: You must see the awfulness of sin and then repent of it.
"Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out,” (Acts 3:19).
Confess: Confess your sins.
"For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation." (Romans 10:10).
Forsake: Sorrow for sin is not enough in itself. We must want to be done with it once and for all.
”The wicked need to abandon their lifestyle and sinful people their plans. They should return to the LORD, and he will show mercy to them, and to their God, for he will freely forgive them" (Isaiah 55:7).
Believe: Believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
"Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9).
Receive: Christ must be received personally into the heart by faith, if the experience of the New Birth is to be yours.
“But to all who have received him - those who believe in his name he has given the right to become God's children" (John 1: 11-12)

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WATER BAPTISM
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WATER BAPTISM

Baptism which involves the application of water to the body of a person, remains one of the most significant practices of the Christian church. Widely differing interpretations of the act exist among Christian groups. Different views exist on:

· the IMPORTANCE of baptism
· the NATURE of baptism
· the CANDIDATES for baptism
· the MODE of baptism
· the baptismal FORMULA

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF BAPTISM

Matthew 28:19 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)

There are those who believe that the ordinance of baptism is an unscriptural practice for today, as baptism, in their opinion, was strictly a Jewish custom which ceased after the resurrection of Christ. The scriptures, however, show the opposite.

· Jesus said ‘make disciples of all the nations’ (Matt.28:19)
· Samaritan converts (non-Jews) were baptized (Acts 8:5,12)
· Philip baptized an Ethiopian (Acts 8:27-38)

The book of Acts is full of accounts of people who, after receiving Christ, were baptized in water (Acts 2:38; 8:16, 36-39; 10:47-48; 16:33; 19:1-5), proving that the practice of water baptism continued after the resurrection of Christ.
Reading through the New Testament you will find that not only was there great emphasis placed on the ordinance by Christ and the apostles, but you will be struck by the suddenness with which believers responded.

Acts 8:41 - Then those who received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 9:18 - Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

Acts 22:16 - And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, …

It is imperative that believers, upon their acceptance of Christ as Lord and Saviour, follow on through the waters of baptism, as it is not just a mere human ritual but a direct command of Christ.

2. THE NATURE OF BAPTISM

Three major views on the nature of baptism exist among Christians. Baptism is either seen as:

· a SACRAMENT
· a COVENANT
· a SYMBOL

2.1 Baptism as a Sacrament
According to this belief, the person baptized receives remission of sins, and is regenerated. The act of baptism itself produces a change in the life of the believer.

2.2 Baptism as a Covenant
The covenantal view regards baptism as a sign and seal of God’s covenant with man. Baptism serves the same purpose for New Testament believers that circumcision did for Old Testament believers. For the Jews, circumcision was the external and visible sign that they were within the covenant that God had established with Abraham. Converts to Judaism (or proselytes) also had to undergo this rite. But now under the new covenant baptism instead of circumcision is required.

2.3 Baptism as a Symbol
This view stresses the symbolic nature of baptism by emphasizing that baptism does not cause an inward change or alter a person’s relationship to God in any way. Rather than producing regeneration, baptism always comes after faith and the salvation that faith produces. It serves as an outward indication of the inner change which has already occurred in the believer’s life. Baptism becomes a sign by which a person shows publicly his identification and commitment to Christ.

2.4 Baptism is NOT Salvation!
It is unfortunate that some equate baptism with salvation, believing that without the practice of baptism a person cannot be saved. This of course runs contrary to the New Testament, and to the whole teaching of salvation.

a. The Bible and Baptism
Nowhere in the Bible is baptism administered to wash away sin, or complete salvation. Not one time does any scripture say that sins cannot be remitted without baptism. Nor does the Bible say, without water baptism sins cannot be remitted, but it does say,
“…without the shedding of blood is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
Many Jews and Gentiles were saved both before and after Christ’s crucifixion and nothing is said of baptism. (John 7:31; 8:30-31; 11:45; 12:11; 42; Acts 9:42; 11:21; 13:12, 43-48; 14:1; 17:4, 12, 34; 19:18)

Those who come into the error of baptismal regeneration, usually confuse the following passages of scripture with water baptism.

I) John 3:5 and 1 John 5:8
In John 3:5 and 1 John 5:8 the water to which Christ and John referred is the word of God, not water baptism, as proved by John 15:3; 17:17; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Peter 1:18-23 and James 1:18.

II) Galatians 3:27
In Galatians 3:27 it is a baptism into Christ and not into water.

III) Romans 6
In Romans 6 it is a baptism into Christ and into His death and not into water.

IV) 1 Corinthians 12:13
In 1 Corinthians 12:13 it is a baptism into the body of Christ and not into water.

b. Jesus and Baptism
Jesus never taught or practiced baptism as a means of salvation. He forgave many their sins without baptizing them.
He forgave:
· An unnamed sinner woman (Luke 7:36-50)
· A palsied man (Matthew 9:1-8)
· A publican (Luke 18:9-14)
· Zaccaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
· A nobleman and his house (John 4:49-53)
· A thief on a cross (Luke 23:43)

Jesus said: “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Scripture is abundantly clear that purification from sin is through faith in the blood of Christ and not water. (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5)

c. Paul and Baptism
Paul was converted, filled with the Spirit and healed before he was baptized in water. (Acts 9:17-18) Paul stated that God had not sent him to baptize but to preach the gospel. (1 Corinthians 1:17) He even thanked God that he had baptized none except Crispus and Gaius and the house of Stephanus (1 Corinthians 1:14)

d. Peter and Baptism
Cornelius and his household experienced salvation apart from baptism (Acts 10:30-32; 44-48). Cornelius was told to send for Peter who would tell him words whereby he and his house would be saved (Acts 10:6; 11:13-14) There is not one reference to baptism in water to be saved. Cornelius and his whole household were saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit when Peter preached to them and afterward were baptized in water.

2.5 Baptism does NOT replace circumcision
Not one scripture refers to baptism as replacing the circumcision, or as being a seal of God’s covenant with man. Man enters into a covenant with God through the exercise of personal faith in Christ, and is thereby sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

2.6 Baptism is an Act of Identification
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in the newness of life.

2.7 Identification with Christ
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and our identification with it. Our old sinful life without God which is spoken of as being now dead to the believer, is identified with Christ in His death and burial. Our new life with which we are made alive to God through the new birth is identified with Christ’s resurrection.
Baptism symbolizes the beginning of spiritual life. It is therefore performed once only and is not a re-occurring event in the life of the believer.

2.8 Identification with Believers
Not only does baptism symbolize the identification of the convert to Christ, it is also a visible means of identifying the baptismal candidate with the local body of believers. As he becomes a member of the body of Christ, he should also identify himself with the local assembly. When an individual responds to the call of salvation, he should, as the New Testament believers did, be baptized and be initiated into the Christian community. (Acts 2:41)

3. THE CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM
Another issue over which Christian groups disagree is the question of who should be baptized. Two major positions concerning the candidates for baptism that exist, namely:

· INFANT baptism
· BELIEVERS baptism

3.1 Infant Baptism
Those groups who adhere to the sacramental view of baptism see the baptism of infants as necessary since unbaptized infants who die cannot enter heaven. If this fate is to be avoided, they must be baptized in order to remove the guilt of their sins and receive new life.
Supporters of the covenantal view of baptism also consider the baptism of infants as being necessary. Since baptism has, in their opinion, now replaced circumcision, it is natural that it should be administered to children, as circumcision was administered to infants in the Old Testament.

3.2 Believers Baptism
Believers baptism is restricted to those who actually exercise faith toward God. This would exclude infants who cannot possibly have such faith. The proper candidates for baptism are those who already have experienced the new birth on the basis of their personal faith and have given evidence of this salvation in their lives.

3.3 Baptism requires Repentance and Faith
In the New Testament repentance and faith came first, followed by baptism. The condition required for baptism was personal, conscious faith. Without this, baptism was not administered. (Acts 2:37-41; 8:12; 10:47; 18:8; 19:4-5)
Nowhere in the Bible is there a direct command nor is there any evidence of people baptizing infants. In every instance in which the specific identity of the persons was known, the persons being baptized were adults. The practice of infant baptism became prominent when churches began to teach baptism to save the soul and remit sins. It was natural for those holding to this doctrine to believe that everyone should be baptized as soon as possible. Hence, infant baptism was introduced. Salvation, however, is a personal experience and children must be old enough to accept salvation before they are commanded to be baptized. Scripturally, baptism always took place after repentance and faith, never in anticipation for it. Children until they become responsible, whether their parents are Christians or not, will be taken to heaven if they die before the age of accountability. (Matthew 18:1-10; 19:14)
Baptism is not an act which is to be forced on anyone. It is an act in which the candidate for baptism participates willingly, and exercises personal faith in Christ.

Acts 8:36-37 - Now as they went down on the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Notice that the eunuch possessed three important requirements for baptism.

· He had a DESIRE to be baptized
· He BELIEVED on the Lord Jesus
· He CONFESSED this belief.

4. THE MODE OF BAPTISM
Another major issue is the mode of baptism - whether by immersion, pouring or sprinkling. On this issue Christian groups organize themselves into two major camps, namely:

· the PLURALISTIC position
· the IMMERSIONIST position

4.1 The Pluralistic Position
Holders of this view believe that immersion, pouring and sprinkling are all appropriate forms of baptism.

4.2 The Immersionist Position
Immersionists believe that immersion is the only valid form of baptism. The majority of immersionists practice single immersion while others perform triple immersion.

4.3 Baptism is by Immersion

a. The Scriptures imply Immersion

John 3:23 - Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there…

John was baptizing in Aenon because there was much water there, that is, a sufficient depth of water for baptism and not just a bowl full to sprinkle or pour.

Acts 8:38-39 - So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water…

b. The word ‘Baptism”
The Greek word for ‘baptize’ is ‘baptidzo’ taken from ‘bapto’ which means to dip, immerse, to plunge, to sink, submerge and cover wholly. When wetting or washing only a part of the body, the Greek word ‘nipto’ is used. (Matthew 16:17; 15:3; John 13:5-14) However, ‘nipto’ is never used with regard to baptism.

c. Church History
It is the testimony of the early church fathers that baptism by immersion was the only mode used. Pouring and sprinkling came about because of water shortages and as a convenience for the aged and infirm.

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HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
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THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Background
Before the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem and wait for THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER …

Acts 2:4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father…

The Lord Jesus referred to this promise as the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Acts 2:5 John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

So important was this promise of being baptized in the Holy Spirit that Jesus forbade His disciples to even begin their ministry until they had received it.

Luke 24:49 Behold I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

It is unfortunate that many Christians today are in the dark regarding the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Are you?
Let us investigate what the Bible has to say on the subject of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

2. The Promise and it’s Fulfilment
The term ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit” has 6 scriptural references, (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16) all of which point to the specific PROMISE OF JESUS.

2.1 Jesus the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit
John the Baptist foretold that Jesus would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with the water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.

2.2 Jesus promised Power
Jesus then promised this baptism to His disciples, saying that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them.

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you

2.3 The Fulfilment of the Promise
This specific promise of Christ was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:1-4 Now when the Day of Pentecost has fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them the utterance.

Peter declared that, that which happened on the Day of Pentecost was a direct fulfilment of prophecy.

Acts 2:16 But this is that what was spoken of through the prophet Joel

Joel 2:28-29 And it will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all man- kind; And your sons and daughters will prophecy, Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. And even on the male and female servants I will pour out My spirit in those days.

2.4 The Promise of Christ after the Day of Pentecost
This outpouring of the Holy Spirit, DID NOT ONLY OCCUR ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. Approximately ten years after Pentecost, Peter still declared that Christ was the baptizer in the Spirit.

Acts 11:15-16 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning (the Day of Pentecost). Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, “John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

The book of Acts records that the baptism in the Holy Spirit it was also experienced by:
Samaritans (Acts 8:5-20)
Paul (Acts 9:17)
Followers of John (Acts 18:24-28,19:1-7)

Peter also referred to the baptism in the Holy Spirit as the Gift of the Spirit.

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Not only was the gift of the spirit, promised to the first disciples, but is also promised to ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

Acts 2:39 For this promise is to you and your children and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord God will call.

3. An Experience Separate from Salvation
The experience of conversion is not the same as the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit baptism is an experience completely separate from salvation It is a distinct work from and subsequent to the regenerating work of the Spirit, which is to be sought and obtained by the believer.
While it is true that every believer is ‘born of the Spirit’ at the time of conversion, it does not of necessity follow that he is ‘baptized in the Holy Spirit”.

3.1 Jesus and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Although Jesus was born of the Spirit, it was not until He was baptized some 30 years later, that the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, enduing Him with power.

Matthew 3:16 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him

3.2 The Samaritan Converts

Acts 8:5,12 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16) so according to Christ these Samaritans were saved. They had received Christ. Yet none of them had received the gift of the Holy Spirit, until they were prayed for with the ‘laying on of hands’.

Acts 8:17 then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

3.3 The Ephesian Disciples
Twenty years after the Day of Pentecost we find believers who had not yet received this gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:1-2 And it happened, while Appolos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit”.

Paul’s question implied that some disciples believed without receiving and that the reception of it was so wonderful and accompanied with such evidence, that they were able to answer the question definitely. Their answer indicated that they were in the dark, as many Christians are today. Only after Paul laid hands on them did they receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:5 And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

4. The Meaning of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
John said, “For He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11) Jesus is the baptizer who baptizes us in (into) the Holy Spirit. It is therefore not ‘the baptism of the Holy Spirit’, for that would make the Holy Spirit the baptizer and not the ‘element’ into which we are baptized. It is also not ‘the baptism with the Holy Spirit’. The word ‘baptism’ refers to immersion. We do not say we immerse with water, but in water. So in the same way we refer not to a ‘baptism with the Holy Spirit’ but to a ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit.’

4.1 What the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is Not
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not sanctification. (An act whereby a person is made holy in the sight of God)

John 15:3 Now you are clean (sanctified) through the word which I have spoken to you.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit presupposes that the believer is clean in the sight of God. When one receives Christ as Saviour he receives positional sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30), and not when he is baptized in the Spirit.

4.2 The Meaning of ‘filled with the Spirit’
In order for us to obtain further insight into the Spirit baptism, we need to have a clear understanding of what it means to be ‘filled with the Spirit’.

In Acts 1:5 Jesus promised to baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:4 we have the account of that experience.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

Notice verse 4 does not say “And they were all baptized in the Holy Spirit…” it says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” Here we see that being filled with the spirit goes hand in hand with being baptized in the Spirit. The baptism in the Holy Spirit was the act done by Jesus (Matthew 3:11) while being filled with the Spirit was the result of that act.
A distinction does however, need to be made between being baptized in the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit.

4.2.1 The Disciples of Christ
The disciples of Christ were filled, anointed and endued with power in various degrees and yet were never baptized in the Holy Spirit until Pentecost

4.2.2 John the Baptist
John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit from birth but never was baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:15-17)

4.2.3 Mary
Mary was filled with the Spirit before Jesus was born but was baptized in the Holy Spirit 33 years later at Pentecost. (Luke 1:41-56; Acts 1:12-2:4)
We see that one can be filled with the Spirit and yet not be baptized in the Holy Spirit, for men before Pentecost were filled with the Spirit.

4.3 The Filling and Baptism Compared
The difference between the filling of the Holy Spirit and the baptism in the Holy Spirit can be seen when we understand the difference between the words ‘measure’ and ‘fullness’.

4.3.1 Measure of the Spirit
Before Pentecost men received and experienced different MEASURES OF THE SPIRIT and did work according to the measure of the Spirit they received.

4.3.1.1 Elisha
Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit and the record shows that he did twice as many miracles which were twice as great (2 Kings 2:9)

4.3.1.2 The Lord’s Disciples
Our Lord’s disciples also experienced different measure of the Spirit. (Matthew 10:1-8,20; Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-20)

John 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.

It is certain that the disciples received a very special measure or enduement of the Holy Spirit, but this was not the baptism in the Holy Spirit, for the Lord Jesus still commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father saying, “You shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4-5) If the disciples had been baptized in the Holy Spirit before this, our Lord would not have commanded them to wait for this promised gift.

4.3.2 The Fullness of the Spirit
The disciples may have experienced measures of the Spirit (Matthew 10:1-8,20; Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-20) but they did not have the fullness of the Spirit (the Spirit without measure) until being baptized in the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14, 12-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-39).
Jesus was the first to experience the fullness of the Spirit.

John 3:34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for he gives the Spirit without measure.

Matthew 3:16 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him.

5. The initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism in the Holy Spirit was a completely new experience, therefore God gave a new spiritual manifestation which would act as a sign or evidence that one had received it. Gifts of healing, working of miracles, words of knowledge and wisdom, discernment of spirits, prophecy, faith, love and joy were all evident before the arrival of the Spirit baptism and therefore cannot be used as evidence for it.
Only speaking in tongues and it’s interpretation had not yet been manifested before the Day of Pentecost and its the only clear initial evidence of having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts records 5 separate occasions where the Holy Spirit was received. On 3 of these occasions speaking in tongues is specifically mentioned as the visible sign accompanying the experience at Pentecost (Acts 2:3) the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46) and at Ephesus. (Acts 19:6)

5.1 The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance

Those gathered together in the upper room understood each other without the use of tongues. The purpose of tongues was not to make the gospel intelligible to people of different languages. It was evidence of the Spirit baptism.

5.2 The House of Cornelius

Acts 10:4-47 While Peter was still speaking these words the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision (Jews) who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?

Peter testifying of this event to the apostles and brethren at Jerusalem plainly linked tongues with the Spirit baptism.

Acts 11:15-17 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. (the Day of Pentecost) Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

5.3 The Samaritan converts

Acts 8:17-18 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given …

While there is no evidence of the believers speaking in other tongues, there is also no evidence that they did not speak with tongues. It is apparent that these Samaritans must have spoken in tongues, because “…Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given…” (Acts 8:18)
The Holy Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eye, because He is Spirit. Yet there had to be some kind of physical sign whereby Simon knew that they had received the Holy Spirit.
It could not have been joy, for they already had joy before being baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:8)
It could not have been the many healings taking place for this too was in occurrence before they were baptized in the Spirit. (Acts 8:6)
The evidence indicates that the sign which was manifested was the divine ability to speak with other tongues.

6. The baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues
While there may be and frequently are other spiritual manifestations which accompany the Spirit baptism, tongues remains the primary initial evidence and serves as proof that one has indeed been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

6.1 Tongues is for all
The ability to speak/pray in tongues is intended for all to receive and enjoy.

1 Cor. 12:28-30 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, Are they? All are not workers of miracles are they? All do not have the gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they?

Some take Paul’s phrase do all speak with tongues and say that speaking in tongues isn’t for everyone. This is not so. Paul in the context of this passage of scripture, is referring to the ministry gifts in the church.
Paul asked, “Are all prophets?” the answer - no. However, he went on the say, “You may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted” (1 Cor 14:31,24) all can prophesy (through the spiritual gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:1 ,31) however all are not set as prophets in the church (Eph 4:11)
Paul asked, “Are all teachers?” the answer - no. But Paul also taught that “…a steward of the Lord must be apt to teach” (1 Tim 3:2) Every believer should be able to instruct others in the things of God, but not all are set in the church as teachers (Eph 4:11)
In the same way Paul asked, “Do all speak with tongues?” The answer - no, not in the church. But Paul writes “I would that you all spoke with tongues” (1 Cor 14:5) Every believer can pray in tongues for personal spiritual edification, but not all are used to bring forth a tongue in the local assembly.
It is not unscriptural for the whole assembly to worship God in tongues for in all instances in the book of Acts where the gathered church spoke in tongues there is no interpretation of tongues mentioned. However, when tongues are used in an assembly as a prayer on behalf of the assembly, then it should be interpreted so that it may be edified. (1 Cor 14:12,13,19,27,28)

6.2 What is tongues exactly?
6.2.1 Supernatural Prayer
Speaking in tongues is supernatural prayer in an unknown tongue

1 Cor 14:2 for he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.

6.2.2 No one can understand
No person can understand what the person who is speaking in tongues is saying, not even the speaker. Paul said, ”For no one understands him”.

6.2.3 Not a known human language
If no man can understand tongues, it follows that tongues is not a know human language. The Holy Spirit can move upon the speaker in such a way that he is supernaturally enabled to speak a foreign language without knowing it. This special manifestation of tongues will always be for the hearer’s benefit and edification. It differs from the more general use of tongues, which, as we shall see, benefits and edifies the speaker only.
When we are praying in tongues in our private devotions there is generally no need for an interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 12:10) as this form of prayer is not exercised for the benefit of the intellect.

6.2.4 Praying with our Spirit
Speaking in tongues is referred to as praying with our Spirit, and can even be sung.

1 Cor 14:14-15 For if I pray in a tongue my Spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the outcome them? I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding

6.2.5 A believer’s possession
The ability to speak in tongues is possessed by the believer and is not just a passing experience which can be withdrawn at anytime by the Holy Spirit. Paul said, “I will pray with the spirit…” This indicates that he had this ability to speak in tongues whenever he so desired. Tongues is to be a continual experience for the rest of ones life, a flowing stream that should never dry up to assist us in our worship of God. Since tongues and the baptism in the Holy Spirit go hand in hand it stands to reason that the Spirit baptism is not just a passing experience but a lasting state or condition.

6.3 Why should I pray in tongues?
6.3.1 Tongues a sign
Jesus said that tongues is one of the signs which is to follow the Christian (Mark 16:17) It is a sign from God to unbelievers of the reality of the gospel.

1 Cor 14:22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers

6.3.2 Spiritual Edification
Paul encourages believers to continue the practice of speaking with other tongues in their prayer lives for spiritual edification, or building up (strengthening)

1 Cor 14:4-4 He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself

Jude agrees with Paul and encourages us to pray in the Spirit for our spiritual edification

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

6.3.3 A rest and refreshing
The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah prophetically refers to tongues as a rest and refreshing

Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to His people, to whom He said, “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest” and “This is the refreshing” yet they would not hear.

The above scripture most definitely refers to speaking in tongues, for Paul writing to the Corinthian church, quoted it in the context of tongues.

1 Cor 14:21,22 In the law it is written :with men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers.

6.3.4 The Will of God
Praying in tongues also helps to keep our prayers in line with the Will of God. We do not always know how to pray in a given situation, but the Spirit of God who knows all things can pray through us in tongues for things about which our natural mind knows nothing.

Rom 8:26 And in the same way the Spirit helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Notice that the scripture says, “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought” it does not say that we do not know how to pray, because we know how to pray. We pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:13) But just because I know how to pray does not mean I know what to pray for. As the Holy Spirit gives the utterance He is helping one pray according to the will of God for things that should be prayed for.

6.3.5 The Elimination of Selfishness
Praying in tongues eliminates selfishness from our prayers. If I pray out of my own thinking, very often my prayers may be unscriptural and selfish.

6.3.6 The Armour of God
Praying in tongues also goes hand in hand with the armour of God, and is of utmost importance when combating opposing spiritual forces. We are warned in Ephesians 6 that “… we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (v12) With this in mind we are to take up the full armour of God so that we may be able to resist and stand firm (v13) Still in the context of the armour of God we are now told to pray at all times in the Spirit.

Eph 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

When we pray in tongues we are always praying in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells us gives the utterance and directs our prayer. Tongues, when used to combat opposing spiritual forces is often stern and authoritative.

6.3.7 For Giving Thanks
Tongues provides the most perfect way to give thanks.

1 Cor 14:17 For you are giving thanks well enough

6.3.8 A privilege

Paul was thankful to God for this privilege when he said “I thank my God I speak in tongues more than you all (1 Cor 14:8) He desired all to speak with tongues (1 Cor 14:5) and ordered that is should not be forbidden (1 Cor 14:39)

7. How do I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of tongues?
Before explaining the method of receiving, it is necessary to address the obstacles to receiving the Holy Spirit.

7.1 Obstacles to receiving the Holy Spirit
7.1.1 Tarrying for the Holy Spirit
God promised to send His Holy Spirit to believers and this promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus told His disciples “…but tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49) Some have supposed this was the bible formula for receiving the Spirit baptism - to tarry or wait. However, the disciples were waiting for the Day of Pentecost (in Jerusalem) when the Holy Spirit was given (Acts 2:1) After the day of Pentecost there is no record in the bible anywhere that anyone ever waited, cried, struggled or tarried to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We are not meant to ‘tarry’ but to believe and receive.

Acts 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

7.1.2 Earning or deserving the Holy Spirit
Many people are of the opinion that they must do something to receive this gift of the Holy Spirit. This is not so. The baptism in the Holy Spirit, like eternal life, is not a reward for good works but a gift of God (Rom 6:23) Eternal life is not earned or deserved but is received by faith by anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord (Rom 5:1) In the same way the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) is not earned or deserved but can be received by faith by any ‘born again’ believer, regardless of spiritual age or growth.

7.1.3 Certain patterns of thought
Unfortunately many Christians have hindered themselves from receiving. Besides unconfessed sin and unforgiveness, there are also patterns of thought which could seriously hinder one from receiving. Ideas such as ‘It’s not the norm for Christianity. ‘It’s not intended specifically for me’ , ‘It’s not so important’ etc, seriously hinders one from receiving from God

7.1.4 Afraid of receiving a counterfeit
Some Christians are afraid of receiving a counterfeit from Satan. However, we need have no fear. If you ask God for His Spirit, then that is what you will receive.

Luke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent in stead of a fish?: Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask of Him.

Some even have stated that they know of many accounts of unbelievers speaking in tongues and have testified that the persons speaking were actually cursing God. Therefore many consider speaking in tongues as something evil. While it may be true that there are unbelievers who speak in tongues this is not the tongues spoken of in the bible, as only a believer can speak the kind of tongues mentioned in the Bible. The question is “If tongues are given from the Holy Spirit, how then is it possible for such people to speak in tongues?

11 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays

Every person walking the face of the earth has a spirit. Therefore every person walking the face of the earth has the ability to speak with his/her spirit. However, not every one walking the face of the earth has a spirit which is regenerated (born again) If you are born again you need not worry that you will end up cursing God when speaking in tongues. Never! Your spirit is alive to God.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me

7.1.5 Afraid of the experience itself
Others are afraid of the experience itself, believing that there is some type of possession involved with regard to tongues. This is not the case. The Holy Spirit will never force anyone to speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is never uncontrollable. The one doing the praying is as much in control of his speaking as he is when he is praying in his home language, ie. He starts and stops at will and decides if and when he is to speak. The Holy Spirit gently guides the utterance of the believer as he yields to the Spirit of God

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance

Notice that this passage does not say: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit started to speak through them ” It is quite clear. They were filled - and they spoke in tongues.

7.2 Receiving the Holy Spirit
There is no so-called hard and fast rule for receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
The scriptures make a good case for the practice for the laying on of hands in connection with prayer for the Spirit baptism. In 3 of the 5 accounts where people received the Spirit baptism in the book of Acts, those who received were ministered to through the laying on of hands. On the other 2 occasions (The day of Pentecost, Cornelius’ household) here was no laying on of hands. We may conclude that the laying on of hands, which can be performed by any ‘spirit baptized’ believer for the receiving of the Spirit baptism, is scriptural, often helpful but no always necessary.
What is absolutely necessary is faith and yielding to the Holy Spirit. You must believe and trust that God will baptize you in the Spirit. When you yield to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will give stirrings of words deep down inside no recognisible as English or any other know language ever heard. When this happens you must take a step of faith and speak out those words.
John 7:37-39 If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive

8. Conclusion
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an optional experience but is an obligation within God’s plan for His children. The Spirit baptism is not a denomination, church or movement but a life transforming experience
It is unfortunate that while the promise of a baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, yet for many it has never become a matter of actual experience due to failure to appropriate it.
Many have been deluded into believing that the Spirit baptism through which God wrought miracles in the New Testament days is either not important, not available or that it is not specifically intended for everyone to receive and experience.
It is the joyous testimony of literally millions today of having received this wonderful experience. Jesus still saves, delivers and baptizes in the Holy Spirit.

God wants you to receive it.

If you know Christ as your Saviour and are thirsty for the things of God, Jesus invites you to:

“COME AND DRINK”

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