The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2

We have learned about the baptism of repentance. We have learned about water baptism. There is one more: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is a baptism that is above and beyond the baptism of repentance. You can be saved, but not filled with the Holy Spirit. But you cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit if you are not saved.

John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3:16

When you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, God fills you with the power to be his witnesses. You have the power to overcome the temptation to sin, power to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God. 

The Bible tells us the story of Peter. He was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, who followed him, learning from him, and even preaching and healing in His name, since the beginning of his ministry here on earth. Peter swore he would follow Jesus to the death, yet, when the time came, he denied even knowing Jesus three times out of fear that they would kill him too. But after Jesus' resurrection, after Peter was baptized with the Holy Spirit, he not only had the courage to proclaim that Jesus is Lord to multitudes of people, he was willing and able to face imprisonment, torture, and even death to do so.

God will never ask us to do something that he is not willing or able to give us the ability to do. If you feel inadequate to do the work God has called you to do, ask Him to give you a greater infilling of his Spirit, the power to do the work.