MINISTERING THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

What is baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Baptism in the Holy Spirit can be explained as an immersion in the energizing power of the Holy Spirit. It is
also referred to as "being filled with the Holy Spirit". This means that a person has completely yielded himself
to the control of the Holy Spirit. Proper counselling is needed before leading someone into this beautiful
experience.

A. The purpose for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the
baptism in the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49). This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church.
With the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, we will receive:

1. The enduement of power for living and serving (Acts 1:4,8)

2. The bestowment of gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not conversion neither is it sanctification. This experience is distinct from
and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17, 19:1-7). With the baptism, we will also
experience the following:

1. An overflowing fullness of the Spirit. (Jn 7:37-39)

2. A deepened reverence for God. (Acts 2:43)
3. An intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work. (Acts 2:42)
4. A more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost. (Mt. 16:20)
5. A more effective prayer and intercession (Rom. 8:26,27)

B. The evidence of Baptism

How can one know if he has receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? To be sure, there should be many
evidences along the roadway of life to indicate a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. However the real
question is not the long range result but the immediate indications which one may point to as witness to
the experience itself. The Biblical pattern is that when a person is filled (baptized) in the Spirit, he speaks
in tongues or prophesy

C. The Hindrances to the Baptism.

Since the Baptism is a free gift (like salvation) for all Christians, the only condition for baptism is one
must be born again. You do not need to be 'good enough' or 'more spiritual' or 'understand about the
baptism' before you ask to be filled. However, there are some hindrances in receiving this gift.
1. Unconfessed Sins

By unconfessed sin, it is meant sin that are committed knowingly and wilfully. The Christian is to confess
all his sins to the Lord to receive forgiveness from Him. Also, he
must renounce all former occult practices eg. mediums, charms, spiritism, palm reading, fortune telling,
horoscope, 'Spirit-of-the-coin' etc.

2. Unbelief and doubt.

Need to have faith and believe what the bible says.

3. Fear

a. Natural fear (or simply excited)

b. Spirit of fear - intense fear .

Pray for the person and cast out the spirit of fear. Assure him that the Holy Spirit is gentle and loving.
God will never give us an evil spirit when we ask Him for the Holy Spirit.

c. Fear of emotionalism

Tell him that he does not need to 'work' himself up to an emotional state to speak in tongues. Just
relax and worship Him freely. Usually there is an awareness of God's presence in an unusual way and
many react to it differently e.g. Weeping or trembling. Each individual is unique and God deals with
him as an individual.

4. Wrong motives.

Ask: Why do you want to be baptised in the Holy Spirit?

a) Is it because all my friends have experience it and so I must have it too?

b) Is it because you think after the baptism you will be more spiritual?

c) Do you think this experience is the answer to all your problems?

Tell him that he must know the purpose for the baptism and has a sincere desire to draw close to God.

D. Simple steps to observe

1. Ask him if he wants to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

a. If he is "not sure".
Assure him that Jesus wants to fill him.

b. If he says, "He is not good enough."

Answer : It is because you are not good enough that you need the Holy Spirit to
give you power to live for Him.

Always remember to build his faith and be positive. Try to discern what is his real problem.

2. Assure him that Jesus Christ is the Baptizer and not you. (Jn 1:33) Therefore he needs to focus on Jesus
the Giver of the gift.

3. Lead him in a prayer.

This is a prayer of confession and asking Jesus to baptize him.

4. Get him to start praising God. This is to help him to open his mouth to get ready as the Holy Spirit gives
him the utterance.

5. Co-operate with the Holy Spirit.

 Use your speech organ to speak forth whatever the Holy Spirit has given you. Open your mouth and
speak out (not necessary loud but audible) by faith. Stop speaking in English when tongues comes, you
cannot speak in 2 languages at the same time.

6. When he starts to speak in tongues, encourage him by assuring him that God has filled him and encourage
him to speak louder.

How do you know when tongues comes?

a. Somehow you will sense it within you.

b. You may feel a supernatural movement upon your tongue and lips. Co-operate in speaking out
whatever comes most easily as the Lord moves you to form words.

c. If you feel a tension in your throat muscles, it is probably because you are resisting the Holy Spirit as
He moves you to speak.

d. Never mind if the sound that you speak seems strange to you. You will not understand what you are
saying. (1 Cor. 14:14)

e. Relax and enjoy the continuous flow of tongues.

Warning : During seeking, disregard all negative suggestions, such as:

a. "You are making it up" or "You are in the flesh".

Answer: According to Acts 2:4 the Holy Spirit is giving you words to utter.

b. It's nonsense or gibberish

Answer: It's a language - Acts 10:46; I Cor 14:2

c. It's of the Devil

Answer: It's from God - Lk 11:9-13

E. After the Baptism.

After the Baptism it is wise to give the person the assurance that he is truly filled with the Spirit because
doubts will surely come. That person cannot stand on his experience alone but on God's Word. Therefore
in order to defeat Satan's lies, quote Scripture example Lk 24:49, Acts 2:38,39; Acts 22:4 etc. Encourage
him to read God's Word and to pray at all times if possible in tongues in order to fight the spiritual
warfare.

The candidate should realize his responsibility after he is filled with the Spirit. Tell him that the baptism in
the Holy Spirit is not a once for all experience. It is a continual walking in the Spirit - or simply walking in
obedience to the Lord's command.

1. There should be a growth in love, power and worship.

2. You have the ability to speak in tongue at will. So, continue to be filled with the Spirit daily (Eph 5:18) in
your private devotion, praying and worshipping in tongues (Rom 8:26, 27; Jude 20)

3. Seek to develop the fruit of the Spirit - the Holy Spirit can give you the power to change and to be like
Jesus (Gal 5:22,23)

4. Earnestly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14)

 Study the Word of God concerning the gift of Tongues and its operation in private devotion and in public
(Church Service).

5. Claim power and boldness to witness for Christ (Acts 1:8)

6. Remember not to exalt the "tongues experience" but Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit came to glorify Christ.
(Jn 16:13,14)

So glorify Christ in your words and action.

F. Practical Stuff.

While ministering to others please be mindful of these.

1. Your breath.

Bad breath can be offensive and a distraction. Keep some breath mint with you and be careful not to
speak directly at his face.

2. Your body odour.

Please keep yourself clean and free from odour. Use whatever is helpful to smell good.

3. Do not push.

There is no need to apply force when you lay your hands. Do not make him fall by pushing him. Gently
lay your hands on him. If it is the power of God he will fall although not necessary all the time.

4. Be careful if your hand shakes.

Do not start shaking him. Control the shaking.

5. Be careful of your saliva.

When you pray for him please do not shower saliva on him.

6. Be aware.

Be aware of the person you are praying for. Open your eyes from time to time to observe what is
happening to him. Look for signs that he may or may not be receiving.

7. Ask Him.

If he is not receiving, ask him how he feels or what is the problem.