MinisteringTheBaptismInTheHolySpirit ByDonW.

Basham
Chapter1 MINISTERINGTHEBAPTISM INTHEHOLYSPIRIT

IfyouaretrulyaChristian,itisanexcitingtimetobealive!Godispouringout HisHolySpiritandtheChurchofJesusChristisin themidstofworldwide revival. Christianityhasknowngreatrevivalsbefore,undermenlikeMartinLuther,John Calvin,JohnWesleyandDwightL.Moody.Buttherevivalweareexperiencing todayisnotthesameasthoseofthepast.Thegreatrevivalsofhistorywere characterizedbytwocentralfeaturestheywereconfinedtoaparticularcountry, suchasGermany,England,Scotland,ortheAmericanfrontier,andtheyrevolved aroundsomeparticularspiritualleaderorgroupofleaders.Butthosetwofeatures aremissingtoday,fortodaysrevivalisnotrestrictedtoanysinglecountryor continentanditknowsnosinglespiritualleader.Manyofusbelieveitisthe beginningofthelastgreatrevival,theonedestinedtousherinthereturnofJesus ChristandtheendoftheagetherevivalprophesiedbyJoelandquotedbyPeter ontheDayofPentecost. AnditshallcometopassinthelastdayssaithGod,IwillpouroutofmySpirit uponallfleshandyouryoungmenshallseevisionsandyouroldmenshall dreamdreams,andonmyservantsandmyhandmaidensIwillpouroutinthose daysofmySpiritandtheyshallprophesy. CentraltothisgreatrevivalistheexperienceknownasthebaptismintheHoly Spirit.LiterallymillionsofChristianshavemovedintothisspiritualempowering inthelastfewdecadesandmillionsmoreareinterestedinit.Manyofyouwho readthislittlebookhavealreadyexperiencedbaptismintheHolySpirit.And youmayhavealreadydiscoveredthatitisonethingtohavetheexperienceand quiteanotherthingtobeabletoteach,interpretorministerittoothers. ForanumberofyearsIwrestledpersonallywiththisverydifficulty.Iknewwhat hadhappenedtomeandcouldtestifytoit,buthadrealdifficultyin teachingor explainingittothosewhoraisedquestionsaboutitwhichIcouldnotanswer, especiallythosewhohadabroadergeneralgraspofScripturethanIhad.Ioften cameawaysaddenedandfrustrated.IfeltliketheblindmanwhomJesushealed. WhencriticizedbytheJewishauthorities,hesaid,OnethingIknow,thatthough Iwasblind,nowIsee.(John9:25)ThatsthewayIfeltabouttryingtosharethe baptismintheHolySpirit.AllIseemedtobeabletosaywas,BeforeIdidnt

haveit,butnowIdohaveit.IthadmadeaprofounddifferenceinmylifebutI wastotallyinadequateinsharingitwithothers. Buttimeandexperiencehavecombinedtochangethatsituation.Inrecentyears, IvefoundmyselftravelingallovertheUnitedStatesandinanumberofforeign countriesaswell,teachingandministeringthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Inthe processIvemademanymistakesandlearnednotafewlessons.Inteaching missionsIhaveregularlybeenconfrontedwithmostoftheobjectionsand questionsconcerningtheBaptismintheHolySpiritandspeakingintongues.Out ofthosemanyencountershascomeasimple,basicmessagewhichhasproved helpful,bothtothosewhoareseekingthebaptismandthosewhoareseekingto ministerit.Thepurposeofthisbookistopassthatmessageon. Itiswrittenprimarilyforthebenefitofthosewhohavereceivedthebaptismin theHolySpiritwiththeevidenceofspeakingintongues,andwhoarenow findingincreasingopportunitytoministertheexperiencetootherChristians.I feelthemessageistimelysincemanyofourpreconceivednotionsabout difficultiesinreceivingtheHolySpiritarebeingsweptaway.Traditionally,it hasbeenthoughtnecessarythatthoseseekingmoreofGod,orseekingthe infillingoftheHolySpiritshouldfindsomechurchaltarandprayandagonize andtarrybeforeGoduntiltheyeitherbecomediscouragedandgiveup,or finallyreceivetheblessing.Andtruthfully,wearegratefulforthemany ChristianswhoagonizedtheirwayintoafullerChristianlifebythis,orwhatever means. Buttoday,Godhasclearlydemonstratedthatsuchperiodsofagonizingand tarryingareneitherscripturalnornecessary.Wehavediscoveredthatbyproper teachingfromtheWordofGod,Christiansmaybebroughttothepointwhere,by faith,theycanstepeasilyandquicklyintothebaptismintheHolySpirit,withall theempoweringresultswhichhavetraditionallyfollowedtheexperience. AccordingtoScripture,theonly peoplewhoevertarriedtoreceivetheHoly Spiritweretheonehundredandtwentywhowerewaitingintheupperroomfor thecomingoftheHolySpiritonthedayofPentecost.SincethatdaywhenJesus senttheHolySpiritinfulfillmentofHispromise(Acts1:45),Hehasbeen presentwithus,availableandaccessibletoallwhoopentheirheartsandlivesto Hisempowering,andwhoarelongingtoreceivethespiritualgiftsandministries Hebrings. SoprimarilyforthoseseekingtoministerthebaptismintheHolySpirit,butalso foranyChristianwhohasnotyetreceivedthebaptismbutmaybeseekingit,we offerthismaterialwhichhasbeensharedinhundredsofmeetingsandseminars wheremanyChristianshavesubsequentlyreceivedthebaptismin theHolySpirit withthescripturalevidenceofspeakinginothertongues.

Chapter2 THEBAPTISMINTHEHOLYSPIRIT ASASECONDEXPERIENCE

OnecommonobjectionamongChristiansconcerningthebaptismintheHoly Spiritstemsfromthedifficultyofseeingitasasecond,separateexperience followingconversionorrebirth. IthoughtIreceivedtheHolySpiritwhenIbecameaChristian,isthe waytheobjectionisfrequentlyvoiced.Sinceitisaspirituallawthatwereceive fromGodintermsofourasking(Matt.7:78)itmustbeobviousthatifpeople dontknowthereisanempoweringofGodbeyondconversion,theywontaskfor it.Therefore,theinitialtaskinhelpingpeopletoreceivethebaptismintheHoly Spiritistomakeitcleartothem fromthewordofGodthatthereissuchan experience,andthatthosewhohavereceivedJesusChristasSavior(John3:16) mayalsoencounterhimastheonewhobaptizedintheHolySpirit(Luke3:16). Now,concerningtheworkoftheHolySpiritinthebelieverslifeatthe pointofconversion:OfcoursetheHolySpiritisoperativeinconversionsince st PaulsaysNoonecansayJesusChristisLordexceptbytheHolySpirit.(1 Cor.12:3).TheHolySpiritispresentinconversiontointroducetheunbelieverto JesusChristasSavior. ButwearenottalkingabouttheintroductoryministryoftheHolySpiritto theunbelieverwerespeakingofthesubsequentempoweringministryofthe HolySpiritforthebelievers.WearespeakingofthatexperiencewhichJesus promisedwhenhetoldhisdisciples(whoalreadyknewhimasSavior)Youwill receivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou(Acts1:8). Thescripturesdrawaverycleardistinctionbetweenthetwoexperiences, especiallyinthebookofActs.AreyouawarethatthebookofActsistheonly bookintheentireBiblewhichcontainstherecordofthelifeandactivitiesifthe firstChristians?Theonlynarrativewehaveoflifeintheearlychurch?The Gospelsarestoriesofthelifeof Jesustheepistlesareteachingletters,dealing withproblemsanddifficultiesintheChristianlife,interpretingandexplainingthe provisionsandpromisesofGodtomembersoftheBodyofChrist.Butonlythe bookofActsrecordstheactuallifeandexperienceofthechurchoftheNew Testamentage.AndwhenweexaminethebookofActs,wefindfivepassages whichdescribetheoutpouringoftheHolySpiritinwhatwevecometocallthe baptismintheHolySpirit.Heresthelistofthosefivepassageswithabrief descriptionofeachincident:
Acts2:121 TheDayofPentecost.TheHolySpiritwaspouredoutonthe120gatheredintheupperroomand theyallbegantospeakinothertongues. Acts8:417 TheSamaritanrevivalunderthepreachingof Philip.Miraclesandsignsandwondersaccompany Philipspreaching.PeterandJohncomedownformJerusalemtoministerthebaptismintheHoly Spirittothenewconvertsforasyethehadfallenonnoneofthem. Acts9:111 TheconversionandsubsequenthealingandbaptismintheHolySpiritofSaulwhobecamePaul. ConvertedontheroadtoDamascus,heishealedofhisblindnessandfilledwiththeHolySpirit whenAnaniascomesandpraysforhim. Acts10:3446

PeterpreachestothehouseholdofCornelius.Thepeoplereceiveforgivenessofsinsinthename ofJesus,areconverted,andimmediatelytheHolySpiritfalls,andtheybegintospeakintongues andmagnifyGod. Acts19:16 PaulfindstwelvedisciplesatEphesuswhoknowJesusasSaviorbuthavenotreceivedthe BaptismintheHolySpirit.Hepraysforthemandtheyreceiveandbegintospeakintonguesand prophesy.

Fromanexaminationofallfiveaccountsweseethesametruth emergingthatconversionisoneexperienceandthebaptism intheHolySpiritis asecond,subsequentexperience.Nowletusexamineeachofthepassagesof scripturemoreindetail. Acts2:121 PENTECOST EventspriortothedayofPentecostclearlyrevealthatonehundredand twentyintheupperroomwereallbelieversinJesusChrist.Theywerefollowers ofHis,theyhadwitnessedHiscrucifixionandresurrection,theyknewHehad diedfortheirsinsandthathewastheirRisenSavior.TheyhadheardHim commissionthemtogointoalltheworldandpreach thegospelandhadseenHim ascendintoheaven. ButknowingJesuswastheirLordandSaviorwasnotenoughatleast, notinthemindoftheLordHimself.ForHehadtoldthemtowaitinJerusalem untiltheywereclothedwithpowerfromonhigh(Luke24:49). ImustadmitthatforsomeyearsIpreachedandtaughtconcerningthe baptismintheHolySpiritasifitwereakindofoptionalorelectivecourseinthe schooloftheChristianlife.Butnomore.Iseenowitisnotanelective,buta requiredcourse.Requirednotforsalvation,butfortrulyvictoriousChristian living.IseenowthatallthecenturiesthechurchofJesusChristhasbeentrying toproclaimthegospel withoutthebaptismintheHolySpirit,shehasbeendoing itindirectdisobediencetotheclearcommandofJesuswho,afterHehad commissionedhisdisciplestogoandteachallnations(Matt.28:18), neverthelesssaid,waitortarry.(Luke24:19)Donttrytogoteachand preachuntilyouhavebeenproperlyempowered.ThatswhatJesuswassaying. AndthatisjustwhathappenedonthedayofPentecostthose120 believersintheupperroomwereempowered,supernaturally,bytheHolySpirit. ThemiraculousevidenceoftheirempoweringwasthatoldcowardlyPeter,who haddeniedJesusthreetimesonthenightofthecrucifixionandhadledthe disciplesintohidingforfearofJewsaftertheresurrection,wassotransformed thathestoodtohisfeetandpreachedananointedmessagewhichledtothe conversionofthreethousandpeople. Acts8:417 PHILIPSREVIVALINSAMARIA ThesecondofthefiveaccountsoftheHolySpiritbaptismisfoundinthe eighthchapterofActs.Philip,oneofthefirstdeaconsordainedinthechurch,

goestoaSamaritancity,andashebeginstopreachthegospel,agreatrevival breaksout.MiraclesaccompanythepreachingofthewordofGod.Itisarevival inwhichsignsandwondersputthedivinestampofauthorityandapprovalon thegospelmessage.PeopleturnfrompaganismtoJesusChristfromsinto salvation,fromdarknesstolight.Thenewconvertsarebaptizedinwaterinthe nameoftheLordJesus,thusbecomingfullfledgedmembersofthechurch,the bodyofChrist.TheyareChristian. Yetstrangely,whenthewordgetsbacktotheapostlesatJerusalemabout theSamaritanrevival,wefindthemresponding,notintermsofwhatishappening inSamariabutintermsofwhatisnthappening.Inthethinkingoftheapostles thereisavital,missingelementsinthemiracleworkingrevivalPhiliphas underway.Andtheyaresoconcernedaboutthatmissingelementthattheysend PeterandJohndowntotheSamaritancitytotakecareoftheomission. Whatisitthatsmissing?ThebaptismintheHolySpirit!PeterandJohn comedowntotherevivalforonereasonandonereasononlytolayhandson andprayforthenewconvertsthattheymightreceivetheHolySpirit,forasthe scripturesays,
TheHolySpirithadnotyetfallenonanyofthem,buttheyhadonlybeenbaptizedinthenameof theLordJesus.ThentheylaidtheirhandsonthemandtheyreceivedtheHolySpirit. Acts8:1617

SoagainweseequiteclearlyfromscripturethattheHolySpiritoperatingin conversionisanaltogetherdifferent,andprior,manifestationfromtheHoly SpiritsoperationinthebaptismintheHolySpirit. ItisgenerallyunderstoodthatthebaptismintheHolySpiritisan empoweringexperiencewhichintroducestheChristianintothesupernatural realmoftheChristianlife.IbelievethescripturalaccountoftheSamaritan revivalbearsthisout.Thereweresupernaturalsignsandmiraclesinthe Samaritanrevival,butobviously,theyeretakingplacebecauseoftheanointing onPhilipsministry,sincePhilipwasamanfulloftheHolyGhost(Acts6:35). Itwastheconcernoftheapostlesthatthesenewconverts,whohadmetJesusas LordandSavior,shouldalsoexperienceJesusastheBaptizerintheHolySpirit, andsomoveintothesamemiraculousdimensionofpowerwhichoperatedso vitallythroughPhilipsministry. Acts9:119 PAULSCONVERSION,HEALINGANDBAPTISMIN THEHOLYSPIRIT ThestoryinActs9revealshowSaul,whobecamePaul,wasconvertedon theroadtoDamascuswhenhewasstruckdownbyablindinglightfromheaven, rightinthemidstofhiscampaigntopersecuteChristians.Jesusspokefromthe midstofthelight,saying,Saul,Saul,whydoyoupersecuteme?AndSaul answered,Whoareyou,Lord?AndtheLordsaid,IamJesus,whoyouare persecuting.SoPaulmetJesusontheroadtoDamascusinamostdramaticway. Butwhilehewassoundlyconvertedinthatexperience,hewasstillnotequipped withpowerforministry.Therefore,Godpickedanobscuredisciplenamed

Ananiastocomeandpray forPaul,notonlythathissightmightberestored,but thathemightbefilledwiththeHolySpirit.(Acts9:17) Acts10:146 THEHOUSEHOLDOFCORNELIUSCONVERTED ANDBAPTIZEDINTHEHOLYSPIRIT Acts,chapterten,containsthestoryofPeterBEINGCALLEDTO PREACHTHEGOSPELATEHhouseofCornelius.AsPeterpreachesthegood news,thosehearingareconvertedandareimmediatelybaptizedintheHolySpirit withtheconfirmingevidenceofspeakingintongues.Thisaccountofthebaptism intheHolySpiritdiffersfromtheothersinthebookofActsinonemajor particular.ThetimespanbetweenacceptingJesusassaviorandsubsequently receivingthebaptismintheHolySpiritisgreatlytelescopedfromamatterof weeksordaysorhourstoamatterofminutes. OnthedayofPentecostitwastendaysfromthetimeJesuspromisedthe baptismintheHolySpirittohisdisciplesuntiltheyreceivedit.InActschapter eight,itwasalsoamatterofdaysfromthetimethenewconvertsinSamariawere convertedunderPhilipspreachinguntilPeterandJohnarrivedtoadministerthe baptismintheHolySpirit.AndinActs,chapternine,Paulsconversiononthe roadtoDamascustookplacethreedaysbeforeGodsentAnaniastoprayforhim toreceivehissightandbefilledwiththeHolySpirit. AccordingtoActsten,PeterispreachingaSpiritinspiredsermontothe householdofCornelius,tellingthemaboutJesusChrist.Andwhenhereachesthe pointinhissermonwhereheproclaimsforgivenessof sinsforallwhobelievein Jesus(andtheheartofthegospelisthatJesusChristdiedtosavesinners),the folkinCorneliushomebelievethemessageofsalvation.Immediately,things begintohappen.EveryonewhobelievesPeterswordsisimmediatelybaptized intheHolySpirit.EvenbeforePetercanconcludehissermon,theHolySpirit fellonallwhoheardtheword.(Acts10:44) PAULMINISTERSTHEBAPTISMINTHEHOLY SPIRITTOTWELVEDISCIPLESIN EPHESUS Thefinalstoryofthebaptismin theHolySpiritinthebookofActsrelates howPauldiscoversasmallbandofdisciplesofJesusinEphesus.Noticing somethingmissingfromtheirChristianexperience,heasks,Didyoureceivethe HolySpiritwhenyoubelieved?(Acts19:2)Bytheveryquestionheasks,Paul illustratesthetruthwearestressinginthischapternamelythatconversionisone experienceandbaptismintheHolySpiritisaseparate,subsequentexperience. WecouldrestatePaulsquestioninaslightlydifferentwayandnotstrainits meaningatall.PaulwasaskingtheEphesiandisciples,Haveyoureceivedthe baptismintheHolySpiritsinceyouacceptedJesusChristasyourSavior? AndwhenPauldiscoversthatnotonlyhavetheynotbeenbaptizedinthe HolySpirit,neitherhavetheyhadChristianbaptisminwater,hetakescareof bothomissions.HebaptizestheminwaterinthenameoftheLordJesus,then layshandsonthemandpraysforthemtoreceivethebaptismintheHolySpirit.

ThetwelvemenreceivethebaptismandbeginpraisingGodintonguesand prophesying. Letusmakethisonefinalpointconcerningthetwoexperiencestheyare givenforseparateanddistinctpurposes.ConversionisthatexperienceofJesus ChristbywhichthenonChristianbecomesaChristian,whilethebaptisminthe HolySpiritisthatexperiencefortheChristiantomakehimapowerfulChristian. Itisassimpleasthat. CHAPTER3 TONGUES:THEPRIMARYEVIDENCE OFBAPTISMINTHEHOLYSPIRIT Wesaidinchapteronethatthechurchisinthemidstofworldwiderevivaland thatcentraltothatrevivalistheexperiencewecallthebaptismintheHolySpirit. NowletusgoastepfurtherandstatethatcentraltohebaptismintheHolySpirit isaphenomenoncalledGlossolaliaorspeakingintongues.And,letsfaceit, speakingintonguescausesmostofthecontroversywhichcontinuallyswirls aroundthebaptismintheHolySpirit.AsJohnSherrillobservedinhisclassic book,TheySpeakWithOtherTongues,Tonguesmakepeoplefight.Ifit werentforthisparticular(somewouldinsist,peculiar)manifestation accompanyingthebaptismintheHolySpirit,itwouldbefarmorereadily receivedinmanyChristiancircles. ThequestionisaskedeverywhereIgo,Whyistheresomuch controversyoverspeakingintongues?Consistentexperienceinministeringthe baptismhasconvincedmethattherearetwomajorreasonsforthecontroversy. Oneisfear,theotherisignorance.Thefearcomesfromyearsofdirewarnings thatspeakingintonguesisfanaticism,emotionalismorofthedevil.Andwhen thesecomplaintshaverepeatedlybombardedtheearsofearnestChristianswho haveneverexaminedthescripturescarefullyforthemselves,orheardclear scripturalteachingaboutthebaptismintheHolySpirit,theresultisadeeply imbeddedemotionalprejudiceagainstwhatGodisdoinginthechurchtoday. WeneedtounderstandthatitisSatan,notGod,whostandstobenefit mostfromthecriticismanddiscreditingofspiritualgifts.Andweneedto recognizeheiscontinuallystirringupalltheprejudiceandfalseteachinghecan againsttheprovisionGodhasmadeforus.Someonehassaidthatthetwowords Satanseemstohatemostaretonguesanddemons.Forspeakingintonguesis theinitialevidenceofanexperiencedesignedtoequipChristianswith supernaturalpowerwithwhichtowageaneffectivebattleagainstSatan,andthe worddemonbringstolightandexposesthenastylittlehelpersSatanusesto tormentthepeopleofGodandtounderminetheworksofGod.NowonderSatan hatesforChristianstobecomefamiliarandknowledgeableabouteitherthe supernaturalgiftsoftheHolySpiritorthecunning,hiddenwaysheusesto opposethepurposesofGod. Satansfavoritetacticistothrowupanemotionalsmokescreen,tocreate controversyandangerwhenthegiftofspeakingintonguesismentioned.More thanonceIhaveseensincereChristianscooperateamiablyandpeaceablywith religiousleaderswhodeny theDivinityofChrist,whoscoffattheWordofGod andwhofranklyandopenlyadmittheirrejectionofthehistorictruthsofthe

Christianfaith.AndIveseenthesesameChristiansbecomelividwithanger whensomeChristianacquaintancetestifiestothebaptismintheHolySpiritwith theevidenceofspeakingintongues.Surely,itisnotdifficulttodeterminethe sourceofsuchanger.ItcanscarcelybesaidtocomefromGod. Personally,Ibelieveitismorethancoincidencethatthecriticismof speakingintonguesbeganwithinminutesafteritfirstappearedontheDayof Pentecost.Whenthe120beganspeakingintonguesandthecuriousonlookers gathered,theywereamazedtohearthempraisingGodinlanguagestheyhad neverlearned.Thoseonlookersknewsomethingsupernaturalwastakingplace atleastthosewhoheardandunderstoodthelanguages.(Acts2:7,12). Butnotethatothersstandingby,whodidnotunderstandandofthetwelve ormorelanguagesthevariousdiscipleswereusingin theirpraisetoGod,triedto discredittheexperiencesaying,Thesemenareabunchofbabblingdrunks! (Acts2:13).Sothedevildidntwasteanytimeintryingtodiscreditthe experienceofspeakingintongues,andhesbeentryingtodothesamethingever since. Fearandignorance,combinedwithfalseteaching,haveprovedpowerful weaponsISatanshands.AfterIhavetaughtontheplaceofspeakingintongues inrelationtothebaptismintheHolySpirit,sometimespeoplewillcomplain, Whydoyouspendsomuchtimetalkingaboutspeakingintongues?The answerissimpletotryandgeneratealittlelightwherebeforetheresbeen mostlyheat!Itstonguesthatisthepointofcontroversy.Thatswherethe criticismsland.Andtheonlyway Iknowtoclearupthesubject.Ofcourse,for somepeople,anymentionofspeakingintonguesistoomuch. IknowaSpiritbaptizedministerswifewhoteachesSundaySchoolinher husbandschurchwherepeopleareverytouchyaboutthecharismaticmovement andthebaptismintheHolySpirit.ShechoseoneSundayintheyeartoteachher intermediateSundaySchoolclassaboutthegifsoftheHolySpiritandspeakingin tongues.ShewiselychosePentecostSunday,whenthescripturelessondealt directlywiththesubject.ThefollowingSundaysheaskedherpupilsifanyof themhaddiscussedthelessonwiththeirparents.Onelittleboysaid,Yes,Itold myparentsandtheysaidtheyaresickandtiredofallthistalkaboutspeakingin tongues.Sointhatcase,thirtyminutesonceayearwastoomuch! AtaministerialmeetinginthetowninPennsylvaniawhereIpastured severalyearsago,someoftheministersdiscussedspeakingintongueswithme. (Wordhadspreadthroughthecommunityaboutanumberofmychurchmembers receivingthebaptismintheHolySpiritandspeakingintongues.)Fromthe totallynegative(andunscriptural!)commentsaboutspeakingintonguesthose ministersmade,onewouldsupposeGodhadmadeahorriblemistakeontheDay ofPentecostwhenhesentspeakingintonguesalongastheevidenceofthe baptismintheHolySpirit. ButIbelieveGodknewexactlywhatHewasdoingonthedayof Pentecost,thatHediditrighttheveryfirsttimeandthathehasntchangedHis mindsince.IalsobelieveitistheintentofGodthateverypersonreceivingthe baptismintheHolySpirittoday shouldexperiencethemiracleofspeakingin tongues. Suchanobservationbringsustothenextobviousquestion:Doesa person havetospeakintonguesinordertoreceivethebaptismintheHoly spirit?AndbythecriticalwaythequestionisoftenaskedIcanusuallytellsome

skeptichasbeenbusilyatworkwarningthequestioneraboutfanaticismor emotionalismorthatthedevil canspeakintongues. Theanswertothatquestionis,Youdonthaveto,yougetto!Speaking intonguesisaprivilege.ItisapreciousgiftfromGod.Itisanewandintimate wayofprayingwithdirect,supernaturalhelp.AndthegiftsoftheHolySpiritare nottobedespisedorcriticized.NordoesGodgivegiftsthatareuselessor divisive. Othercriticsoftonguessay,Butthescripturesteachthatnoteveryoneis st supposedtospeakintongues.AndtheyquotePaulsstatementin1 Cor.12:30, st Doallspeakintongues?Andhisinstructionsin1 Cor.14:27,Ifanyspeakin atonguelettherebeonlytwooratthemostthree ButPaulsteachinginthoseversesdoesnotrefertotheabilitytospeakin tongueswhichcomeswhenonisbaptizedintheHolySpirit.Paulisspeakingof ministrygiftswhichGodhassetinthechurch,explainingthatnotallSpirit baptizedChristianshavethesameministry,andalsogivingadvicetoSpirit baptizedChristianshow,inapublicworshipservice,tonguesaretobeministered inaproperwayandaretobeproperlyinterpreted. NoticehowPaulalsosays,NowIwantyoualltospeakintongues st (1 Cor.14:5).Obviously,Paulisnotsoineptastosayonethingoneplaceand thencontradictwhathesaidafewversesearlier.Notetoo,thatatnotimedoes Paulevercriticizespeakingintongues.Heonlycriticizesthemisuseofthegift. Moderncriticswoulddowelltoconfinetheircriticismsthesameway.So,when weteachaboutthemanifestationoftonguesadistinctionneedstobemade betweentheabilitytoprayintongueswhichcomeswhenoneisbaptizedinthe HolySpirit,andtheministrygiftoftongueswhichinvolvestonguesinthepublic assemblywhicharetobeinterpreted.WhileallChristiansshouldbebaptizedin theHolySpiritwiththeevidenceofspeakingintongues,notallwillhavea prominentministryofspeakingintonguespublicly. Butwhileweteachandfullyexpecteveryonereceivingthebaptisminthe HolySpirittospeakintongues,weadmitnoteveryonedoes.Notbecauseitsnot Godswill,butbecauseoffearorignorancetheyquenchtheSpirit.Godwillnot forceanychildofHistodoanythingheisnotwillingtodo.Therefore,some peoplereceivethebaptismintheHolySpiritandtheirchangedlivestestifythat theyhavereceivedthebaptismbutdonotspeakintongues.Atleast,notat first. Eventhescripturesdonotinsistthateveryonemustspeakintonguesatthe timehereceivesthebaptism.Butclearly,itisthenorm,sinceinfourofthefive casesinActswheretheHolySpiritisreceived,thepeoplereceivingendup speakingintongues.TheonlyexceptionistheSamaritanrevivalinActs8,where tonguesarenotspecificallymentioned. ButmanyBiblicalscholarsfeelthateven onthatoccasiontongueswereinevidencesinceSimonthemagiciansaw somethingwhichmadehimwanttobuytheabilitytotransmitthebaptisminthe HolySpirit.(Acts8:1819)Manyscholarsagreethatspeakingintongueswasthe evidenceSimonsaw. Personally,Iamconvincedthatanyonewhohasreceivedthebaptismin theHolySpiritcanonceheunderstandswhatisinvolvedspeakintongues,and thatitisonlyhisownfearorprejudiceorlackofunderstandingwhichpreventsit. Repeatedexperiencehasbornethisout.

RecentlyIministeredtoagroupofabouttwentypersonsafterhaving taughtaboutthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Duringtheprayertime,allofthem receivedtheHolySpiritandbeganprayingfreelyandbeautifullyinother tongues.Oneyoungwomancametomeafterward,eyesglisteningwithtearsof gratitude,andsaid,IwanttothankyouforprovingtomewhatIalreadyhadwas real.Thensheexplainedhowshehadreceivedprayerforthebaptisminthe HolySpiritmonthsbefore,inachurchservicewheretheministerhadtoldthe peopletoacceptbyfaiththattheyhadreceivedandnottoexpectanyoutward manifestation.ButfromthedayIaccepteditbyfaith,sheadded,Inoticed thateverytimeIbegantopray,strangeforeignsoundingsyllableswouldfillmy mind,andIcouldntunderstandwhy.Repeatedly,Itriedtodismissthem,but everytimeIprayedtheywerethere.IknownowitwastheHolySpiritgently tryingtoleadmeintotheblessingofspeakingintongues. OftenintheaudienceswhereIspeakonthissubjecttherewillbesome whofeeltheyhavereceivedthebaptismintheHolySpiritbutwhohavenot receivedthemanifestationoftongues.Thismaypromptthemtoaskthequestion, CanyouhavethebaptismintheHolySpiritwithoutspeakingintongues? IlikeRev.DerekPrincesresponsetothatquestion.Heanswerswith anotherquestion:Cananelephantbeanelephantwithoutatrunk?Theanswer is,Yes.Butatrunklesselephantisaprettyfunnylookingelephant.Thetrunk isanormalandimportantappendagefortheelephant.Hefeedshimselfwithit hebatheshimselfwithitinfact,withoutitheisnotanormalelephant. SoitiswithspeakingintonguesinrelationtothebaptismintheHoly Spirit.Scripturallyandpracticallyitisanimportantpartofthebaptism.So,as youconsiderthisteaching,ifyouhappentobeatrunklesselephant,orifyou havefriendswhoare,bothyouandtheyneedtounderstandthesignificanceof speakingintongues,andtoseethatyouandtheyaremissingoutononeofthe majorblessingswhichshouldaccompanythebaptismintheHolySpirit.Briefly, someofthemajorreasonsforreceivingandmanifestingtonguesare:
st 1. Accordingtoscripture,itisGodswillforeveryonetospeakintongues.(1 Cor.14:5) sincePaulsays,NowIwantyoualltospeakintongues st 2. Speakingintonguesstrengthensandedifiesthebeliever(1 Cor.14:4) st 3. HewhospeaksintonguesisprayingintheSpirit(1 Cor.14:15) 4. Speakingintongues(prayingintheSpirit)isadivinelyinspiredmeansofpraying effectivelyforothers(Rom.8:2627) 5. Speakingintonguesisthenormalscripturalmeansofenteringintothebaptisminthe HolySpirit.(Acts2:4,10:4446,Acts19:6):

Andforanytrunklesselephantwhomaybereadingthis,letmegivethese worksofencouragement:Youcanprayintongues,andaccordingtoGods wordyoushould.ItispartofyourdivineheritageasabelievingChristianto enterintothesupernaturallifeofGodthroughthebaptismintheHolySpirit anditsinitialmanifestationofspeakingintongues.Repeatedly,Ihaveseen thoseChristianswhofelttheywerebaptizedintheHolySpiritbutwhohad notspokenintongues,seekandreceivetongues.Notoneevertoldme afterwardsthathethoughtitwasamistakeorawasteoftime,buthundreds havetestifiedtoanewreleaseofspiritualpowerintheirlivesasaresultof beginningtoprayintongues. Wesaidearlierthatmanypersonsseemafraidtospeakintonguesbecause theyvebeentoldthatitsjustemotionalismorfanaticism.Thatisanotherof

Satansfavoritelies.Hewilldoanythingtodiscreditthegiftsandgracesof God.Hewillasquicklylabelspeakingintonguesasemotionalismor fanaticismtodayashelabeleditdrunkenbabblingonthedayofPentecost. Anyliewillserve,aslongasitdissuadespeoplefrombelievingandreceiving thegiftsofGod. Thechargeofemotionalismhascausedmanypeopletofearthatthey mightlosecontrolofthemselvesiftheyspokeintongues,orthatGodwill makemedosomethingwhichembarrassesme.Butaswesaidbefore,the HolySpiritdoesnotforceustodoanything.Youcan besurethatanyspirit which compelsyoutodoanythingorsayanythingyoudonotwanttosayis nottheHolySpirit.Peoplewhoareafraidthattheymightdosomething embarrassingorspeakintonguesatthewrongtime,havefailedtorealizethat theactofspeakingintonguesisalwaysunderthecontroloftheonespeaking. Theperson,nottheHolySpirit,decideswhenhewillspeakout,andwhether hewillspeakintonguesquietlyoraloud.TheveryfactthatPaulgivesstrict instructionsabouthowandwhenspeakingintonguesistobemanifestedina st publicmeeting(1 Cor.14:2728),clearlyindicatesthattheonespeakingisin control,forPaulsinstructionswouldbeworthlessunlessthosehewas teachinghadtheabilitytoobeyhisinstructions. Anotherobjectionoftenexpressedaboutspeakingintonguesasithappens todayisthatitisntreallysupernaturallikeitwasonthedayofPentecost.It isarguedthatatPentecostthetongueswereinlanguagesunderstoodbythose presentandlistening,buttodaystonguesarejustemotionalgibberish,and cantbeconsideredaDivinemanifestationatall. Butthetruthisthattodaysspeakingintonguesis miraculousandthat manytimesthelanguageswhicharespoken arerecognizedbyotherpersons presentasforeignlanguagesnotnaturallyknownbytheonespeaking.I couldeasilydoublethesizeofthisbooksimplybysettingouttorecord severaldozensuchincidents.Butthreebriefillustrationsshouldbesufficient. AChristianfriendinTexasinwhosehomeIwasaguestrecentlyhadthis experience.ShewassittinginasmallChristianmeeting,prayingquietlyin tongueswhilewaitingfortheservicetobegin.AMexicanAmericanfriend sittingbesideherheardthequietflowofprayerandpraisetoGodandnudged herexcitedly. Sister,doyouknowyouwerespeakingSpanish?Youweresaying,Now isthetimetopraisetheLord.NowisthetimetopraisetheLord.Yetmy TexasfriendcannotspeakawordofSpanish,naturally. Then,inaFullGospelBusinessMensFellowshipChaptermeetingin Ohioafewmonthsago,atthecloseofmymessagethereweretwo manifestationsoftonguesfollowedbyinterpretations.Thentherewasathird manifestationoftongueswhichwasnotinterpreted.Butafterward,oneofthe officersofthechapterintroducedmetoanamazedyoungmanwhowas visitinganFGBMFImeetingforthefirsttime.Hehadrecentlyreturnedfrom thewasinVietnamwherehehadservedwithArmyIntelligence.Becausehe hadlearnedtheVietnameselanguagehehadbeenusedtointerrogate prisoners.Hisamazementstemmedfromthefactthatthethirdpersonwho hadspokenintonguesinthemeetinghadprayedinabeautifulprayerin Vietnamese,althoughhehadnonaturalknowledgeofanyforeignlanguage whatever.

Onstillanotheroccasion,ayoungChristianwithwhomwehadjust completedavictoriousserviceofdeliverancefromevilspirits,waspraising Godintongues.AsIlistenedhebeganspeakingSpanish,whichIcould recognize,havingstudiedthelanguageinschoolmanyyearsbefore.Yetthis manhadabsolutelynonaturalknowledgeofSpanish. AlsotherehavebeenanumberofreportsofnativeChristiansinforeign landspraisingGodinperfectEnglishwhenthey receivethebaptisminthe HolySpirit.Ofcourse,English,tothemwouldbeanunknowntongue,but knowntotheministersandmissionariesprayingwiththem. Yetinspiteoftheobviouslymiraculousdemonstrationsuchincidents provide,weneedtorememberthataccordingtoscripture,thevalidityofthe experienceoftonguesisnotdependentonthelanguagesbeingunderstood. Forexample,inActschapter10,wherePeterpreachestothehouseholdof CorneliusandthepeopleacceptJesusasSaviorandareimmediatelybaptized intheHolySpiritandbeginspeakingintongues,thereisnoevidencethatthe tonguesareinrecognizablelanguages.Nevertheless,Peter,inreportingthe incidenttotheapostlesandbrethrenbackinJerusalem,saidtheHolySpirit fellonthemjustasonusatthebeginning.(Acts11:15)Obviously,Peter acceptedthevalidityofthebaptismintheHolySpiritatCorneliushouse,not becausethetongueswererecognizableastheyhadbeenatPentecost,but simplyonthebasisofthetonguesthemselves. Soregardlessofthemanymisleadingandinaccuratestatementsmade aboutspeakingintonguesbyitscritics,boththeScripturesandcurrent experienceindicatethatitisthenormalintroductorysignorevidencethatone hasreceivedthebaptismintheHolySpiritandisofgreatspiritualvaluetoall whoreceiveanduseit. Butwhataboutthosewhovewantedtoreceivethebaptismandspeakin tongues,butsomehowhaventbeenableto?Well,wellbedealingwiththat probleminthenextchapter.

Chapter4 TONGUESANDTHECHRONICSEEKER
IfIwereaskedtonamethegreatestbarriertoreceivingthebaptisminthe HolySpiritwiththeevidenceofspeakingintongues,Iwouldbeobligedto sayitisalackofunderstandingaboutthewaythemiraculouspowerofGodis releasedintheChristianslife.Theprincipleinvolvedisonewhich,when understoodandapplied,putsapersonintheproperpositiontoreceivewhat godhaspromised.Theprincipleissimplythis: ThepowerofGodisreleased byanactoffaithonmanspart. BeforeweapplythisprincipletoreceivingthebaptismintheHolySpirit withspeakingintongues,letusexamineitinScripture.Oneexampleisthe storyofthehealingofthewomanwiththeissueofblood.(Matt.9:1922,Luke 8:4349)AsJesusmadehiswaytowardher,surroundedbyacrowdof people,thewomansaidtoherself,IfItouchevenhisgarmentIshallbe madewell.Whenshemanagedtotouchhim,immediatelyJesusstoppedand said,Whotouchedme?Peterchidedhim,saying,Master,themultitudes

surroundyouandpressuponyou.ButJesuswasinsistentaboutaparticular touch.Someonetouchedme,forIperceivethatpowerhasgoneforthfrom me,hesaid.Andwhentheyidentifiedthewoman,Jesuscommendedher saying,Daughter,yourfaithhasmadeyouwell,goinpeace. Nowobviously,therewereotherneedypeoplepressingagainstJesusthe sick,thelame,thetroubled.Buttheonewhoreceivedthemiraclewasthe womanwhotouchedhiminfaith.Therewasnomiracleinherreachingout, andtherewasnopowerinJesusgarment.Butherseeminglyirrationalact, thefoolishactofreachingoutinfaith,wasthekeytoherhealing.Thepower wasthereinJesusallthetime,butsomethingwasreleasedinherbehalf.And itwasthecombinationofwhatthewomandidandwhatGoddidthatgaveher herhealing.HersimpleactoffaithtriggeredtheflowofGodspower. Thissameprincipleholdstruewhenitcomestoreceivingthebaptismin theHolySpiritwiththeevidenceofspeakingintongues.Iveseenthe principledemonstratedrepeatedlyallovertheUnitedStatesandoverseasas well.Onceapersonunderstandsthathehasavitalparttoplayreceivingthe baptismintheHolySpirit,itisasimplematterforhimtoreceive.But withoutthisunderstanding,andunlessheiswillingtoactinfaith,hemay havegreatdifficulty. Manyofthosewevecometocallchronicseekersreceivethebaptism andbegintospeakintonguesinamatterofminutesafterhearingthesimple teachingwhichmakesthisprincipleclear. Essentially,thebaptismintheHolySpiritiscomprisedoftwopartsfirst, receivingtheHolySpiritbyfaith,andsecond,manifestingtheSpirits presencethroughspeakingintongues.Speakingintonguesisnotthebaptism intheHolySpirit,butistheverbalexpressionofoverflowofit.Wecanputit thisway:IfIaskanyofyou,AreyouaChristian?Areyousaved?You wouldrespondsaying,Yes,IhaveacceptedJesusChristasmysavior.But yourwordsarenotyoursalvation.Soitiswithspeakingintongues.Tongues arenotthebaptismbuttheyarethevocalexpressionofthatbaptism. Theprinciplethatmanmustplayanessentialpartinreleasingthe miraculouspowerofGodinhislifeappliestothebaptismintheHolySpirit especiallyinreferencetoreceivingtheevidenceofspeakingintongues. Speakingintonguesissupernatural,itismiraculous.Butlikeothermiracles, ittooiscomprisedoftwopartsmanspartandGodspart.Butmanypeople havenotunderstoodthisandhavewaitedforGodtodoitall.Theyvenever donetheirpart,theyveneverreachedoutinfaith,andhence,havenever spokenintongues. Supposethewomanwiththeissueofbloodhadjuststoodwistfullytoone sideasJesuspassedandsaid,Well,IsurewishtheLordJesuswouldcome overhereandhealme.Youcanbetshewouldnthavereceivedherhealing. ShehadtoreachoutandpressthroughtotouchtheLord.Andwhenshedid allshecoulddo,Goddidwhathecoulddo,andshewashealed. FromrepeatedexperienceIfindthisistheproblemwithmostchronic seekers,andmosttrunklesselephants.Whenitcomestospeakingin tonguestheyhavefailedtoreachoutinfaith. TheyhavebeenwaitingforGod todowhatGodwaswaitingforthemtodo. AfewyearsagoIwasspeakinginaPentecostalchurchinanEasterncity. MysubjectwasthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Atthecloseoftheservice,the

ministergaveanaltarcallforpeoplewantingthebaptism.Tomysurprise overtwentypeopleresponded.InthosedaysIhadassumedthatmost membersofPentecostalchurcheshadlongsincereceivedthebaptisminthe HolySpirit.Ivesincelearnedthisisntnecessarilytrue.ManyPentecostal ofFullGospelchurchesofferlittleornoteachingonthebaptismintheHoly Spiritandmanyoftheirmembershavenothadtheexperience. Anyway,theministerpointedoutanelderlymankneelingbythefront pew.Seethatman?hesaidtome.Hesseekingthebaptism.Wouldyou gooverandpraywithhim? SoIwentoverandsatdownonthepewwherethemanwaskneelingand gavehimjustafewwordsofinstructionabouthowwereceivetheHolyspirit byfaithandthenspeakintonguesinfaith.ThenIsaid,Nowwellpraythat GodwillbaptizeyouintheHolySpiritandenableyoutopraiseHiminother tongues.AfterIprayIwantyoutoopenyourmouthinfaithandbeginto praiseGodintongues. Weprayedandimmediatelythebrotheropenedhismouthandbeganto speakintongues,tearsofjoystreamingdownhisface.Ireturnedtothe ministerandsaid,Well,thebrotherreceived.Tomysurprisethepastor begantojumpupanddownwithexcitement.Hedid?Areyousure?And thenheranovertothebrotherandkneltdownandlistenedtohimpraising Godintongues.Thentheministerbegantoweepforjoy. Ithoughttomyself,ThisisanemotionalbunchofPentecostalsIgot mixedupwithtonight.Thenthepastorcamebacktomewipingthetears fromhisfacewithhishandkerchiefandexplained. ThisbrothersbeenseekingthebaptismintheHolySpiritfortwenty sevenyears! Doyouseethepoint?Foroveraquarterofacenturythatdevoted ChristianmanhadbeenwaitingforGodtodowhatGodhadbeenwaitingfor himtodo.Earnest,sinceremanthathewashedidntwanttofake anything.Sohehadnevertakenthatstepoffaith. IdontwanttoopenmymouthandspeakIwanttheHolySpiritto speakthroughme!Iveheardmanyachronicseekerwallhimselfofffrom thebaptismintheHolySpiritwiththatcomplaint.Letmesayitagain.The miraclesofGodarecomprisedoftwopartsmanspartandGodspart. Speakingintonguesisthatkindofmiracle.Andthemiraculouspartisntthe actofspeakingitsthelanguage. YouspeaktheHolySpiritprovidesthe utterance,thewords,thesyllables. YoumustspeakthewordstheHolySpirit provides. Andifyoudontopenyourmouthandbegintospeak,therewillbeno speakingintongues.Letmegiveyouonemoreillustrationandthenwellbe readyfortheactualinstructionforthoseseekingthebaptism. Aministerfriendofminewaspresentwhenthisincidenttookplaceand relatedittome.Thepastorofasmalldenominationalchurchhadbeen seekingthebaptismintheHolySpiritforseveralyearswithoutsuccess.He wasoneofthosechronicseekerswevebeentalkingabout,anearnest Christianbrotherwhodidntwanttofakeanything.Althoughhehadbeen prayedoverbymanypeoplemanytimes,hestillhadnotreceived. Nationallyknownevangelistshadprayedforhim,everycharismaticspeaker

andevangelistwhocametotownhadlaidhandsonhimandprayedbutwith noresults.Yetthemanwasdeterminedhekeptseeking. Onenightinasmallchurch,followingarevivalservice,ministrywas offeredforthoseseekingthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Myfriendwas presentandsawthisearnestpastormakehiswaytothefrontofthechurch. Reachingthealtarheflunghimselfdownonthefloorandbegantopray.No onewenttoministertohimpersonallybecauseitneverdidanygood.Allhis friendshadwornthemselvesoutprayingwithhim. Butafterafewminuteseveryonewasamazedtohearhimbegintopray aloudintonguesinabeautifulclearlanguage.Allthepeoplearoundbegan torejoicethatthebrotherhadfinallyreceivedhisheartsdesire,andlistened gratefully ashecontinuedtospeakintongues. Then,totheirsurprise,theministerpushedhimselfupfromthefloorand said,IdontwantyoupeopletogetthewrongimpressionIstilldonthave thebaptismintheHolySpirit.Imnotspeakingintongues,Imjustmaking upfunnynoises.IfinallygotsotiredofwaitingfortheHolySpirittospeak throughmethatIjustdecidedtoopenmymouthandbegintobabbleout sounds.ButthatsnottheHolySpirit,thatsme!Ihatetodisappointallof you,butIstilldonthavethebaptismintheHolySpirit. Thenitwastheministersturntobesurprised,fortherewerethreeyoung Chinesecollegestudentssittingonthefrontpewofthechurch.Theyhad beenviewingthewholeoftheproceedings.Oneof themansweredthe minister. Brother,wehatetodisappointyou,butyouvebeenpraisingGodin perfectChineseforthelastthreeminutesandwehaveunderstoodeveryword yousaid! Seethepoint?Becauseofalackofunderstandingabouthispartinthe miracleofspeakingintongues,theministerhadnotonlyrobbedhimselfof theexperienceforyears,butwhenitfinallyhappened,refusedtoacceptit. AllGodhadbeenwantingwasforthemantostepoutinfaithtoopenhis mouthandbegintopraiseGodwiththesoundofhisvoicesotheHolySpirit couldfurnishhimanewlanguageofpraise.Thisisexactlywhathappenedon thedayofPentecost.
AndtheywereallfilledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakinothertonguesastheSpirit gave themutterance..Acts:2:4

TimeandagainIvehadpeoplereadthatscripturealoud.ThenIwould askthem,Whobegansospeakintongues?Andtheyusuallyreply,The HolySpiritbegantospeak.Buttheyarewrong.TheHolySpiritdidnot speak. The120spoke.Theywerefilledandbegantospeak.astheSpirit gavethemutterance(furnishedthewords.) Andthatisexactlywhatfinallyhappenedtoourchronicseeker,the earnestdevotedministerwevebeentalkingabout.Whenhefinallybecame desperateenoughtoopenhismouthandbegintopraiseGodwithwhathe thoughtweremeaninglesssounds,thatsallthehelptheHolySpiritneeded. HebegantopourtheChineselanguagethroughthemanslips. Chapter5 INSTRUCTIONSFORRECEIVING

(Note:Thisfinalchapterisanactualtranscriptionofinstructionswhichhavebeengiven tonumerousgroupspresentingthemselvesascandidatesforthebaptismintheHolySpirit.)

NowImassumingallofyouarehereintheprayerroombecauseyouare seekingthebaptismintheHolySpiritwiththeevidenceofspeakingin tongues.AmIright?Or,perhapsafewofyoufeelyouhavealreadyreceived thebaptismbuthavenotspokenintonguesandyouareinthatcategory. Well,Imgladyoureherebecauseyoucanreceivetonguesanditwillbean addedblessingtoyou. ThereisonlyonemajorprerequisitetoreceivingthebaptismintheHoly Spirit:YoumusthavealreadyacceptedJesusChristasyourpersonalSavior. Anyoneherewhohasnotmadethatcommitmentshouldbeintheotherprayer roomwhereministryisbeingofferedtothoseseekingsalvation.Isthere anyoneherewhohasnotmadethatpriorcommitment? Well,sincenooneraisedahand,IassumethatyouareallChristiansand thus,propercandidatesforthebaptism. NowthefirstthingIwanttotellyouisthis:Youcansitbackandrelax, foryoucanreceivethebaptismintheHolySpiritandyoucanspeakin tongues.Itisinyourpowertodoallyouhavetodo.Thesamefaiththat enabledyoutoreceiveJesusChristasyoursaviorisallthefaithyouneedto receivethebaptismintheHolySpiritwithspeakingintongues.Afterall,the baptism,inonesense,issimplyreceivingmoreofJesus.ItsmeetingHimin anewdimension,astheBaptizerintheHolySpiritasJohntheBaptistspoke ofHiminLuke3:16.ThereisnoreasonwhyeveryoneofyouAndIseewe haveaboutfortyfiveorfiftypeopleheretheresnoreasonwhyeveryoneof youwillnotreceivetheHolySpiritandbepraisingGodinanewand unknowntonguewithinaveryfewminutes.Sorelaxandbeconfident.It willhappen. Iwanttotakeafewminutestoexplaintheprocedurewearegoingto follow.ForpurposesofinstructionIfindithelpfultodividetheexperience intotwoparts.ThefirststepisreceivingtheHolySpiritwithinthesecondis tomanifesttheSpiritspresencebypraisingGodinaneworunknown tongue.Again,letmemakeitclear everyoneofyoucandothis.Itiswithin yourpower,onceyouunderstandwhatisrequiredofyou,toreceivetheHoly Spiritandtospeakintongues. Nowwhentheprayerforyoutoreceiveisoffered(andImsimplygoing toprayonesingleprayeraloudinbehalfofallofyou,askingtheLordJesus tobaptizeyouintheHolyspiritandtoenableyoutopraiseHiminanew, supernaturalway),immediatelyaftertheendingofthatprayer,Iwillaskyou toopenyourmouthandbreatheinordrinkinadeep,fullbreathofair. Theresagoodreasonfordoingthis. First,thisbreathinginordrinkingin abreathofairprovidesaphysicalstimulustoyourfaith.Notonlythat,there isakindofuniquerelationshipbetweenbreathandspirit.Thewordfor breathisthesameasthewordforspirit,inGreekandHebrew,thetwo languagestheNewTestamentwaswrittenin.AndwhenJesusprophesiedthe comingoftheHolySpiritatPentecostHesaid,

Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntomeanddrink,andoutofhisinmostbeingshallflow riversoflivingwater.ThishespaketothemconcerningtheSpirittheyweretoreceive,forthe SpirithadnotyetbeengivenbecauseJesuswasnotyetglorified. John7:3739

Sothisbreathingin,ordrinkingintheHolySpirithadscriptural endorsement.Therefore,whenIgivethewordtoopenyourmouthandbreathin, asyoudoit,believethattheSpiritiscomingintoyourlifeinanewway,amore powerfulway.Ibelieveit.Iveseenithappentosomanypeopleinthepastfew years,thatIknow whatisgoingtohappen.Iknow youwillreceive.Ibelieve GodalwaysanswerstheprayeroftheChristianwhoisseekingthebaptisminthe HolySpirit. ButitisimportanttorealizethatyoureceivetheHolySpiritbyfaithand notbyfeeling.Sowhilesomeofyoumayexperiencesomedeeporpowerful emotionastheSpiritbreaksinonyouinthisnewway,othersandIdaresay mostotherswillnotfeelanything.Sometimespeopleexperienceadeep awarenessoftheloveandpresenceofGod,othersexperiencejoyandstillothers aremovedtotears.Andifsuchfeelingscome,welcomethembutdontbe concernediftheydonot.Mostofyoumayexperiencenoemotionatallandthat isperfectlyallright.ItseemsthatmostpeoplereceivingtheHolySpirittoday, receivequietlyandwithoutundueemotion.Theimportantthingisnotwhatyou feelbutwhatyoubelieve.BelievetheHolySpiritiscomingin,becauseitistrue. Heis. Allright.ThatsthefirststepbreathingintheHolySpiritandhaving faiththatHescomingin.Andthatistheeasiestofthetwosteps.Butwedont wanttostoptherewealsowantyoutohavetheScripturalconfirmationofthe HolySpiritspresenceinyourlifeinanewwaybyhavingyoureceivethe manifestation ofspeakingintongues.Again,letmetellyou,relax!Youcando this.Youcanreceivetheevidenceofspeakingintongues.Itisinyourpowerto doit.LetmeexplainwhatImean. Speakingintongueswhichisthescripturalprooforsignthatyouhave receivedthebaptismintheHolySpiritisamiracleitissupernatural.Ibelieve weareallagreedonthat.Butletmeremindyouagainthatmiraclesare comprisedoftwopartsmanspart(whichisnatural)andGodspart(whichis supernatural.)OneofthebestScripturalexamplesofthistruthisthemiracleof Peterswalkingonthewater,recordedinMatthew14.Yourememberthestory. Jesuscomeswalkingonthewatertowardtheboatcontaininghisdisciples. Petercallsout,Lord,ifitisyou,bidmecometoyouonthewater.TheLord said,Come.AndthescripturestellusPetergotdownoutoftheboatand walkedonthewatertogotoJesus.(Matt.14:29)Severalyearsago,theHoly Spiritshowedmesomethingaboutthatmiraclewhichhasbeenabighelp.He showedmePeterswalkingonthewaterwasthesamekindofmiraclewe experiencewhenwespeakintongues.Yousee,Petersmiracle,likespeakingin tongues,wascomprisedoftwopartsPeterspartandGodspart. Now,whatwasPeterspartinthemiracle?Simplytogetoutoftheboat andwalk,thatsall.Inotherwords,Peterwasnotrequiredtodoanything supernatural.Allhehadtodowasgetoutoftheboatandwalk,inexactlythe samewayhewouldhavedoneiftheboathadbeenpulledupontheshore.There wasnothingsupernaturalaboutPeterswalking.Itwasjustthesimple,physical actofwalkinginobediencetotheLordsinvitationtocometoHim.

Speakingintonguesislikethat.Whenthetimecomesforyoutospeakin tongues,youaretoopenyourmouthandbegintospeak,justlikePeterstoodup andsteppedoutoftheboatandbegantowalk.Now,Iseesomeofyoulookinga littlepuzzled,butstaywithme.Rememberhow,whenPetersteppedoverthe sideoftheboatandbegantowalk,hehadfulfilledhispartofthemiracle.And whenhebeganhisactofwalkinginfaith,GodwasrighttheretodoHispart.It wasPetersjobtowalk,itwasGodsjobtoholdhimontopofthewaves.The miraclewasntthatPeterwalked,butthathedidntsink!Anditwasa combinationofPeterswalkingandGodsholdinghimupthatmadethemiracle. EverytimePetersfoothitthewater,Godwastheretoholdhimup. Speakingintonguesislikethat.Themiracleofspeakingintonguesisnt thatyouspeak,itswhatyouspeak.Theactofspeakingisanatural,physicalact justlikePetersactofwalkingwasanatural,physicalact.Andwhenyouopen yourmouthtobegintospeak,topraiseGodwith thesoundofyourvoice,the HolySpiritwillprovideyouwiththewords,thesyllables,thephraseswithwhich topraiseGod.Letmesayitagain.Themiracleinspeakingintonguesisntin theactofspeaking,itsthelanguagethatsgivenyoutospeak.Anditisthe combinationofyourspeakingoutthewordstheHolySpiritprovideswhich createsthemiracleofspeakingintongues,justasitwasthecombinationof Peterssteppingoutoftheboatandwalking,whileGodheldhimup,thatcreated themiracleofwalkingonthewater. TheonlywayPetercoulddiscoverhecouldwalkonthewaterwastostep outoftheboatandbegintowalkandtheonlywayyouwilleverspeakin tonguesistoopenyourmouthandbegintospeak.Iamconfidentthatthousands ofpeoplewhohaveearnestlybutunsuccessfullysoughtthebaptismintheHoly Spiritwiththeevidenceofspeakingintongueshavefallenshortrightatthis point.Theyhavebeenunwillingtogetoutoftheboat.Oratleast,werein ignoranceoftheactoffaithwhichisrequiredofthemtoreceivetheevidenceof speakingintongues.IknowthisistruebecauseIveprayedwithmanysuch peoplemyself.Andthebreakthroughalwayscomesoncetheygrasptheprinciple thattheHolySpiritisnotgoingtospeakthroughthem,andthatthey themselvesmustopentheirmouthsandbegintospeak. Sowhenthetimecomesforyoutospeakintongues,beready!AfterI haveprayedtheprayerinyourbehalf,andimmediatelyafteryouhaveopened yourmouthandbreathedintheHolySpirit,Imgoingtotellyoutoletthatbreath out.Only,donotletitoutsilentlybutputthesoundofyourvoicebehindit.Just begintopraiseGodwiththesoundofyouvoiceasifyouneverlearnedthe Englishlanguage.GodalreadyknowsyoucanspeakEnglish,sodonteven attempttopraiseHiminyounaturallanguage.Ifyoustarttoprayorpraisein English,youllonlyhavetostopbeforeyoucanbegintospeakintongues.Even theHolySpiritcannotmakeyouspeaktwolanguagesatonce. Somakeupyourmind,rightnow,thatyouwillpraiseGodonlywiththe soundofyourvoice,andwiththewordsandsyllableswhichtheHolySpiritwill provide.FromthemomentyouopenyourmouthtopraiseGodinthisnewway, wordsandsyllableswillberightthereonthetipofyourtonguetopraiseHim with.NotEnglishwords,butstrange,funnysoundingwordsandsyllableswhich makenosenseatalltoyourmind.NowIusethewordfunnysounding intentionally,becausethatisjustexactlywhattheywillsoundlikeinyourmind. Butremember,theyarewordsandsyllablesinanew,unknowntongue,sohow

couldtheysoundanythingelsebutfunnysounding?RememberhowPaulsaid, st IfIprayinatongue,myspiritprayeth,andmyunderstandingisunfruitful.(1 Cor.14:14)Yousee,speakingintonguesoriginates,notinyourmindbutinyour spirit,inspiredbytheHolySpirit.Itisawayofreleasingyourspiritinfree worshiptoGod,withouthavingtheworshippassthroughthelimitingbottleneck ofyourunderstanding.ItisprayerintheSpirit,notprayerwiththe understanding. ThebaptismintheHolySpiritwithspeakingintonguesisnotdesignedto doanythingforyourintellect.Itisaspiritualexperience,designedtoliberate yourspiritinworshipandtomoveyouintoanewdimensionofChristian experiencewhichthemindorintellectcannotnormallyaccept.Miraclesnever makesensetothenaturalmind.Neitherdoesspeakingintongues. SowhenIgivetheword,Iwantyoutoopenyourmouthandbeginto praiseGodwiththesoundofyourvoiceasifyouneverlearnedtheEnglish language.Justbecomelikelittlechildrenwhocommunicatewiththeirparents withsoundsandsyllables.Infact,themorechildlikeyoubecometheeasieritis fortheHolySpirittohaveHisway. NowwhenIgivethewordforyoutoopenyourmouthandbegintopraise God,Iknowfromexperiencethatsomeofyouwillreceivetonguesinstantly. Othersofyouwillbealittlehesitanttobegintospeak.Butjustgatheryour courageandbegintospeakanyway.Justbabbleoutwhateverpopsintoyour mindorwhateveryoufeelonyourlipsandtongue.Andonceyoubegin,keepit up.Dontstop.Letthelanguageflowoutfreely.Ifyoucanspeakfivewordsor syllables,youcanspeakfivethousand.TheHolySpirithasanunlimited vocabulary. Andanotherthing.Whenyoustarttospeak,dontworryaboutwhatit soundslike.ItmaysoundlikeChinese,likePolynesian,likethenotesofthe musicalscale,orevenlikebabytalk.WhatitsoundslikeistheHolySpirits business.Yourbusinessisjusttospeakout.TheHolySpiritwillgiveyouwords andsyllablesinthelanguageHewantsyoutoprayin.Dontgetconcernedifthe personsittingnexttoyouisprayingwithdifferentsoundsthanyours.Dont examineit,justdoit! WhenIaskyoutoopenyourmouthandbegintospeak,Imgoingto begintospeakintonguesaloud,alongwithyou,justtoencourageyou.Andthen Imaymovearoundamongyoutolistentoyouandtoencouragetheslowones. Butdontwaitformetocomeandlayhandsonyourheadorpraywithyou personally.JustmoveoutinfaithandbegintopraiseGod. Now,Ibelieveitstimetopray.Relax,andgetreadyforwhatisgoingto happen.Youareabouttomoveintoadeepandwonderfulnewdimensionof Christianexperience,eventhoughithappensinwhatmayseemtobeastrange andfoolishway.Nevermind.Itsreal.Itssupernatural.Andbelieveme,after today,yourlifewillneverbethesame!Letspray. DearJesus,wethankyouforthepromiseofyourHolySpirittoday.We thankyouthatyouarepouringoutyourHolySpiritwiththeblessingofspeaking intongues.Lord,weaskyoutohonorthefaithofallthepeopleinthisroom,and toconfirmyourwordinthem.Weaskyourightnow,LordJesus,tobaptize everyoneinthisroomwithyourHolySpirit,andenablethemtopraiseyouwitha languagetheyneverlearnedbutwhichispleasingtoyou.Thankyou,LordJesus, Amen.

Now,everyoneofyouReceiveyetheHolyGhostandpraiseGodin othertongues!Amen! Allright,openyourmouthandtakeinthatdeepbreathofair.Breathein deeplyandasyoudo,believetheHolySpiritiscomingin.Thatsright!Good! Now,letthatbreathout,andbegintopraiseGodwiththesoundofyour voice,andreceivetheutterancetheHolySpiritgives. Note:Ontheoccasionfromwhichthistranscriptionwasmade,overonehundred peoplereceivedthebaptismintheHolySpiritandbeganspeakingintongues. Thetimeofprayerandrejoicingcontinuedforsomefifteenortwentyminutes. Thenbeforethecongregationwasdismissed,thosenewlybaptizedintheHoly Spiritweregiventhesefinalwordsofadvice: Allright.Itappearsthatpracticallyeveryoneintheroomhasreceivedthe baptismandIcantellthatmostofyouareworshippinginthenewlanguagegiven youbyGod. ButbeforeweleaveIwanttomaketwoorthreesuggestions: 1) Whatyouaredoingisnewandstrangeandsomeofyouarealready havingafewdoubts.Youaresayingtoyourselves,Isthisreallyit?Am Ireallyspeakingintongues?IsthisreallythebaptismintheHoly Spirit?Andtheansweris,yes! Whatshappenedtoyouisreal!Jesushas justbaptizedyouintheHolySpiritandyouarereallyspeakingintongues, nomatterhowstrangeyoumayfeel.Everybodyhasdoubts.Thatistobe expected.Justdontgiveintothem.Doubtsarefrom thedevilandarea surefireindicationthatyougottherealthing.Thedevilwouldnttryto talkyououtofitifwhatyoureceivedwasntreal. 2) Someofyouaremuchmorefluentinyourprayingthanothers,andthisis tobeexpectedtoo.Tothoseofyouwhohavespokenonlyafewwords, letmemakethissuggestion:Onceyougethomeandarealone,whereno oneelsecanhear,pulloutallthestops.OpenyourmouthandpraiseGod aloud,reachingoutinfaithforalargervocabulary.YoumaytellGod somethinglikethis:Lord,Idontunderstandallthatshappened,butI acceptitinfaith.Imdeterminedtopraiseyouinthisnewway!Imgong toopenmymouthandpraiseyouwiththesestrangesoundsandsyllables andIwantyoutogivememoreandmoreofthemtopraiseyouwith. 3) Sinceyouareinthemidstofanewexperiencesinceyouhavejust enteredintoanewdimensioninJesusChrist,itisimportantthatyou becomeestablishedinyournewspirituallife.Youmustlearntostand firm onyournewterritory.Heresonewaytodothat: Everydayforthenexttwoweeks,wheneveryouprayinEnglish,givethe Lordequaltimeprayingintongues.Ifyouvebeenprayingforthirtyminutes eachmorning,startingtomorrow,prayhalfthetimeinEnglishandspendthe otherhalfpraisingGodintheSpirit,intongues.Orbetterstill,doubleyour prayertimeandspendthirtyminutesprayingeachway. Paulsaysin1srCor.14:15,Iwillpraywiththespirit,Iwillpraywiththe understandingalso.Prayingwiththespiritisprayingintonguespraying withtheunderstandingisprayinginyournormalway,inEnglish.Bothare essentialandPaulinsistsweshouldmakeroomforboth. PrayingintongueswillnevertaketheplaceofyourEnglish praying,butit isawonderfuladditiontoit.Notonlythat,youdonthavetoconcentrateon

prayinginthespirit,atleastnotafteryougetaccustomedtoit.Youcanjust turnlooseandletitflow.Youcandoitwhiledrivingyourcar,whilesitting atyourdesk,workingaroundthehouse,orevenwhiletalkingwithyour friends.Itisratherlikealittleenginedeepinside.Oncecrankedupitcanrun st almostcontinuously.In1 .Thess.5:17Paulsays,Praywithoutceasing.I believePaulwasreferringtoprayingintonguessincethatstheonlywayI knowanyonecanactuallypraywithoutceasing.Butinthespirit,intongues, itcanbedone.Youcanprayintongues,eveninyousleep,foryourspirit neversleeps. MorethanonceIvebeen toldbybothhusbandsandwiveshow,afterthey receivedthebaptismintheHolySpirit,theirspousesfoundoutbywakingup inthenightandhearingthemprayingintonguesintheirsleep. SopracticethisnewwayofprayingwhichJesushasgivenyou. Exercise thegift!Makealarge,largeplaceforitinyourspirituallifeandGodwill richlyblessyouinitsuse!
Butye,beloved,buildingupyourselvesonyourmostholyfaith,prayingintheHolySpirit,keep yourselvesintheloveofGod Jude2021