How to receive the filling (Baptism) with the Holy Spirit

T. J. de Ruiter, Pentecostal Pastor & Bible Teacher in The Netherlands

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There are different opinions and teachings – even between the various Full Gospel and Pentecostal movements – about the experience and of the phenomenon of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Some maintain that you can only be sure that you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, if you or others heard you speaking in an unknown language (tongue).  A negative result of this teaching is that believers, who earnestly seek for the baptism, develop a forced and strenuous attitude for they want so much to speak in tongues. This is not necessary and even hinders the Holy Spirit to manifest the evidence of the Baptism wth the Holy Spirit. In most cases there is a difference in time of the experience of the rebirth and the Baptism with the Spirit, but it cannot be excluded that sometimes the Baptism with the Spirit is received simultaneously with the rebirth.. Let's also not forget that speaking  in tongues is a sign of the baptism and that the real work is the empowering for the work to which the Lord calls the believer. A well-balanced Scriptural teaching ant a relaxed attitude could prevent these problems in serious believers.

Below I give a few points to bear in mind if you seek for this wonderful experience. They are absolutely not meant to be systematic method, but rather as a guide with important principles to bear in mind.

1. Be ready to receive the Holy Spirit and His power.
            a. All sin should be confessed and forgiveness received in faith.
            b. You should be serious making a decision to avoid all sinning.
            c. All fear for possible manifestations e.g. ecstasy and prejudices against the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (as the teaching
                 that this Baptism is nothing else then a conversion to Faith in Christ) should be overcome and be no obstacle to receive

                 the Spirit with His empowering and refreshing power.

2. Ask the Lord for the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Ask yourself in prayer and/or ask a Spirit filled leader with a good testimony to prayfor you

3. Trust the Lord that He has heard the prayer and that you have received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.

4 Open your mouth, praise and worship the Lord. Speaking in an unknown language (tongue) may be manifested immediately or at a later time
 (could even happen much later).

5. There should be a change in you for once having received the filling (baptism) with the Spirit you will have a great desire to testify
       about Christ and glorify his name (Acts 1:8; 2; 2:11). Please watch if also other gifts of the Spirit will be manifested
       (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
 

Conclusion
 

Seek with a clean and pure heart the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Believe with your heart that the Lord will surey give you want you asked for (Luke 9:11-13). So, be relaxed in His presence.

T. J. de Ruiter, May 2010,

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site 'Inspiration & Insight, since 1997 / update 25 June 2011 / Pastor T. J. de Ruiter / The Netherlands