GOD’S WORD: “I indeed baptize you with 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 with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11

By Glenn Miller

While most of the churches I’ve been a part of recognize the Trinity and the Holy Spirit as one-third of the Godhead, I was 28 years old before I understood that one could be baptized of the Holy Spirit. It was in October 1989 that I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and my life and ministry has been forever changed. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God that all believers should desire and be open to receive. It is to be filled with the power from the Holy Spirit to be a witness in all that we do. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

There are so many Biblical examples of new believers coming to salvation, then being baptized in water, then being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Shouldn’t we desire that same completion? Many of us have or had an incorrect perception of who the Holy Spirit is based on how we were raised or what type of religious upbringing we were exposed to. It’s an act of Satan to try and bring confusion to something that was promised by God. Through water baptism, Jesus sealed you for eternity, and then he sent the Holy Spirit to empower you on this earth. Satan wants to rob you of that power because he can’t rob you of eternity.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, after conversion, releases the fullness of the Spirit and is evidenced in many ways; fresh joy, praise, miracles, the power to be a witness, the power to overcome the desires of the flesh and even praying in tongues – an undeterminable language solely between you and God that the enemy cannot eavesdrop on or understand. (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12)

So how does one receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? It’s not rocket science and it’s very simple:

1.         Ask

2.         Believe

3.         Receive

The acceptance of the promise of God’s power is by grace through faith, just as it is when we receive Christ. To receive the Holy Spirit, you simply approach God in an attitude of faith, because according to Luke 11:13, it is His good pleasure to give His Spirit to those who ask. “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him.” (Caps mine)

If you are reading this today and one who would like to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, in faith, join in praying the following prayer:

“Jesus, I acknowledge the need for your power, comfort, help, and guidance in my life. I ask for you to baptize me in the Holy Spirit. By faith, I receive Him now. Thank you, Holy Spirit for the fullness of your presence in my life. You are welcome here. Amen.”

May you be blessed and be filled with all the power God has destined for you!