Bible Study: What Is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
- Boundless Team
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience following salvation, where believers are empowered by God for witness and service. According to the Assemblies of God, it is usually accompanied by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enables.
Have you ever felt like your spiritual life was running on "low battery"? You love Jesus, you read your Bible, and you attend service in Memphis or watch online from your home in Cordova, but you feel like you’re missing a "surge" of power to really live out your faith.
In the Assemblies of God (AG) tradition, we believe that God has provided exactly that, a surge of spiritual power known as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It isn't a "badge of honor" for super-Christians; it is a promised gift for every believer to help us reach our neighbors, our city, and the world.
Understanding the Experience: Subsequent and Distinct
One of the most common questions we hear at First Assembly Memphis is: "Wait, didn't I get the Holy Spirit when I was saved?"
The answer is a resounding yes. You cannot be born again without the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who convicts us of sin and brings us into the family of God. However, AG doctrine (one of our 16 Fundamental Truths) teaches that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is "subsequent and distinct" from salvation.
Distinct: It is a different kind of experience than being "born again."
Subsequent: It typically happens after a person has already placed their faith in Jesus.
Think of it like this: If salvation is like drinking a glass of water to stay alive, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is like jumping into a river and being completely immersed. Both involve water, but the experience and the result are very different.
The Purpose: Power for a Mission
Why would God give us this gift? Is it just for a "spiritual high"? Not at all. Jesus was very clear about the why in Acts 1:8:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
For our families in Bartlett, Arlington, and Cordova, "Jerusalem" starts right at the kitchen table and extends to our workplaces and local parks. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us:
Boldness to Witness: The courage to share the Gospel with a coworker or a neighbor.
Power for Ministry: A heightened awareness of spiritual gifts (healing, prophecy, wisdom) to help others.
Deeper Devotion: A "more" in our prayer life and a greater hunger for God’s Word.
Topic | Verse | Message |
The Promise | Luke 24:49 | Jesus promised to send "power from on high." |
The Power | Acts 1:8 | The Spirit provides power specifically for witnessing. |
The Evidence | Acts 2:4 | The first disciples were filled and spoke in tongues. |
The Universality | Acts 2:39 | The promise is for you, your children, and all who are far off. |
Definition Blocks
To help you navigate these biblical concepts, here are three essential definitions:
Salvation: The act of God’s grace where a person repents of their sin and trusts in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross, resulting in new life and a restored relationship with God. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: An empowering experience for believers, distinct from salvation, providing spiritual power for life and service, initially evidenced by speaking in other tongues. Sanctification: The lifelong process of being set apart for God and becoming more like Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Sign: Initial Physical Evidence
In the Assemblies of God, we believe that the initial (meaning "first") physical sign that a person has received this baptism is speaking in other tongues. We see this pattern throughout the book of Acts (Chapters 2, 10, and 19).
It is important to remember that while tongues is the initial sign, the ongoing evidence is a changed life, a life full of the "Fruit of the Spirit" like love, joy, and peace. Speaking in tongues is a beautiful way the Holy Spirit helps us pray when we don't have the words (Romans 8:26), but the ultimate goal is always to glorify Jesus and reach the lost.
How to Receive This Gift
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift. You don't "earn" a gift; you simply receive it. If you are a follower of Jesus and you desire this empowering, here is how you can seek it:
Ask: Jesus said the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13).
Believe: Approach God with faith, knowing He wants to empower you.
Surrender: Let go of any fears or reservations. Be willing to yield your voice and your heart to Him.
Wait and Worship: Often, people receive this baptism during times of deep worship or quiet prayer.
Whether you are attending our physical campus in Memphis or joining the Boundless Online Church community, we encourage you to seek everything God has for you. Your family in Cordova, Arlington, or Bartlett needs the "you" that is fully empowered by the Spirit!
Moving Forward Together
The Holy Spirit is not a "thing" or a "force"; He is a Person. He is God with us. When we are baptized in the Spirit, we are entering into a deeper partnership with God to change the world, starting right here in the 901.
Are you ready to experience the "more" that God has promised?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person for worship and prayer: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global digital discipleship community at: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
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