Evergreen Faith : What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and is it for You?
- Boundless Team
- Apr 2
- 6 min read
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience for every follower of Jesus that provides spiritual power for Christian living and witnessing. It is absolutely for you today, as God promises this gift to all believers to empower them for service and to deepen their relationship with Him.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a vital experience for Christians, providing divine empowerment for life and ministry. Distinct from salvation, it is a gift from God available to all believers. This baptism equips individuals with spiritual boldness, deeper prayer lives, and the manifestation of spiritual gifts. It is a cornerstone of the Assemblies of God faith, emphasizing God's desire to fill His people with His presence and power.
Relevant Bible Verses
Acts 1:8 (NIV): "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."
Acts 2:4 (NIV): "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
Acts 2:38-39 (NIV): "Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call.’"
Luke 11:13 (NIV): "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
John 14:16-17 (NIV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth."
Pastoral Insight and Practical Encouragement
Hello friend, I’m Dr. Layne McDonald, the Online and Connection Pastor here at Boundless Online Church. If you’ve been walking with Jesus for a while, or even if you’re just starting your journey, you might have heard the phrase "Baptism in the Holy Spirit."
To some, it sounds a bit mysterious or even a little bit intimidating. To others, it sounds like something that only happened a long time ago in the book of Acts. But I want to share some good news with you: this experience is a beautiful, life-changing gift designed specifically to help you live the life God has called you to live. It isn’t just for "super-Christians" or leaders; it is a promise for every single person who follows Jesus.
What Is It Exactly?
Think of it this way: when we accept Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us. He is the one who helps us understand that we are forgiven and makes us new. That is a foundational and essential experience.
However, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an additional experience. If salvation is like drinking a glass of water to satisfy your thirst, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is like jumping into a vast ocean. It is an "immersion." The word "baptism" literally means to be dipped or plunged into something. When Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, He is immersing us in His presence and His power.
At Boundless Online Church, we follow the Assemblies of God Truth #7, which teaches that this experience is distinct from and follows the new birth (salvation). It is intended to give us "enduement of power", which is just a fancy way of saying God is giving us the tools and the strength we need to do His work.
Is It Really For You?
The short answer is: Yes.
When Peter preached his very first sermon after the Holy Spirit fell on the believers at Pentecost, people asked what they should do. Peter didn't say the Holy Spirit was only for the twelve apostles. He said, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39).
That "far off" includes you and me, right here in the 21st century. God hasn't changed His mind, and He hasn't stopped giving gifts. If you are a believer, you are eligible. There is no special "holiness test" you have to pass, other than having a heart that wants more of Him.
The Purpose: Power for a Purpose
Why would God want to baptize us in the Spirit? It isn't just so we can have a "spiritual high" or a goosebump moment. While the experience is often very emotional and powerful, the purpose is practical.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus said we would receive power to be His witnesses. Living as a Christian in today's world can be tough. It requires patience, love, boldness, and a level of grace that we simply don't have on our own. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us the "extra gear" we need to:
Speak with Boldness: To share our faith without fear.
Operate in Spiritual Gifts: To pray for the sick, to encourage others with words of wisdom, and to see God work in supernatural ways.
Deepen Our Prayer Life: Many find that this baptism opens up a new way of communicating with God that goes beyond human words.
Develop Holy Character: The Spirit helps us look more like Jesus every day.
We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, and we know that growing in faith becomes much more vibrant when you are walking in the fullness of the Spirit’s power.
What About the "Signs"?
One of the questions people often ask is about speaking in tongues. In the Assemblies of God, we believe that speaking in tongues is the "initial physical evidence" of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. We see this pattern throughout the book of Acts.
When the Spirit fills someone to overflowing, it often results in a spiritual language. Don't let this part scare you. It’s not about losing control; it’s about a deep, spiritual connection where your spirit speaks directly to God’s Spirit. It is a gift of worship and intercession. However, remember that the fruit of the baptism is power for service. The sign is the beginning, but the lifestyle of power is the goal.
How Do I Receive This Gift?
Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is actually very simple because it is a gift. You don’t earn a gift; you just receive it. Here are a few steps to help you prepare your heart:
Thirst: Jesus said, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." Do you want more of God? Do you feel like you need His power in your life? That hunger is the starting point.
Ask: In Luke 11, Jesus tells us that the Father loves to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. You can simply pray, "Jesus, I want everything You have for me. Please baptize me in Your Holy Spirit."
Believe: Trust that God is a good Father and He wants to answer that prayer.
Receive: Sometimes it happens during a time of quiet prayer, and sometimes it happens in a corporate worship setting. The key is to yield your heart and your voice to Him.
If you’ve been feeling "stuck" in your faith or like you are trying to live the Christian life on your own strength, I want to encourage you to seek this filling. It changes everything. It turns "trying" into "overflowing."
At Boundless Online Church, we are here to walk with you through these questions. We believe that God is doing something incredible through the digital space, and His Holy Spirit isn't limited by a screen or a distance. He can fill you right where you are, in your living room, at your desk, or on your commute.
A Prayer for the Filling of the Spirit
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. I come to You today with an open heart. I thank You for saving me and making me Your child. Now, I ask You to fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. Give me the power to be a witness for You. Give me boldness, give me Your gifts, and let my life reflect Your glory. I receive this gift by faith right now. Amen.
Next Steps and Community
We would love to hear about your journey with the Holy Spirit. If you have questions or if you would like someone to pray with you as you seek this experience, please reach out. We are a community that believes in the power of prayer and the presence of God.
Join a Group: If you want to dive deeper into the Word with others, check out our Bible Study Club or our Bible Study for Men.
New to Faith? If you are just starting out, visit our Welcome Center to ask any questions you might have.
Explore More: You can find more resources on living a Spirit-empowered life in our Evergreen Faith library.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.
Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
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