What Is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? AG 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Pentecostal Faith
- Boundless Team
- May 17
- 5 min read
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience after salvation where Jesus empowers believers with spiritual strength for witnessing and holy living. It is characterized by the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues, as seen throughout the New Testament book of Acts.
Have You Ever Felt Like Your Faith Was Missing a Spark?
Maybe you’ve been attending First Assembly Memphis for a few weeks, or perhaps you’ve been part of our Boundless Online Church community from another part of the world. You love Jesus, you’ve experienced the life-changing power of salvation, and you’re growing in your walk. But you hear people talk about "Pentecost" or being "filled with the Spirit," and you wonder: is there more?
If you’ve ever felt like you have the map for your Christian journey but lack the fuel to get moving, you aren’t alone. Many believers across the 901, from the heart of Memphis to the quiet streets of Collierville and Arlington, ask this very question. The good news is that God has promised a gift specifically designed to give you the "oomph" you need to live out your calling with boldness and joy.
Definition: Key Theological Terms to Know
Salvation: The "new birth" where a person repents of sin, trusts in Jesus Christ, and is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A secondary experience, separate from and subsequent to salvation, where Christ immerses the believer in the Holy Spirit for power and service.
Initial Physical Evidence: The outward, observable sign (speaking in tongues) that indicates the baptism in the Holy Spirit has taken place.
Sanctification: The ongoing process of being set apart from sin and becoming more like Jesus in character and action.
Understanding the "Two-Step" Experience
In many Christian traditions, people are taught that you get "all of the Spirit" the moment you are saved. While it is absolutely true that the Holy Spirit lives inside every believer (Romans 8:9), the Assemblies of God teaches that there is a distinct, additional encounter available to you.
Think of it like this: If salvation is like receiving a lamp that is now yours, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is like plugging that lamp into a high-voltage outlet. The lamp was already a lamp, but now it shines with an intensity that can light up the whole room.
In the Book of Acts, we see this pattern clearly. The disciples were already followers of Jesus. They had seen the resurrected Christ! Yet, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were "clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). If the first disciples, the ones who literally walked with Jesus, needed this empowering, how much more do we need it today in the 901?
The Purpose: Why Do We Need This?
The baptism in the Holy Spirit isn’t about achieving a higher "rank" in the church. It isn’t a spiritual badge of honor. It is a tool for ministry.
Power for Witnessing: Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." This gift gives you the courage to share your faith with a coworker in Germantown or a neighbor in Bartlett without fear.
Deeper Prayer Life: It opens up a new dimension of communication with God.
Heightened Sensitivity: You become more aware of the Spirit’s prompting in your daily life.
Boldness in Spiritual Warfare: It provides strength to overcome temptation and stand firm in your faith.
What About Speaking in Tongues?
This is often the part that makes people curious, and sometimes a little nervous. In the Assemblies of God, we believe that speaking in tongues is the "initial physical evidence" of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Why tongues? Because the tongue is often the hardest part of us to surrender to God (James 3:8). When we allow the Holy Spirit to pray through us in a language we haven’t learned, it is the ultimate sign of surrender. It’s a beautiful, personal way to worship God that bypasses our limited human intellect.
Topic | Scripture Reference | Key Message |
The Promise | Acts 2:39 | This gift is for everyone God calls, even today. |
The Evidence | Acts 2:4 | They were filled and began to speak in other tongues. |
The Power | Acts 1:8 | You will receive power to be a witness. |
The Request | Luke 11:13 | Your Heavenly Father gives the Spirit to those who ask. |
5 Practical Truths for Seeking the Spirit
If you are hungry for more of God, here is how you can approach this gift:
Check Your Foundation: Ensure you have truly surrendered your life to Jesus. This gift is for His children.
Recognize It’s a Gift: You cannot earn the baptism in the Holy Spirit through long prayers or "good behavior." You simply receive it by faith.
Ask Simply: God loves to give good gifts. You can pray right now, wherever you are, whether you’re at home in Cordova or on your lunch break in West Memphis.
Yield and Cooperate: The Holy Spirit won’t "take over" your body like a robot. He provides the "utterance," but you provide the voice. Be willing to speak the sounds and words He places in your heart.
Focus on Jesus: The Spirit’s job is to glorify Jesus. Keep your eyes on the Savior, and the experience will follow.
The Bridge: From the Upper Room to the 901
The same Spirit that fell on the 120 in the Upper Room is the same Spirit available to us at First Assembly Memphis. We aren't just a community that talks about history; we are a community that experiences the living God.
Whether you join us for our Wednesday night activities or connect through our Boundless Online Church global reach, our goal is to help you grow. We want to see every person in Memphis equipped to be a light in their neighborhood.
This isn't about "churchy" traditions. It's about life-changing power. It’s about being able to pray for a sick friend and believing for healing. It’s about having the words to say when someone is hurting. It’s about the peace that surpasses understanding.
Next Steps for Your Journey
If you’re new to this, we invite you to check out our I'm New page to see how you can get connected. We also have plenty of resources on our blog to help you dive deeper into these topics.
Don't let another day go by feeling like you're running on empty. God has more for you. He has power, he has purpose, and he has a community here at FA Memphis ready to walk alongside you.
Seeking the Spirit Today?
You don't have to wait for a special service. You can ask God to fill you right now. Open your heart, lift your hands, and simply say, "Jesus, baptize me in Your Spirit. Give me the power to live for You."
We would love to hear about what God is doing in your life. Whether you are locally here in Memphis or part of our global family, you are precious, you are loved, and you are called for a purpose.
Connect With Us
Local Community (Memphis/901): Find more resources, listen to our latest podcasts, or use our church search tool to find your place at www.famemphis.org.
Global Community (Boundless): Join our digital discipleship and global community at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.
Prayer Support: 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.)
Our office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST. You can also join our Sunday live-streaming service for a live chat with the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach, part of FA Memphis Church. We can't wait to see you there!
Comments