The Holy Spirit
The church is in the midst of a great worldwide revival, and there is an outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit upon all flesh. Joel prophesied this in Joel 2:28. Central to this imminent worldwide revival is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and central to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues and manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. These signs, wonders and miracles will bring the multitude to the foot of the cross.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
In the Book of Acts were records of life experiences of the New Testament church. It is a spiritual empowering. In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of His promise with scriptural evidence of speaking in tongues. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is totally different from your born again experience. You accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior as you hear the gospel preached or shared by an individual. Then you can also encounter Him as you are baptized with the Holy Spirit.
In Luke 3:16, John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” - Acts 1:8.
In Acts 2:1-21, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the 120 disciples gathered in the Upper room. In Acts 8:4-17, there was revival in Samaria under Philip. Peter was sent to Samaria by the apostles in Jerusalem when they heard that he had accepted the word of God. Peter and John prayed for them and laid their hands and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:1-11 recounts the conversion of Saul who became Paul, one of the great apostles. He was healed and baptized in the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 10:34-46, Peter went to Cornelius' home and his household was baptized with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues and praising God.
Benefits of the Baptism in the Spirit
As we pray in tongues, we speak to God and He utters mysteries within our spirits. We are edified as Apostle John the beloved says in Jude 1:25; “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy ghost.
Tongues gives us the supernatural power to wage war against satan and demonic spirits in a more effective way. It strengthens and edifies the believers. This power of the Holy Spirit that you receive changes you to help change others by praying strategically for them. - Rom 8:20-27.
You have the boldness to live and operate the gifts of the spirit because operations of the gifts come as a result of Holy Spirit Baptism. Is 61:1, Is 11:2 - The seven Flames of the Holy Spirit rests upon you as well to operate in these gifts. You will receive revelation in the knowledge of God and of things to come; and walking in the spirit of truth. You will be filled with love as all things walk by love - “Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.” - Col 1:8.
Benefits of Continually Praying in Tongues
"Your spirit is activated to bless God. He that prays in tongues gives thanks well.” -
ICo14:17. Praying in tongues activates and triggers the Prophetic. All the gifts are triggered with the Baptism of the Holy spirit. - “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. - Acts 19:6. It also activates intercession.
1Cor 12:1-11, "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
Paul talks about the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. You can operate in these gifts after the Baptism of the of the Holy Spirit. As you keep on praying, meditating on the word and spending time in His presence, you will experience an increase in the anointing of the Spirit and flow in the gifts enumerated above as the Spirit leads you to bless people and set the captives free.
A lady who we ministered the Baptism to who was filled to overflowing in tongues in an instant, once asked me; “can I manifest and operate in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit?” I answered, Yes!
Whichever one of them is needed to set the captives free and fulfill God’s purposes in their lives, it will be done. I for one operate in many of the gifts if not all since I first received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. “It is as the Spirit wills.” I understand that there are ministers of the gospel who are called to the healing ministry and they operate in spectacular miracles in that gifting, but nevertheless, the Spirit can use you to meet people’s needs as He wills.
Remember, you should desire these gifts for the benefits of all. As your heart burns with love to see others healed, set free, advance and prosper in life for God’s glory, honor and Praise, why not?
The nine gifts of the Spirit falls into three categories:
A) The gift of Revelation and The word of wisdom - Operation of these gifts solves perplexing problems, giving solutions to advance and breakout of demonic chains and manipulations.
B) Word of Knowledge - This is the supernatural revelation of divine knowledge, insight in the divine mind, will and plan.
C) Discerning of spirits - This is insight into the realm of spirits to detect their presence and plans.
D) Gift of Inspiration - Prophecy, diverse kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Prophecy: In the prophetic, he speaks to men to strengthen, encourage and comfort. He edifies the church, because encouragement gives people hope.
Gifts of Power, Gift of Faith, Healing and Working of miracles
We will expand more in detail on these nine gifts of the spirit.
Keep seeking the Lord without reservation and yield yourself to Him daily. There is no telling what He can do in you and through you.