HOLY SPIRIT AND ANOINTING: THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE

A deeply spiritual man of God had a dream in which he saw the devil preaching the gospel in a street corner. He was surprised and asked the devil, ‘’are you not the devil?’’. He answered ‘yes’. ‘’But why are you preaching the gospel then?’’ the devil replied, ‘’I have discovered that preaching the gospel without the anointing of the holy spirit kills much more people as much as error’’. That is the position the church has found herself today because we no longer emphasize the full baptism of the holy spirit. It’s time we look at the baptism of the holy spirit again because he is the vicar of the church and nothing will work without him.

A. What is baptism of the holy spirit?

The word ‘baptizo’ is Greek and means submerged, dipped under, filed, saturated, drunk and drenched. To be baptized with the hy spirit then means that one is possessed, filled, saturated and arrayed with Gd’s spirit and power – Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:8.

B. Clarifying the baptism of the holy spirit.

At salvation, every born-again Christian has the Spirit in a measure. (Rom. 8:14-16). The Spirit comes inside you in a measure when you give your life to Christ. Yet, you may be born again but not baptized with the Holy Spirit.

The Christian life begins at calvary; but Christian service begins at Pentecost.
At salvation we are imparted with divine life; but at Holy Spirit baptism, power for service.
At salvation we have the Holy Spirit as resident; at baptism we have Him as president.

It is only at the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that the believer can be Spirit-filled, controlled, power packed and dynamic. Baptism into the Body of Christ which we experience at salvation is the work of the Spirit of God, but the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a promise by Jesus Christ. He is the baptizer-1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 3:11; John 7:37-39.

C. Holy Spirit Baptism Is A Definite Experience – Acts 19:1-6; Acts 2:1-4.

You will know whether you have received this experience or not. The initial evidence of Baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in an unlearned language. It will well up within you, quicken your tongue and whole being.

Believers at Pentecost-Acts 2:1-4
Cornelius and his people-Acts 10:44-45
Believers at Ephesus-Acts 19:1-7.

However, other experiences can include heightened gifts, graces, Spirit-filled revelations, insight and ability to pray unceasingly – (Gen. 1:2; Luke 1:35; II Cor. 13:14; Jude 20). The more you spend time with Him, the more you gain His language and fire from the altar.

D. Baptism With Fire And Power

Baptism with fire means receiving power when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit – (Matt. 3:11). The fire is to burn in the believer but not consume. (Exod. 3:1-3; Luke 24:32; Psalm 39:2).

The fire is to burn continuously and not go out – Lev. 6:12- 13; I Sam. 3:3. 1. 2. 3. Fire burns, so also the Holy Spirit will burn sickness, disease and every combustible thing in the life of the people 104:4. Psalm
Fire purifies-Mal. 3:3. The fire of the Holy Spirit will purify our lives from any dross of sin and chaff.
Fire Refines Isaiah 48:10. The Holy Spirit fire will refine our character and transform us into the image of Christ. 4.
Fire gives light and reveals the secret of sin-Micah 3:8-12. 5. 6.
Instrument of divine justice – Gen. 19:24; Lev, 10:1-2; Num. 11:2. The fire of the Lord was a source of judgment to sinning people, so also the fire of the Holy Spirit judges’ sin, evil and will destroy any strange counterfeit fire that are not of God.
Miracles in the fire Exod. 3:1-3; Dan. 3:19-21; Acts 4:33. When the fire of the Holy Spirit comes down, miracles, signs and wonders will surely take place.

The baptism with fire and power brings many benefits to the believer, among which are;

Boldness in witness-Acts 4:5-13,29-33
Power for effectiveness-Acts 1:5,8; 2:41.
Changed prayer life-Acts 4:23-31
Gifts of the Spirit-1 Cor. 12:4-10
Steadfastness in living-Eph. 4:30.

E. Substitution of The Holy Spirit In The Church Today – Isaiah 63:10.

Most churches and leaders have substituted the Holy Spirit in the church today.

His baptism is no more stressed.
He is no more welcomed
He is grieved and quenched.
Substituted with education, degree and knowledge.
Substituted with secular methods and ideas.
Substituted with other powers.

Because of all these, there is the low presence of the Holy Spirit in the church today. And this has resulted in various problems and open door for demons.

F. How To Be Baptised With The Holy Spirit And Fire

Clear evidence of salvation – John 14:17 It is not for sinners.
2 Pure heart and life -I Thes. 5:23. He will only come to a holy place.
Want and hunger for Him – John 15:5. “No man can have Him if he thinks he can go along without Him”.
Believe the promise is for you – Acts 2:39; Mark 16:17-18.
A strong thirst for Him – Isaiah 44:3; Rev. 22:17.
A desire to obey God-Acts 5:32.
Faith to receive Him – Gal. 3:2,14; Mark 11:22-24.

Hindrances to receiving the baptism of power and fire of the Holy Spirit are; unforgiving spirit, hatred, lukewarmness, self-will; lack of restitution, preconceived notion and fear of strange tongues or feelings; wrong spirit within you, and many others.