THE EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (2)

THE EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Mark 16:17

Many try to disprove the fact that speaking in tongues is for today by taking Scriptures out of context to prove their points. Despite this opposition, many have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. God fills all who are hungry and seeking this experience, providing they obey His Word.

I.THE PROMISE OF THE BAPTISM

A.Pouring out the Spirit—Joel 2:28–29. Though this Scripture does not say, “speaking in tongues,” it is implied.

B.Proof of the Holy Spirit—Acts 2:4; 10:45. All 120 people in the upper room, including women, spoke in tongues. No one received the baptism of the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues.

C.Prophet’s promise—Isaiah 28:11. This promise was made 700 years before Christ was born.

II.THE PURPOSE OF THE BAPTISM

A.Proof of the baptism of the Holy Spirit—John 15:26; Acts 2:4. Again, no one received the baptism of the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues.

B.Planned by God for the Church—1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:21. This was God’s plan for the church then and still is His plan today.

C.Proof of the resurrection and glorification of Christ—John 16:7; Acts 2:22, 32–33. Christ promised He would send the Comforter. When the Spirit descended, it was proof that Christ was glorified.

D.Private worship by talking to God—1 Corinthians 14:2. This is not the same as tongues that should be interpreted.

E.Praying by speaking in tongues—Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14. Many times the Spirit intercedes for others by praying through us in another language.

III.THE POWER OF THE BAPTISM

A.Sign to the believer—John 7:38–39; Mark 16:17. Jesus said all believers could speak in tongues (Mark 16:17).

B.Sign to the unbeliever—1 Corinthians 14:22. Many non-Christians are convicted by this experience and receive Christ.

C.Spiritual edification—1 Corinthians 14:4. This means to “be built up” spiritually into a stronger Christian.

D.Spiritual edification for the church—1 Corinthians 14:5.

IV.THE PROBLEMS OF THIS BAPTISM

A.Rejection. The Bible says that speaking in tongues is for today and is to be practiced (1 Cor. 14:39).

B.Reasoning away. Although some use reasoning to try to prove that speaking in tongues is not for today, the Bible says it is for all people, everywhere (Acts 2:39; 1 Cor. 14:5).

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is understood in two different ways, either as synonymous with the Spirit indwelling a person at conversion or as a subsequent act in which Christ baptizes a believer with the Holy Spirit to empower that person in a unique way for ministry.