A child’s swimming pool is about 12 to 18 inches deep. An adult pool could be 3 to 8 feet deep or more. The water is the same in both; one just goes deeper. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit after being born again is like jumping into the adult pool. It’s the same Spirit but in a deeper dimension.
The Word of God suggests a dual working of the Spirit in those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit comes within the believer in the New Birth and then comes upon the believer when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. A deep Pentecostal experience, such as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, is not to be despised but rather coveted.
When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I was pastoring a church. People were regularly saved and healed. I taught my congregation that you could be healed in answer to faith in line with Mark 11:24. But we never had one manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit among us.
I was anointed to preach, of course, because with the calling of God, the anointing is there. But we never had any prophecy, tongues and interpretation, discerning of spirits, or words of knowledge. But as soon as I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, we began to see supernatural manifestations!
Evidence of Power
I was led by the Spirit not to say anything to my church at first. Some Baptist minister friends of mine received this experience and started talking about it. And as soon as they did, the board of directors in their churches threw them out! I just kept on preaching. After about 30 days, people asked, “What happened to you?”
“Has something happened to me?” I responded.
“Oh, yes!”
“Well, is it good or bad?”
“Oh, it’s good! You’re a better preacher than you used to be.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. I couldn’t tell that I was preaching any better.
“You have more power. When you preach now, it’s solid. It has a punch to it. Sometimes it almost knocks us off the pew!”
That didn’t mean I preached hard. But there was power in my words. When I told the congregation what happened to me, almost all of them followed me and were baptized in the Holy Ghost. We didn’t lose anyone!
I believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit ought to make a difference in the same way the New Birth should make a difference in a person’s life. Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). We witness vocally by telling people about Jesus. But I’m of the opinion that the greatest way to witness is by producing fruit. Let people see something!
I never said one word to my family about God or Jesus. I didn’t try to get them saved or even invite them to come hear me preach. I seemed to be led not to. Something held me from it. I thought, “If they see the reality of being born again, they will want it,” and every single one of them followed me in!
The Holy Spirit comes within the believer in the New Birth and then comes upon the believer when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Different Manifestations
Acts 2:1–4
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Other spectacular manifestations might accompany the baptism in the Holy Spirit, or they might not. Tongues always accompanied the experience in the Book of Acts, but no further reference is made to a rushing mighty wind or cloven tongues of fire. However, the following experience happened to me several times.
I was invited to preach at a church, and as I closed my message, the Spirit of God inspired me to speak in tongues. The pastor stood up and interpreted it. I spoke again under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and the pastor again interpreted it.
The building was jam-packed. When that pastor interpreted the second message, we heard a sound like a wind blowing. Whoosh! Everyone heard it. You could feel it blow through the building. We never prayed for anyone or laid hands on anyone, but every sick person in that place was instantly healed!
One woman was brought by ambulance and rolled in on a stretcher. When that wind swept through, she leaped off the stretcher and ran down the aisle, instantly healed! People who didn’t have the baptism in the Holy Spirit received it and spoke in tongues. Sinners were born again.
Power That Serves Others
In Acts chapter 8, the Samaritans received the baptism in the Holy Spirit (vv. 15–17). You can see the Holy Spirit at work in receiving Christ (v.12), yet you can still see Him at work before then in the miracles Philip wrought.
Acts 8:6–8
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just an experience for us to have a good time and enjoy. It’s an enduement of power for service (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). The gifts of the Spirit are given so we can bless others (1 Cor. 12:7–11). We need to add this deeper dimension to our walk with God and receive the power He has provided for us! When we do, people will see the difference in our lives!
Get In on God’s Fullness!
Have you been born again and Spirit-filled? If not, you can pray this prayer now:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and accept His sacrifice for me. I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue. From this day forward, I will look to You for guidance and freedom. Amen.
Welcome to God’s family! Please email [email protected] or call 1-800-54-FAITH (543-2484) so we can celebrate and send you free resources.
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Author
Kenneth E. Hagin
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