In my previous posts in this series, I've written the basis for speaking in tongues and the emphasis on the power of God. This time I'd like to cover how can one receive the gift of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
I've heard numerous stories and variations of the occurrence of people praying all night to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, only to have Jesus baptize them in their car on their way home from work a few days later. Then there are always the folks that have prayed for days, weeks, or sometimes years and have never received the baptism. I do not know the answer to the question, why have some received and some have not? The reasons greatly vary for each person. However, I do know my experience and biblical principles that give us the prerequisites.
First, we must be a follower of Christ. In order to be a follower of Christ we must openly confess Jesus is the Lord of our lives and believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus rose from the grave. Without opening another can of worms here, just let me say we must actively follow Christ on a daily basis. We can't just say we believe and not follow. Remember, we must openly confess is Lord, which means master, not a good guy that has great advice for life. Believing is not enough. Even demons believe there in God! (If you don't believe me, look it up!)
The Bible declares when we confess and believe Christ, our old life is gone and a new life has begun. Also, we must allow our old selves to be left behind on a daily basis. Let's face it; none of us are perfect..., especially me!!! We must turn away from our ways and turn towards the way of Christ on a daily basis. In the Christian world, that's called repentance. Repentance is a continual process because we all should strive to know Christ more and more.
Understand this, the primary goal of the person of the Holy Spirit is to bring attention to Jesus. Therefore, the Holy Spirit does not want to be sought after. He wants us to seek after Jesus Christ. Also remember, Jesus is the one that baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. So if you want to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, make your objective to pursue more of Jesus.
Who is the gift for any way? First let's look a great scripture.
28 "And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days. - Joel 2:28-29 (NIV)
This scripture covers all the bases here. First, "all people" is a general cover-all blanket that anyone and everyone can receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Next this text says, "sons and daughters" which cover both men and women. After that it covers "old..., and young...," that would break down the age barrier. Lastly, it says even on my servants, so it doesn't matter how much money you have or what your economical status may be, this gift is for you too. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for any and all who seek after Jesus.
My experience on receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit was in October of 1987. And yes, I was extremely young..., 7 years old to be exact. It was on a week night service that was a part of a series of revival meetings we were holding in my home church, Gospel Tabernacle. I don't remember the sermon, or really anything about the service other than my time with God at the altar. I was kneeling just to the right of the middle section of steps to the platform praying on the end of an old fashion wooden altar. Only being 7 years old, I had to really stretch while on my knees to rest my head atop the altar.
The man that was preaching that night was a former pastor of the church, Poppy Elliot. He would come by from time to time laying his hand on my shoulder as I would hear his aged yet passionate voice cry out to God to, "pour out the Spirit on this young boy." I remember my pastor, Fred Tomlinson, kneeling down beside me with his arm around me praying for me. However, I remember it was over an hour and people were beginning to leave the service, when it happened. Something began to surge deep within me, and an overwhelming sense of the presence of God began to fill my heart and mind. From that point on, I don't remember anything until I got up from the altar. As I stood up, I remember the first face I saw as I cleared the tears from my eyes turning around from the altar, was my granddad, Pap Charles. There he was along with a few other "pillars of the church" beaming with joy and crying in happiness as they watched God empower a 7 year old boy with the fire of the Holy Spirit. That night, God changed my life forever. I'll never forget it.
If you want to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, seek Jesus. Seek Him without reservation. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit when you least expect it, but whenever you do, it will be at just the right time..., God's time. And for those who question if the baptism in the Holy Spirit is of God, seek Christ. He'll let you know all you need.