BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT BIBLE STUDY

Written 2003     

This Bible study came to be, not through my forcing it, but rather through God forcing it, almost against my will.  For more than a year, I have taught interested people on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and for more than a year I have been told I should type everything down.  It wasn’t until I had taught this to students at Hope College, however, that I felt it necessary.  

     My personal story with the baptism in the Holy Spirit goes as follows:  Sometime in October of my junior year of high school, Jesus became real to me.  No longer was it my parents’ faith, and no longer was church a building, but I realized that the past, present, and future all seem to have a gaping hole that only Jesus fits.  He was the only thing that made perfect sense.  I started sharing Jesus with friends, and argued His existence although I knew almost zero facts.  I strongly believe God honored this faith as I was sent to the “wilderness”, so to speak, for about a year, just studying anything about Jesus, so that I could come back and show my friends that He is the Truth.  After studying more and more and more, I realized this was something bigger than I had any idea I was getting into.  I knew without a doubt that Jesus is the living God, but I still felt like something was incomplete with this picture.  If Jesus truly resurrected, and was living inside of me, it seemed like there would be at least something a little more powerful in my life, than before I realized He is the Truth.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, my character turned 180-degrees, and people could see that difference, and I knew it was God, but God was so much more powerful and bigger in my mind than He seemed to be acting in my life.

It wasn’t until early in my senior year of High School, that I realized what that missing thing was.  Sitting at Big John’s Steak House with the man who discipled me a lot during this “wilderness” time of preparation, he started telling me about miracles and powerful things that he has seen or even done.  The whole time I was listening, I was thinking, “this is it…this is what I knew should be there”.  After he had gone through a lot of his stories, I wanted to get that stuff right there, although God had different plans.

     About 4 months later, I finally did receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.  When it happened, God spoke in tongues, prophesied, and healed through me, but the biggest change was my witness for Christ.  After less than a month, I went from being someone who only wanted to talk to a small group of people, to not being able to shut up to anyone regarding Jesus Christ.  In my classes at the public High School I attended, I spoke with boldness about the reality of Christ, and within that half a year, people were becoming believers, and many others in the school started thinking seriously about Jesus.  

         The great British preacher, Steven Olford, relays an experience he shared with Billy Graham concerning the filling of the Holy Spirit, as he writes: “I gave him [Graham] my testimony of how God completely turned my life inside out, an experience of the Holy Spirit in His fullness and anointing.  As I talked, and I can see him now, those marvelous eyes glistened with tears, and he said, ‘Steven I see it, that’s what I want, that’s what I need in my life.’”  Olford suggested that they pray this through, and both men fell to their knees [Pastor Don Williams’s words].  “I can still hear Billy pouring out his heart in a prayer of total dedication to the Lord…Finally he said, ‘my heart is so flooded with the Holy Spirit,’ and we went from praying to praising.  We were laughing and praising God and he was walking back and forth across the room crying out, ‘I have it, I’m filled.  This is the turning point in my life.’  And he was a new man.” 

     I urge everyone to “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  Pray to God for His truth and wisdom when going over this Bible study, and also talk to parents and pastors for more advice.  Above all, may you use the Bible as the final authority on everything!

—  Brian Holda (2003)

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

“…He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit…” – John the Baptist (Matt. 3:11, see also Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33)

“…wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He [Jesus] said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” – Jesus (Acts 1:4,5)

1.  What does the Father give? The Father gives you natural abilities.  Just as non-believers can be talented at singing, dancing, sports, etc., God the Father gives natural abilities to believers and non-believers alike (1 Corinthians 12:6).

2.  What does Jesus give you? John 3:5; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:3; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:24; 4:2, 13 make it clear that you receive the Holy Spirit of promise when you believe on Christ.  This gift is only available to those who come to Jesus.

3.  What does this do to you? Belief in Christ gives you the ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11, yields the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22, and above all, promises your salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).  “but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

4.  What does the Holy Spirit give you? Although you receive the Holy Spirit upon belief in Jesus, there are still more gifts available to those who want them (or are willing to receive them).  1 Corinthians 12:8-10 lists these gifts.  (also, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 give a microcosm of the different gifts from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  “’He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:38, 39)

5.  Can you prove that these gifts of power given by the Holy Spirit are separate from what happens when you receive the Holy Spirit upon conversion?

•     Matthew 1:18, 23 show that Jesus was the Son of God the moment He was conceived (more than 30 years before his baptism) and was conceived by the Holy Spirit, therefore, He had the Holy Spirit in Him also when He was conceived.

However, Matthew 3:13-15 shows that Jesus still needed to be baptized in water, although He was already the Son of God.

Beyond that, Matthew 3:16, 17 shows that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus after His baptism.  First He became God Incarnate at conception and had the Holy Spirit, then He was baptized, then He received the filling of the Holy Spirit.  Do we find this order of 3 events elsewhere in Scripture…?

• Yes we do!  Acts 2:38 records Peter’s admonition to all those believers of what they should do after believing (see v. 37) paralleling exactly with Jesus’ order of events: “(1) Repent (Since Jesus was without sin, this first act is being born the Son of God) (2) and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; (3) and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  The Greek word used for receive is lambano which suggests taking.  It is not a passive verb; receiving is an action one must take.
• Even more so, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 gives another type of the 3-part actions Christians should follow.  First, verses 6 and 11 clearly tell us that the events in the passage are an example for us.  Do we see the 3-part system here?  Yes!  The Hebrews left Egypt [symbolizing sin: Rev. 11:8] by the blood of the Passover lamb [symbolizing Jesus’ atoning blood].  As verses 6 and 11 tell us, “these things became our examples”, and so this clearly is the act of repentance.  Later, they [the Israelites] passed through the sea, being baptized into Moses in the sea (verses 1 and 2).  This symbolizes a water baptism.  Before this, they were baptized in the cloud (verses 1 and 2).  Does the cloud mentioned represent the Holy Spirit?  

The Hebrew word used for Spirit is ruah and the Greek word is pneuma.  It properly means wind or breath, and would be visualized perfectly by a cloud.  Exodus 13:21, 22 shows that God was the cloud…1 John 5:7 says: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the HOLY SPIRIT; AND THESE THREE ARE ONE.”  Exodus 13:17-21 (specifically v. 21) shows that the cloud led Israel into the wilderness…Luke 4:1 says: “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit…was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (also, Rom. 8:14 shows that all believers are led by the Holy Spirit).  Exodus 14:17-20 (specifically v. 20) shows that the cloud brought darkness to the Egyptians and light to the Israelites…John 3:17-21; 12:44-46 records Jesus as saying that those who believe on Him (and consequently receive the Holy Spirit) will have light, but those who do not believe (and don’t have the Holy Spirit) are in the darkness.  Exodus 16:10, 11; 19:9; 24:16 show that God spoke through the cloud…John 16:13 says: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come,” and Acts 10:19; 11:12 show the Holy Spirit as speaking to believers.  Exodus 19:9 shows that the cloud was for people to believe Moses (1 Cor. 10:2 shows that Moses was a type for Christ)…John 15:26 says: “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me,” thus, the Holy Spirit came to testify of Jesus (it was a sign for people to believe Jesus!).  Exodus 33:10 shows that the Israelites saw the cloud and worshiped…John 4:23, 24 says: “ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is SPIRIT, and those who WORSHIP HIM must worship in spirit and truth.” Therefore, we are to worship the Holy Spirit (who is God).  Exodus 34:5 (see also Ex. 33:19) shows that the Lord’s name was proclaimed by the cloud…1 Cor. 12:3 says: “Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can SAY THAT JESUS IS LORD EXCEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.”  Exodus 40:34, 35 shows that the cloud covered the tabernacle and God’s glory filled the tabernacle…1 Cor. 6:19 shows that believer’s bodies are temples and we are filled with the Holy Spirit.  Exodus 40:36, 37 shows that Israel was only to go where the cloud dwells…2 Cor. 6:14-18 shows that believers should only fellowship and dwell with other believers (where the Holy Spirit dwells): “And what communion has light with darkness?…Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”.  Leviticus 16:2 shows that the cloud appeared above the mercy seat…Rom. 3:24-26 shows that Jesus is our mercy seat (the Greek word used in Rom. 3:25 is hilasterion which is the same word the Septuagint uses for the Hebrew word used for mercy seat), and Acts 10:38 shows that Jesus was anointed (or covered) with the Holy Spirit.    Comparing the characteristics of the cloud to the Holy Spirit makes it very clear that the cloud mentioned in 1 Cor. 10:1, 2 must be the Holy Spirit.  Thus, the third action [receiving a filling of the Holy Spirit] finds a type in the Old Testament.  Carefully note 1 Cor. 10:2: “all were baptized into Moses in the cloud AND in the sea.”  There are 2 separate baptisms mentioned, 1 from the Holy Spirit and 1 from water.

• 1 Corinthians 14:1 says: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” And 1 Corinthians 12:31 says: “But earnestly desire the best gifts…”  These verses tell us that we are to desire spiritual gifts.  The Greek word used for “desire” in both verses is zeloo and literally means “to be zealous for, to burn with desire, to pursue ardently, to desire eagerly or intensely”, thus, we are to want and ask for His spiritual gifts – God wants us to covet the things of Him, not the things of men.  If these gifts were given upon conversion without us having to ask for them, Paul’s statements to “desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy,” and “earnestly desire the best gifts” would be false advice.  Why would we be told to desire something that has been given to us already?  And…how are we supposed to ask for a specific spiritual gift (prophecy) if we’re given the gifts upon conversion without asking for them?
• Acts 19:2 says: “he [Paul] said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’…”  “It is plain that Paul had been given the impression that these people were disciples of Christ.  Obviously, if they were not Christians at all, there could have been no question of their having received the Holy Spirit, since this is received only through faith in Christ.” (Derek Prince, SFBH).  This one question Paul asks could alone sufficiently prove that there must be some filling of the Holy Spirit that does not automatically happen upon conversion.  As has already been pointed out, we do receive the Holy Spirit when we believe, so why would Paul ask if they’ve received the Holy Spirit when they believed if there is not some separate filling or receiving of the Holy Spirit apart from faith in Jesus.
• Luke 11:13 says: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” and Matthew 7:11 says: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”  Both of these verses recount the same story, but the only difference is Luke’s version says “Holy Spirit” and Matthew’s says “good gifts”, this shows that these two words can be used interchangeably, and so, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit (charismata) you have to ask your Father.  Notice: Jesus is talking about a believer who is praying to the Father (he wouldn’t be praying if he wasn’t a believer), showing that we still must ask for the gifts/baptism in the Holy Spirit even if we are believers, and already have the Holy Spirit.

6.  Are there Bible examples of someone receiving the baptism (or filling) in the Holy Spirit after they were a believer, and already had the Holy Spirit dwelling within them?

• In John 20:22, it says Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples, yet in Luke 24:49 He says to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until He sends the Promise of the Father so that the disciples may be endued with power from on high.  Acts 1:4-8 shows that this Promise is the Holy Spirit.  Is this a contradiction by the gospel writers?  Of course not.  The disciples did have the Holy Spirit, just as we receive it upon conversion; however, they were not “cloaked with the power” or “baptized with the Holy Spirit”.  In Acts 2, it shows that Jesus was no liar, and the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples at Pentecost in Jerusalem.  
• Acts 4:23-31 shows a company of believers praying for boldness.  V. 31 says: “…and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”  We can see that these people were believers before they prayed – a prayer for boldness, healing, and signs and wonders through the name of Jesus – and therefore had the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them, but it wasn’t until after they prayed that they “were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (it is debatable whether or not these believers had already been previously baptized in the Holy Spirit, but either way, it is clear that they were filled [or refilled] as a separate act from believing).
• Acts 8:4-25 gives another example.  Verses 4-8 show Philip as someone proclaiming Christ.  Verses 9-11 show Simon as a sorcerer who was thought to have Godly power (although he was not a Christian).  Verses 12 and 13 show Simon and the other Samaritans becoming believers after hearing Philip, and then being baptized.  However, verses 14-19 show that the believers in Samaria had not received the baptizing in the Holy Spirit.  The key lies in verse 16, which reads: “For as yet He [the Holy Spirit] had fallen upon none of them.  They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  The next verse shows that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given (the laying on of hands is not a command for filling someone with the Holy Spirit, although it is a very common practice throughout Scriptures).  Although verse 13 says Simon was a believer in Christ and saw miracles and signs, verses 18 and 19 tell us that Simon offered money only after seeing the power given by the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 9:1-19 gives us a fourth example.  Verses 1-9 record Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.  It was clear that he had become a believer during these verses, as he calls Jesus “Lord” and obeys Him.  However, in v. 17, Ananias is recorded as laying hands upon Saul to fill him with the Holy Spirit.  Acts 22:16 is the parallel of this account, and also shows Ananias as telling Saul to be baptized in water.  Once again, Saul was a believer and had the Holy Spirit 3 days (v. 9) before he had hands laid on him to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• A fifth example can be found in Acts 19:1-20.  Verse 2 records Paul asking the Ephesians if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed (as stated earlier, this question alone proves that a baptism or filling with the Holy Spirit must be a separate act from believing).  The key text lies in verses 3-6.  In verse 3, the disciples at Ephesus tell Paul that they have only had John’s baptism in water.  Verse 5, however, shows them being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  And verse 6 hammers the point: “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them….”  Verses 4-6 show us the 3-step action Peter gave.  1.  Repent (v. 4).  2.  Baptize in Jesus’ name (v.5).  3.  Receive the Holy Spirit (v. 6).
• Another example can be inferred from 2 Timothy 1:6, which says: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  No one could say that it was by the laying on of hands that Timothy became a believer (since believing is something of the mind and heart of the individual alone), yet, it was through the laying on of hands (a separate act from believing) that Timothy received a gift (Greek: charisma) of God.  
• Although not a biblical example, one must ask themselves if the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for believers of today (see #7), and you get it upon conversion, why is it that full churches aren’t having one member operate in any of the gifts?  If it is true, as the Bible seems to indicate, that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate act, this would make perfect sense.
• The problem in America today is that the true gospel message has been skewed by Satan.  The only thing taught is that all you need is Jesus (which is true in terms of eternal life and salvation), but many are not teaching further than this (for instance, many preachers omit that Jesus himself says you need repentance for true belief…Luke 13:3), and Peter’s 3-step plan of what to do after receiving the gospel in Acts 2:38 is ignored.  The believers in Acts 2:37 ask Peter, “What shall we do [next]?”  Too many Christians in America recognize Jesus as the “door” in John 10:9 (“I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved…”), but do not realize there is more (“…and will go in and out and find pasture.”).  It is true that Jesus is the “door”, but there is lush pasture if we walk even further past the doorway.  The difference between America’s mindset and countries overseas is obvious.  When people overseas see the “Jesus” movie, they do not think of Jesus’ power as a historical thing only occurring 2,000 years ago, but rather think of it as something that could have happened last week, and ask for the power immediately when they believe on Jesus.  In these countries, people are walking on water, the dead are being resurrected, the lame are walking, the deaf are hearing, the mute are speaking, etc., etc., simply because they are asking for more of the things of God.  Believing on Jesus is the greatest thing in the universe, and is all that is necessary for the gifts of eternity, but there truly is even more that God wants to give through belief in His Son (see Luke 11:13).   

7.  Alright, I can see that the filling of the Holy Spirit was a separate act from becoming a believer for the believers of the New Testament, but can you seriously say that it is still available today?

• Yes!  Acts 2:39 records Peter saying: “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  Verses 37 and 38 show that Peter, at least in part, is referring to the filling of the Holy Spirit as the “promise” (because v. 37 shows that the men believed), and Acts 1:4 and 5 confirm this.  The specific “promise” Peter talks about, may also encompass people receiving the Holy Spirit when they believe on Jesus.
• As all of the Old Testament feasts were types for eternal things to come (Passover = Jesus’ crucifixion: 1 Cor. 5:7; Firstfruits = resurrection: 1 Cor. 15:20; etc.), this outpouring of the Holy Spirit was the fulfillment of the feast of Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1, 4).  Leviticus 23:21 says that the feast of Pentecost “shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations”.  The only possibility for it to continue forever is if it is referring to the New Testament fulfillment, and since the New Testament fulfillment is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, this gift could not have ceased.  
• 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 gives us another Scriptural proof that the gifts are still available today.  V. 8 says: “Love never fails.  But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”  And then, verses 9 and 10 tell us these gifts will cease “when that which is perfect has come”.  Now, some Bible expositors will say that “that which is perfect” is referring to when the New Testament canon is completed, but this ignores v. 12.  In v. 12, it says, “NOW we see in a mirror, dimly, BUT THEN face to face.  NOW I know in part, BUT THEN I shall know just as I also am known [The knowledge talked about in v.8 must be the Holy Spirit gift of knowledge, because v. 12 shows that when the gifts pass away, we will know fully.  If v.8 was referring to natural knowledge, how could we “know just as I also am known” when knowledge is mentioned in v.8 as passing away?].”  We still see in a mirror dimly and know in part today!  Clearly, “that which is perfect” can only mean when we leave this world or Christ returns, and therefore, the gifts will not cease until that time (if we know in full now, there could be no disagreement on what this passage means!).  Also, James 1:23-25 tells us that the mirror symbolizes the Bible, therefore we still “see in a mirror dimly [read the Bible without full comprehension]”.
• Along with 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 also reveals these spiritual gifts to be for believers of any age.  “Paul here thanks God on behalf of the Christians at Corinth because they are enriched by God in all spiritual gifts.  In particular Paul specifies the gifts of utterance and of knowledge…Furthermore, Paul indicates that it is the revealed purpose of God that these spiritual gifts continue to operate in the Christian church right up to the return of Christ.” (Prince, SFBH).  Notice vv. 7-8 say: “so that you come short in no gift [charisma], eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  “Both these phrases [vv. 7-8] indicate plainly that the church of Christ at the end of this age will not be considered by God to be complete or blameless unless she is fully equipped with all the supernatural spiritual gifts.” (Prince, SFBH).  1 Cor. 1:7 tells us that we should not come short in any gift while “eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  One must ask why God would include this verse if He later intended on ceasing the nine spiritual gifts.      
• Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  The Greek word for “gift” is charisma in Rom. 6:23.  This is the same word used for the gifts of the baptism in the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12.  If the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the gifts it entails, has ceased, then the gift used in this passage must have ceased also.  Even though this is the only logical conclusion, no one would be foolish enough to say the gift of eternal life has ceased, so why do they say the other gifts have ceased?  
• As we’ve seen earlier, 1 Corinthians 14:1 tells us: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”  No one could argue that we are no longer to pursue love, yet those who say the gifts have ceased will unfairly dissect this passage and tell us that we are no longer to ask for spiritual gifts, even though there is nothing in Scripture even relatively close to rescinding the “marching orders” of 1 Cor. 14:1.  There seems to be no justification in saying only part of this advice of Paul’s should be followed today, but not all of it.
• With chapter after chapter of the New Testament speaking on the gifts of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, how can someone say it was only written for the time?  There are ZERO passages indicating that this was only for the time period; in light of the amount of Scripture regarding this subject, an absence of any indicator that the gifts have ceased must speak very loudly that they have not!  Here’s the test for true Biblical exegesis: if someone living in a distant universe were to read the Bible without knowing anything about our universe, what would they say?  Clearly, they would have no reason for thinking the gifts have ceased, and therefore, we must use this same honest exegesis for ourselves.
• Personal experiences.  Although the authority of the Bible must come before experience, we still cannot ignore experience.  People have spoken in tongues before they even knew it was in the Bible, people are being miraculously healed, people are resurrecting, demons are being cast out, prophecies are fulfilled, etc., etc.  All of the above cannot be cast away as psychosomatic.

8.  Yes, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is something for believers today, but why should I want it?

• Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8 describe the filling of the Holy Spirit as giving you power and Acts 4:31 says it gave the believers boldness.  The boldness with which Peter spoke at Acts 2 to a crowd of thousands, when just 53 days before he denied Jesus to a little girl, is evidence that a change had taken place.  In Acts 8, Simon was so astonished by the power that he saw was given by the baptism in the Holy Spirit that he offered money so that he could have that power also.  From experience, I went from never talking or wanting to talk to people outside my circle of friends, to not being able to shut up about Jesus to believers and non-believers alike.  This power and boldness is the base of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and certainly the reason Jesus gives for his disciples to wait for it.
• 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 gives us a list of specific gifts given as a result of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

v. 8: “for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,”. The word of wisdom is the supernatural knowing of how to do something (i.e. Acts 13:9-12) and the word of knowledge is supernaturally knowing something in the present (Acts 8:29; 21:4).  An example of these would be if Brett knew that Elaine had cancer without anyone telling him, even though she didn’t even know this [word of knowledge], and then he knew that he was the one who was supposed to tell her and was able to tell her in a way that was comforting and encouraging, even though he usually is an idiot when it comes to telling people bad news [word of wisdom].

v. 9: “to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,”.  The gift of faith is supernaturally knowing that you can pray or believe on something that God will do (Acts 20:10).  The gift of healing is simply healing someone through God’s power (Acts 9:33-35; 28:8).  An example of the gift of faith is if Dan was outside when it was storming, and he knew he could pray to calm the storms, obviously he’s not going to pray every time it storms, which is why this instance is evidence of the gift of faith.  An example of the gift of healing would be if Marie prayed over Don for his cancer, and it went away.

v. 10: “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”  The gift of miracles is simply the ability to do miracles, those things that defy nature (Acts 9:40-42).  An example of this would be if one turkey fed 500 hungry people.  The gift of prophecy is the ability to allow God to speak through you, many times about future events (Acts 21:11), but more specifically C. Peter Wagner defines prophecy as “the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance.”  1 Cor. 14:3 defines prophecy as something used for “edification and exhortation and comfort to men”.  Although, this definition could also be applied to preaching, it must be noted that the word used in this passage for one who prophesies in the Greek is propheteuo meaning: “to prophesy, to be a prophet, speak forth by divine inspirations, to predict”, and thus, 1 Cor. 14:3 is explicitly for prophecy, not preaching.  An example of prophecy would be if God spoke through Sam and said to Wayne, “My son, I am well pleased with you.  If you release the sin in your life I will bring thousands of people to listen to your teachings.”  The gift of discerning of spirits is the ability to either 1) see spiritual presences (angelic or demonic) or 2) sense whether someone or something is of God or not of God (Acts 16:18).  An example of discernment is if someone sees a demon in a room or if they just know/sense (without actually seeing) there is a demon in a room.  The gift of tongues is the ability to speak in a language without studying it – the language can be an existing language, dead language, or angelic language (1 Cor. 13:1).  An example of this would be if Josh spoke in fluent French without ever studying the language.  The gift of interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret someone else’s (or your own) tongue into the language that people understand (it’s usually a roundabout way to prophesy, see 1 Cor. 14:13).  An example of this would be if Sandy heard Josh speaking in French, and also never studying the language, she is able to tell Josh what it means in English (for Josh speaks English).

• All of the gifts mentioned above are given for the edification of the Body of Christ.  1 Cor. 12:12-20 shows that the “body is not one member but many.”  These gifts are given for building up your brothers and sisters.  1 Cor. 12:28 shows that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are appointed for the church (specifically it shows the gifts of miracles, healings, and tongues). 
• The baptism in the Holy Spirit is used for witnessing.  Rom. 15:18-19 says that “by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit” the Gentiles were led to obey God.  1 Cor. 2:1-5 (specifically vv. 4-5) records Paul saying, “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”  Also, Hebrews 2:3-4 says: “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”  This passage gives 3 reasons to heed the gospel message: 1) Jesus proclaimed it first, 2) Other eyewitnesses confirmed what Jesus proclaimed, 3) “Signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit” bear witness to the gospel.  All these passages show very plainly that the power and signs/miracles of the Holy Spirit are to be used for witnessing to others.   
• The advantages to being filled with the Holy Spirit include a new boldness, power, nine supernatural gifts of power to build up the body of Christ through ministry (these can be seen throughout the book of Acts), and witnessing to others.  In no ways (as we saw earlier) do you need these gifts to be a believer, and also, Jesus tells us that these gifts do not promise your salvation.  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matt. 7:22-24).  A good analogy for the difference between being a Christian baptized in the Holy Spirit and being one who is not is this: If you were in a war, the Christian without the baptism in the Holy Spirit is equipped with a rifle, but the one with the baptism is equipped with a tank.  The endless capabilities of what an army can accomplish with the power of tanks, is obvious, although, this does prompt my next question…

9.  Alright, I can see definite advantages to having the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but there also seems potential for it to be dangerous.  Isn’t there a lot of power that humans could get carried away with, losing sight of the goal for receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit (that being to build up the Body of Christ)?

• Yes there is a lot of power, and it has the potential for people to become greedy for their own personal excess, but  Paul realized this fully as he wrote 1 Cor. 13 (placing it between two chapters dealing specifically with the gifts of the Holy Spirit).

1 Cor. 13 is our blueprint for using the power of the Holy Spirit for God’s Glory!

1 Cor. 12:31 says: “But earnestly desire the best gifts.  And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

This leads to 1 Cor 13…

v. 1 shows that speaking in tongues without LOVE is comparable to a clanging cymbal.

v. 2 shows that someone having the gift of prophecy and faith to move mountains without LOVE is nothing.

v. 3 says that giving all your goods to feed the poor and giving your body to be burned are also meaningless without LOVE.

vv. 4-8 describes the definition of LOVE.  These verses are a good test for us to stay grounded with the gifts, making sure we are using them for God’s Glory.  If any use of the gifts contradicts the definition of LOVE given in these verses, we may assume that we are using the power selfishly.  

v. 8 shows that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are temporary, but LOVE does not fail.

vv. 9, 10 hammer the point that these gifts of the Holy Spirit are only for us while on earth.  

vv. 11-13 also show that these gifts, and the Christian’s life on earth, is nothing compared to our eternity promised where the only earthly concepts remaining are “faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (see also Luke 10:20)

• Yes, God is willing to give us a lot of power, but our God is a good God, and He gives good gifts, never more than you can bear.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17).  “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:13).  We must not lose our foundation and first love (Jesus) when using these gifts, and so, continuing with the army analogy, we can be equipped with mighty tanks for fighting the battle for Christ and not our own power.  

10.  Indeed, God does seem to give us a blueprint for successfully using the baptism in the Holy Spirit to further His Kingdom, and not get carried away with the power…but what are the other instructions for using the gifts?

• In 1 Cor. 14, Paul addresses the problems with the church of Corinth in using the gifts and gives us a good example to follow.

1 Cor. 14:

v. 1 says: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”  This verse shows what was seen earlier: love is the foundation for using these gifts and, also, we are to desire spiritual gifts.  Beyond proving that we are to ask for spiritual gifts, this verse places an emphasis on prophecy as a gift people should be asking for, because, as we will see, prophecy is a purely selfless gift.

vv. 2-4 shows the purpose of tongues and prophecy.  Verse 2 says that someone speaking in a tongue is speaking mysteries to God.  Verse 3 shows that prophecy is “edification, exhortation and comfort to men”.  Verse 4 puts the two gifts together saying, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”  Paul’s advice in verse one, therefore, makes perfect sense (especially when reading through 1 Cor. 12 about the gifts being used to help the body, or church), because, as verse 4 shows, prophecy helps other people, whereas tongues, without interpretation, are used primarily to edify or buildup oneself.

v. 5 is thrown in there to make sure people don’t confuse what Paul is saying.  He still views speaking in tongues as an incredible gift of God, and says, “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied”.  Paul wishes everyone to speak in tongues, but he makes it clear that prophecy is greater than tongues alone, “unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification”.  This whole chapter emphasizes the reason for these gifts…the Corinthians were so caught up in the supernatural gift of tongues that they lost sight of God’s plan for the gifts.  Over and over Paul stresses that they seek to help others through these gifts.  When a tongue is interpreted, it is a powerful roundabout prophecy, and, as we’ve already seen, a prophecy is “edification and exhortation and comfort to men”.  

vv. 6-11 make it clear that the gifts should be used to help others, not for selfish reasons.  In these verses Paul shows that the gift of tongues can be pointless in helping others, comparable to a trumpet making an uncertain sound in preparation for battle.  How will the soldiers know when to prepare if they do not hear the tune of preparation clearly?  In the same way, how will Christians prepare for the battle of Christ if they are not helping each other out?  These verses simply tell us to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the ways they were intended.

v. 12 shows the theme of this chapter: “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.”  

v. 13 is Paul merely saying that he does not forbid to speak in tongues, but he strongly urges tongues (along with the rest of the gifts) to be used for other people.  His advice: if you’re going to speak in tongues, ask God for an interpretation.

vv. 14, 15 show again that Paul is all for praying in tongues, but he’s also all for praying with understanding.  “What is the conclusion then?  I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.  I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”

vv. 16, 17 also shows Paul’s humor when he says, “if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say ‘Amen’…since he does not understand what you say?”  What good is your tongue in a prayer of agreement with someone else, if they do not understand what you are saying, even if “you indeed give thanks well”?  

vv. 18, 19 complete the thought: “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all [Paul once again encourages speaking in tongues, knowing it is a gift from God]; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”  Thank God you can speak in tongues, but if you want to help others in your speech, do it in a language they can understand – again, this is why Paul places prophecy ahead of tongues, and encourages asking God for an interpretation if someone wants to speak in tongues.  The Church of Corinth clearly got so wrapped up in these cool gifts, especially tongues, that they didn’t see the bigger picture.

vv. 20-22 are for our understanding, as God wants us to not be “children in understanding [of spiritual things]”, but rather “children in terms of evil”. V. 21 is a quote from Isaiah 28:11 and 12.  It shows that Isaiah prophesied 700 years before Christ that people would speak in tongues and it gives a reasoning for doing it as verse 22 says, “tongues are for a sign not to those who believe but to unbelievers.”  Although “prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.”  This is quite obvious when you consider it in a private setting (as v. 23 demands us to), because I have seen 2 times where an unbeliever was sitting in on a prayer session where I, or someone else, prayed in tongues.  Both times, the person was so overwhelmed and convicted by the powers of God, that they left the room within a minute after the prayer.  These same people, however, merely shrugged off prophecy as a fabrication of those who were doing it.  Prophecy does not have the same overt supernatural appearance as tongues to non-believers in such private settings (though, to believers, prophecy is much more powerful…for they already know God is capable of miracles).

Vv. 23-25 seem to contradict v. 22 with only a cursory reading, but a deeper reading shows the key difference.  V. 23 explicitly states: “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place…”  No longer is it a private setting as can be inferred in v. 22, but it has become a corporate setting.  Going on, it says: “If the whole church comes together…and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?  But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.  And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.”  If an unbeliever walks into a setting where everyone is speaking in tongues, it will appear as if they were out of their minds, and that person will walk away with no conviction.  However, if everyone is prophesying, that person’s soul will burn with God’s words spoken through His people…words he can understand, not language foreign to him.

Vv. 26-36 also appear contradictory upon the surface, but once again, a deeper study sheds light on Paul’s instruction.  Notice first the words Paul starts this section with: “How is it then, brethren?  Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation…”  He is introducing this section by reiterating what they were already doing.  When he had last heard from the church at Corinth, there were obvious mistakes that Paul needed to clear up.  The first part of chapter 14 shows his emphasis on helping others with the things God has given, and starting with v. 26, he is showing how their worshiping was not in agreement with his teachings.  Vv. 27-28 continue with Paul describing saying: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.  But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”  As we will see, 1 Cor. 14:39 seems to indicate that this practice of limiting tongues contradicts Paul’s instructions: “…do not forbid to speak in tongues” and also contradicts the experiences of the Christians in the New Testament (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6).  Going on, vv. 29-31 say: “Let two or three prophets speak and let the others judge.  But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.  For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.”  This practice of limiting prophecy also puts into question Paul’s instructions in 1 Cor. 14:39 (“…desire earnestly to prophesy…”), but also undermines God’s power, suggesting He wouldn’t know when to give someone a prophecy and when not to, and, once again, contradicts the examples we see in the Bible (Acts 19:6).  Vv. 32, 33 are the reasons Corinth must have given for putting these meaningless limitations on the Holy Spirit: “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”  Paul later shows that he agrees with these statements, but disagrees with the actions Corinth took regarding these statements.  A question to ask is if Corinth knew God is not the author of confusion but of peace, why did they feel that his Holy Spirit was moving in such a way that would have been confusing (giving unction to prophesy to many people at once, giving unction to speak in tongues to many people at once, etc.)?  V. 32 is also true when it says “the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets”, because a simple test for people on whether God is controlling the situation or whether it is demonic, is if they are able to stop it if they wanted to.  If you cannot control yourself, this is demonic, for “The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman!”, He does not force anything on you, you will not be in a trance.  But, if the Holy Spirit is giving you unction to speak in tongues or prophesy, who are we to put human ordinances to limit it?  “Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thes. 5:19).  From Acts 10, we’ve already seen that there is no formula for the Holy Spirit…for “God is not the author of confusion”.  Vv. 34, 35 reveal another faulty practice of the Corinthians: “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says…”  First of all, nowhere in the Old Testament (which is the “law” that Paul would have been referring to) does it even come close to forbidding women to speak in church, and second, just earlier in this epistle (1 Cor. 11), Paul gives instructions on how women are to prophesy (by the way, nowhere in 1 Cor. 11 does it mention that women should wear veils, this is a common misinterpretation that can be cleared up when comparing 1 Cor. 11:3 and 1 Cor. 11:13, 14 on what “head covering” means) in the church.  Once again, the Corinthians practice runs against the Word of God.  Verse 36 reaffirms that the Corinthians must practice Biblical truths, not human inventions, where it says: “Or did the word of God come originally from you?  Or was it you only that it reached?”  Basically, Paul is asking a rhetorical question, telling the Corinthians to not invent their own “Word of God”.  (I am in the process of revising this section, as it seems that new light has been shed on this matter. – Brian Holda)

Vv. 37, 38 show that Paul wants them to know that what he writes is God-breathed, and there is no excuse for their ignorance after reading this.

Vv. 39, 40 show the commands of God, not Corinth: “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.”  He gives them the final sentence so that they do not abuse God’s grace (as we know they were in the habit of doing), saying “[remember…] Let all things be done decently and in order.”

11.  Can you tell me more about tongues?

Today, speaking in tongues seems to be the most controversial of the gifts.  Some will say you have to speak in tongues to show that you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, few (thankfully) will say you have to speak in tongues to be a believer, some will say you cannot speak in tongues in the church, some will say speaking in tongues is the least of the gifts and shouldn’t be sought after, etc…

• 1 Cor. 12:8-10 lists the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Some interpret this listing to be the order of importance of the gifts, therefore, making tongues and the interpretation of tongues the least of the gifts – although this order is more likely due to the fact that the first 7 gifts were used in Old Testament times, and tongues and interpretation of tongues would have been added to this list.  
• 1 Cor. 14:19 says: “I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”  Again, this verse is used to say tongues is the least of the gifts…but even if it is true that tongues is the least of the gifts, I would definitely rather have the least of God’s gifts than the best of men’s gifts.  In fact, 1 Cor. 12:24 says: “God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,” so if, indeed, tongues is the least of the gifts, praise God for the gift, because the parts which are lacking receive greater honor.
• 1 Cor. 14:5 has Paul saying: “I wish you all spoke with tongues…” and v. 18: “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all…”  These two passages would indicate that tongues surely should be coveted.  
• 1 Cor. 12:28 lists appointed things in the church: “first apostles, second prophets…administrations, varieties of tongues.”  Then, verses 29 and 30 lists more ministries, with verse 30 including tongues again.  Also, 1 Cor. 14:39 says to not forbid to speak with tongues.  It cannot be doubted, therefore, that tongues is something for the church that should not be forbidden.
• 1 Cor. 14 gives a clear warning to seek gifts for edification of others, but as shown earlier, Paul still encourages tongues.
• Do all have to speak in tongues?…Although the Greek in 1 Cor. 12:29, 30 indicates a “no” behind all of the questions (“Do all have gifts of healings? [no]  Do all speak with tongues? [no], etc.), it must be understood that the context of this passage is referring to ministries of the gifts, not the gifts by themselves.  James 3:5, 6 tell us “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is on fire by hell.”  It seems very logical and scriptural that God would want to get hold of our tongue first.  So, although I’m not sure I would go so far as to say tongues are received by everybody who is baptized in the Holy Spirit (as some do not even ask for this gift), Scripture and experience seem to indicate that it is for almost everybody.
• What is the purpose of tongues?…Acts 2:11 says: “Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”  It is uncommon for tongues to be used for speaking to people who only know the language the tongue is spoken in (although I know of more than a few times this has happened), but it still is one purpose for tongues [Babel separated the people through language, Pentecost unites us through language], and this verse also shows that tongues speak of wonderful works of God.  Romans 8:26, 27 says: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints, according to the will of God.”  In our mind, we are incapable of saying perfect prayer, but with the Holy Spirit speaking through us, perfect prayer is obtained.  “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” (1 Cor. 14:15, see also Eph. 6:18, and Jude 20).  Another purpose of tongues is when we know we have to pray for something (possibly, God reveals this to us), but do not know specifically what it is we are praying for, the Spirit can pray through us (1 Cor. 14:15).  1 Cor. 14:4 shows that tongues are used to edify one’s self.  1 Cor. 14:22 shows tongues to be used as a sign for unbelievers.  And, 1 Cor. 14:5, 13 show that tongues with an interpretation can edify others (v. 13 says that you yourself can interpret your tongue).  As an additional note, comparing Psalm 16:9 with Peter’s reciting this same psalm in Acts 2:26, shows that the word “glory” used by David is recited as “tongue” by Peter, showing these words to be synonymous in this instance, therefore, the tongue can be God’s glory.  On top of all this, all of the gifts are given to receive more of God’s mercy on earth.
• How does speaking in tongues work?…Acts 2:4 shows very clearly that God fills and gives you the utterance to speak, but you still are the one doing the speaking:  “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4).

12.  How do I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

• A good word picture for those who may not completely understand what goes on when you receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit is this:  Since oil is a biblical symbol for the Holy Spirit (Exodus 30:25; Acts 10:38; James 5:14), a good picture for what happens is that your body is drenched with oil everywhere you go after receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.  As many believers know, the power and presence of God and his Holy Spirit can be felt at different times by any believer, this could be viewed as entering a room where the power of the Holy Spirit is just awesome, and it is like the whole room is filled with oil…while you’re in there, you are swimming in the oil, but when you leave the oil is no longer drowning you.  However, the believer who receives the baptism in the Holy Spirit gets that drenching regardless of where they are.  
• A good example to look at for how the Holy Spirit is received can be found in Acts 2:1-4.  These verses show that there are three phases for what happened at Pentecost:   1.  Baptized [immersed] from above. (v. 2)

  2.  Each individual was filled. (v.4)

  3.  There was a supernatural outflow (speaking in tongues). (v.4)

• John 7:37-39 says: “…‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me [Jesus] and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’  But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”  This passage shows that one must 1) thirst for the Spirit then 2) come to Jesus and 3) drink.  This is also a great picture for what happens, you come thirsty, you leave with rivers of living water flowing from your heart.
• Luke 11:13 says: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”  We’ve already seen that comparing this verse with Matthew 7:11 shows that “Holy Spirit” and “good gifts” can be used interchangeably, and so, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit (charismata) you simply have to ask your Father.  Asking the Father (along with coming to Jesus) is the only formula commanded by Scripture for receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Also, it should be noted that this verse gives a promise and a condition.  The promise is that you WILL be given the precise thing that you ask for (the Holy Spirit, as opposed to something else) from God, but the condition (and this must be realized), is that you must be a child of God to ask and receive this gift.  

• Although the laying on of hands is used for giving the baptism in the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture, it is never commanded, and in some places is not used.  God seems to use the laying on of hands so that His people are helping each other and blessing each other (even though there is no magic in our hands, but only God’s power transmitted).  If you want the baptism, the only thing commanded is to ask, so that is your only requirement for receiving it.  Laying on of hands, however, seems to be a recommended way of asking for, so that many can be blessed: “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Rom. 1:11, 12).
• James 5:14 says: “…and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”  Another suggestion to follow is to have people put oil on their hands if they lay hands on you (or even dump a whole thing of oil on you: “And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him.” (Leviticus 8:12).  “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.” (Psalm 133:2)).
• Ephesians 5:18 says: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,”.  
• Why wait?…It should be noted that although the disciples were told to wait for the filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, there are absolutely no other instances where we see people waiting to receive the Holy Spirit.  In fact, we see an urgency among the early believers in receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and from Hebrews 6:1-2 it is seen that the “doctrine of baptisms” is foundational to your Christian walk.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

(John 14:12-14)