It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that makes the ministry of the Holy Spirit real and valid in the life of a believer. This work of the Holy Spirit is done at regeneration, and praise God we do not have to ask for it, it is given automatically. We must understand that we can live in the presence of God unless we are cleansed of our sin, and we put on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. That cleansing and righteousness is placed upon us by the work of the Holy Spirit when he comes upon us. Baptism is the word that is chosen to picture that work, and reminds us that we are cleansed positionally, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that comes with that baptism, is the enablement to learn to overcome sin in our lives. We must realize that all we do as believers is done in the presence of God, may we learn to live in that presence on a daily basis.… READ MORE

It is the Holy Spirit of God that unifies us in the body of Christ, making us all necessary parts, not always showy, but necessary. Pentecost, the salvation of the Samaritans, Cornelius, and the disciples of John in the book of acts demonstrate the importance of being brought into a new relationship with Christ. The only way that happens is to be baptized by the Spirit, and the Word of God is clear that happens the moment we are conceived into new life at our conversion. It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that makes the ministry of the Holy Spirit real and valid in the life of a believer. This happens because we cannot life the life that God desires for us without that work. Jesus’ emphasis of the importance of His leaving so that He can send the Holy Spirit is proof that we must not underestimate the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The baptism of the Spirit makes all believers of equal value. It is not a second blessing, but is the initial blessing of conversion. May we learn to live in the power of the Holy Spirit that resides within each believer.… READ MORE

This work of the Holy Spirit continues to be misunderstood, and abused in Christian circles today. Many people teach that this is the enabling of the Spirit to assist the believer to do some special and miraculous event. But this is not the definition of the baptism of the Spirit. The simple definition of the Baptism of the Spirit is the work of God that brings us into a unique relationship with Christ at our conversion. The purpose of the baptism is to bring the new convert into the body of Christ, and there is no second blessing, or any interval of time that falls between regeneration and this baptism. We do not need to pray for the baptism of the Spirit, as God does this immediately upon our turning from sin to God. This indwelling presence of the Spirit cleanses us of our sin, and enables us to stand before the Lord. The righteousness of Christ is placed upon us as a result of this work of God. What does this mean for us today? We can rest in the presence of God knowing that we are received, because we are brought into our relationship through the Work of … READ MORE