"When the ADVOCATE comes, whom I will send from the Father - the SPIRIT OF TRUTH who goes out from the Father - He will testify about me. And you also must TESTIFY, for you have been with me from the beginning." John 15:26&27 (NIV)
When I was in High School, the favourite things I loved doing were performing in the School Musicals and sharing my faith - the Word of God - with others. In those days, we didn't have BLOGS or FACEBOOK, but we did have Youth Groups at Church, and Bible Studies with Youth for Christ. What I wanted to do most was to go to Bible College.
Unfortunately, I failed my Year 12 exams, and consequently was not accepted. I also believe the Bible College my Mum and Dad attenbded had closed down. So, I took up my second passion, and joined the Covenant Players - a travelling Theatre Group. I travelled around Australia, performing in different Churches (denominations).
One day, I attended a Catholic Church with one friend. I had always taken communion, but my friend told me it was "not acceptable" for me to do this with her. Instead, I stayed in my seat and prayed. It was here I received the "Gift of the Spirit - TONGUES". I didn't tell anyone at first - not sure I'd be accepted; but I told my Dad, as I knew he would approve. This had been something I had been praying about.
"Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift of my FATHER'S PROMISE, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT." Acts 1:4&5 (NIV)
I couldn't keep my secret for too long - I was so full of JOY! I just wanted to share it with others.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
So, what is BAPTISM of the HOLY SPIRIT? As John Bevere tells us, "It is a separate experience" by which a Christian ("a believer") is filled by the Holy Spirit. We are "overwhelmed" in His presence, and the Holy Spirit which "empowers" us to go forth, like the disciples sharing the Gospel.
"But you will RECEIVE POWER when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of tbe earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV)
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:4 (NIV)
What I remember most about my Holy Spirit - speaking in tongues experience - was how closer I became in my relationship with Jesus. The baptism of fire was an experience that "boosted" my FAITH and PRAYER LIFE. I developed a great desire to continue in my ministry and service in the Church and as a teacher in the world.
"Even as Peter was saying these things, the HOLY SPIRIT fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter that the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT had been poured out on the Gentiles too. For they heard them SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES and praising God." Acts 10:44-46 (NLT)ll
"After me comes One who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE FIRE." Matthew 3:11b. (NIV)
"Lord, thank you for giving us the HOLY SPIRIT, to refine us and give us peace.You assured us of Your love as His children. Help us to walk in step with YOUR SPIRIT and with FIRE." Nicky Gumbel
The BAPTISM OF FIRE represents PURIFICATION. When BAPTZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT we are REFINED. It is referred to as an element SUFFERING, and it is used to strengthen our FAITH.
" The Holy Spirit gives us His attention, His presence and His gifts. It cannot be EARNED, it must be RECIEVED, with DESIRE, ASKING and BELIEF. Does it get any better than that? " John Bevere
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
BEVERE, John (2019), "Foundations - Repentance from Dead Works", Messenger International Inc.
GUMBEL, Nicky, "Tbe Bible - Classic Version", 2025, Alpha/New Version
"Holy Spirit Fills Me Up", 2015, Brendon and Cathie Clancy (Songwriters/Artists, City Harvest Church - Harvest Kids Worship
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