John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 (CSB)

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience subsequent to salvation, providing for life and service.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not optional. We sometimes need to be reminded that “without Him, we can do nothing.” Jesus gave us a commission to preach the gospel and make disciples, and Paul explains that we have been given “the ministry of reconciliation.” Holy Spirit baptism was so necessary that Jesus told the disciples before his ascension: And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” Luke 24:49 (CSB)

Jesus knew that the power that the disciples would receive when the Holy Spirit fell upon them on the day of Pentecost was so important that, in essence, he said, “Do not leave Home without it.” Elsewhere we read, “…our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV)

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit is crucial in fulfilling the Great Commission. Effective preaching of the word requires more than just human effort. I have no desire to argue with anyone. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, and I can’t imagine living the Christian life without it.

Live by the Spirit

Let me say this to you: live by the spirit, and you won’t do what the flesh wants you to. Galatians 5:16 (BFE)

The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is not just about the miraculous or the dramatic, but about recognizing our dependence upon the Holy Spirit and His power to live overcoming lives.

We believe that we are baptized in the Holy Spirit once, but that we can be filled continually, time and time again. As a pastor, it can be disheartening to hear people testify that years ago they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, yet they admit that it has been a long time since they prayed in the Spirit.

To the Ephesians, Paul contrasted worldly and spiritual living: And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: Ephesians 5:18 (CSB). We are commanded to be “filled by the Spirit,” which enables us to “Live by the Spirit.” This connection operates on 2 levels. First, being filled by the Spirit means to be constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit through a daily activity of being filled by the Spirit.

The literal interpretation of the Greek in Ephesians 5:18 means, “to be filled continually by the Spirit.” This continuous filling is not a one-time experience but an ongoing posture of submission and surrender. We know that every born-again believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but not every believer is controlled by the Holy Spirit. If we live to fill our fleshly desires, we are not under the control of the Holy Spirit, even though we are still indwelt by him. Living by the Spirit requires that we actively yield to the Spirit’s control, moment by moment.

Power for Ministry

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (CSB)

In Luke 9:1, Jesus empowered his disciples when he gave them power and authority to drive out demons and cure diseases. Anointing and the bestowment of spiritual gifts are done through the laying on of hands.

We not only need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives, but we are to be vessels through which His power and authority flow to others. Finally, there is not one area of our life which would not benefit from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” Philippians 4:13 (AMP)

Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4–5 (NIV).

We are most effective when we operate in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit rather than our own strength. That should be obvious, but sadly that does not stop many of us from trying to do things in our own power. A few minutes in God’s presence can do more for us than all the seminars, conferences, and all the other “how to do ministry and build your church” books and materials in existence.

Intuitively, we may know this to be true, yet we keep looking for power in all the wrong places. We join Paul in praying for you: We pray that you would be energized with all his explosive power from the realm of his magnificent glory, filling you with great hope. Colossians 1:11 (TPT). We do not need more self-confidence; we need more God-confidence and hope.

Fan the Flame

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT)

I believe that many of you who are reading this have experienced the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit, but as Timothy was reminded to stir it up, or rekindle, or to fan into flames the gift that was given to him by the laying on of Paul’s hands, I encourage you to do the same. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts are not trophies to be displayed, but tools for life and ministry. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Steve Ekeroth