Matthew 3:11 – Baptism in the Holy Spirit – learning to seek!

When speaking of baptism in the holy spirit, we can already understand beforehand that this must be a desire, that it must burn in the heart, of one who serves Jesus Christ. For the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a coating of spiritual power and authority. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to all who seek God and his word.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to all who raise their hands and profess their faith in Christ Jesus; who understood, that it was necessary to be born again, allowing the Holy Spirit to come to dwell within their hearts.

Jesus Christ, had as main goal to baptize his people in the spirit. We can see this when we see someone named John saying:  Matthew 3:11 And I, verily, baptize you with water to repentance; but he who comes after me is mightier than I; whose espadrilles I am not worthy to take; he will baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

John the Baptist was clearly speaking that he baptized those who repented with water. It also makes it clear that after him would come someone more powerful than he, someone far superior, whose sandals he was not worthy to carry. John then declares that the one who would come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John the Baptist was teaching that the work the coming Messiah would do included baptizing his followers with the Holy Spirit and fire. The baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us power to live for Christ and witness to his great deeds.

All who have accepted Jesus Christ as lord and savior of their lives must proclaim that Jesus Christ continues to baptize in the Holy Spirit, for He has not changed, He remains the same yesterday, today and forever.

Jesus Christ commanded the disciples not to begin witnessing until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and endued with power from on high. And we understand that the disciples had to await the fulfillment of this promise in persevering prayer. Every Christian who longs for the baptism in the Holy Spirit must do the same thing, wait in prayer and perseverance.

On the day Jesus rose, he breathed on his disciples and said. “Receive the Holy Spirit”

John 20:22 – And when he had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.

“Receive the Holy Spirit” establishes the fact that the Holy Spirit, at that historic moment, entered the disciples in an unprecedented way to dwell in them. We understand that this “receiving” of life by the Holy Spirit, precedes Jesus’ bestowal authority for them, as well as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, a few days later on the day of Pentecost.

We can understand that regeneration and new life at that time was being given to the disciples. We can observe that the disciples should also be empowered by the Holy Spirit, therefore this baptism is an experience subsequent to regeneration.

To be baptized in the Holy Spirit is to experience the fullness of the spirit. We can understand that this baptism was reserved to take place only from the day of Pentecost. 

Regarding those who were filled with the Holy Spirit before the day of Pentecost, we understand that Luke does not use the expression baptized in the Holy Spirit, as this event would only occur after the ascension of Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:5 – For, indeed, John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not long after these days.

It is a privilege to be able to receive from the Lord Jesus Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, because it is the Lord Jesus Himself, who baptizes in the Holy Spirit those who believe in Him.

Luke 24:49 – And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but remain in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.

We note that when Jesus says “my father’s promise,” he is referring to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit gives the believer heavenly power and boldness so that he can perform great works in the name of Christ and be effective in his witness and preaching. This power is actually a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, in which the presence, glory and working of Jesus Christ is present among his people.

 Who is the Holy Spirit?

Jesus Christ calls the Holy Spirit a “comforter”, that is, the Holy Spirit is literally “one called to stand beside someone to help him.” The Holy Spirit is who strengthens us, advises us, is our help, is our advocate, is our ally and our friend.

When Jesus Christ says that he will send “another comforter”, Jesus is saying that he will send another, but “of the same kind”, that is, the comforter, came to continue what Christ did on earth.

The Holy Spirit (comforter) would do for the disciples all that Jesus Christ had done for them, when he was among them. The comforter would stand side by side with them to help them, providing the right direction for their lives, comforting them in difficult times, interceding for each of them in prayer, and staying with them not just one day but forever . 

Jesus Christ, presents himself as our helper, because even when he was here on earth he always sought to help others.

Jesus is also the one who intercedes for us in heaven. The Holy Spirit is our helper and the intercessor who dwells in us here on earth.

Romans 8:26,27 – And in the same way the Spirit also helps our infirmities; because we do not know what to ask as it is convenient, but the same Spirit intercedes for us with inexpressible groans.

And he who searches hearts knows what the Spirit’s intent is; and it is he who according to God intercedes for the saints.

The results of true baptism in the Holy Spirit

Prophetic messages of praise: 1 Corinthians 14:15 –  What shall I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the understanding; I will sing with the spirit, but I will also sing with the understanding.

Greater sensitivity when sin, which grieves the Holy Spirit, and greater search for righteousness in deeper insight into the Divine judgment against wickedness: John 16:8 – And when he comes, he will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

A life that glorifies Jesus Christ: John 16:13,14 – But when that Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak of himself, but will say all that he has heard, and will tell you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will receive what is mine, and he will announce it to you.

Visions from the Spirit: Acts 2:17 – And in the last days it shall come to pass, saith God, That I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, Your young men will see visions, And your old men will dream dreams;

Manifestations of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:4-10 – Now, there is a diversity of gifts, but the Spirit is the same. And there are different ministries, but the Lord is the same. And there is a diversity of operations, but it is the same God who works all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one, for what is useful. For to one by the Spirit the word of wisdom is given; and to another, by the same Spirit, the word of science; And to another, by the same Spirit, faith; and to another, by the same Spirit, the gifts of healing; And to another the working of wonders; and to another the prophecy; and to another the gift of discerning spirits; and to another the variety of languages; and to another the interpretation of tongues.

Greater desire to pray and intercede: Acts 2:41,42 – So those who gladly received his word were baptized; and on that day nearly three thousand souls were gathered,

And they continued in the apostles’ doctrine, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Greater love for the word of God and better understanding of it: John 16:13 – But when that Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak of himself, but will say all that he has heard, and will tell you what is to come.

A growing conviction of God as our father: Romans 8:15,16 – Because ye received not the spirit of slavery, that ye might again be in fear, but ye received the Spirit of adoption of children, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The same Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.

How to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

In order for us to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the Word of God cites some prerequisites for us to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

1. We must accept by faith in Jesus Christ as lord and savior of our lives.
2. We must turn away from sin and the world.
3. We must live a life of submission to God
4. . sanctifiedand meet for the use of the lord. “it
5. is necessary to want baptism
6. we must have great hunger and thirst for the baptism in the Holy Spirit
7. we must be in constant prayer, for many receive baptism as answer your prayers in this sense
8. we must expect convinced that God certainly will baptize us in the Holy Spirit.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit remains alive in the life of every Christian who has a life of prayer, testimony, worship in the spirit, and a sanctified life.

However powerful the initial experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit may be upon the believer’s life, if it is not expressed in a life of prayer, witness, and holiness, will soon become a fading glory. once in a Christian’s life and leads him to a life of consecration to the work of God, in order to witness with power and righteousness. 

The Bible speaks of renewals after the initial baptism of the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit leads the Christian into a relationship with the Holy Spirit, which must be renewed and preserved.

Therefore, if we seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we must upon receiving it, continue to persevere in prayer, and in constant search for the heavenly gifts that God has to bestow on our lives.

The Holy Spirit is our friend, our Counselor, the one who is by our side to help us in the journey of faith. We must have the Holy Spirit as our friend, and talk to Him daily, telling him of our difficulties, telling him that we love him, we adore him, and that he is important to us.

No matter how long we are looking for this coating of power, we must continue to persevere in constant prayer, for God will certainly clothe us with this power and give us authority and power to work wonders in His work. God will surely baptize you in the Holy Spirit anytime, just believe and continue in prayer.

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