While masses of people were coming to him John the Baptist prophetically stated, “I indeed have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8). Soon after saying this, Jesus was water-baptized by John and, “Coming up out of the water, he immediately saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove” (Mark 1:10). This was the moment of empowerment and anointing for Christ’s ministry and call.
After rising from the dead, Jesus told His disciples, “I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high,” (Luke 24:48b-49). Jesus was telling His disciples that just as the Spirit descended on Him, the Holy Spirit would equip and empower them to continue the ministry He started. The baptism with the Spirit is a promise from God the Father that Jesus gives His children to be empowered to tell others about Him around the world, continuing what He started, fulfilling His Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).
The apostle Peter said, “For the promise is to you, and your children, and to all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38). Thus, the precious baptism with the Holy Spirit is for all believers. As the disciples on the Day of Pentecost were speaking in tongues, the apostle Peter confirmed that what was taking place was fulfilling Joel 2:28-32 which says that the Spirit will be poured out on all flesh, evident as dreams, visions and prophecy.
On the Day of Pentecost, which was a festival day of thanksgiving to God, tongues were prophetic as the disciples participated in forth-telling the word of God, as people from many nations gathered during the festival heard, “them speaking in our own languages the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11b).
The spiritual gift of tongues confirms the ongoing prophetic and priestly ministry of Christ to the world, as His church is a royal priesthood declaring His goodness to the world through witnessing and prayer (1 Pet. 2:9). Spirit baptism is a distinct and wonderful truth that shows how God has called and set apart His church from the world in order to effectively reach the lost with the gospel of salvation with signs following. It enhances our prayer life to empower our proclamation of the gospel.
If you want to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit so that you will be an empowered witness and take part in the continual priesthood and prophetic ministry of Christ, with love toward God, ask Him to fill you, knowing He will give you His marvelous Holy Spirit according to Luke 11:13. Then, knowing Jesus is the baptizer with the Holy Spirit, focus your affection on Him in worship, believing you will receive the promise from the Father and will speak in tongues. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen immediately, but keep asking and exercising your faith as you seek Him daily.
You will do the speaking as His Spirit enables and empowers you while you worship Him. When you receive this gracious promise, thank Him and pray in tongues daily, knowing you are praising Him and participating in His continual prophetic ministry and His kingdom will be accomplished on earth through you in your sphere of influence. {eoa}
Jared Laskey is starting Destiny Church in Virginia Beach, VA and is a Master of Divinity student at Regent University, with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, NC (2016) and a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Studies from Eugene Bible College (2003). He served in the Marine Corps from 2006-2011 with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He lives to see Jesus awaken this generation to the power of His Holy Spirit. You can follow him on Twitter @jaredalaskey, or contact him through firebornministries.org .
