In Acts chapters 1 and 2, we observe a group of men and women who have no idea what is about to happen to them. They are not sure of the future, fearful of the Jews, fearful that Jesus has left them. They are just regular folks like you and me, nothing special. No PhDs in this group. No leaders. No vision. No strategy (unless electing a replacement for Judas is a strategy).
But then something happened! The baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire that Jesus had prophesied about, came down upon them. And this ragtag group became an unshakable army! They went out and changed the world (Acts 17:6).
In just a few years, the gospel had gone out and churches were planted all over Asia Minor. In a few more years, the gospel had penetrated as far as Rome.
What was the foundation of this revolution? What happened?
The only explanation is that they were baptized by the Holy Spirit and with fire! When we look at the four major Holy Spirit baptisms in the book of Acts (Acts 2:1-4; 4:31; 10:44-46; and 19:1-6) we can observe four things that characterized this amazing baptism.
What are the Characteristics of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
First, we observe that the disciples wanted to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. In each situation, the disciples don’t fight the process, just the opposite—they want to experience the baptism. They long for the power. They want the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They wait on it and get it.
Secondly, we see that speaking in tongues often accompanied the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Not every time but often, the laying on of hands and prayer led to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit accompanied by speaking in tongues—in known and unknown languages.
Thirdly, in every case, when the baptism of the Holy Spirit came, the people received power and boldness. In Acts 2 and 4, the gospel is preached boldly, and three thousand people get saved and then another five thousand get saved in one day! In Acts 4:31 “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” In all our passages, the believers become bold to share the gospel and prophesy.
And last, in every case, the baptism of the Holy Spirit results in God being magnified! I believe this is the main point in the baptism of fire—Jesus and the Kingdom of God are magnified, and darkness is driven back.
So, what am I saying? It’s not great strategies we need. It’s not fancy buildings we need. It’s not new and novel approaches in evangelistic crusades. Though these things are important, they are not paramount. What is needed in America today is a New Testament baptism of the Holy Spirit resulting in a New Testament Kingdom of God revolution!
Pastor Steve
