THE INITIAL EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST BAPTISM

By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi

1 Cor 12:30 NKJV ” … Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? ”

      This scripture has been often misinterpreted  to mean the gift of tongues is not for all believers, but that is far from the truth. Scriptures are best understood when examined contextually and the context of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 is on the need for synergy among believers in spreading the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

           The question posed by Apostle Paul was on the ability to speak in a Spirit-inspired and unlearned language that may not be understood by the speaker except he or she is given an interpretation by the Holy Spirit but could be understood by a targeted audience to whom the Holy Spirit wants to speak to. An example of this was the world conference on the day of Pentecost:, the scriptures says in Acts 2:4 that the disciples immediately began to speak with other tongues as the Holy Ghost gave them utterance and this language was understood by the various nations there gathered, Acts 2: 7-8 NKJV says “Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? “this was what Paul was making reference to . It will be illogical to interpret 1 cor.12:30 to mean we are not all expected  to speak in tongues ; that runs contrary to God’s will who desires  that we all speak  in tongues for our personal edification (1cor.14:5 )

         Speaking in tongues is by choice. We do the speaking and the Holy Ghost gives the words. If speaking in tongues is so beneficial, why should a believer in Christ reject the crowning jewel of the salvation experience? The  truth is, many people have once mocked those who spoke in tongues and until they apologize to the Holy Spirit for making light of such a precious gift , they will continue to find it difficult to apply the faith required to receive this precious gift. The lord is sensitive to such issues (Mt12:31). 

The Initial Evidence of Holy  Ghost baptism  The infilling of the Holy Spirit is likened to being drunk with alcohol, which is synonymous with an irrational speech pattern . That was why the disciples were thought to be drunk with wine on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4-13. Kjv. Scriptural accounts of the Spirit’s baptism reveals  speaking in other  tongues as being consequent on receiving the Spirit .Examples include The Day Of Pentecost in (Acts 2:1-4) Exactly fifty days after the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit manifested upon 120 disciples waiting in Jerusalem as foretold by the prophets. This was evidenced by a wind and flames of fire from Heaven – the word for “Spirit” also means “wind” and it’s indicative of the life force which is typical of the Holy Spirit. The fire is symbolic of sanctification and purification.

     Also in (Acts. 10: 44-48) Peter was instructed to visit a gentile: Cornelius, a Roman soldier. Peter was a Jewish religious bigot and as he began to speak to them about the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 34:-43), the Holy Spirit rested on all of them that heard the word. Peter’s Jewish companion's doubt was erased about the gentiles (Acts 10:45) when “they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God” (vs 46)this prompted Peter to say: “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? Acts 10:47.

    Again Paul came to the Greek city of Ephesus where he met some disciples of John the Baptist and asked “have you received the holy Spirit since you believe?” – They affirm: ‘We have not even so much as heard weather there be any Holy Spirit.” Paul now explained and prayed for them “Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Acts19:2-6. Those who genuinely speak in other tongues are a threat to Satan and have a more dynamic christian life with signs and wonders following .Do not despise speaking in other tongues it is an indispensable ingredient for victorious living. Receive the Holy Spirit now. 

  Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace to confront and conquer the works of darkness that have risen against me in Jesus name .

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