BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
By Rev Michael Benson Ajay
"While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied." Acts 19:1-2, 6 NLT
Every believer in Jesus Christ is expected to be baptized in the Holy Spirit . Holy Spirit baptism is the license we give to God to possess our spirit , soul and body with his Spirit . It is likened to being under the influence of alcohol . A drunkard is bold and not ashamed . At that point the content of the heart is revealed . The bible says "Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,"Eph 5:18 NLT Persons who drink do so to overcome sorrow and for joy . This can be achieved through the Holy Spirit without being drunk with alcohol. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit baptism is the key to achieving emotional stability . Holy Spirit baptism takes place while asking God in prayer to be filled with his Spirit and when hands are laid on you by an anointed minister . He anoints us with power to preach the gospel with signs and wonders following (Acts1;8;Lk4:18;Acts4:29,31)
Through the Holy Spirit we develop a closer working relationship with the Father because he transforms us into new persons ( Eph5:18,19; 1 Sam10:6, Ps50:10-13)
The Holy Spirit keeps us in tune with God's will , this is what gives us peace and adds value and virtue to the lives of believers. The bible says " But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. .." Gal 5:22-23 NLT These are the signs that a person is living by the Spirit. This is what gives life to marriages and relationships. Married persons should always ask for the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their lives on a daily basis ( Rom8 :26 ,27; Jude 1:20)
Prayerful Spirit-led spouses are better equipped to face marital challenges . We should trust the Holy Spirit to comfort us during trying times , he is our comforter ( Jn14:16,26; Jn16:7; Act9:31) He protects us against deception ,he is the Spirit of Truth ( Jn16:13; 1 Jn5:6b) .
Filling your hearts with spiritual thoughts gives life "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will." Romans 8:5-7 NLT
Too much exposure to negative media leads to depression and suicidal tendencies , instead fill your heart with thoughts of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:8) Let him guide your thoughts.
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 the Holy Spirit and power to be fruitful in Jesus name.
+2348035536911, +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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