"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17)

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity and a very important one at that! We see him present at creation and actively working throughout time. When we embrace the saving grace of God at salvation we believe that we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit as well.

And yet the Word of God points to what we refer to as the "baptism with the Holy Spirit" that is available to Christians for a very distinct purpose.


The Question
The Apostle Paul asks a vital question to the believers in Ephesus, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when (or since) you believed?" This is a question that begs an answer from believers even today. Perhaps we are unaware that the Holy Spirit even exists or that he is available to partner with us for Kingdom living. Perhaps we’ve been taught to understand that the Holy Spirit’s ministry ceased long ago and that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is inapplicable or outdated. This simply is not the case!

"For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:5)


The Answer
As you read on in Acts 1 you will find the purpose for which we are beckoned to "wait for the gift my Father promised...." The purpose is power. We are promised to receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on us so that we are indwelled with a passion and intensity to tell the world about the incredible love of God. Scripturally, we know that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is not a prerequisite for entrance into heaven. However, we do see that it is a clear point of power, release and Kingdom expansion. That’s why the Bible says in Ephesians 5:18 to "not be drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is one who comes along side the believer as a source of strength, leadership, conviction, assurance, power, prompting and guidance.


Balancing Act
The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a natural next step for the believer desiring to live a "Spirit-filled and formed life". The life found in the Spirit is one of grace, freedom, gift-release and of course, love. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit is also to be marked by balance.

The Pentecostal/Charismatic movement has often been challenged in the area of balance. At Family Life Center Foursquare Church we strive to operate in the fullness of the Spirit while maintaining an atmosphere of submission to the Word of God; a safe environment for the unsaved or new believer; and a structure that embraces our corporate responsibility.

Word and Spirit
•
Structure and Spontaneity

The emphasis is placed upon the inner work of the Holy Spirit not only on the emotional experience of the human spirit. Feelings are good and important but they are not what drive us. We are driven by the truth of the Word of God and by faith in God’s ability to save us and empower us with the Holy Spirit.

FACT ------ FAITH ------ FEELINGS

Holy Spirit – The Counselor
Scripture gives us some glimpses into the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the Father but he promised that he would send "another helper" to us so that we would "not be left as orphans". The Greek word for Counselor is paraklet which means “one who comes along side.”

John 14:16 tells us that the Holy Spirit serves as a Counselor that will be with us and in us. Much as a lawyer or advocate comes along side to offer counsel, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid in our times of need.

Thankfully, this Counselor is also called the "Spirit of Truth"; therefore we have the assurance that his direction and leading will be accurate and not misleading.


Holy Spirit – The Coach
The great UCLA coach John Wooden would often begin each year of practice by holding a basketball in full view of his players and proceed to make the following statement: "Guys, this is a ball!"

It seems so simple. Yet it’s often the simple, elementary things that are overlooked or forgotten. The Holy Spirit serves as a coach to Christians by reminding us of the foundational aspects of Kingdom life.

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)

Holy Spirit - The Confirmation
Not only is the Holy Spirit’s role to remind us of the Word of God but also to be a point of confirmation of the ministry of Jesus. John 15:26 tells us that the "Spirit of truth...from the Father, will testify about me (Jesus)". The Holy Spirit is a God-appointed advocate that testifies on behalf of Jesus. It’s already been established that he will only tell the truth - which is in short supply in the world in which we live. The truth is often replaced by lies spoken by people "who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18).

When we are baptized with the Holy Spirit we have an available, internal source of confirmation in regards to Kingdom living.


Holy Spirit – The Conviction
Have you ever done something then had "that feeling" that what you did was wrong or inappropriate? That feeling is called conviction and it is a ministry of the Holy Spirit!

"When he comes (the Holy Spirit), he will convict the world of guilt in regards to sin and righteousness and judgment..." (John 16:8)


Thank God for the Baptism with the Holy Spirit! Jesus gave us a wonderful gift and a blessing to all believers that desire to operate in the fullness of the Kingdom.


Let the words of Jesus ring out in your heart:

"Receive the Holy Spirit."
(John 20:22)

If you are the seeking the Baptism with the Holy Spirit then here’s what to do now:

1. Understand the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a gift from Jesus. It should be received with gratitude. It cannot be earned or merited.

2. Be fully persuaded that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is both biblical and doctrinally correct.

3. Confess any known sins in your life and resolve to live a righteous life with God’s help.

4. Begin to worship the Lord with expressions of praise and adoration.

5. Express to the Lord Jesus, who is the Baptizer, a desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit, for his glory and your growth. The empowerment for ministry comes from the Holy Spirit.

6. Find someone to pray with you to receive the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. At Family Life Center Foursquare Church we would be more than happy to partner with you in that pursuit.