The Power Of A Spirit-Filled Life! Part 4: How to Receive the Holy Spirit

Original material by Andrew Wommack & Don Krow with updates from Eileen Plemmons

A person is “sealed” with Holy Spirit upon believing (Ephesians 4:30) changing kingdoms, from darkness to Light. What does it mean then, to “receive” Holy Spirit and how do Christians do that?

Picture this: A friend is in your home. You’re home but not available. The friend sits down, waiting for you. You walk into the room, exchange pleasantries, and “receive” them. Similarly, the Holy Spirit’s inside a believer (sealed). However, He may not have been “received”.

The foremost gift upon receiving Holy Spirit, is the gift of tongues. Why? “Tongues are not a sign for believers, but a miracle for unbelievers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is not for unbelievers, but a miracle sign for believers” (1 Corinthians 14:22). When speaking in tongues, the Christian speaks to God, speaking mysteries in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:2).

Prophecies build up, encourage, bring comfort and revelation knowledge to the congregation. Tongues edifies the individual, unless there’s an interpretation, giving understanding to the congregation. Christians speaking in tongues can also be praying, singing or giving thanks (1 Corinthians 14:15). “At times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

On Pentecost, the disciples were waiting for the promise of Holy Spirit. Suddenly – “They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!” (Acts 2:1-4) This is one of two times Holy Spirit is given without the “laying on of hands,” the second being Acts 10:44-46.

When a Christian speaks in tongues, who is speaking? The individual. Who is giving utterance to the Christian? The Spirit.

Jesus’ disciples were sealed with Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23), then a few days later were baptized in Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). His purpose is to empower believers for service, ministry, witnessing, as a miracle sign for unbelievers, speaking to God, speaking mysteries in the Spirit and edifying the individual.

Is the baptism in Holy Spirit for us today? Yes!

What do you need to do to receive Holy Spirits’ baptism? You have to want Him! “Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you’ll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.” – Jesus, (Matthew 7:7)