How to Lead People into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Evangelism Toolbox

Jesus was born of the Spirit in the womb of Mary.  He never needed to be born again by the Holy Spirit as we do.  But Jesus needed to be baptized in the Holy Spirit for ministry empowerment.  John wrote of Jesus baptism, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and remaining UPON Him."  (1:32)  This UPON Holy Spirit is the baptism we all need to be empowered for life and ministry.  Then John said, "Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit". (1:33)  For us His people the church, this initial baptism or the "baptism of the Holy Spirit in fire and power" happened on Pentecost. Jesus had already given the Holy Spirit to the disciples in John 20:21.  So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."  And when He has said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22)  So Pentecost does not represent the initial giving of the Holy Spirit but the "baptism of the Holy Spirit". You need this "baptism of the Holy Spirit" to witness with power and move in the supernatural gifts like healing, word of knowledge, word of wisdom and other signs Paul talks about in I Corinthians 12. Luke wrote in the book of Acts 1:8 "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Remember you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at the time of your salvation.  This indwelling Holy Spirit, however, is not the second work of the Holy Spirit...empowerment.

Here are the principles:
1. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is received by faith just like your salvation.  You simply "believe and receive".  

2. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is released by confession with your tongue and mouth. You can pray something like, "I believe Lord Jesus, that you want to empower me for ministry by giving me Your power of the Holy Spirit.  I now receive by faith this wonderful gift you promised me.  Take my life completely and I ask the Holy Spirit to come upon me and anoint me with your fire. Loose my tongue to speak praises unto your name." 

3. The early church and today's church often evidences this baptism with the supernatural gift of tongues.  Most people have the freedom to began speaking in tongues immediately following their baptism in the Spirit.  Acts 2:2-4 says, "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

4. If you are leading someone into the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you want to encourage them to begin speaking in tongues and worshipping God by speaking in tongues with them. It often gives them courage to release there own gift from Jesus.

5. God often transfers giftings through the laying on of hands.  I have taught Christian workers to lay hands on those receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

6. The gift of tongues has often been different languages of the world.  We have witnessed people speaking in a language they have never learned with others in the room knowing that language.  The interpretation is always one of exalting Jesus and praising God.

I cannot over emphasize the importance of being "Holy Spirit" empowered for ministry.  The gifts of the Spirit are always given for effective witness.  Jesus used the "word of knolwedge" with the woman at the well.  He used the "gifts of healings" to bring people into the kingdom. Remember Jesus never performed any miracles until He was empowered by the Holy Spirit at His baptism.  He is our example for all ministry.

                      How to lead people into the baptism of the Holy Spirit (3 min video)