The Holy Spirit 2

Acts 10:44-46 (KJV) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God…

One of the major reasons Nnena didn’t receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit was because she once listened to a preacher that criticized what he called “the indiscriminate speaking of tongues”. This preacher and his followers insisted that believers should not speak in tongues because many did not know how to interpret tongues. He also said things that made the gift of tongues undesirable to his followers.

A time came when Nnena knew she needed the manifest power of God in her life because of the demonic attacks on her family. As she started seeking to walk in the power that God promised his children, she discovered that the key to receiving this power is being filled with the Holy Spirit. As soon as her desire for the Holy Holy Spirit trumped her reservation about speaking in tongues, she was ready to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Many have asked why some insist that those who receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit must speak in tongues. I have asked that question too several times. But what we see repeatedly in scripture is that when people received the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and glorified God(See Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:6, Acts 2:2-4). If like Nnena, the devil can get you to loathe speaking in tongues, it would be very difficult for you to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

A rejection of someone’s gift is similar to rejecting the person himself.

The Holy Spirit does not come to those who do not want Him. Jesus reveals in John 7:37-39 the criteria for believers to receive the Holy Spirit. He says “if any man thirst, let him come to me and drink”. Thirst here indicates a deep desire for the Holy Spirit (read John 7:37-39).

If you have been a believer, but you have not yet received the Holy Spirit (with the evidence of speaking in tongues), know that it is only when you start desiring the Holy Spirit like you desire water after being thirsty for a long time, that you will receive Him. It is only after the Holy Spirit comes upon you that you will receive power(See Acts 1:8).

Go into today praying with Luke 11:11-13. Ask the Father to give you the Holy Spirit.

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