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DEDICATION

IdedicatethisbooktomydearwifeAnni,whohasfaithfullybeenatmysideinmarriage,familyandglobalministryforover53years.

Justlastweek,Isaidtoher:“WhenIlookonyourface,Iseetherisingsun.”

Whenwestartedourlivestogether,wechosePsalm113:3,“Fromtherisingofthesun,tillthegoingdownofthesamethenameoftheLordbepraised.”

REINHARDBONNKE

TABLEOFCONTENTS

PrefaceIntroductionRapidGospelFire

SECTION1:HOLYSPIRITHIGHLIGHTSGodofWondersBaptizedinFireYouShallReceivePowerEverPresentHelpDon’tLimitHimAllOutforJesus

SECTION2:THESPIRITANDTHESON-JESUSTHEBAPTIZERTheAnointedOneTheSon’sPassionDivineImperativeThePriceHasBeenPaid

SECTION3:AMIGHTYRUSHINGWIND-PENTECOSTAPromiseFulfilledPropheticEvangelismTheGospelofPentecostAFireCombinationALighttotheGentiles

SECTION4:DIPPEDINFIRE-THEBAPTISMOFTHEHOLYSPIRITTheLatterRainHolySpiritDynamismTheOverflowHardEvidence

SECTION5:TOOLSOFFIRE-THEGIFTSANDPOWEROFTHEHOLYSPIRIT

PreciousandPricelessGifts,NotPurchasesTheGreaterGiftStirringUptheGiftPowerFromOnHigh

SECTION 6: PEOPLE AFLAME - THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THEBELIEVER

NoCarbonCopiesMoreThanaDoublePortionRoyalPriesthoodNewDimensionsofGloryandPowerMoreThanCapableNeverAlone

SECTION 7: A FOREST OF FIRE - THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THECHURCH

ANewGenesisTheUnchangingTransformerGiftedChurchHolySpirit-PoweredHisAbidingPresence

SECTION8:FIREDUP-THEHOLYSPIRIT’SCHALLENGEItIsYourTimeFaithLikeaMustardSeedNotByMightorFeelingsSupernaturalWorkingPowerTheWorldIsWaitingChooseFaith!It’sGoTime

SECTION 9: ENTERING A LIFE OF FIRE: HOW TO RECEIVE THEBAPTISMINTHEHOLYSPIRIT

PARTONE:TheBaptismintheHolySpirit:WhatItIs

PARTTWO:TheBaptismintheHolySpirit:HowtoReceiveIt

PREFACE

IwasinvitedtopreachataChristianmeetingwherethepeopledidnotbelieveinthepowerof theHolySpirit.Suddenly, in themiddleofmyservice, theHolySpirit fell, and the people were rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit andpraising.When I looked at the crowd, right in themiddle were three or fourpeoplewhoweretotallyuntouched.Theyhadtheireyesopenandwerelookingaroundinsteadofparticipatinginthesupernaturalevent.Andthenitcametomyheart–thesepeoplemustbeasbestosChristians.Theywerefireproof,evenwhenthefireoftheHolySpiritfell.Iwanttotellyou,IpersonallyamflammableforGod. Iwant toburnwith the fireof theHolySpirit andcarry aburning torchrighttotheendofmylife.Thisexperiencegavemethetitleofthisbook.AndIputthatquestiontoyoutoday.Areyouflammableorfireproof?

INTRODUCTION

The book of Acts reads better than any modern novel. It has clearly definedcharacters–some in leading roles and others as supporting cast. It has action,adventure,triumphandtragedy.ThesceneschangefromJerusalemtoDamascustoAntiochtoRome,fromprisoncellstoshipwrecks.WeencounterthewindoftheHolySpiritandtheemboldenedpeasantapostleswhomovedinphenomenalmiracles and baffled government leaders of their day. However, these greatapostleswerenotalwaysdistinguishednordidtheyalwaysactnobly.

I was startled when I read in Mark 16:8 that the disciples, before Jesusascendedtoheaven,didnotbelieve.ThesameunbeliefisfoundinMark16:11.Then, twoverses later inverse13, the same fourwords– theydidnotbelieve.Again,inverse14,thesamefourwords–theydidnotbelieve.Theywereabunchofunbelievers!Butwhatamazesmemostisthefactthatinthenextverse,verse15,Jesussaidtotheseunbelievingandfearfulbelievers,“GointoalltheworldandpreachtheGospeltoeverycreature.”IfIhadbeenthere,pleaseallowmetosaythis,IwouldhaveapproachedJesusfrombehindandwhisperedintoHisear,“Master, Lord, don’tYou know that the disciplesYou just gave the SupremeCommissiontoareabunchofunbelievers?Theywillneverbeabletodoit.”Ithink Jesus would have turned around, put His finger over His lips and saidquietlytome,“Bonnke,youdon’tknowthatIhaveasecret.”

Whatwasthesecret?Somethinghappenedbetweenverse14andverse20.Inverse20,weread,“Theywentoutandpreachedeverywhere,theLordworkingwith themand confirming theWord through the accompanying signs,Amen.”Whathappenedbetweenverse14andverse20?Chronologically,ActsChapter2happened.Thediscipleswalkedoutofweaknessandarrivedatthepowertodowhat Jesus had commissioned them to execute after He ascended to heaven:“ButyoushallreceivepoweraftertheHolySpirithascomeuponyou,andyoushallbewitnesses toMe inJerusalemand inall JudeaandSamariaand to theendof the earth” (Acts1:8). In the sameway,we all can leaveweakness andstepintounendingpower.

PoweristheessenceoftheChristianwitness.ItisnotaGospelaccessory.Itisnotthebellonabicycle–itisthewholemachine!Thereisnevertheslightesthint thatsomediscipleswouldbepowerless.Tobeblunt,Christianity iseithersupernaturalornothingatall.Wehad–andstillhave–asupernaturalJesus,withasupernatural ministry, creating a supernatural Church, with a supernaturalGospelandasupernaturalBible.Takethemiraculousawayandyouhavetaken

Christianity’slifeaway.TheChurchbecomesanethicalsocietyorasocialclubwhenitisintendedtobethegridsystemfortransmittingthepowerofGodintothispowerlessworld.YouandIareconductorsofGod’spowertotheworld!

TheHolySpirit and theGospelofChrist’s redeeming loveare inseparablytied together in the bundle of life. If youwant to see the power ofGod, thenignore all the techniques, manipulation and psycho-suggestion and simplypreach the Word! That is where the power of God is released–right in theGospel.IdonottakeonlyonethingoutofGod’streasurechest.IproclaimthewholeGospel,whichcontainseverythingthatwehumanbeingsneed–salvation,forgiveness,healingpeace,hopeanddeliverance.

IhavepennedsomestrongteachingsontheHolySpiritforyou,andIhaveputtogethersomedynamicPointsofPowerontheHolySpirit(FIREPOINTS).IwanttochallengeyourthinkingontheHolySpiritandinspireyoutobelieveinthe amazing power of the Spiritwithin you. There is a dynamic, dead-raisingpowerontheinsideofyou.Godhasmadeitavailabletoeverybeliever.Thereisno excuse for weakness against sin or evil. After all, we can do all thingsthroughChristwhostrengthensus(Philippians4:13).

To tell you the truth, this book summarizes the secrets of my life andministry.Iknowforsure,ifyouapplytheseprinciples,theywilldothesameforyou.

Multitudes have been baptized in the Holy Spirit during our Gospelcampaigns, andwe regularly witnessmightymanifestations of the power andloveofGod.IwanttoexplaintheunderstandingthatIhavegainedfromtheseevents.MyfinalauthorityisalwaystheBible.Certainly,experiencehashelpedmetograspthethingsoftheSpirit,butasPeterwrote,God“hasgiventousallthings that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Scripture validatesexperience.InsharingmyunderstandingofthethingsoftheSpirit,ItrytoshowthatmyconclusionsarearrivedatthroughtheWord,illuminatedbywhatIhaveseen.

RAPIDGOSPELFIRE

ForIamnotashamedoftheGospelofChrist,foritisthepowerofGodtosalvationforeveryonewhobelieves,fortheJewfirstandalsofortheGreek.

ROMANS1:16

TAKETHESAFETYOFF

TheGospelistheonlygunwhichbringsadeadmanbacktolifewhenshot.

FOUNDINGDOCUMENTS

The Bible is the constitution of the Kingdom of God. No majority of anyparliament on earth, no earthly government or SupremeCourt can change it.Democratic vote or consensus does not decideBible truth. “Forever,OLord,Yourword is settled in heaven” (Psalm119:89). Jesus said,“I am the truth”(John14:6).

BREAKINGNEWS

TheGospel,whenpreached,happens!Itbecomesanevent.

UNLEASHTHEFIRE

We do not defend the Gospel with barbed wire. The Gospel is best defendedwhenexposedtoitsenemies.Itknowshowtotacklethem.

ROCKSOLID

TheWordofGodisasolidrock,notaheapofpebbleswhichisacollectionofChristianopinions.

AMBASSADORS

TheGospelisnotanamendmenttoimproveahumanresolution.NomatterhowhumbletheGospelpreacher,effectivelyheisanofficeroftheCrown,speakingwithauthority fromtheKingdomofGod.“WeareambassadorsforChrist”(2Corinthians5:20).

NOTMADNEWS

TheGospelisnotawordofjudgment.ItisGLADnews,notMADnews.ChrististheResurrectionandtheLife.

ALWAYSFRESH

TheGospelisnotastorywhichhasbeenpreservedlikethestoryofAlexandertheGreat. It isn’tamummified relicof thepast.There’sno such thingasoldelectricityoroldwind,andthere’snosuchthingasanoldGospel.

AGELESS

TheWordofGodisasagelessaslife.Itisnotanantiqueneedingpreservation.Godpreservesthechurch.“InHimweliveandmoveandhaveourbeing”(Acts17:28).

GOSPELGRENADE

Whenfaithandwitnesscombine,itproducessomethinglikeanexplosion.PaulsaidtheGospelis“thepowerofGod”(Romans1:16).

NATIONALSECURITY

The Gospel is nothing less than a nation-saver. It is a power pack for thenations,designedtoputadynamicchargeintoalllife.Jesussaves!

GODOFWONDERS“NowwhenHe(Jesus)gotintoaboat,HisdisciplesfollowedHim.And

suddenlyagreattempestaroseonthesea,sothattheboatwascoveredwiththewaves.ButHewasasleep.ThenHisdisciplescametoHimandawokeHim,saying,‘Lord,saveus!Weareperishing!’ButHesaidtothem,‘Whyareyoufearful,Oyouoflittlefaith?’ThenHearoseandrebukedthewindsandthesea,andtherewasagreatcalm.Sothemenmarveled,saying,‘Whocanthisbe,that

eventhewindsandtheseaobeyHim?’”MATTHEW8:23-27

Through the baptism of theHoly Spirit,we all have access to a dead-raising,resurrectionpowerApowerlesschurchisadisgrace.TheHolySpiritisalwaysinontheactwhenyouactforGod.Ifyoudon’tworkforGod, you don’t need power, and nonewill be given.But once you arebaptizedintheSpirit,thepotencyisunstoppable.

PAULPRAYSFORTHEEPHESIANS(1:18-20NIV)THAT“THEEYESofyourheartmaybeenlightenedinorderthatyoumayknow...HisincomparablegreatpowerFORUSwhobelieve.ThatpowerisliketheworkingofHismightystrength,whichHeexertedinChristwhenHeraisedHimfromthedead.”Paulusesawordheretodescribethegreatnessoftheavailableresources—megethos.Thenuclearbombismeasuredin“megatons.”ButPaulgoesonebetterandtalksabout“hypermegethos”orsupergreatness.ThatishowweshouldmeasureoureffectivenessinChristianservice,andthatistheresourceavailabletoeveryoneofGod’sservants.

The Divine nature is not just supernatural; it is miraculous. God’spower, love and goodness transcend allmatter.Where the presence ofGodis,expectlight,lifeandexcellence–mountainsaremadelow,valleysare lifted and the crooked is made straight (Isaiah 40:4). There is nosuchwordasimpossibleinGod’sdictionary.

THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPENS WHEN GOD IS AROUND. IT IS HIShallmark.CreationitselfbeganwhenHepassedby.Jobspeaksoftheuniverseas“buttheouterfringeofHisworks”(Job26:14NIV),likeatrackleftbywalkingonwetgrass. Itwas the samewith Jesus.Youcould tellwhenHehadpassedthroughaJewishvillage.Therewerenosickpeopleleft!WhereHeis,there’snoproblemwithwalkingonwaves,healingthesickorfeeding5,000withaboy’spacked lunch. It just happens; the elements bend to His will. “God causesEVERYTHING to work together for the good of those who love God . . . ”(Romans8:28NLT).

Godisnotjustsupernatural;Heismiraculousbynature,andsoisHisSpirit. Everything about Him is miraculous, and so is everything Hedoes. To have the Spirit is to expect the miraculous, to believe in theSpirit is to believe in themiraculous, and towalkwith the Spirit is tomoveandworkinthemiraculous.Youaremadeforsignsandwonders!

THEONLYSPIRITTHATJESUSPROMISEDUSISTHEMIRACLESpirit—theHolySpirit.Thereisnonon-miracleHolySpirit.ToclaimtopossesstheHoly Spirit and deny the veryworkwhich has always distinguishedHim canonly grieveHim.He beganwith the supreme physicalwonder of creating theworld.HedoesnotchangeHisnature.WhatHewas,Heisandalwayswillbe—Godoperatingontheearthlyscene.“IamwhoIam”(Exodus3:14).TheHolySpirit, who made the world supernaturally, should have no difficulty incontinuingsupernaturally.

Fallen, weak and human, our natural tendency is to doubt andrationalize the things of the Spirit, but in Christ Jesus, our spirit isreborn.Nowwehavefaithtoliveinthesupernaturalandbelieveforthemiraculous.Don’t let yournatural stateorphysical circumstances talkyououtofyourmiracle.

GODCREATEDTHENATURALORDERANDOPERATESthroughnaturallaw.Heisneitherboundtonorlimitedbythemorourweaknesses.Heisabletoexceedourexpectationsandevenourwildestdreams(Ephesians3:20).Andwecantrustthis.Afterall,“Godisnotahuman,thatHeshouldlie,andHeisnotahumanbeing,thatHeshouldchangeHismind.DoesHespeakandthennotact?DoesHepromiseandnotfulfill?”(Numbers23:19NIV).

BAPTIZEDINFIRE“Iindeedbaptizeyouwithwateruntorepentance,butHeWhoiscomingaftermeismightierthanI,whosesandalsIamnotworthytocarry.Hewillbaptize

youwiththeHolySpiritandfire.”MATTHEW3:11

ThebaptismoftheSpiritisacompleteimmersionofyourentirebeing–spirit, soul, body–into the Holy Spirit. It is not partial, symbolic ortemporary.EverypartofyourbeingisdippedandthoroughlybathedinthispreciousLiquidFire,permanently. It isnotaone-timeevent,as inwaterbaptism.Itisanongoingexperiencethatchangesyourverynatureandsurroundings.

SOME PEOPLE WANT ICE CREAM CHRISTIANITY, COLD BUT nice.Theywanttheirchurchestobelikemuseums.Butthechurchisnotafreezebox.ItistheFather’shouse.TheHolySpiritwarmsusupfortheFather’shouse.

Abraham,Moses, Joshua,Deborah, Elijah and Elisha–all these namesinspireaweandwonder,buttheywerehumanwithpassionslikeyouandI(James5:17).ThesameSpiritthatwasuponthemisinus.Wedidnotreceivea second-rateSpirit or experience, andwe shouldnot expect asecond-rateresult.

THEBAPTISMINTHESPIRITENDUESBELIEVERSWITHTHESpiritoftheprophets.WhentheprophetsexperiencedGodsupernaturally, theycalledittheSpiritoftheprophets.Joel2:28promisedthatthesameSpiritoftheprophetswouldbepouredoutonallflesh.Peopleofallkindswouldprophesy,notjustanindividualhereandthere.

TheKingdomofGodhascome,andweholdthekeystoit.Wemaylookordinary,innocuousorinconsequential,butmakenomistake,wearefullof power–the power of the Holy Spirit–and we are vital to God’sredemptive plan. Our tongues have the power to impact destinies andchangethecourseofevents,andinourhands,wecarrythehealingbalmofGilead.

WHENELECTRICITYWASFIRSTDISCOVERED, ITWASconsidered bymostobservers tobeanamusingnovelty.Twohundredyearsago, fewpeoplecouldconceiveofthepotentialofthepowerofelectricitytodriveindustryandlight whole cities.When people speak with other tongues, it is a sign of thepotentialofthepoweroftheHolySpirit.WecanderiveourconfidenceinwhatGodcandofromthemanifestationof theSpirit.TheSpiritofGodwillnotbelimitedtoisolatedincidentsbutwillpermeateourentireministryifweletHim.Looking tame?Christiansmay look tame, but so does an electric cable—untilyoutouchit.

YOUSHALLRECEIVEPOWER“Therefore,whentheyhadcometogether,theyaskedHim,saying,‘Lord,willYouatthistimerestorethekingdomtoIsrael?’AndHesaidtothem,‘ItisnotforyoutoknowtimesorseasonswhichtheFatherhasputinHisownauthority.ButyoushallreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou;andyoushallbewitnessestoMeinJerusalem,andinallJudeaandSamaria,andtothe

endoftheearth.’”ACTS1:6-8

Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has comeupon you” (Acts 1:8). Without that vitality, we have a secularized,rationalized and harmless religion. Mystical contemplation bears noresemblancetoNewTestamentdynamism;quietismisforBuddhists,notChristians.Don’tholdback!

HOLYSPIRITEMPOWERMENTISINTENDEDTOBETHENORMALwayChristiansfunction.BeingfilledwiththeSpiritisshowntohavehadadynamicandenergizingeffect,or“power” (dunamis), in theNewTestamentand in thelives ofmillions of people since then.There is very little Scripture to suggestthat the Holy Spirit comes upon men like a quiet breath, unobtrusive andunnoticed.Itisusuallyverynoticeable.ManifestationsoftheSpiritincludefire,wind,noise,wonders,outwardsigns,powerandvisibleeffects.

TheHoly Spirit is not a super-drug, a tranquilizer or a stimulant. Hedoesnotcometogiveusanemotionalexperience,butmakenomistakeabout it: His presence is heart-moving. Life is tough. God sends Hispowertopeopleintoughsituations.Heistheoriginallifeforcemeanttoempower us to live victoriously, abundantly and to be awitness to theworld.

“YOUSHALLBEBAPTIZEDWITHTHEHOLYSPIRITNOTMANYdaysfromnow...YoushallreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou”(Acts1:5,8).Couldithappeninourtime?Well,itdidforme.Icannotthinkofanythingmorewonderfulforhumanbeingsthanthat.ItmeansbeingfilledwithGod.Itisnot‘gettinghigh’onGod,asortofeuphoric,giddyhappiness,allfrothand bubble. It is about real enablement, strength of character, healing in thebody,Divineprotection,wisdom,andanincreaseinintelligence,favor,andallthegoodnessweneedtolivethislife.

Precious as it is, you don’t earn the anointing like an elite athletereceives an Olympic Gold medal. Like our salvation, we receive theSpiritbyfaith,notbecauseweareworthyordeserveit,buttoempowerustobeawitnessforChrist.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES NOT COME AS A reward.Powerisnotatrophyattheendofamarathon.WeneedpoweratthestartifwearetorunthemarathonforGod.Wemaybedisgraceful,perhapsstumblinginourwalk,butthatmakesitsonecessaryforustoreceivetheHolySpirit.Heisnot given on condition that we are perfect. He is given because we are notperfect.HehascomebecauseweneedHim—forthebestandfortheworstofus.Just repeat in your heart: “Holy Spirit, I really need you!” His response isimmediate—Heisthere.

EVERPRESENTHELP“AndIwillpraytheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,thatHemay

abidewithyouforever.”JOHN14:16

TheHolySpiritistheSpiritofGod–theSpiritofJesusChrist.HeisGod.WedonotreinforcetheHolySpiritbyprayer–Heisomnipotentwithoutourhelp.Nevertheless,Scripture says thatweshouldpray in theSpirit(Ephesians6:18).

THEHOLYSPIRITISGOD,THETHIRDPERSONOFTHETRINITY.Heisomnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He does not need our help, but Hechoosestouseus—toworkwithus,throughusandforus—outoflove.PrayerisnothelpingGod; it ishelpinguspartnerwithGod,surrenderingtoHimandallowing Him to take His place as Lord of our lives—Deliverer and Savior.Whatanhonorbestowedonusthatweshouldbegracedwithsuchprestigeastobe agents of a good, holy and gracious God! In a world filled with pain andsuffering,weoffersalvation.

Many are working for God, when God wants to work for them. Hedoesn’twantustoworksohardthatwedropdeadforHim.Theworkoftheministryisvital,evencritical,anditistimesensitive.However,Godstillwantsustofindtimetorestandbewithfamilyandfriends,enjoyingthegoodthingsfreelybestowedonus.

ISAWAGRAVESTONEONCEWITHAMAN’SNAMEANDepitaph:“Hislifeonlyconsistedofwork.”Imused,“Thatisanepitaphforamuleandnotaman.”Goddidn’tintendforustobebeastsofburdenortolaborlikerobots.Hecouldcreatepackhorsesinabundance,ifthat’swhatHewanted.ButwhentheLordthoughtofyouandme,Hehadsomethinginmindotherthanslaves—sons,nottrams.

DON’TLIMITHIM“HowoftentheyprovokedHiminthewilderness,andgrievedHiminthedesert!Yes,againandagaintheytemptedGod,andlimitedtheHolyOneofIsrael.

TheydidnotrememberHispower:ThedaywhenHeredeemedthemfromtheenemy,whenHeworkedHissignsinEgypt,andHiswondersinthefieldof

Zoan.”PSALM78:40-43

TheHolySpirithasnosubstitute.Heisthelifeinthepreacherandthepowerinthesermon,thedivinemagnetthatattractssoulstotheChurch.TheSpiritofGodisHisownadvertiser;ifwewillletHimtakeHisplaceintheChurchandbuildit,thegatesofhellwillnotprevailagainstit.Wewillseegrowth.

THELESSHOLYSPIRITOPERATIONWEHAVE,THEMORECAKEandcoffeeweneedtokeepthechurchgoing.Nothingagainstcoffeeorcake,butthetruth remains that the Holy Spirit has no substitute. His presence and worksspeakforthemselves.

TheHolySpiritmakesevangelismpossible.WithouttheHolySpirit,theGreatCommissionisonlyanimpossibledream.ButwiththeimpetusandinvolvementoftheHolySpirit,preachingtheGospeltoallcreationisnotjustwishfulthinking.Itisanattainablevision.

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST CENTURY, HOLY SPIRITmanifestations dramatically increased just like in Acts 2. From America, itspreadtoEurope,toAsiaandacrosstheworld.Myquestionis,ifinthelast100years,20peopleonfireforGodcouldbring800millionsoulstosalvation,howmanywillthose800millionbringtosalvationnow?NoteventheskyisthelimitwithGod!

TheHolySpirithastakenresidenceinyouandwantstomoveinyourlifewithpower.Hewants toconnectwitheverymemberofyourbeingandwitheveryfacultyofyoursoul.Surrender–yourtongue,yourbody,yourmind,yourwillandevenyoureyes–andpeoplewillseeHiminyou.

YEARSAGO,MYMUSICMINISTERANDIWERESHOPPINGFORanewkeyboard. Itwasnoonasweenteredabigmusicshop inJohannesburg,SouthAfrica. The salesman took no notice of us as we tried out all the keyboards.Suddenly,thesalesmanappeared.Heseemedtobeinastateofshockashesaidtome,witheyeswideopen,“Sir,IcanseeJesusinyoureyes!”What?TheHolySpirithadenteredthatshop.Weforgotallaboutthekeyboardandhadarevivalinstead.Butwhen Iwaswalking back tomy car, I kept saying, “Lord, Iwillneverunderstand.Howcan a total strangerwalkup tomeand say, ‘I can seeJesus in your eyes?’” Suddenly, theHoly Spirit spoke tome and said, “Jesuslives in your heart, and sometimes HE LIKES TO LOOK OUT OF THEWINDOWS.” I laughed and cried.What glorious truth! I got the point.Yearslater,ImetthewifeofthesalesmanwhotoldmethatherhusbandhadfollowedJesusfortherestofhislife.PraiseGod.

ALLOUTFORJESUS“Thereforewealso,sincewearesurroundedbysogreatacloudofwitnesses,letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichsoeasilyensnaresus,andletusrunwithendurancetheracethatissetbeforeus,lookinguntoJesus,theAuthorandFinisherofourfaith,WhoforthejoythatwassetbeforeHimenduredthecross,despisingtheshame,andhassatdownattherighthandofthethroneofGod.”

HEBREWS12:1-3

AreweashamedoftheGospel?Paulwasn’t.Heshavedhisheadtoshowthat he had made a vow (Acts 21:24). People would notice that–askinheadapostle.ButHEWASNOTASHAMED!HehadswornanoathtodosomethingforGod!Whynotwefire-baptizedbelievers?

WHEN THE 120 EMERGED FROM THE UPPER ROOM, THEY weredifferent!Theyweresealed,changedandthatchangewasnoticeable.WhatdopeoplelooklikewhoemergefromourchurchesonaSundaymorning?SupposeGod’s fire fell in a stadiumduring aGospel crusade and everybody cameoutdrunkwiththeHolySpirit?ThebaptismintheHolySpiritisNOTAPRIVATEMATTER!ItisaPUBLICEVENT!GlorytoGod!

The world admires every passionate enthusiasm except one: love forGod. What do we want? Do we want our cozy culture andsophistication–ortheburningandthrobbingdriveoftheDivinenature?IfyouwantallofHim,thenyouhavetogofullthrottle.

THE GLORIOUS EXPERIENCE OF BEING SWEPT INTO THE ocean ofGod’spurposes,carriedalongin thatPentecostalmightyrushingwind—isthatwhatweareafraidof?Hasthestarchofwhatwecallcivilizationstiffenedourclothingandturneditintosteelarmorsothatithasbecomedifficultto‘putonChrist?’Where areHis tears?His passion—our cross—bearing?Where is ourtotalunselfconsciousnessandyieldednesstoGod?IfyouwantallofHim,thenyoumustgofullthrottle.Don’tholdback.

Ayoungman toldme that he had a call to preach theGospel, but hispastorwasnotwillingtogivehimhispulpit.Ilookedathimandsaid,“Iwill give you a pulpit!”He looked atmewide-eyed and said, “What?You want to give me your pulpit?” I said, “No, but I can give you apulpit. Every street corner is a pulpit.” I continued, “That is where Istarted,andyouhave tobegin thereaswell.”TheScripturesays,“Donotdespisethesesmallbeginnings,fortheLordrejoicestoseetheworkbegin”(Zechariah4:10NLT).

MINISTRY GROWTH COMES IN PHASES. GROWTH HAPPENS slowly.Youwillmature in theWord, in faith, in theHolySpirit and in bearing fruit.Don’tgiveupwhenoppositioncomes.Jesusmadeusmorethanconquerors.Wehave an open heaven, angels ascending and descending, our prayers reachingheavenunhindered,andtheHolySpiritconstantlypouringuponuslikesunshinefromacloudlesssky.

THEANOINTEDONE“WhenHehadbeenbaptized,Jesuscameupimmediatelyfromthewater;and

behold,theheavenswereopenedtoHim,andHesawtheSpiritofGoddescendinglikeadoveandalightinguponHim.Andsuddenlyavoicecamefromheaven,saying,‘ThisisMybelovedSon,inWhomIamwellpleased.’”

MATTHEW3:16,17

JesussaidthatJohntheBaptistwasaburningandashininglamp,buthebaptizedwithwaterinthecoldwatersoftheJordan.ButJesusisnota lamp. He is the Light, the Lord Himself. He baptizes in a differentJordan,thespiritualone,whichisblazinghotwithfirefromthealtarofGod,bringinghealingandpower

JOHNTHEBAPTISTKNEWABOUTBAPTISMINTHESPIRIT,FORGodtoldhim.Infact,JohnsaidthatishowwewouldidentifyChrist.BaptisminfirewoulddistinguishHim.Itwouldbesomethingthatnobodyelsehadeverdoneoreverwould do. There are religions a-plenty, but Christ stands apart. OnlyHebaptizesintheHolySpiritandfire(Matthew3:11).

Though conceived by theHoly Spirit, Jesus needed the baptism of theSpirit as He embarked on His ministry. As John the Baptist baptizedJesus in the Jordan, a second baptism took place. The Spirit of GoddescendedonHim,likeadove,notasaflameoffire,becausetherewasnothingtoburninJesus.

THE GREAT PATTERN FOR CHRISTIANS IS JESUS, AND HE WASbaptizedintheHolySpirit.TheGospelsofMatthew,MarkandLukeallrecordthesameevent.ThefourthGospel,John,givesmoredetail.JohntheBaptist,thefore-runnerofJesus,declared,“IsawtheSpiritdescendingfromheavenlikeadove, and He remained on Him” (John 1:32). Jesus Himself explained, “TheSpiritoftheLordisuponMe,becauseHehasanointedMetopreachtheGospel. . .”(Luke4:18).Peter, inActs10:38,said,“GodanointedJesusofNazarethwiththeHolySpiritandwithpower.”JohntheBaptistsaidathrillingthing.“Hewhosentmetobaptizewithwatersaidtome,‘UponWhomyouseetheSpiritdescending and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the HolySpirit’”(John1:33).

Christhadahumanexperience fromGod to showwhat theperfecthumanexperience should be. He was the first of multitudes. He was the first HolySpirit-baptized man on earth. John 3:34 (NIV) says, “God gives the Spiritwithoutlimit.”John1:16declares,“OfHisfullnesshaveweallreceived. . .”Thatisthewonderfultruth—whatHereceivedwasforus.Hewasfilledforus,andoutofHisinfinitefullnesswearefilled.

Hewasbornforus,andHelivedforus.HesaidthatHewasbaptizedinwater and in the Spirit for us. He ministered, died, rose, ascended togloryandiscomingbackforus.

THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSLATES JESUS’ LIFE INTO OUR experience.WhenHechose the roleofhuman,Heacceptedhumanity’sneed for theHolySpirit.HeidentifiedHimselfwithus,andsaid,“ThusitisfittingforUStofulfillall righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Jesus was the Son of God, but He stoodwherewe all stand as human beings. Thismeant that the day camewhenHemovedintoanewexperience,endowedwiththeSpirit.Itwasnotconversionornewbirth.TheSonofGodneverhad that need.His example showed that thebaptism in the Spirit is not to be confused with regeneration or any otherspiritualevent.HereceivedaseparateanduniqueexperienceoftheHolySpiritforHisministry.Thatishowitshouldbeforusall,aswefollowHisexample.

Theseare thegiant footprints of amanorwomanbathed in the liquidfireoftheHolySpirit.Everystepdripswithfirethatscorchesscorpionsandserpentsinourpath,leavingatrailofdeliveranceandblessings.

THEWORD“BAPTISM”ISTODAYACHURCH-RELATEDWORD,butinancient times it justmeant immersion.When adyer put cloth intodye, itwasimmersed or baptized,meaning that the fabric took on the nature of the dye.WhenJesus,standingintheriveroftheHolySpirit,callsusandwefollow,HeputsHisarmaroundusandbaptizesusintheliquidfireoftheHolySpirit.Wearetheninthefire,andthefireisinus.Aswerisefromthisgloriousriver,werealize thatwearecompletelysaturatedand totallysoaked.This isnot foroneaspect or function, but represents the immersion of our entire personality.Imagineyougetoutoftheriver,andyoufeelhowthislivingfiredripsfromyou.Everydevilintownwillknowwhereyouwent,becausetheycanrecognizethedropsoffireinyourfootprints.Anointedtracks!

Jesus did not baptize anyonewith fire duringHis earthly life.He saidthat He would do it after He had gone to His Father. And He did,beginningwiththeDayofPentecostrecordedinActs2.That‘afterward’isstillgoingon.There’snochangeofprogram.JesusisstilltheBaptizerin theHoly Spirit.Hehas not retiredor changedHis role.HowcouldHe,whenthepromiseisforpeople“afaroff?”(Acts2:39).

ANEWCHAPTEROFTHEACTSOFTHEAPOSTLES ISBEINGwritten.Today,thebaptismintheSpiritinspireshundredsofmillionsofnewbelieversinpower-evangelism.Beincluded!

THESON’SPASSION“WhenitwasalmosttimefortheJewishPassover,JesuswentuptoJerusalem.Inthetemplecourts,Hefoundpeoplesellingcattle,sheepanddoves,andotherssittingattablesexchangingmoney.SoHemadeawhipoutofcords,anddroveallfromthetemplecourts,bothsheepandcattle;Hescatteredthecoinsofthemoneychangersandoverturnedtheirtables.TothosewhosolddovesHesaid,‘Gettheseoutofhere!StopturningMyFather’shouseintoamarket!’His

disciplesrememberedthatitiswritten:‘ZealforYourhousewillconsumeme.’”JOHN2:13-17NIV

Tosome,itwasaplaceofworship.Toothers,itwasaplaceofbusinessto make a living by any means necessary. But to the Son, it was HisFather’sHouse–sacredgroundandaplaceofprayer for thesalvation,healinganddeliveranceofthenations.So,outcamethewhipagainstthemoney changers, the thieves and abusers, making the Pharisees fumewithrageandriskingHisverylife.ButwiththehonorofHisFatheratstakeandthedeliveranceofnationshanginginthebalance,Helaughedat death because it was all worth it. To the crossHewould go, if Hemust.Oh,whatapassion!

INHUMANEXPERIENCE,GOD’SFIRETRANSLATESINTOpassion—thetype of passion we saw in Jesus. Perhaps He wasn’t only passionate in Hiswords.WhenJesuswasgoingtoJerusalemforthelasttime,wereadthatHewaswalkingaheadofHisdisciples.TheysawhowHeurgedHimselfonward.“Nowtheywereontheroad,goinguptoJerusalem,andJesuswasgoingbeforethem;and theywere amazed.Andas they followed theywere afraid” (Mark10:32).Why?Somehow,thefireinHissoulwasevidentinthewayHewalked.

When they arrived, Jesus saw the desecration of the temple. The disciplesthen had further evidence ofHis passionate feelings.His reaction turnedHiminto an awesome figure. The disciples were reminded of the words of Psalm69:9:“ForzealforYourhousehasconsumedme...”Butitwasanangerbornout of love, not a cold fury. Jesus was not a frenzied fanatic. He loved HisFather’s house, that’s all. It was His desire to see people in the temple,worshippingwithfreedomandhappiness.Butcommercialisminthetemplehadspoiledallthat.Hisheartoverflowedlikeavolcano.ThefireoftheHolySpiritin His soul made Him cleanse the temple. His actions were frightening, andmanyfledfromthescenebecauseofthem.

The children, the blind and the lame stayed though, and He healed them(Matthew21:14-16).ThatwaswhatHehadwantedtodoanyway,andthatwasthereasonHisangerachievedfurnace-likeheat.Hisindignationaimedforjoy.He succeeded—the children ended up singing, “Hosanna!” This was the onlyoccasioninScripturewhereexcitementaboutGodwasrebuked,theonlytimeahushwasdemandedinthecourtsoftheLord.ThesilencewasdemandedbythePharisees—thepraiseoftheLordwasdrowningthetinklingoftheircommercial

tills.Moneymusicwasmuted!ThiswasallpartofthepictureofthefireoftheLord—Hisconsumingfirewasdesignedtomakewayforexuberantpraise.

DIVINEIMPERATIVE“Onthelastday,thatgreatdayofthefeast,Jesusstoodandcriedout,saying,‘Ifanyonethirsts,lethimcometoMeanddrink.HewhobelievesinMe,asthe

Scripturehassaid,outofhisheartwillflowriversoflivingwater.”JOHN7:37,38

What theHoly Spirit offers, no amount of goodworks or religion canprovide. The Spirit of God satisfies every deep hunger and thirst. Hebrings refreshment and restoration to your soul in a way that nothingandnobodyelsecan.Ifyouarewearyandneedfilling,JesusbidsyoutocometoHim,takeabreakanddrinkofthedeepwatersoftheHolySpirit(John7:37,38).

THEMOSTWONDERFULSOUNDEVERHEARDWASABOUTTOfallontheearsofthousandsofpeoplegatheredinthetemplecourtsatJerusalem.Thefinalritualsofanationalfestivalweretakingplace.Alleyesfollowedagoldenvesselfilledwithwaterandwine.AdrinkofferingwasreadytobepouredouttotheLord.Apriestliftedthegleamingvesselinthesunshineandpaused.Silencefellasthepeoplestrainedtohearthesacredwatersplashingintoabronzebowlat the altar. Then came the interruption: a voice not known for 1,000 years avoicethatmadethespinetingle.ItwasthevoiceofJesusChrist,theSonofGod.HewastheWordwhohadspokeninthebeginningandcalledforthheavenandearthintoexistence.NowatJerusalem,HestoodandissuedaroyalandDivineedict,changingthedispensationofGod:“Ifanyonethirsts,lethimcometoMeanddrink.HewhobelievesinMe,astheScripturehassaid,outofhisheartwillflow rivers of living water” (John 7:37, 38). The age of the Holy Spirit haddawned.

The liberatingeffectof theHolySpiritmakes it verydifficultandoftenimpossibletokeepyourcool,andthereisnoneedto.Thereispowerinyour shout. Give yourself the freedom to celebrate with ecstatic joy.Shout!Thereareriversofjoyflowingoutofyourinnermostbeing!(John7:38;1Peter1:8).

RETURNINGTOWHATSCRIPTURESAYSABOUTTHEHOLYSpirit,theword“rivers”isusedrepeatedlyanddescribestheidealforbelievers.RiversaresymbolicoftheHolySpirit.ItwasanticipatedinIsaiah58:11:“Youshallbe...likeaspringofwater,whosewatersdonotfail.”A“rivers”experiencerequiresthemiraclepresenceoftheHolySpirit.Formanypeople,exuberanceisforeign,unnaturalandembarrassing.Forthose,however,whostandwithintheKingdomofGod,thecultureoftheworldmatterslittle.InourKingdom,peopleshoutforjoy.Weonlyneedtoaskonequestion:IfChristdidexactlywhatHepromisedandbaptizedpeopleintheHolySpiritandfire,whatwouldtheybelike?Cool,restrainedandself-contained?TheemblemofGodisfire,notawatermelon.

THEPRICEHASBEENPAID“ThisonlyIwanttolearnfromyou:DidyoureceivetheSpiritbytheworksofthelaw,orbythehearingoffaith?Areyousofoolish?Havingbeguninthe

Spirit,areyounowbeingmadeperfectbytheflesh?”GALATIANS3:2,3

Please note! Our weaknesses do not repel God; they attract Him.Wemaybehopeless,buttheSpiritisGod’sgiftspecificallyfortheweak,tomake up for our feebleness. “He gives power to the faint and to thosewhohavenomight,Heincreasesstrength”(Isaiah40:29).

“AMAZINGGRACE,HOWSWEETTHESOUND,THATSAVEDAwretchlikeme.”AtCalvary,therewasasoundthatbroughtsalvationtohumanity,andatPentecost, therewasanothersound—thesoundofamightyrushingwind. Itwasthesoundofzeal,oflove,oftheSpiritofGodyearningfortheembraceofhumanity. Fully aware of the weaknesses of fallen humanity, the Holy Spiritcame, and He is still here for you. Our sin sent Jesus to the cross, not ourrighteousness; our weakness brought the Holy Spirit down to us, not ourperfection.

Many Christians think that they are not worthy or good enough toreceivetheHolySpirit.Yes,itistruethatwewillneverbegoodenoughfor theHoly Spirit. Butwe do not have to be! Indeed,we cannot evenhopetobe.Heisutterlyholy.ButthatiswhyweneedHim,andthatiswhyHecomes.

ITISTHEBLOODOFJESUS.HISBLOODALONEMAKESUSworthy,andweare thenansweredby thepowerand infillingof theHolySpirit (Acts1:8).Christ sends theSpirituponus—notbecausewearewonderfulChristians,butpreciselybecausewearenot!God’sheartispassionateforthesalvationofHiscreatures.Hedid notmake earth’s billions as fuel for the flamesof hell or topopulate a cold Christ-less eternity. He made them for heaven. He sends theHolySpirit,theParacleteorhelper,andweareonlyHisservantsorHisagents.Hecandoit—Heonlywantsourcooperation.

Ourholinessisnotthepowerforsignsandwonders.TheHolySpiritisthe power.Wemay beweak and possibly stumbling, but thatmakes itevenmorenecessaryforustoreceivetheHolySpirit.Heisnotgivenoncondition thatwe are perfect.He is given becausewe are not perfect.THE BIGGEST FACTOR IS THATWE NEED HIM. DO YOU NEEDHIM?

IFTHELOSTCANNOTBEREACHEDUNTILTHECHURCH consists ofperfectsaints,whenwilltheybereached?Towinthelostcannotwait.BringingthemtoJesuswillensurethatheavenisfullandhellempty.GodhasmadeHisgreatest effort, His greatest sacrifice, for people to be saved, and He did notmakeitdependentontheextentofourperfection,waitinguntilweareawalkingrule-book.Wemustseekholiness—andareencouragedbytheBibletodoso—but the salvation of souls cannot wait until we reach perfection. God’s plansalwaysincludedthegiftoftheSpiritasthepower-motiveandthepower-effectsbehindtheSupremeCommission.Thereisnowaywithoutit.

It does not matter how cold you are spiritually or how far you havewanderedfromthefaith.Likeanoldbattery,thereisalwaysaresidualcharge–onceempoweredbytheSpirit,alwaysempowered.YoujustmustcleanupwiththeBloodofJesus,andyouwillbelikebrandnew.

AFRIENDOFMINEWASCLEANINGOUTHISGARAGEAND tossed apieceofmetalasideintowhatappearedtobeapileofgarbage.Itcausedvividandaudiblesparking.Investigationrevealedanoldcarbattery.Thesteelbarhadshortedacrossitsterminals.Thecellsstillheldsomecharge,sohebroughtitoutforpossiblefutureuse.Forsome,thatmightbeaparable—you’vegivenup,andthink thepowerhasgone. Itnevergoes.Clear the rubbishoutof thewayandyouwillfindthattheHolySpiritisnotsoeasilyswitchedoff.Afterministeringunder a strong prophetic unction for years, Elisha died, but the anointingremained on his bones.When a youngman died andwas accidentally thrownintoElisha’stomb,hecamebacktolife(2Kings13:21).Thereishopeforyouyet.

TheHolySpirit’spurposeandfocusismakingthevictoriesofthecrossofChristrealinthebeliever,theChurchandtheworld.Tomoveinthepower of the Holy Spirit, make the cross of Christ your business andsalvationyourmessage.

THEHOLY SPIRIT ISABSORBED INHIS JOB.HEWORKS IN people’sheartswhat Jesusworked foruson the cross.Youcan’tdragHimaway fromthatplaceandgetHimtoattendtonon—Calvarybusiness.Onlyonredemptionground is there true spiritual power.Wonders without the cross are not HolySpiritwonders.

APROMISEFULFILLED“WhentheDayofPentecosthadfullycome,theywereallwithoneaccordinoneplace.Andsuddenlytherecameasoundfromheaven,asofarushing,

mightywind,anditfilledthewholehousewheretheyweresitting.Thenthereappearedtothemdividedtongues,asoffire,andonesatuponeachofthem.AndtheywereallfilledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakinothertongues,as

theSpiritgavethemutterance.”ACTS2:1-4

The comingof theHoly Spirit changed theworld order and tipped thescalesinfavoroftheChurch.Butthereisonemajordifference–onlytheKingdom of God can have access to this almighty power No roguenation,noaxisofevil...Justus!

THE AGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME.WHEN JESUS SENT theHolySpiritintotheworld,itwasacosmiceventwhichcouldnotbeundone.Itcreated a neworder of possibilities beyond all that had been known since thedays of Adam. A new form of life—resurrection life—was now available.Resurrection life is like radiation—not contaminating nuclear radiation, butresurrectionradiation.ThesameSpiritthatraisedJesusfromthedeadwillraiseusalsointoalifeofspiritualelevationandpower(Romans8:11).

Tobringsalvation,theHolySpirittookresidenceinChristtheLord,buttopreachsalvation, theHolySpirit takes residence in theChurch–menandwomen,youngandold,fromallnationsandtribes,cleansedwiththepreciousbloodoftheLamb.

THEHOLYSPIRITANNOUNCEDHISARRIVALINJERUSALEMthrough120 throats and wrapped Himself in the flesh of the disciples. We are Histemples,Hisresidentialaddresshereonearth.Fromthatmoment,thelivesofthediscipleswereneverthesame.AstheyradiatedthegloryofGodwithcourage,healings,miracles,propheticsignsandwonders,peopletooknoticethattheyhadbeenwithJesus(Acts2),becausethesameHolySpiritbywhichJesusoperatedwas upon them. The Holy Spirit took residence in the church and has notwithdrawn. That same Holy Spirit is with us, in us and working through ustoday.

TheHolySpiritisnotdistributedbylottery,withafewpeopleselectedtoreceive.Itisnotagameofchance.Therearenowinnersorlosers.Thosewhom God calls, He equips. There is more than enough power to goaround.No one is left out, and no one gets leftovers.Don’t disqualifyyourselfwhenyouarealreadyaccepted.

THE SCRIPTURES ARE CLEAR AND WITHOUT VAGUENESS. ThebaptismintheHolySpiritisnotjustforafewof“God’sfavorites.”No,Godhasno “favorites.” In fact,we are allHis favorites.On theDayofPentecost, 120menandwomenwereintheUpperRoominJerusalem,andwereadinActs2:3and4,“Thenthereappearedtothemdividedtongues,asoffire,andonesatuponeach of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . ” It was nocoincidence and NO LOTTERY! “Each” of the 120 received and “all” werefilled.Theirgenderwasnotaconsideration,neitherwas theiragenorracenorstatus in life.Youqualify for theHolySpiritbaptism! IT ISFORALLGod’sblood-washed children, including you and me. God’s power is unlimited; Hedoes not run out of gas, and He has more than enough power for all of Hispeople—allwhohungerandthirst.

Therewere 120 people in theUpperRoom. Somebody in heavenmusthave counted the heads, since one flame landed“on each of them.” Ifyouhaveahead,Godhasaflameforyou.Rightnow,Hiscountincludesyou.“Youshallreceivepower...”(Acts1:8).Justimagine,yourheadbecomes a landing strip for the fire of the Holy Spirit. He lands andabides–nevertotakeoffagain.

EVERYONEOFTHE120DISCIPLESINTHEUPPERROOMONtheDayofPentecostreceivedthebaptismoftheHolySpirit.Noonewasleftout.Itwasnotjustforthe12apostlesthatweknoworthatwalkedcloselywithJesus.Therewerenamelessonesthatalsoreceived.Theymaynothavebeenfamous,buttheywerefaithful.TheyshowedupintheUpperRoomandwaitedforthepromise.TheHoly Spirit came upon all, and a flame of fire landed on top of all theirheads—120flamesfor120faithfulones.Ifyoushowup,youwillhaveaflameofpowerforyourassignment.

TheHolySpiritbringsusintodivinealignmentandenablesustowalkinstepandinsyncwithGod’splansandpurposes,followingHisKingdomagenda.Romans8:14says,“ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,thesearethesonsofGod.”

APACEMAKERISASMALLDEVICETHAT’SPLACEDINTHEchestorabdomentohelpcontrolabnormalheartrhythms.IbelievethattheflameoftheHoly Spirit on every believer is something like a pacemaker. It correctsabnormalrhythmsandbringsusintoharmonywiththeheartofGod.Hisagendaorours?Hiswillorours?Theflameonmyhead,carryingmyname,makesmemarchtotherhythmofGod’sheartbeat.

AstheFathersenttheSontosaveus,soHesendsHisSpirittofillandempowerus.TheHolySpiritdoesnot comebecausewedeserve it;HecomesbecauseoftheFather’slove,theSon’ssacrificeandourneedforaHelperandComforter.Wedon’tneedtoperform,justreceive.

ONTHEDAYOFPENTECOST,THEYBEGANTOPREACHTHEGospel“bytheHolySpiritsentfromheaven”(1Peter1:12).Hiswasapositivedescentand entrance into theworld, asmuch aswhen Jesus came fromheaven. “TheWordbecameflesh”(John1:14)—thatwasJesus’entrancethroughthedoorofBethlehem.HeclothedHimselfwithhumanformand,similarly,theHolySpiritgarbed Himself with the disciples as He took up residence within them. TheworldcouldnotreceiveHim,buthundreds lovedJesus,andagroupof120ofthembecamethefirstSpirit-filledpeopleonearth—men,women,apostlesanddisciples.Theyweresimplysitting together,notstanding,kneelingorpraying,justwaitingasJesushadinstructedthem:“DonotleaveJerusalem,butwaitforthe giftMy Father promised” (Acts 1:4NIV). Christ ascended to heaven andaskedtheFathertosendHisgift,theHolySpirit.Within10days,Hehadcome.

AtPentecost,Godandmanrejoiced togetherasone in thecharismaticlanguage.To“speakwith tongues” (Acts2)means theBridehasbeentakenintotheembraceoftheDivineBridegroom(Colossians2:9-10).

THE GREAT DIVIDE BETWEEN GOD AND HUMANITY REACHED itspeak at Babel when God came down and confused the language of mankind(Genesis11:1-9).WhatGoddidatBabel,HereversedatPentecost,unitingthemby different languages. From all walks of life, races and cultures, He haspurchaseduswithHisblood(Revelation5:9,10)andhasunitedus—nottobuildatowertoman’sgloryoringenuitybuttobuildaKingdomtothegloryofGod.By the Holy Spirit, humanity andGod rejoice, celebrating this grand reuniontogetherinoneblessedlanguage.

PROPHETICEVANGELISM“AndthereweredwellinginJerusalemJews,devoutmen,fromeverynationunderheaven.Andwhenthissoundoccurred,themultitudecametogether,andwereconfused,becauseeveryoneheardthemspeakinhisownlanguage.Thentheywereallamazedandmarveled,sayingtooneanother,‘Look,arenotallthesewhospeakGalileans?Andhowisitthatwehear,eachinourownlanguageinwhichwewereborn?...Wehearthemspeakinginourown

tonguesthewonderfulworksofGod.’Sotheywereallamazedandperplexed,sayingtooneanother,‘Whatevercouldthismean?’”

ACTS2:5-12

The Spirit wants to make a connection. On the Day of Pentecost, thetongueof fireon theheadsof those in theUpperRoomconnectedwiththe tongue of flesh in theirmouths, and the result was a glorious andpowerfulprophetic,cross-culturalevangelisticoutburstthattransformedthebelieversandchangedtheworld.

APOSTLEJAMESGIVESUSSOMEVERYPOWERFULINSIGHTaboutthehuman tongue, saying thatweoftencurseothersandblessGodwith the samemouth (James 3). But on the Day of Pentecost, as ordinary men and womenyielded toGod, their tonguesbecame instrumentsofpowerandsalvation.Thetongueoffireontheirheadsconnectedwiththetongueoffleshintheirmouths.Theheavenlyconnectedwiththeearthly,thesupernaturalwiththenatural.“...And they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance”(Acts2:4).

Since the Day of Pentecost, God speaks through human voices–as theHoly Spirit gives themUTTERANCE. This was more than inspiration.ThefirstbelieverswereallfilledwiththeHolySpirit.SpeakersFORGodare speaking BY God–with THRUST. It is a door “of UTTERANCE”(Colossians 4:3 KJV). True preaching is SAVING-PREACHING. TheHoly Spirit endows preaching with His power to save souls from thedevil. “HisWordwas inmyheart like a burning fire . . . ” (Jeremiah20:9).

WEREADTHATONTHEDAYOFPENTECOST,“THENTHEREappearedtothemdividedtonguesasoffireandonesatuponeachofthem. . .andtheybegantospeak inother tongues,as theSpiritgave themUTTERANCE”(Acts2:3, 4). TheHoly Spirit transformed the prayers, praises and preaching of thediscipleswithvibrancy.Thepraisesofthedisciples,filledwithwonder,passionand power, cut across ethnic and racial boundaries (Acts 2:5-12). Religiouspeople,whoseformofworshipwascoldandliturgical,experiencedforthefirsttimeanewwaveofHolySpirit-invigoratedworshipandpraise.Peterpreachedwithunprecedentedboldnessandconviction,and3,000peopleweresavedandaddedtotheChurchthatday.

God’shearthasbeenandalwayswillbeforthenations–forallpeoples.Hedoesnotdesire thatany shouldperishbut thatallwill come to theknowledgeofthetruth(2Peter3:9).TheHolySpiritwantstoempoweryou to impact the nations: peoples from every tribe, race and culture.WorkforGodwhereveryouare,butprayforaglobalharvest.Don’tbeafraidtocrossculturalandgeographicalboundaries.

WHENTHEHOLYSPIRITFELLATPENTECOST,THEJEWISHdisciplesdid not speak in Hebrew but in the languages of people from many distantcountries(Acts2:8-12),displayingtheethnicinterestofGod’sSpiritanderasinganydoubtofHisloveandhopeforallpeoples.PentecostfulfilledGod’spromisethroughJoel,thatinthelastdaysHewouldpouroutHisSpiritoneveryone(Joel2:28-32).GoddesirestoreleaseHisSpiritonallpeople.ThisisconsistentwiththeGospel, “ForGodso loved theworld thatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon,that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”(John3:16).ItmakessensethataGodwhogaveHisSonforallwouldgiveHisSpirit to all. He gave His Son for our salvation and His Spirit for ourempowerment.

THEGOSPELOFPENTECOST“ButPeter,standingupwiththeeleven,raisedhisvoiceandsaidtothem...’MenofIsrael,hearthesewords:JesusofNazareth,aManattestedbyGodtoyoubymiracles,wondersandsignswhichGoddidthroughHiminyourmidst,asyouyourselvesalsoknow–Him,beingdeliveredbythedeterminedpurpose

andforeknowledgeofGod,youhavetakenbylawlesshands,havecrucified,andputtodeath;whomGodraisedup,havingloosedthepainsofdeath,becauseitwasnotpossiblethatHeshouldbeheldbyit...Repent,andleteveryoneofyoubebaptizedinthenameofJesusChristfortheremissionofsins;andyou

shallreceivethegiftoftheHolySpirit.’”ACTS2:14,22-24,38

When theHolySpirit comesupon you, youdon’t just receivepower toperform signs. He strengthens you physically, psychologically andemotionally. The baptism of the Spirit imputes boldness; the weakestcowardcanbetransformedintothemostcourageousandheroicperson.

ITWASNOTJUSTSEEINGJESUSORHEARINGHISVOICETHATmadethe disciples the bold people they later were—even some of them doubted(Matthew 28:17;Mark 16:13-14; Luke 24:41). They shut the doorwhen theymetforfearoftheJews(John20:19).Theymetsecretly,beingtooafraidtohaveastreetprocessionshouting,“Jesusisalive!”Atfirst,farawayinGalilee,theyeven went back to their old jobs—fishing (John 21:3). All that changed,however,on theDayofPentecostwhen they received theHolySpiritbaptismandboldness.InsteadofbeingafraidoftheJewishcrowds,thecrowdstrembledbeforethemandcriedout,“Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?”(Acts2:37).ThiswasthefulfillmentofwhatJesussaid:“ButyoushallreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou;andyoushallbewitnessestoMe...totheendoftheearth”(Acts1:8).

For what purpose did the Father send the Holy Spirit? Without anyquestion,itistomakeitpossibletopreachtheGospeltoeverycreatureonearth.

PAULDESCRIBESITASBRINGINGTHENATIONSINTOTHEobedienceoftheGospel(Romans1:5).TheconsumingpassionandworkofChristwas“toseek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus was never just awonder-worker.Firstandforemost,HewasandistheSavior.ItwasthatworkwhichtookHimtotheCross.ThatwastheultimatepurposeofHisearthlylife.Itwasnotforsomesocialgood—justtofeedmultitudes—butfortheredemptionofhumankind.ThiswasforemostinHismind.Anytalkof‘greaterworks’hastobe in linewithHisown ‘greatwork’ to save the lost.Salvation is thegreatestlaborandthegreatestmarvelGodeverundertook.

TheHolySpiritilluminatestheScriptures,bringingunderstandingtotheWord ofGod and revealingmysteries hidden in Scripture.Without theAuthor of the Bible to shed light on the Word, we are reduced toguesswork.

THEGOLDENRULEINBIBLEINTERPRETATIONISTHATWHICHPaulhimselfsharedin1Corinthians2:12-13:“ . . .Thatwemightknowthe thingsthat have been freely given to us byGod. These thingswe also speak, not inwords which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches;comparingspiritualthingswithspiritual.”Thewordtranslated“spiritualthings”here is the same word translated “spiritual gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12:1—pneumatika. Understanding the Bible is not amatter of guesswork. SimplymakeuseoftheBibleinterpreter,theHolySpirit.

OnemanfilledwiththeHolySpiritisbetterthan100committees,which,assomeonesaid,“keepminutesbutlosehours.”WhenGodsolovedtheworld,Hedidnotformacommittee;HesentHisSon,andHisSonsenttheHoly Spirit (John3:16;Luke24:49).Christ said that believers arethe lightof theworld,butweneed theHolySpirit toswitchuson.Areyoupluggedin?

ONTHEDAYOFPENTECOST,PETERSTOODUP,SHOOKOFFhisshameand fears, and shared the only theology he knew—Jesus and Him crucified.Thus, 3,000 were saved from diverse nations without a committee, budget orfinance meeting. That is the power of the Holy Spirit; He makes the Gospelcomealiveandbringsconvictionenmasse.IfwepaymoreattentiontotheHolySpirit,wewillspendlesstimeinplanningcommitteesandseemoreresults.

AFIRECOMBINATION“Jesusansweredthem...‘NoonecancometoMeunlesstheFatherWhosentMedrawshim...itistheSpiritwhogiveslife;thefleshprofitsnothing.The

wordsthatIspeaktoyouarespirit,andtheyarelife.’”JOHN6:44,63

Byallmeans,preachthetruthoftheGospel.Thereisnonoblertaskandnobettercommissionthanthis,butwithoutthepoweroftheHolySpirit,it is reduced to mere words, facts, history and commentary. It is asuselesstosavingsoulsasanewspaperonaderailedpassengertrain.

TRUTHISWONDERFUL,BUTOFITSELF,ITISDEAD.ITISLIKEcoalinthe shed.We need more than orthodox Bible-teaching. Coal only releases itsenergyincombinationwithfire,andthefireoftheHolySpiritisneededtosettruthablaze!(Luke24:32).Jesussaid,“ThewordsthatIspeaktoyouarespirit,and theyare life” (John6:63).Baptizedby theHolySpirit, themessage Jesuspreachedwasmore thanmerewords; it carried life and conviction, and 2,000yearslateritisstillchangingthelivesofbillionsofpeopleallovertheworld.

TheHolySpiritpowerstheGospelaselectricitypowersawaterstation.However,wedonotgenerateHolySpiritpowerbyprayer,sweat,agony,time,effort,goodworksoranythingelse.TheFathergivesustheSpiritasagift,notarewardorwages–somethingweearn.

ITISHIGHTIMEFORUSTOUNDERSTANDWHOTHEHOLYSpirit is:thesecretofGospel-power.ItisnotacaseofstrugglingandsweatingtogettheSpirit but of just letting Him come in.We do not manufacture His power ormake Him effective; it is the gift of God (Luke 11:13). No good works arerequired.IfwecouldmakeourselvessogoodthatwedeservedtheHolySpirit,wewouldnotneedHim.

WithoutthepoweroftheHolySpirit,theGospelisemptyandineffectual.It has a form of godliness, but it is void of its power to save andtransform.

THEGOSPELISNOTAHUMANINVENTIONORASSIGNMENT.GodistheAuthoroftheGospel,andthenHecommissionedhumanitytotelltheworld.TheHolySpiritislikethehandinthegloveofthepreachedGospel.TheGospelmustbepreachedunderDivineunction; then,any result canbeachieved. It isthepowerthatcanensuretheGreatCommissionisfulfilled.

TheGospel isnothing less than thevoiceofGod.When thatGospel ispreached by aHoly Spirit-filled person or in a FlameChurch, peoplewillhear.TheGospelbecomesatransferof firefromGod.Without theGospel and without fire, however clever or magnificent the setting, itleaveshearerscoldanddead.Pompisnotpower.TheSpiritmakestheWordalive(John6:63).

THIS ISNOOLYMPICTORCH.THIS ISTHEBURNINGTORCHOF thefire of the Holy Spirit passed from eternity to time and from generation togeneration.The fireMoses sawnow rested on the disciples; from the burningbush (Exodus 3:1, 2), it ignited the altar of Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:1) andlandedatPentecostonthedisciples’heads(Acts2:3).ThefireofGodHimself,in tongues of flames now leaping on each head, not appearing as a merespectacleormanifestationbutanexperience—Godandmantogether.HeistheGodoffireandburning.Weliveinaspirituallydarkandcoldworld.ThebestwaytokeepfromfreezingistobeaglowwiththeHolySpirit.Godwilllightafireonthealtarofyourownheartsothatyoucanbeafirelighter.

ALIGHTTOTHEGENTILES“IndeedHesays,‘ItistoosmallathingthatYoushouldbeMyServanttoraiseupthetribesofJacob,andtorestorethepreservedonesofIsrael;IwillalsogiveYouasalighttotheGentiles,thatYoushouldbeMysalvationtotheendsofthe

earth.’”ISAIAH49:6

ThehealingofthenationsisfoundinthepreachingoftheWordbytheSpiritofthelivingGod.Butitstartswithus.Wemustgo,butaswego,wemustbelievetheWord,betouchedwiththepoweroftheSpiritandbeset free ourselves. Burning hot, we will becomeGod’s healing agents,like the Good Samaritan in the dusty roads of the world, healing thevictimsofthedevil.

“SOTHENFAITHCOMESBYHEARING,ANDHEARINGBYTHEWordofGod”(Romans10:17).WhentheHolySpiritilluminatesscripturestoyou,itsparksfaithandchallengesyoutoactupontheWord.MyownfaithbeganastheHolySpirit usedBible texts likeburningarrows, settingmymindon fire.Forexample,Revelation22:2statesthatthetreeoflifehasleavesfor“thehealingofthenations.”TheWordofGodbecamemy treeof life, and the leavesof thatbookappearedtomelikeheavenlymedicine.PraiseGod!

Jesussaid,“Ihavecome tobring fire toearth”(Luke12:49NIV).Hisfollowerscaughtaburningfaith.“Thediscipleswentoutandpreachedeverywhere, and the Lordworkedwith them . . . ” (Mark 16:20NIV).They set the dark, cold paganworld aflame andmelted the iron eagleemblemoftheRomanEmpire,conqueringtheconquerors.

EMPERORS BOWED THEIR KNEES TO JESUS, THE ONE THEY hadcrucifiedasacriminal.NothingbutpowerfromGodcouldaffectsuchmarvels.The secret was humble people flaming for God, fire-baptized. They had firethen,butisthatfireonlyseenincandlestoday?Isthatapostolicsuccession?Ifweareinthelineageoftheapostles,thereshouldbesomesimilaritytovalidatetheclaimbesidesornaterobes.Weneedthetrueapostolicmantle.Today,manypeople go to church only to “hatch,match and dispatch” (birth,marriage andfuneral). But dead and dry things are easier to catch fire. Peter said, “For thepromiseistoyouandyourchildrenandforallwhoareafaroff”(Acts2:39).Wequalify.Wearefaroff.

Yourcallingisbeyondyourselfandyourimmediatesurroundings.Itistotheworld.Theharvestfieldsarethenations.Don’tletyourenvironmentsmotheryourvisionandyourfire.Openyoureyesandlookbeyondyourcirclesandyourpersonalstruggles.Theworldisripeforharvest(Luke10:2).

AFTERCHRISTROSEFROMTHEDEAD,THEDISCIPLESRETAINEDaJewishoutlook fora long time.Theysaw theirnewfaithasbelongingonly toIsrael.TheyevenaskedtheLord,anhourorsobeforeHeascended,“‘Lord,willYouatthistimerestorethekingdomofIsrael?’AndHesaidtothem,‘Itisnotforyoutoknowtimesorseasons,whichtheFatherhasputinHisownauthority.ButyoushallreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou;andyoushallbewitnessestoMeinJerusalem,andinallJudeaandSamaria,andtotheendoftheearth’”(Acts1:6-8).JesuswantedHisdisciplestoreachtheworldandnotjustJudea.TheywerestartingoutfromJerusalem,buttheirdestinationwasthenations.

THELATTERRAIN“AtthatdayyouwillknowthatIaminMyFather,andyouinMe,andIinyou.”

JOHN14:20

ThebaptismintheHolySpiritisnotinsignificant,commonorincidentalIt is not a mere religious gesture–a hand waved to bless us. It isunmatched.ItistheexclusivepromiseofJesusChrist,andHealonehasevergivenit.Itiswonderful,anditisthehardevidenceofwhatHehasdoneforus.JESUSisthe“BaptizerintheSpirit”(Matthew3:11).ThatisoneofHismostblessedworks.

THEBAPTISMOFTHEHOLYSPIRITISNOTSYMBOLICORceremonious—simplyreligiousjargontobeusedinchurchliturgyorcongregationalworship.It is the power of theHoly Spirit sent to empower the Church for its earthlyassignment.Withoutit,nosoulscanbesavednomatterourefforts.Nolastingchange can occur in, with or through the Church apart from the Holy Spirit.Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Church is outmatched by thedarknessthatpervadestheearthandbythetricksoftheenemy(John16:13).

Wemay sing“Welcome,welcome,HolySpirit,”butHedoesnot comebecauseofourwelcome.Heisnoguestorstrangerinvitedinforanhouror two.He is theLordofheaven,andHe invitesus intoHispresence.WherethereisfaithandtheWord,HefindsHisnaturalenvironment.

THEAPOSTLESWERENOTPRAYINGFORTHESPIRIT,BUTHEcameand invaded the place.Any atmosphere theymight have experienced togetherwasblownaway,invadedbya“rushingmightywind”(Acts2:2).TheSpiritistheatmosphereofheavenitself,andheavencomesdownherewithHim.Heisthe pneuma, the wind of heaven, blowing through our stuffy traditions andstagnationandbringingtimesofrefreshingonall.

BeingbaptizedintheHolySpiritislikebeinginonelongcontinuumofthelatterrain(Joel2:23,28,29),connectingtheheavensandtheearthwithlife-givingriversofblessing–producingfruitandendingdrought.

THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN EARTH ANDheaven for everyone. Micah 5:7 says that the Lord will come down like“showers on the grass.”Perhaps on a stormyday,whenyouhave been in thecountryside,youhavenoticedarainstorminthedistance.Theskyispurple,fullofstormclouds.Beneathitisawallofrainreachingfromtheskytotheground.Itlinksthecloudyskywiththeground,theheavenswiththeearth.Thoseclouds(theheavens),therainfallingandthefloodsontheearthareoneandthesame.Heavenandearthareunited.WhenwearefilledwiththeSpirit,itis“thelatterrain.”

WhenwearebaptizedintheSpirit,wearebroughtintothesamerealityaswewillknowinheaven.TheHolySpiritistheHolyOne;HemanifestsGod supernaturally and Divinely as well as physically. Holy Spiritbaptismlinksustoheaveninawaywehaveneverexperiencedbefore.

THEHOLYSPIRITHASALWAYSBEENTHEONEWHOBROUGHTtheoperationofGoddowntous.He is that linkbetweenheavenandearth.WhenwearebaptizedintheHolySpirit,theGospelisbroughthometothechildrenofearth.Weget intoGod’s stormcloudsof the latter rain.Weare soaked in theSpirit.Whereverwegoafterwehavebeen in theUpperRoom,wewill carrysignsandevidencesofit.Godwillbewithusinanewway,makingithardtoconcealthesigns.Ourlightswillshineaswemeetalltravelersontheroad.Andwewillnotbealone,forotherscomingbehinduswillcarrythesamesignsofasupernaturallinktoheaven.

Thedoor toheaven isopenandwillremainopen.Yourprayerscannotbe blocked and neither can the answers. Yo u have full access to thethroneofgrace;“Thereforecomeboldly. . . thatwemayobtainmercyand find grace in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). There are no morehindrances.

BOTHDAVIDANDISAIAHPRAYED,“LORD,RENDTHEHEAVENSandcome down” (Psalm 144:5; Isaiah 64:1). It happened when Jesus came. NewTestamentbelieversneedneverpraythatagain.Christtoreopentheheavensandcamedowntous.Hethenreturnedthroughtheheavens,ensuringthattheywillremain open. The rent heavens have been rent forever; they have never beensewn up again, neither by a needle-wielding Satan nor by any other hand.Throughthatopenheaven,theHolySpiritbegantodescend—thelatterrain.Theheavensarenomorelikebrass.HellcannotimposesanctionsandblockadetheKingdomofGod.IthasnopowertodepriveGod’scitizens.Thenewandlivingwayisestablishedbeyondenemycontrol.

HOLYSPIRITDYNAMISM“Thewindblowswhereitwishes,andyouhearthesoundofit,butcannottellwhereitcomesfromandwhereitgoes.Soiseveryonewhoisbornofthe

Spirit.”JOHN3:8

The mighty, rushing wind blew into the Upper Room on the Day ofPentecostanddidn’tstop.SincePentecost, theHolySpirit isconstantlymoving and working, bringing refreshing and empowerment to theChurch. The Spirit of God took the field long ago, and He has neverwithdrawnfromthebattle!Hedoesnot“visit”nowandthen:Hecametostaypermanently

ON-GOING PENTECOST! WHAT IS IT? IT IS WHAT BEGAN WHENJESUSASCENDEDthroughthegatesofglory:Heleftthedooropen.ThentheHOLYSPIRITDESCENDEDthroughthesameopening(Acts7:56).Astrongbreeze began blowing—amighty, rushingwind. It blew away the stale air ofmustyreligioustradition.Theyneedednoair-conditionerintheUpperRoom;itwasfilledwiththefreshnessofResurrectionspringtime.

The Holy Spirit is always on the move, always in action. The NewTestamentword forSpirit ispneuma,meaningwindor breath—air inmotion.PneumadoesNOTmeanstillair.Haveyoueverknownawindthatdidn’tblow?Tobewind,itmustbeinmotion.Ineverheardofa“stillhurricane”ora“calmgale.”Airinajarisnotwind.IftheHolySpiritiswind,thenHeisinmotionallthe time orHe is not theHoly Spirit. To ask theHoly Spirit tomove is likeaskingforfiretobehot.TheideaofaHolySpiritwhodoesn’tmoveisunknownin Scripture. The Holy Spirit alwaysmeans Divine activity. He is the DivineOperatoronearth.

Weathermenspeakoftheprevailingwind.Thewindschange,butthereisalways a normal or general direction, such as from the west. The aircurrentsnaturallyflowinthatdirection.Thereisalsoaprevailingwindfromheaven.TheHolySpiritconstantlyblowswiththepurefreshnessofglory,dayandnight,alwaysstreamingtowardus.

WEALL TALKABOUTGODMOVINGONOURBEHALF IN answer toprayer.Hedoes,butthereissomethingelse.Heisalwaysmoving.GodmovesTOWARDus,allthetime,withprevailingcurrentsofblessingandpower.Goddoesnotcomeingusts,suchasanoccasionalsuddenblastonaSundaymorningorFridaynightprayermeeting.Hissovereignwillisnothinglikethat.HiswilliswhatScriptureteaches—thatGodisn’taweakforceonedayandastrongforcethenextday.WeneednobarometerforGodandnotemperaturegauge.Heisn’taroundsometimesforrevivalorhealing,butallthetime—itisuptous,notGod,Whoneverchanges.Hedoesn’thavemoods.Godhasnouncertaintyfactor;itisourfaiththathastopushpastuncertainty.

TheNewTestamentmakesnodistinctionsintheworkofGod.Scripturenever talks in terms of special “moves” of God, spurts of power orrevival spasms. Christianity is a Holy Spirit movement from start tofinish.TheSpiritofGodisalwaysmovingandalwaysrevivingHiswork.

INSCRIPTURE,WEREADABOUTTHEPOOLOFBETHESDA,whereanangelwouldstirthewaterseverynowandthen(John5:1-9).Whoevercouldgetintothepoolfirstwouldbehealed.Thepoolofferedasolution,butitwasnotaconstantflow,anditwasverycompetitivetoaccess.Amanlaybythepoolfor38yearsandwasneverhealed—untilhemetJesus.Wheneverthewaterswerestirred,hecouldnevergetinquicklyenough.Jesus’love,merciesandpowerarenot like thepoolofBethesda.Theyareconstantandnever switchedoff.Theyare independent of our personal efforts; all He asks is whether we want toreceive.

Theon-goingHolySpiritneedson-goingpeople.Pentecost isadrivingenergyby itsverydefinition.TheSpirit isceaselesslymoving.Matthew28:10 is clearabout thepurpose for thewindof theHolySpirit.“GO,TELLMYBRETHREN!”

ON-GOINGPENTECOSTMUSTBEPENTECOSTWITHAGO,andwemustdotheGOINGandtheTELLING.Assoonaswegather,Heistheretobless,tohealandtosave.EvangelismbytheHolySpirit isagaleoffreshnessblowingthrough the dirty atmosphere of our streets.We only need to partnerwith theHolySpiritandletHiswindblow!

THEOVERFLOW“...Youanointmyheadwithoil;Mycupoverflows.”

PSALM23:5NIV

InChristwehaveaccesstorenewableenergy.There’snosuchthingasapower failure. You can never use up God’s power. The Holy Spiritcontinues toenergizeusas thevineenergizes thebranches–momentbymoment.

ACTS2SAYSTHATONTHEDAYOFPENTECOSTTHEDISCIPLESwerefilledwiththeHolySpirit,andtherestofthebookshowshowtheycontinued.They went on being filled, “moment by moment,” as the song-writer says.“Momentbymoment I’mkept inHis love,momentbymoment I’ve life fromabove.Looking to Jesus . . . ”Thismeans thatHe is thevine,andweare thebranches. We get our supplies afresh daily from Him. Jesus described it ascontinuousasariver(John7:37,38).Wearebeingrenewedinspiritualpowerasweneedanduseit.

“GoddoesnotgivetheSpiritbymeasure”(John3:34)whenHegivesit.Notbymeasuremeansnotweighed–notpreciselysomuchandnomore–but “goodmeasure, pressed down, shaken together and running over”(Luke 6:38). God never gives anything in a calculating manner. Forexample,He gives life, but it iswithoutmeasure–BECAUSE IT ISHISLIFEanditisEVERLASTING(John3:36).

ELISHASDOUBLEPORTIONWASNOTJUSTABITOFWHATElijahhad.Godneverarrangesforsometohavehalfandsometwiceasmuchasothers.TheHoly Spirit gives “of” (out of) Himself, out of His fullness, not a measuredgallonortwo.TheBiblepromisedshowersandrivers,notdrops.Powerfulriversdon’tcomebyfitsandstarts,dribsanddrabs,nordoestheHolySpiritcomeasan occasional spurt. Christ chose the expression of “rivers” to indicateuninterruptedflow(John7:37,38).

HARDEVIDENCE“Andthesesignswillfollowthosewhobelieve:InMynametheywillcastoutdemons;theywillspeakwithnewtongues;theywilltakeupserpents;andif

theydrinkanythingdeadly,itwillbynomeanshurtthem;theywilllayhandsonthesick,andtheywillrecover.”

MARK16:17,18

AtPentecost,theHolySpiritmanifestedlikeatongueofflameoneachofthe 120 disciples present. It was a sign of Divine presence andempowerment. Divine fire was given for Divine commission andprotection.

FIRE IS THE SIGN OF GOD—HIS LOGO. THERE ARE OVER 100references in Scripture to the fire of God. “Our God is a consuming fire”(Hebrews 12:29). Two of the greatest spiritual events were inaugurated byDivinefire:thebeginningofthenationofIsraelattheExodusandthebeginningoftheChurchwithtonguesoffire.AcurtainoffirehungbetweenIsraelandtheEgyptiansattheExodus,likeabannerassuringIsraelthattheLordofhostswaswiththem.TheassurancethatGodiswithusisthesametoday.ThetonguesofPentecost signal that God is with us. Jesus said, “I came to send fire on theearth”(Luke12:49).Likeafire-tippedarrow,Godshootsyouintothecampoftheenemytobringsalvationtothecaptives.

TheHolySpiritBaptismisapermanentandtotalrevolutioninthelifeofthe Church. The Spirit falling on all people was the greatest changepossible. The benchmark is a sign-gift. It was a revelation. They knewpowerhadcome;theHolySpiritwaswiththem,andtheyneveraskedforHim again. The same Holy Spirit sign was accepted by the apostles:“And theywereall filledwith theHolySpirit andbegan to speakwithothertongues,astheSpiritgavethemutterance”(Acts2:4).Thereisnoother power except the Holy Spirit. This sign-miracle proved that anymiracleispossible.

THROUGHOUTTIME,MENANDWOMENHAVEALWAYSdemandedorbeen given signs to boost their faith.After the floods ofNoah,God gave therainbowasasignthattherewouldneveragainbeaworldwidedeluge(Genesis9:12-17).Whilestillchildless,GodgaveAbrahamasigntoassurehimthathewouldbeafatherofmanynations(Genesis15).Prayingintonguesisasignbutnotanemptyone.Itisdynamic,supernaturalproofthatspeakstothepresenceoftheHolySpirit in thebeliever. It reassuresour faith,but it isalsoameans forcommunicating;ithelpsusaswepray,sing,prophesyandminister.Tonguesisalsoabenchmark,markinganewseason inGod’sdealingwithhumanity: “Inthelastdays,IwillpouroutmySpiritonallflesh”(Acts2:17).

Speaking in tongues is a sign of the presence and power of the HolySpiritinyourlife.ItintroducescertaintyintothedynamicsoftheSpirit,making a spiritual phenomenon a natural and personal experience.Pentecost means: God and man rejoice together as one in thecharismaticlanguage.

“UTTERANCE”ISANENDORSINGSIGNTHATTHEHOLYSPIRITISinandwithus.Otherwise,wecanneverbecertain.(HaveIprayedenough?AmIholyenough?HaveIwitnessedenough?)ButGodshapedusforHisSpirit.ThebaptismintheSpirit isaphysicalandspiritualevent(1Corinthians6:19)withbothaspiritualandphysicalsign.

Next to salvation of the soul, praying in tongues is themostwondrousphenomenon of all. What can be more powerful than the regeneratedspirit of mortal man quickened and made righteous, speaking in aheavenlylanguagewithhisFather?Prayingintonguesprovesthatthereisnothingimpossible.

ONTHEDAYOFPENTECOST,THE120SPOKEINTONGUES,ANDthecrowd listened and was shaken. In my life, I have witnessed how 1 millionpeople,inonemeeting,receivedthesamefirebaptismandprayedtotheLordinnewlanguagesbytheSpirit.Itwasliketheroarofmightywaters.“’Anditshallcometopassinthelastdays,’saysGod,‘thatIwillpouroutofMySpiritonallflesh...’”(Acts2:17).Thesearethedays!

PRECIOUSANDPRICELESS“AndwhenJesuswasinBethanyatthehouseofSimontheleper,awoman

cametoHimhavinganalabasterflaskofverycostlyfragrantoil,andshepoureditonHisheadasHesatatthetable.ButwhenHisdisciplessawit,theywereindignant,saying,‘Whythiswaste?Forthisfragrantoilmighthavebeensoldformuchandgiventothepoor.’ButwhenJesuswasawareofit,Hesaidto

them,‘Whydoyoutroublethewoman?ForshehasdoneagoodworkforMe.’”MATTHEW26:6-10

THEHOLYSPIRITisnotanaccessory,but theverysubstanceofwhatwebelieve.HeisGodonearth,activelyindwellingandsaturatingeveryparticle of what we experience. This means that Christianity is asupernaturalfaith.Anon-supernaturalGospelisanemptyshell.

MANY BELIEVERS TREAT THE HOLY SPIRIT AS THOUGH HE ISoptional—asuggestiontheycandismissandstillbeokayasChristians.No!HeisnotanaddendumtotheChristianexperience;Heistheauthorofit,sustainingit through themillennia before and afterChrist.He is theHost;withoutHim,thereisnobanquet.WeignoreHimatourownperil.TheHolySpiritwasthereinthebeginningandshallbeaftertheending.HeisAlphaandOmega,andweneedtopayattentionifwewanttorunourraceandfinishourcourse.

The anointing of the Spirit is not a second-rate experience, sent toappeaseorpacifyyourconsciencethatyouhavesomeDivinegoodnessin you. No, it is the real deal God’s best. It is He Himself. We havereceived it through the crucifiedChrist, who broke themost expensivealabaster box of all, His Body, pouring the precious fragrance onhumanity.

THEFRAGRANCEOFMARY’SOILWASSORICHTHATITpervadedthewhole house. It was a tremendous sacrifice and an act of love’s wastefulextravagance.ItspeaksoftheloveofGod,throughJesusChrist,whichbringsusthepricelessgiftoftheanointingoftheHolySpirit.ItisnocheapexperiencebutGod’s best. When Christ went to the cross of Calvary, His body, the mostprecioussacrificeofall,wasgiven.Withit,HereleasedthepricelessfragranceoftheHolySpiritandallofGod’sDivinegoodnessonhumanity.

God breathed into the Word, like a flower drinking in the wind andsunshine.Then the flowerbreathes thesunshineoutagain, transformedinto beauty and fragrance. We call this process photosynthesis.Something like spiritual photosynthesis should take place in everyChristianlife.“BefilledwiththeSpirit”(Ephesians5:18),anditwon’tshowinjustreligiousdevotion,butalsoinlovelinessofcharacterasyoushedHisfragranceabroad.

THE CHIEFWORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS US! HE MAKES US HISagents.A littlegirl onceprayed“DearLord,pleasemakeall badpeoplegoodandallgoodpeoplenice.”Shesomehowmusthaveobserved,that“good”isnotnecessarily“nice.”Godgrant thatweareboth!That is theway theworldwillknowaboutHim.

GIFTS,NOTPURCHASES“AndwhenSimonsawthatthroughthelayingonoftheapostles’handstheHolySpiritwasgiven,heofferedthemmoneysaying,‘Givemethispoweralso,thatanyoneonwhomIlayhandsmayreceivetheHolySpirit.’ButPetersaidtohim,‘Mayyourmoneyperishwithyou,becauseyouthoughtthatthegiftofGod

couldbepurchasedwithmoney!’”ACTS8:18-20

It is necessary to understand that theHoly Spirit is He, not “it.” TheSpirit is not an impersonal force–a sort of spiritual electricity. TheanointingofGodisnotjustpowerorgifts,buttheHolySpiritHimself.

VARIOUSELEMENTSAREUSEDTODESCRIBETHEHOLYSPIRIT inScripture:fire,wind,water.ButitisimportanttorealizethattheHolySpiritisnot an inanimate element but rather a person. He is not a force, like thegravitational pull of the universe or a current of electricity. He is the ThirdPersonoftheHolyTrinity.NeitherHisgiftsnorthefruitoftheSpiritaretobeseparatedfromHim.YouhaveallofGod,notjustHisgifts.

Isthereapricetopayforthegifts?Ifthereis,theywouldnotbegiftsbutpurchases(Acts8:18-20).Nevertheless,therewellmaybeapricetopayintheiruse.Thosenotpreparedtorisktheirleisure,theircomfort,theirreputationandperhapsmuchmoremaybelittleusedbyGod–evenifHedoesbestowHispowergiftsuponthem.

ACOMPLETETOOLKITMAYBEAMARVELOUSGIFTFORAcarpenter,butitwouldbeuselesswithoutthesweatofhisbrow.Giftscallforcommitment;asRomans12:7says,“Letususe it inourministering.”His life ispouredoutwithours.Giftsareforgivers.Toget,give!WhenJesussentoutHis12apostles,He gave them authority towork variousmiracles and charged them thus: “Asyougo,proclaim thismessage:TheKingdomofheavenhas comenear.’Healthe sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:7, 8 NIV). Jesus clearlyemphasized that these gifts have been freely given byHim, and likewise theywere to be graciously dispensed. However, the disciples had to expend theirenergies to do the going, travel across treacherous terrain, sacrifice theircomfortsandperhapsbepersecuted.Thegiftisfree,butwalkingoutthejourneythatthegiftempowersyoufor,requiressomethingfromyou.

TheanointingofHolySpiritisnotforsale,andifitwere,noonecouldaffordit.All thatisrequiredisthatyoucomeanddrinkfreely.“Come,allyouwhoarethirsty,cometothewaters;andyouwhohavenomoney,come,buyandeat!Come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithoutcost.”(Isaiah55:1NIV)

THEPOWEROFTHEHOLYSPIRITCAN’TBEWORKEDUP,pulleddown,manufactured or generated by hard work and much praying. The Holy Spiritdoesn’twaituntilyou sweat. Jesus said, “Askand itwillbegiven toyou . . .Everyone who asks receives” (Matthew 7:7, 8). God only has gifts; He hasnothingforsale.Hehasnobargains,nodiscounts,nonegotiation,nohagglingand no agreements.He is one-sided—He just gives.Andwe can only do onething—receive.Hewantsnothingfromusinpayment.Ifyouareadeadcoal,getthefireoftheHolySpiritandbecomealivingcoal.Hewillgetyouburningatonce.

GodhasmorethanenoughofeverythingforallHischildrenandindeed,forallHiscreation.Youdonotneedtobeenviousorjealousofanotherhumanbeing.Andyoudonotneedtosabotage,slanderormalignotherstogetahead.IfHedidnotwithholdHisSonfromus(Romans8:32)andhasgivenusHisSpirit freely(1Corinthians2:12),whatelsewouldHewithholdfromyou?

INPOST-WARGERMANY,MYSIBLINGSANDIRECEIVEDAPIECEofcandymaybeonceayear.WhenmybrotherPeterhadapieceofcandy inhismouth,IdidNOTtrytostealit,butratherdidsomequickthinking.Fromwhomdidmybrothergetthecandy?Therewasonlyonepossiblesource—Mother.Mymom,Iknew,wasveryfair.Shewouldn’tgiveapieceofcandytooneofherchildren if shedidn’thaveoneforeachofus. Iwouldrun toMomandshout,“Mom,whereisMYcandy,please?”Andthereitwas. . .sheputitrightintomy hand. In the same way, if you see God bless a fellow Christian, anotherchurchorministry,don’tbejealous!GotoJesus!He’salsogot“candy”foryou.In Luke 15:31, the Father said to His son, “All that I have is yours.” Thispromiseisforustoo!

THEGREATERGIFT“NeverthelesswhenoneturnstotheLord,theveilistakenaway.NowtheLordistheSpirit;andwheretheSpiritoftheLordis,thereisliberty.Butweall,with

unveiledface,beholdingasinamirrorthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,justasbytheSpiritofthe

Lord.”

2CORINTHIANS3:16-18

TheHoly Spirit should not be confused with His gifts and works. TheHoly Spirit is greater than His effect on us or even the world. Hispresenceinourlives isgreater thanHisgifts.TheHolySpiritdoesnotcomejustsowecanspeakwith tongues,butwhenHeis there, tonguesareanevidence.AllHisgiftsaretheretofosterHisrelationshipwithusandwiththeworld.

ABRIDEDOESN’TMARRYTHEBRIDEGROOMFORHISRINGbut forhim.Godisnotashow-off.Hispurposeisalwayslove—toloveus,togainourloveandtobewithusindynamicfellowship.Heworksuponus,throughusandwithus.Heisthestrengthofourarmandtheunquenchablefireinoursoul.Hebrings us spiritual gifts, spiritual fruit and unity (1 Corinthians 12). He firstappliesthebloodofChristtowipeoutthestainofoursin,thenbringsustonewbirthandmuchmore.However,quiteapartfromwhatHedoes,theSpiritcomesasHimself, for that iswhatHe is—ourgreatgift. It is thedesire forGod thatmakesatrueChristian,notmerelysignsandwonders.

WearedesignedtobedependentonthegraceandpowerofGod.ApartfromHim,wecandonothing(John15:5).OursufficiencyisofHim(2Corinthians 3:5). God puts His Spirit in us, because we need Him tocomfort, to guide and even to correct us. He activates His gifts andpowerinusbecauseweneeditforHismission–spiritualequipmentforaspiritualassignment.

WEARENOTSETUP INBUSINESSALLONOUROWNWITHA lumpsumofspiritualcapitalandpowerresourcesmakingusindependent.Wearenotself-sufficientlittle“christs.”Wereceive,momentbymoment,“outof”Christ’sfullnessour fullness, like thebranchesofavine receivesap.Wearenotvinesunto ourselves, living separate existences, but we are complete in Him(Colossians2:10).

Wearenotcalledtogointotheentireworldwithourownlittlepowerplantso that people will think how wonderful we are. We could parade our owncharismaandmakethesparksflyforanhour;butsoonourpersonalpowerplantwillrunoutoffuel.Wearenotgenerators;wearebutconductorsofHispower.Ephesians 1:22 and 23 describes “ . . . the Church, which is His body, thefullnessofHimwhofillsallinall.”Heistofillusandmovethroughus.Wearechannels not the source. Jesus declared, “As the branch cannot bear fruit ofitself,unlessitabidesinthevine,neithercanyou,unlessyouabideinMe”(John15:4).

Bebuoyant in theSpirit.Youaredesigned to float in thewatersof theHolySpirit.Don’tresist,don’tfight,justrelax.Letgo,andletthegreatandgloriouscurrentsoftheHolySpiritcarryyouintoyourdestiny.

ONEDAY, GOD SAID TOME, “DOYOUKNOWWHAT ITMEANS toswim?”I’magoodswimmer,so I thought Iknew.Butdid I?TheHolySpirithelpedmetoseesomethingIdidn’tappreciatebefore.Hesaid,“Whenyouareswimming,youareinanotherelement,andanewlawoperates.Youmustletgoandrestfullyuponthewatersoftheriver.Thosewaterscarryyou.”IunderstoodwhatHewas saying.As I swim in theHoly Spirit,Hiswaters carryme.TheSpiritliftsme,justasswimmingtakestheweightoffmyfeet,givingmybackaholiday and my joints a vacation. He does the work. What, then, is the realhandicap? The real handicap is relying upon yourself. Depend on your ownenergyandability,andyouwillbetrudgingalongtheriverbank,rightbesidetheverywaterswhichcouldbearyouupandcarryyoualongwithminimumeffort.

STIRRINGUPTHEGIFT“WhenIcalltoremembrancethegenuinefaiththatisinyou...ThereforeI

remindyoutostirupthegiftofGodwhichisinyouthroughthelayingonofmyhands.”

2TIMOTHY1:5,6

The gifts of the Spirit are not natural talents. One’s natural abilitiescannotbecalled“spiritualgifts.”SpiritualgiftsareDivinelyactivated.God can work through anyone. He does not give tongues to linguistsonly,wisdomonlytotrainedcounselorsorhealinggiftsjusttodoctors.Hedoesnotneedustobebrillianttouseus.

CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD,MAN IS ENDOWEDWITH naturaltalents thatallowhimtowork,befocusedandparticipate inGod’sredemptivepurpose.Butbeyondthat,GodalsogivesadditionalgiftsthroughtheHolySpiritto the regeneratedman (1Corinthians 12:1-11). These are not natural talents;theyarespiritualgiftsthatenhanceourabilitytoparticipateinGod’sredemptivework.ThroughthegiftsoftheSpirit,wecanbypassnaturalexcuses,deficienciesandinadequacies.Hisstrengthismadeperfectinourweaknesses(2Corinthians12:9), andwe can do all things throughHimwho strengthens us (Philippians4:13).

The gifts of the Spirit operate by faith in God not faith in a specifictheory. They are not channeled through any doctrine except that ofredemption.TheHolySpiritonlyglorifiesthecrucifiedChrist.

GODGIVESNOMARVELSFORTHESAKEOFMARVELS.HEISNOTashowman.Heisnotinthebusinessofsupplyingsensationstobringacclaimtoanystruttingegotist.TheHolySpiritisinleaguewiththecrucifiedChrist—evenlinked in name, theSpirit ofChrist. They have onemind—to defeat the devilthroughtheGospel.TheSpiritfindsfulfillmentonlyintheGospel.TheGospelis so big; it is totally comprehensive, leaving nothing untouched—visible orinvisible,inearth,heavenorhell.

ThegiftsoftheSpirit(1Corinthians12:7-11)arenotmedalsofhonortobewornonSundaymorningatchurch.“Ihave five,howmanydoyouhave?” THEY ARE TOOLS FOR THE JOB and are handed out themomentyoureport forGod’swork.Hewon’tgiveyouahammerwhenyouneedachisel.TheLordwillgiveyoudaily theperfect tool for theassignedjob.Ifthetoolsareapplied,youwillseemiracles.

THEWORD“POWER”INACTS1:8(DUNAMIS),ISPOTENTIAL,powerinreserve,likeastickofdynamite.Itwilljustliethere,likestone,untilactivated.People pray for “the power” and no doubt receive it. Thedunamis potency isdirected tohumanneed.Wecanbe like spiritual bodybuilders, developing forthesakeofbeingstrong.Whatistheuseofamanbeingabletolift500poundsabovehisheadinashowifhecannotliftafingertohelphiswifeinthekitchen?Whatistheuseofallourboastsofpowerifwedon’tdothejobsthatneedtobedone?ThereleaseofthepoweroftheSpiritisneverpossibleuntilweareactive.

Jesusadmonishesusnottolayupourtreasuresonearth,wheretheyareexposedtotheelementsandvulnerabletothieves,butinsteadtolaythemupinheaven,wheretheyarekeptsecure(Matthew6:19-21).Tothatend,wemusttakeheednottoenrichourintellectoremotionsattheexpenseofourspirit.

THEHEATHENSHADBEEN“CARRIEDAWAY”BYTHEIRPREVIOUSknowledge, which was similar, but belonged to “dumb idols” (1 Corinthians12:2).TheGreekswerefamousforworldlylearning,butthethingsoftheHolySpiritaredifferent.AuniversitydoctorateinsocialsciencesorphysicsdoesnotmakeuswiseinthethingsofGod.Theselatterarelearnedbygettingfireintoone’sspiritnotjustcoldfactsintoone’shead.Ifwewanttogrowspiritually,wemustfeedourspiritwiththeWordofGodandprayintheSpirit.

WhyalwaysdoubttheWordofGod?Whynotdoubttheliesofthedevil?Today,choose todoubtyourdoubts,anddecide tobelieve theWordofGod. If you do, you’ll soon receive heavenly assistance from theHolySpirit.

WHYISITSOEASYTOBELIEVETHELIESOFTHEDEVIL?WHATifEvehadchosentodoubtthewordsoftheserpentinstead?Theoutcomewoulddefinitely have been different for all of us (Genesis 3). Once you make thedecision to trustGodmore than you trust your doubts, you can accessDivinehelp. Holy Spirit assistance will help to build your faith, and it is faith thatmovesthemountainswhichdoubtcreates.

POWERFROMONHIGH“IcandoallthingsthroughChrist

Whostrengthensme.”PHILIPPIANS4:13

Knowing all about a power station can still leave you in the cold anddark.Youcantouchtheverywallsofanuclearpowerplantbutstillbefreezing.Thekeytoaccessingtheavailableheatistotapintothepowersource.There is inexhaustiblepowerof theHolySpiriton the insideofyoutoovercometemptationandstayholy,towalkinwisdomandexcelin your career, to overcome sicknesses and diseases–if only you willlearntotapintoit(2Peter1:3).

THEHOLYSPIRITLIVESWITHINUS,GIVINGUSTHEPOWERTOresistthedevilandovercomeevil.WemustonlyaskHimtohelpus.Thinkofitlikethis:Youhaveelectricityinyourhome.Thehouseiswiredandconnectedtothepower station. Ifyouarriveathomeonadarknight, theremaybeno lightorheat in your house. You know what to do. You press the switch, and powercomesthrough.Youhavelightandwarmth.LivinginthepoweroftheSpiritisliketurningtheswitchon.Everythingelseisready.It’sonlywaitingforus.

ThepoweroftheHolySpiritistherealdeal–therealDivinepower,notacounterfeitorduplicate.God’svoice isnotmuffled in theScriptures. Itspeakswithauthorityandauthenticity:“CometoMeallwholaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest”(Matthew11:28).Theofferisclearandconcise;ifyoureceiveChrist,youwillliveaDivinelife.

INOURHOMES, POWERDOESNOTCOMETOUSDIRECTFROM thegenerators. It is filtered through sub-stations and transformers to reduce thevoltage.ThepowerofGod,however,doesnotcometousfiltered.WhenJesusappears,HeisnotapaleshadowofwhatHewas—amerebreath.Wedon’thavea phantomChrist;He is the living Jesus not an echo of a faraway hope. TheHolySpiritisboundtohonortheGospel,andthroughHim,Jesuscanstepintoourmidst.Youcan’tbringtheGospelwithoutpoweranymorethanhavingfirewithoutheat.Iamnottheorizing,butIamtalkingaboutmywalkwithHim.It’srealanditworks.

The power of God is not an impersonal power that can fade away ordrainoff.ThepowerofGodISGod.HolySpiritpowerIStheHolySpirit.Goddoesnotevaporate, fadeaway, leakorbecomeweaker.TimedoesnotaffectGod–noteven1,000years.IfyoustayconnectedwithGod,youwillwalkinpower.

THE POWEROF GOD IS EVER-STRONGANDALWAYSAVAILABLE.PaulcouldtelltheRomansayearortwoaheadoftimethathewouldcome“inthefullnessoftheblessingoftheGospelofChrist”andthathewould“imparttoyou some spiritualgift” (benefit) to the church (not to an individual)whenhecame(Romans15:29;1:11).HeknewtheabidingandcontinuousflowofGod’sSpirit. The only time Christians need a re-charge is when they have stoppedobeying and their contacts with God have become corroded (like with a carbattery).Then,theyneedtocleanuptheiractandstartmovingagain.ThepowerofGodcomesasyougonotasyousit.

Onceanointed, alwaysanointed. Spring, summer, fall orwinter, in thewildernessortherainforest,aloneorwithothers,theanointingisalwaysthere. You can challenge your greatest enemy, overcome the greatestobstacleandfulfillyourGod-givendestiny;allyouhavetodoisbelieve.

DAVIDSTRIKESMEASTHEONEMANINTHEOLDTESTAMENTwhoknewwhatitmeanttobeanointed.HewasgrippedbytheknowledgethatGodwas with him. For example, he went out to challenge Goliath entirely in theassuranceofhisanointing.HedidnotaskSamueltoanointhimagain,thistimewithperhapsa“GoliathAnointing.”Hedidnotasktheintercessorstoprayforhim.Hedidnotevenprayforhimself.Hehadbeenanointedandsoheremainedanointed—thepassingoftimehadchangednothing.HerantowardthePhilistineandcried,“Youcometomewithashield,withaspearandwithajavelin.ButIcome to you in the name of the Lord ofHosts” (1 Samuel 17:45).Andwhathappened?TheteenageDavidfelledthegiant.

NOCARBONCOPIES“Wehavedifferentgifts,accordingtothegracegiventoeachofus.Ifyourgiftisprophesying,thenprophesyinaccordancewithyourfaith;ifitisserving,thenserve;ifitisteaching,thenteach;ifitistoencourage,thengiveencouragement;ifitisgiving,thengivegenerously;ifitistolead,doitdiligently;ifitistoshow

mercy,doitcheerfully.”ROMANS12:6-8NIV

“See, I amdoing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceiveit?” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV). God’s Spirit is at work in us, renewing andrefreshingussothatwedonotfallbackintoouroldwaysorevengoodtraditions. Throughout your life, Godwants to do new things, set newrecords, birth new ideas and work through you to change the world.Don’tbestuckintheold;theSpiritofNewnessisonyou.

IFIUNDERSTANDGODATALL,HEISACREATOR—ANoriginator.Hecreatesmasterpieces every time. Hewill not evenmake two snowflakes, twosunsetsor twohumanbeingsalike.Hismind is too fertileand toocreative forrepetitivework.Theword “NEW” isGod’sownword.TheHolySpirit is theSpirit of newness, bringing constant renewal and constant blossoming: Newbirth, new tongues, new wine, new songs and a new heart. He brings a newSpirit,anewcovenant,anewname,makingusanewcreation.Hehasgivenusanewcommandmentandmadeanewheavenandanewearth.YetitisthesameSpirit and the same aim—world salvation. And here is our role, being co-workerstogetherwithChrist(1Corinthians3:9).

You have a Divine DNA. The power you carry is derived from GodHimself.Itisnotinferiororcounterfeit;itistherealthing.HeWhoisinyouisfargreaterandsuperiorthanhethatisintheworld(1John4:4).Beboldandcourageous!

ATPENTECOST,WEREADTHATWHENTHEHOLYSPIRITCAMEuponthedisciples in theUpperRoom, therewere“divided tongues,asof fire . . .”(Acts2:3).DIVIDEDfromwhat?ThetonguesofflameweredividedfromtheBIGFIREwhichisGOD.LittleflamesbrokeloosefromGodandfell,oneoneachhead.ThesmallestofallflamesrepresentsGODasMUCHASthebiggest.

TheDivine fire thatcomes fromthebaptismof theHolySpiritchangesyour status from ordinary to extraordinary. You take on a Divinemandate and assignment so that you no longer live for yourself; yousurrenderyour fearsandambitionsand takeonaDivinepurpose.Youbecomeachosenvessel.

MOSESHADSEENBUSHESANDSHRUBSEVERYDAYFOR40 years.Hedidnotgoaroundgazingator studyingbushes.Wildernessbushesarenotfascinating, cultivated, colorfulorblossoming.Theyarequiteunbeautiful.ButGodtookoneofthem,veryordinarybyitself,andmadeitextraordinary.Itburstintoflames—butwasnotconsumed(Exodus3:2).ThenHespokefromit—thevoicefromtheburningbush.Moses,inaway,waslikethebush—ordinaryandevenof a lower grade.Hewas just a pieceof driftwood—a fugitivemurdererhidingfromjusticewithnofuture.Hewasamereshepherd,and“allshepherdsare detestable to the Egyptians” (Genesis 46:34 NIV). Moses saw that bushburningwithout it turning toash.Hehadno idea that thiswasa life-changingmoment.Curious,he turnedaside to see it,gazingat it in fascination.Then,aDivineflameleapedfromthebushandtransferredintohisverysoul.Moses,amortal, became a Flame Man. “He makes . . . His servants flames of fire”(Hebrews1:7NIV).Onthatday,whenyouturnasidetoseetheburningbush,youwillnolongerbeordinary.

You are uniquely created, anointed and appointed by God for Hispurposes and for your time and season. “As your days, so shall yourstrengthbe”(Deuteronomy33:25).Insteadofworryingaboutwhatyoudonothave,focusonwhatyoudohave,stepoutinfaithandwatchGodworkthroughyou.

ON THEDAYOF PENTECOST, THE 120 DIDNOT CRY FORA doubleanointing. Please note: NOBODY LEFT THE UPPER ROOM WITH TWOFLAMESONTHEIRHEAD.Just“onesatuponeachofthem”(Acts2:3).ButthisoneflamerepresentsthewholefireofGod—itsauthority,powerandglory.When I travel theworld, I am often asked, “Please pray forme; I want youranointing.”Mycounter-question?“DoyouthinkthatifIgiveyoumyanointing,Iwillgohomewithout?Surelynot.”Buthereisawonderfulsecret:IfyougotReinhardBonnke’sanointing,youwouldbecomeacopyofBonnke.Andletmetellyou:Ipersonallydonotwant tobeacopyfromacopy—andGoddoesn’twantthatforyoueither.

If you want to know something about the character of God, just considernature.Over7.5billionhumanbeingsdonothavethesamefingerprints,andnotwo leaves of any tree have the same structure.Why? Because God is not aduplicator—Heis theCreator.HeonlyproducesORIGINALSandoperatesnoduplicatingmachine.Yourflameonyourheadissopersonalthat itbearsyourname.Itiscustom-madeforyouonly.Itwouldnotfitanybodyelse.NobodyonearthcanserveGodexactlyasyou!Youareunique—andsoisyouranointing!

MORETHANADOUBLEPORTION“Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,hewhobelievesinMe,theworksthatIdohewilldoalso;andgreaterworksthanthesehewilldo,becauseIgotoMyFather.AndwhateveryouaskinMyname,thatIwilldo,thattheFathermaybeglorifiedin

theSon.IfyouaskanythinginMyname,Iwilldoit.”JOHN14:12-14

There is a finger on you, but it is not a finger of destruction. It is theFingerofGod,pointeddirectlyatyoutoblessyou,distinguishyouandempoweryouforHisservice–tohealthesick,raisethedeadandcastoutdevils!ThefingerofGodistheHolySpirit(Acts10:38).HedeliversyoufromeverypowerofdarknessandreleasesGod’sgoodnessinyourlife.

ISRAEL’S BLESSINGS ARE COVENANTED TO THE“COMMONWEALTHofIsrael”(Ephesians2:12).ChristJesuslinkedwonderstothenewChristianCommonwealth:“IfIcastoutdemonsbythefingerofGod,surely the Kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). There is nopowergreater than that of theHolySpirit. It isKingdompower, andnootherpower matches it. By the Spirit, He distributes His ministries to whom Hechooses.

Jesussaid,“Behold,agreater thanSolomon ishere”(Matthew12:42KJV),“BeforeAbrahamwas, IAm”(John8:58),andconcerningJohntheBaptist,“Ifyouarewillingtoreceiveit,heisElijahwhoistocome”(Matthew 11:1 4). It is important to realize that you have received amantle far superior to Elijah’s–Jesus’mantle, the baptism of theHolySpirit.

ITISNOTUNCOMMONINPENTECOSTAL-CHARISMATICCIRCLEStohearpeoplepraying forElijah’smantle: thepower tocalldown fire andworkmiracles,signsandwondersasElijahdid.However,Jesusmakesitclear,“Andthese signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast outdemons; theywill speakwith new tongues; theywill take up serpents; and iftheydrinkanythingdeadly,itwillbynomeanshurtthem;theywilllayhandsonthe sick, and theywill recover” (Mark 16:17, 18). Needwe pray for Elijah’smantle?No, I don’t believe so. Jesus gives usHismantle, the baptism in theHolySpirit.Allwemustdoisbelieveandwalkinit,andsignsandwonderswillfollow.

The Lord God is not only “in our midst,” but He is within us. Hisabsence is unthinkable. He does not have to be sought, fasted andclamoredfor,or“claimed.”HispresenceisessentialtotheverynatureoftheChristianfaith.

THEPROPHETSPREDICTEDIT,BUTTHEYTHEMSELVESNEVERknewit.Thelastoftheprophets,JohntheBaptist,said,“Ibaptizeyouwithwater...butHewillbaptizeyouintheHolySpiritandfire”(Matthew3:11).Aspartoftheredemptivepackage,NewTestamentbelieversenjoyanewdepthofDivineintimacy.BeyondfellowshippingwithGod,Heiswithinus, ineachandeveryindividualsavedbyHisgrace(John14:17).Wedon’thavetoearnit;Hisloveguarantees it. Ifwearebornagain,cleansedby thebloodof theLambofGodfromoursins,thereisnothingweneedtodoaboutHispresence;Heisalreadythereanywayandalways!Thatisthegloryofourfaith.

God isnearnightandday. IfHewaits inchurchwhilewegetonwithlife,howthenwouldHesaveusandbeourstrength?Pagansgototheshrinesoftheirgods,butChristiswithusalways.Heiswithmenow,asIwriteatthisdesk,aswellaswhenIampreachingincrusades.Wevary,butHedoesnot(James1:17).OpportunitydoesnotdictatetoHim.Hehas nomoods and is notmanipulated by ourmoods.He doesn’t comeandgo,chasedbackandforthbyourattitudes.Wearetemperamental,butHeisforeverthesame.

GOD DOESN’T JUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHANCE momentwhenweareinaspiritualframeofmind.Whereverweare,Heisthere—evenwhenweareasleepandunconsciousofHisnearness.Psalm4:8declares,“Iwillboth liedowninpeaceandsleep;forYou,OLord,makemedwell insafety.”We can “dwell” in safety becauseHe “dwells”with us.Christ said “Lo, I amwithyoualways,eventotheendoftheage”(Matthew28:20).

ROYALPRIESTHOODButyouareachosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,aholynation,Hisown

specialpeople,thatyoumayproclaimthepraisesofHimwhocalledyououtofdarknessintoHismarvelouslight.

1PETER2:9

Youareacrownprince(ss).Godhascrownedyouwithgloryand fire.Youwieldauthorityandpoweronyourhead–the tonguesof fireof theHoly Spirit. “Behold, I give unto you power and authority to tread onscorpionsandserpentsandoverallthepoweroftheenemy...”(Luke10:19). Youare not awimp.Don’t cower before the enemy, anddon’tliveanordinarylife.

YOUAREMADETOWEARAFIRE-WREATH,ORAFIRE-CROWN!Thatwasnocommittee-decision.It isGod’swill thateverybelieverbecarryingtheflame,wearingamonarch’sDIADEMofHolySpiritpower.AnobleWREATHOF FIRE on our heads. DIVINE RECOGNITION. A CROWN OF LIVINGAUTHORITY.BaptizedintheSpirit—CROWNEDWITHPOWER.

As Moses blessed the Israelites, his words about Joseph were more thanbeautiful poetry (Deuteronomy33:13-17). It spoke a prophetic promise: “MaythefavorofHimwhodweltintheburningbushrestontheheadofJoseph,onthebrowoftheprinceamonghisbrothers.”ThefavorofHimthatdweltintheburningbush crowning Joseph is aBiblepromise tous.When theGodof theburningbushcrownsus,thatcrownbringsusspiritualmajestyandauthority.Wespeak with power and assurance because we KNOW byWhose authority wespeak.

The Gospel was not given to level us all to the lowest commondenominator, but to create new creatures and to give to all of us thedignityof the sonsofGod!Menwhooncewere savagesare reclaimedand walk now as princes. Hallelujah! What a reason to preach theGospel!Couldanythingbemorethrilling,adventurousandworthwhile?Whatelseisworthlife’seffort?

BELIEVERS CANWALK THROUGH THISWORLDWITH HEADS heldhigh, carrying the dignity of the family of God as lords and ladies of thekingdomofheaven.“Let theweaksay, ‘I amstrong’” (Joel3:10).Weare theprecious and costly purchase of theRedeemer.God iswith us.Wehave beenendued with the power of the Almighty, cherished by angels, girdled withstrength,guidedbyanall-wisecall,involvedintheCreator’seternalordersandperfumedbygrace.TheGospelbringsGodandustogetherforever!

ItissurprisingwhichpeopleGoduses.NotoftendoesHeusethegreatmenofearth,brilliantleadersorcelebrities,butHeusuallychoosesmenwith no great achievements in the world. God does not use manycrowned heads of state. He chooses the fire-crowned. That is thequalificationforHiswork–theauthorityoffaithandfire.

THERE WERE MANY AVAILABLE CAESARS AND RULERS: PILATE,CaiaphastheHighpriest,thereligiousandpoliticaleliteoftheirday.ButJesusbypassed them all and went to lowly fishermen and tax collectors—theuneducated,unculturedtradersbytheseaofGalilee.Somehadcheatedandonehadstolen,butbecausetheywerepliableandyielding,Hecouldshapethemintoworld changers, andHe did.To this day, Jesus is still doing the same—usingmen and women from all backgrounds. He cleanses them with His blood,empowersthembyHisSpiritandusesthemasworldchangers.Youcanbeoneofthemtoo:livingfire.

NEWDIMENSIONSOFGLORYANDPOWER

“NowPeterandJohnwentuptogethertothetempleatthehourofprayer,theninthhour.Andacertainmanlamefromhismother’swombwascarried,whomtheylaiddailyatthegateofthetemplewhichiscalledBeautiful,toaskalmsfromthosewhoenteredthetemple;who,seeingPeterandJohnabouttogointothetemple,askedforalms.Andfixinghiseyesonhim,withJohn,Petersaid,

‘Lookatus.’Sohegavethemhisattention,expectingtoreceivesomethingfromthem.ThenPetersaid,‘SilverandgoldIdonothave,butwhatIdohaveIgiveyou:InthenameofJesusChristofNazareth,riseupandwalk.’Andhetookhimbytherighthandandliftedhimup,andimmediatelyhisfeetandanklebonesreceivedstrength.Sohe,leapingup,stoodandwalkedandenteredthetemplewiththem–walking,leaping,andpraisingGod.Andallthepeoplesawhim

walkingandpraisingGod.ThentheyknewthatitwashewhosatbeggingalmsattheBeautifulGateofthetemple;andtheywerefilledwithwonderand

amazementatwhathadhappenedtohim.”ACTS3:1-10

The baptism in the Spirit with speaking in tongues is no newReformation, no renovation or decoration. It is liberation and givesChristianteachinganewdimension.ThebaptismintheSpiritissimplytypicalofWhotheHolySpiritis–causingustobe“endued”withpower.

THEPROPHETSOFOLDWERENOTBAPTIZEDINTHESPIRIT,buttheywere moved when the Spirit came upon them. It marked them as prophets.Miraclesalsosometimestookplace.Whenthesesupernaturaleffectswereseen,theywereputdowntothebreathofGod.ThewordbreathisthesameasSpiritinHebrew(ruah).WhenKingSaulwastouchedbyGod,everybodycouldseeit.They said that the breath or Spirit of God had come upon Him. He did notindwellpeopleintheOldTestament,butrathermovedthemfromtimetotimefor special purposes. Under the new covenant, the Holy Spirit indwells thebelieverandempowershim,makingtheNewTestamentexperiencemuchbetterthantheOldTestament.

TheHoly Spirit in us is treasure, but we are not like a treasure chestcarryingtrinketsandornaments lockedupinashipwreckontheoceanfloor–rusty,coldanddormant.Wearevesselscarryingpure,hot,liquidgold.Itisimpossibletotouchusorgazeuponusandnotfeeltheheat.

WHOARETHEMOSTRIDICULOUS—THEPEOPLEDANCINGFOR joywiththevisionofGodorthepeopleposingunperturbedliketheSphinx,whichwasunmovedevenwhenNapoleonfiredacannonatit?FleshandbloodarenotgranitethatshouldexperiencetheSpiritandshownosignofit.Whatwehaveinearthenvesselsis“treasure,”toshowthatthisall-surpassingpowerisfromGod(2Corinthians4:7).SomethingtotallystrangewillbeevidenttomindsalienatedfromGod,likeFestussaidtoPaul,“Youarebesideyourself.Muchlearningisdriving you mad!” (Acts 26:24). How else could it be today when peopleexperiencetheoriginalbrandofChristianity?

MORETHANCAPABLE“IfGodisforus,whocanbeagainstus?HewhodidnotspareHisownSon,butdeliveredHimupforusall,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings?...WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?Shalltribulation,ordistress,orpersecution,orfamine,ornakedness,orperil,orsword?...YetinallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughHimwholovedus.ForIampersuadedthatneitherdeathnorlife,norangelsnorprincipalitiesnor

powers,northingspresentnorthingstocome,norheightnordepth,noranyothercreatedthing,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodwhichisin

ChristJesusourLord.”ROMANS8:31-32,35,37-39

TheChristianisnotaweakling–afragilespeciessubjecttotheharshnessoftheelementsandthebrutalitiesofothers.LikeEsther,themostwell-bred,royalanddaintyofusisnottobetrifledwith(Esther7:3-10).ThepoweroftheHolySpiritmakesusasboldasalion(Proverbs28:1).Weroaras of theLionof the tribe Judah, andwhynot?Weare sons anddaughtersofGod!

WHENTHEHOLYSPIRITCAMEUPONTHEBELIEVERS,ITGAVEthemmore than the power to workmiracles, signs and wonders. It also toughenedthemup for the challenges of the times and the persecutions theywould face.WiththecomingoftheHolySpirit, theapostlesdiscoveredanewresilience,anewstrengthwithinthemandapowerthatoperatedintheirweakness,sendingthemout intoabrutalized,paganworld todemolish its idol establishmentandchangehistory.Thatisatruemarkof“theSpirit-filledlife.”

The Spirit-filled life is not an experience to be cultivated in specialconditions,likeindoorlilies.Christiansarenotflowers.TheHolySpiritmakesbelieverstoughspecimensforallconditions.Theycarryperpetualspringtimeintheirsoulandare“winterized.”

YOUARENOTLIKEAPLANTCULTIVATEDINAGREENHOUSE,onlyabletosurviveunderspecialconditionsandincapableofsurvivingonyourown.The believer is planted by springs of living water. You carry a perpetualspringtime; your leaves will not wither, no matter the external conditions orenvironment. Regardless of the circumstances, you will bear fruit for God(Psalm1).

Withoutafireplace,thenicesthomecanfeelunwelcomeinacoldwinter.Likea stove, youaredesigned tobringwarmthandcomfort toa cold,dark and ugly world. Let the wind of the Spirit of God blow on yourembers,blowingawaythedustofunbeliefandhopelessness.Asyouaddlogsof faith in theWordofGod toyour little fireplace, youwillbeginblazinghotwiththefireoftheHolySpirit.

GOD CREATED THE HUMAN HEART TO BE A FIREPLACE. THE“mighty,rushingwind”hadtocomefirsttoblowoutallashandtrash,andthenthe fire followed (Acts 2:1-4). Real fire radiates heat. Fish has the sametemperature as thewater inwhich it swims, and someChristians are just likethat. They have the temperature of godless entertainment andwonderwhat iswrong. When our fire grate is filled with fire, we are hot. We change thetemperatureofoursurroundings.

Thedevil is comfortablewhere people are spiritually cold; he remainscomfortableregardlessofhowreligioustheyare.GetablazewiththefireoftheHolySpirit,andtheheatwilldrivetheenemyaway.

ALADYSAIDTOME“IHAVEADEMONSITTINGONMYHEAD.”“Areyoua childofGod?” I asked.Shenodded. Iwasamazed.Suddenly, theHolySpiritspoketomeandIaskedher,“Doyouknowthatflieslovetositonacoldstove,often fora long time?Get the fireandheatof theHolySpirit intoyourlife, andyour devil-problem is solved forever.”Whenyour “stove” is hot andsomeflyapproaches,itsuddenlysensestheheatandsharplyveersaway.PraiseGod,weareprotectedby“awalloffire”—thefireoftheHolySpirit.

NEVERALONE“Butnow,thussaystheLord,Whocreatedyou,OJacob,andHeWhoformedyou,OIsrael:‘Fearnot,forIhaveredeemedyou;Ihavecalledyoubyyour

name;youareMine.Whenyoupassthroughthewaters,Iwillbewithyou;andthroughtherivers,theyshallnotoverflowyou.Whenyouwalkthroughthefire,youshallnotbeburned,norshalltheflamescorchyou.ForIamtheLordyour

God,theHolyOneofIsrael,yourSavior...’”ISAIAH43:1-3

God did not give His presence to us as a group. No, the gift of Hispresence,ofHisHolySpirit,ispersonalItisforyou.Itisforme.Itisforeachoneofusindividually.

GODSAID,“ASIWASWITHMOSES,SOIWILLBEWITHYOU”(Joshua1:5). We read, “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2). This individualassuranceembracedallofIsraelforever.HetoldtheseleadersthatHewouldnotfailthem,andthatpromisewasfortheentirenation.WereadthepromiseofHisnearness inScripture,written longago to all believers, but it shouldnot tobewatereddowntosomevaguesentiment.Itisapersonalguaranteetome,toyouandtoeveryreaderoftheBible.

YouhavethefullHolySpirit,inpersonandinpower–notapartialHolySpirit.Heisnotpresentinbitsandpieces.Youdon’tneedmoreofGod.YouhaveallofHimandHisfullness.JustsurrendertoHim,believethatHeistrulyallthereandyouwillseeamazingmanifestationsoftheHolySpiritinyourlife.

MOREOFGOD?PLEASETAKENOTE:IFWEAREINTHEOCEAN,wearewet and cannot getwetter.We arewetwith thewhole Pacific, thewholeAtlanticoftheSpirit,notdampenedbyadropfromachild’sseasidebucket.Thewetness, thewater that clings to us, stretches to the shoreless reaches ofGod.We are one in the Spirit with all who bathe in those waters. Think about it.Apostle Paul said, “Forwewere all baptized by one Spirit so as to form onebody. . .andwewereallgiventheoneSpirit todrink”(1Corinthians12:13).Thespiritualsignisfire—fervency.Thephysicalsignisspeakingwithtongues.

TheFatherjoinswiththeSontoensurewearecaredfor.“YourlifeishiddenwithChrist inGod” (Colossians 3:3). I like to think of it as alocked safe in a strong-room. We are in double safety. Nothing canseparateus.

ILIVEWITHTHEASSURANCETHATIAMWASHEDINTHEBLOODofJesus,andnobodycanpluckme fromHishand (John10:28-30).Satancannotkidnapmysoul.ItishiddenwithChristinGod,anditbearstheseal-markoftheblood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19). “Rejoice . . . again I will say rejoice!”(Philippians4:4).

Let this truth sink deep into your soul. Let it reflect in your life–ineverything you do or wherever you go. The Lord is with you. He willneverleaveyounorforsakeyou(Hebrews13:5).Thisisnotaclichéorcharismaticjargon.Itisaspiritualtruthandreality.

WEHAVE THEHABITOF PRAYING, AS I USED TOWHEN IWASAyoungman,“Please,LordJesus,comeintoourmidst.”Oneday,Iwokeupandsaid, “How can I plead with someone to come who promised to never leaveme?”ThisistrueofJesus,Whopromisedtonever,everleaveus(Matt28:20).WeneedtoliveintherealityofHisconstantpresenceandchangeouroldstyleofprayer.

ANEWGENESIS“Thenthosewhogladlyreceivedhis(Peter’s)wordwerebaptized;andthatdayaboutthreethousandsoulswereaddedtothem.Andtheycontinuedsteadfastlyintheapostles’doctrineandfellowship,inthebreakingofbread,andinprayers.

Thenfearcameuponeverysoul,andmanywondersandsignsweredonethroughtheapostles.”

ACTS2:41-43

“Andsuddenlytherecameasoundfromheaven,asofarushing,mightywind . . . ” (Acts 2:2). The Holy Spirit came with great force and ademonstration of power The Church thrives when it ministers in thispower,andthegatesofhellcannotprevailagainstit.

WHENYOUGRASPTHEFULLIMPORTOFWHATITMEANSTOhavetheHolySpiritbaptism,youwillbecomeanotherperson.YouwilljointhearmystandingwiththebatteringramoftheWordoftheCrossthatwillpulverizethestrongholdsofthedevil.Thisisthedrum-rollthunderofGod’sinvinciblearmyonthemarch.WhenGodfilledmewithHisSpiritandopenedmylipstospeakwith tongues, He opened my ears to hear the triumphant peal of the trumpetannouncingthatJesushasallpowerinheavenandonearth.Whatagift!

ThefirstChristiancongregationwassolemnbutnotaquietgatheringora powerless bunch. There was prophesying, there was preaching, andthereweresalvationsandbaptisms.TheSpiritofGodbegantomoveinamightywayandhasnotstoppedsince.

TOTALKABOUTHIM,WEHAVEFIRSTTOIDENTIFYHIM.HEIS thepowerofPentecost.HebegantheChristianChurch.Wecanpinpointwhenandwherethishappened.ItwasinAD29attheannualJewishfestivalheld50daysafterChrist’scrucifixion,calledtheDayofPentecost.Thatmorning, theSpiritofGodburstupontheworld,notasasweetinfluencebutliterallyasahurricane(Acts 2:1-4).He announcedHis own arrivalwith themiracle of 120 disciplesempowered and speaking in tongues. This noisy outburst attracted the firstChristiancongregation.

YoucannotshaketheHolySpiritfreefromtheChurch.TheHolySpiritabides;Hehascometostay.ThatisHisjob–Hisassignment.Heiswithusalwayseventotheuttermostboundsoftheearth(Acts1:8).Heiswithustoempower,encourageandguideus.Wedonotreceivealittlebitofthe Holy Spirit, to last us for a while, and then have to return for afurther supply, like making regular trips to the supermarket. We arealwaysfull.

THE DISCIPLES NEVER RETURNED TO THE UPPER ROOM FOR AREPEAT-EXPERIENCE.Jesus told thedisciplesHewasgoing,butHewouldsendtheComforterwhowouldnevergoaway.Jesushadto leave,butnothingcouldmake theHolySpiritbeabsent.Permanence is theessentialcharacteroftheSpirit.TheSpiritABIDES.FirstJohn2:27saystheanointing“abides.”Theword “abide” (inGreekmeno) is a favorite expressionof John. It is used120timesintheNewTestamentand63ofthemarebyJohn—38inhisGospeland25timesintheEpistles.ThisisonlyonewaythatJohnunderlinesthecontinuityoftheblessing,powerandanointingofGod.Hehasotherwaysalso.Heavoidswordswhichsuggestanendinginthepast,afinishorinterruptionoftheactivityofGod.HealwayspresentstheworkofGodason-going.

WithouttheChurch,theHolySpiritishomeless.HeislikeNoah’sdovethatfoundnorestingplaceawayfromtheark.WithouttheSpiritofGod,theChurchisamausoleum.ButwiththeHolySpirit,thechurchbecomesamightyfortress.Then,weconquerandarenotconquered.

“JESUSREPLIED, ‘FOXESHAVEDENSANDBIRDSHAVENESTS, buttheSonofManhasnoplacetolayhishead’”(Matthew8:20).WhenJesuswasonearth,Hewasamanonamissionandhadnoclaimtoahome.Butthroughthe Holy Spirit, He comes to abide with us (John 14:23).Willing hearts andmindsgiveGodmorethanaplatformtoexecuteHispurpose;theygivetheHolySpiritahomehereonearth.Goddesirestomakeahomeinyourlife.Asitisinheaven,soshoulditbeinyourlife(Matthew6:9-13).Godwantsyourlifetobeaplaceofcomfort,joy,peaceandhappiness.

THEUNCHANGINGTRANSFORMER“NowwhentheysawtheboldnessofPeterandJohn,andperceivedthatthey

wereuneducatedanduntrainedmen,theymarveled.AndtheyrealizedthattheyhadbeenwithJesus.”

ACTS4:13

Abraham,Moses, Joshua,Deborah, Elijah and Elisha–all these namesinspireaweandwonder,but theywerepeopleof likepassions likeyouandI(James5:17).ThesameSpiritthatwasuponthemisinus.Wedidnotreceiveasecond-rateSpiritorexperience,andweshouldnotexpectasecond-rateresult.

THEBAPTISMINTHESPIRITENDUESBELIEVERSWITHTHESpiritoftheprophets.WhentheprophetsexperiencedGodsupernaturally, theycalledittheSpiritoftheprophets.Joel2:28promisedthatthesameSpiritoftheprophetswouldbepouredoutonallflesh.Peopleofallkindswouldprophesy—notjustan individual here and there. Furthermore, this outpouringwould not be for asingle task but as a permanent gift in Christ to everyone. On the Day ofPentecost, as described in Acts, “a sound like the blowing of a violent windfilledthewholehousewheretheyweresitting. . .andtonguesoffirecametorestoneachof them.”Theyall spokewithnew tonguesabout the “wonderfulworks ofGod.” Joel’s prophecywas that young and oldwould prophesy, andPeterdeclared,“ThisiswhatwasspokenbytheprophetJoel.”Hedescribednewtonguesasprophecy (Acts2:15-17).Prophecy isutteranceunder thepowerofGod,andweseeitintheselastdaysasweareenduedwiththesameSpiritastheprophetsofold.

The transformational power of the Holy Spirit is undisputable.Fishermenandpeasantsturnedintogreatapostles–weakandindecisivebut having become strong and influential. They became spearheads intheKingdomofGodblazingawayinthedarknessoftheworldwiththefireoftheGospel.

YOU WOULD THINK IT WAS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: A GROUP offishermen chargedwith changing theworld.However, thesemostly unlearnednobodiesadvancedwithanewsecret.Godpersonallyworkedwiththemthroughsigns and wonders. More than that, He barbed their simple words withconviction and guided those words to the hearts of hearers as unerringly andpowerfullyasDavid’sstonetotheheadofGoliath.Withoutpersonalcharisma,thecharismaoftheSpiritofGodenduedthem.Their“secret”wassimple—theHolySpirit.

TheHolySpiritdoesnotchoosethestrongandthecapable,althoughHedoes not ignore them either. However, His main purpose is to givestrengthtotheweakandneedy.TheirweaknessattractsHispower,Hisall-sufficiencyandHislife-givingdynamism.Hecomesforthebestandfortheworstofus,astheFather’sPromisesentbytheSon.LookatthestoryofPetertheApostle:

PETER DENIED JESUS THREE TIMES WHILE AT THE FIRE ON THEnightJesuswasarrested(Mark14:66-72).Questionsas tohis identitycame tohimlikeashot,andhemiserablydeniedJesushisLord.Tearsdrippeddownhisrugged beard, and when Jesus silently looked at him, the melt-down ofrepentancebegan.ButlookwhathappenedtoPeterontheDayofPentecost.HebecamethespokesmanoftheApostlesoftheLambandhealsoled3,000peopleto the Lord that day (Acts 2). God gives such empowerment to the mostmiserablepeople.

GIFTEDCHURCH“Therearediversitiesofgifts,butthesameSpirit.Therearedifferencesof

ministries,butthesameLord.Andtherearediversitiesofactivities,butitisthesameGodwhoworksallinall.ButthemanifestationoftheSpiritisgiventoeachonefortheprofitofall...Forasthebodyisoneandhasmanymembers,butallthemembersofthatonebody,beingmany,areonebody,soalsoisChrist

...NowyouaretheBodyofChristandmembersindividually.”1CORINTHIANS12:4-7,12,27

Even in the loneliest and driest of deserts the burning bush ismagnificent–filled with power and offering hope. God planned ourchurches to be burning bushes from which He will speak. Seeing aburningbush,churchpeoplewillhearandwilllistentoGod’svoice.Wewantforestsofburningbushes.

WEAREBUSHESTHATBURNWITHTHEGLORYOFGODANDthefireoftheHolySpirit,notoldreedsinadirtyswampthatareweak,wetandcannotburn.WhenMosesencounteredtheburningbush,hislifewastransformed.Thishopeless,wandering,purposelessmanreceivedaDivinepurposefromGodthatwouldchangehislife,destinyandpeople.Amanwhowashidingfromthelawwas empowered to go back with a staff of righteousness to liberate those incaptivity.GodintendsforourchurchestobeburningbushesfromwhichHewillspeakandtransformthelivesofmanywhoaredestitute,hopeless,forgottenandabandoned,togivethempurposeandareasontolive.

Secretprayeristhesecretofpower.Aprayerroomisapowerhouseofthe Spirit. ButGodwantsmore.HewantsHis house to be a house ofprayer for all nations (Isaiah56:7).Let prayergo forth to and for thenations,andletthehealingwatersfloodtheearth.

JESUS SAID, “WHENYOU PRAY, GO INTO YOUR ROOM, CLOSE thedoorandpraytoyourFather,whoisunseen”(Matthew6:6NIV).Closethedoorofyourprayerroom,andthedoorofheavenopens.Whenthediscipleswereinthe Upper Room, the windows of glory unlocked, and the Holy Spirit raineduponthem(Acts2).Thedevilwilltrytostopyoufrompraying,becauseprayerstops him. All around the world, there are prayer rooms—upper rooms—inchurches, colleges and even in administrative offices. They are typical placesfulloftheGospelandSpirit-filledChristians.Aprayerroomisapowerhouse.Today,“Praywithoutceasing”(1Thessalonians5:17).

Farinfrontofallthephenomenaofsignsandwonders,newtongues,orhealingsisthepreachingandteachingoftheWordofGod.Miraclesarethesupportsystemofthetruth.

THE PRIMARY AIM OF EVERY CHURCH SERVICE SHOULD BEevangelistic.Why shouldn’t every service be open to outsiders? Especially atHolyCommunionwhentheemblemsofbreadandwinearetaken.Whataprimeopportunity to first preach salvation. That cup of red wine is the greatestpreacherintheworld,toconvictsinnersoftheirsin.ItistheGospelinacup—anopportunity to invite lost sinners to accept the sacrifice of theCross. Shallonlythecleancometothefountain?

Thegiftsof theSpirit havenotbeengiven tous sowecanplaypowergames.God’spowershapesandformsusascreaturesofHISpurposesnotOURpurposes. “Thou hast created all things and for thy pleasuretheyareandwerecreated”(Revelation4:11KJV).WhatanhonortobecalledtohelpbuildGod’seternalKingdom!OurmortalhandscanbuildHiseternalKingdomhereonearth.Thereisnothinggreater.

THEDESIREFORPOSITIONANDPOWERINTHEKINGDOMHASbeenseen from the very beginning of the Church. James and John, two of the 12disciples,askedJesus,“Grantusthatwemaysit,oneonYourrighthandandtheotheronYourleft,inYourglory”(Mark10:37).ButJesus’responsewaspolitebut strong—even if you can drink from My cup, and you usually will, thisrequest is notMine togrant (Mark10:39, 40).Throughout history, therehavebeenpowerstruggles,politicsandturfwars.Believershavefoughtforpositionin the Church, wanting to build their own kingdoms and pursue their ownagenda.Butthereisonlyonethingthatmatters—thepurposeofGod.Ihopeyouand I can dedicate ourselves, our talent and our ambition to building theKingdomofGod.Afterall,“WeareHisworkmanship,created inChrist Jesusforgoodworks...”(Ephesians2:10).

NotwopersonsoperateintheHolySpiritthesameway.Neitherareanytwochurchesthesame.Unitydoesnotmeanuniformityandonenessdoesnotmeansameness.

BEINGDIFFERENTISNOSIN.THEEXPRESSION“THEPROFITOFall”in 1 Corinthians 12:7 is the Greek word sympheron, from which comes theEnglishword“symphony.”TheHolySpiritisaComposerconductingHisownwork, bringing counterpoint and harmony frommany interlocking themes andinstruments.Hedoesn’t needorwant everyoneplaying the same tune. “Therearediversitiesofgifts,but thesameSpirit.Therearedifferencesofministries,butthesameLord.Andtherearediversitiesofactivities,butitisthesameGodwhoworksallinall”(1Corinthians12:4-6).

HOLYSPIRIT-POWERED“ForIdeterminednottoknowanythingamongyouexceptJesusChristandHimcrucified.Iwaswithyouinweakness,infear,andinmuchtrembling.Andmyspeechandmypreachingwerenotwithpersuasivewordsofhumanwisdom,butindemonstrationoftheSpiritandofpower,thatyourfaithshouldnotbeinthe

wisdomofmenbutinthepowerofGod.”

1CORINTHIANS2:2-5

Christianswereneverintendedtofighttheworld,thefleshandthedevilwith only their natural resources or intellect–whether they lived in thefirst or the 21st century. The Gospel is the “power of God” (Romans1:16). The Holy Spirit gives us the power we need, but not when weignoreHim.

HOWMUCHPREACHINGTODAYSOUNDSASIFTHEPREACHERjustreturned from theUpperRoomwith the apostles?Howmuch sounds as if theGospelisactuallythepowerofGod?Preachersoftentalktotheircongregationslike doctors—passionless, giving the Holy Spirit no chance to move. TheChristianmandate cannot be accomplishedwithout the Spirit’s anointing. “BefilledwiththeSpirit!”isourinstruction(Ephesians5:18).Beingpurpose-drivenis part of it, but being Spirit-driven is the New Testament pattern. He is themotivatorandthemotivatingpower.

If we want New Testament conditions, we need to study the NewTestamentpatternsoweknowwhattoexpect.Ifwedowhattheapostlesdid,wegetwhat theapostlesgot. Ifwepreach theoriginalGospel,wewillgettheoriginalresults.

“ANDTHEYCONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THEAPOSTLES’ doctrineand fellowship, in thebreakingofbread,and inprayers.Then fearcameuponeverysoul,andmanywondersandsignsweredonethroughtheapostles...AndtheLordaddedtotheChurchdailythosewhowerebeingsaved”(Acts2:42,43,47).Peoplepray, “Do it again,Lord.”Butwe shoulddoagainwhat theEarlyChurchChristiansdid; theywereunceasing in theirwitness (Acts 5:42).Theypreached, witnessed and worked as if it all depended on them, but then theyprayedasifitalldependedonGod.TheydependedonGod,andGoddependedonthem.Oh,thatGodcandependonyouandmetocontinue—tobefaithfulinpreaching,inteachingandinwitnessing.

Proclamationcomesbeforeconfirmation.PreachalimitedJesus,andHecannotbeHimself.HedoesnotsaveunlessyoupreachaSavior.Hedoesnot heal unless youpreach theHealer.Hewill bless if youpreach theOne Who blesses. The Holy Spirit confirms the Word of God (Mark16:20).Hedoesnotconfirmourpersonality,orego.

THEHOLYSPIRITCANONLYBLESSWHATYOUSAYABOUT Jesus.TheSpiritcannotblesswhatyoudonotsayaboutHim.If“thissameJesus,”thevery “Jesus whom Paul preaches,” is preached now, the Spirit of God willconfirm it (Acts 1:11; 19:13). Howmany are guilty of stripping our preciousLord?MenstrippedHimonceforHiscrucifixion;unbeliefstripsHimagainofHispower.He isno longermighty tosaveandheal inmanychurches.TousePaul’sexpression,Heis“restricted”inourlives,whichmeans“hemmedinwithnoroomtowork”(2Corinthians6:12),caughtincold,crustedunbelief.AgainwereadinMark16:20,“Andtheywentoutandpreachedeverywhere,theLordworkingwiththemandconfirmingtheWordthroughtheaccompanyingsigns.”They preached, and the Lord confirmed. Proclamation comes beforeconfirmation.

HISABIDINGPRESENCE“Bestrongandofgoodcourage,donotfearnorbeafraidofthem;fortheLord

yourGod,HeistheOneWhogoeswithyou.Hewillnotleaveyounorforsakeyou.”

DEUTERONOMY31:6

God’s presence does not fluctuate, coming and going. Nothing in theNew Testament suggests this. The whole emphasis is on His unfailingpresence.EvenGod’snameisgivenas“YahwehShammah,”theLORDisthere(Ezekiel48:35).GodiswithusasHehasalwaysbeenandwillalwaysbe.

PROPHESYING THE BIRTH OF JESUS, THE BIBLE USES THE name“Immanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Scripture gives us many explicitassurancesoftheDivinepresence.Godwillneverleaveusalone.“Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil;forYouarewithme...”(Psalm23:4).“TheLordwillnotforsakeHispeopleforHisgreatname’s sake: because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people” (1Samuel 12:22).TheLORD toldMoses, “Iwill certainly bewith you,” and toJoshuaHesaid,“AsIwaswithMoses,soIwillbewithyou.Iwillnotleaveyounorforsakeyou”(Exodus3:12;Joshua1:5).Psalm146:6declares,“Heremainsfaithfulforever.”TheLordisfaithfultous.

We are special–given the opportunity for an intimate, personalrelationship with the Creator and Lord of the heavens and the earth.ThroughtheHolySpiritwefellowshipwiththeFatherandHisSonJesusChrist. This is the blessedness of theChristian faith.Noother deity orgodofferssuchcloseness.Weareloved!

JESUSPROMISEDHEWOULDALWAYSBEWITHUS!WHATmannerofman is this? His presence is fellowship. Theologians use the words “Divineimmanence.” That is not what Jesus promised. “Immanence” means Godpervading the world. The atmosphere pervades the planet, but God is not anatmosphere.TheBiblespeaksoffellowshipwithHim.Wecan’thavefellowshipwithanatmosphere.ChristianshaveaCommunionService.Init,wepartakeofHis life. This is an example of the wonderful personal intimacy between theCreatorandHiscreatures.ThisistheexclusivehallmarkoftheLordofheavenandearth.That is impossible foranyoneexcept theone trueGod,and there isnobodybesideHim.ThatisthespecialthingaboutGod.Heisneartoeachandeveryone(Hebrews13:5).

Godisnotpresentinageneralsense–foreverybodytogetherandyetfornobodyinparticular.Heisnotdividedinproportiontoindividuals.Hispresenceisnotregulatedbyourimportance.Heisfullywitheachoneofus,andthatishowHeiswiththewholegathering.WedonotgenerateorattractHispresence.Healreadyis.“IAM.”

CHRIST’SWORDSWERE,“WHERETWOORTHREEAREgatheredinMyname, there Iam” (Matthew18:20).Hedidnot say ‘Iwill come,’but ‘there IAM.’HowHepre-emptsourgatherings ispartof thegloriousmysteryofourGod.Wedon’tcreateorattractHispresencebymeetingwithoneanother.Hedoesn’tcomebecausewearethere.WEcomebecauseHeis there.“UntoHimshall thegatheringof thepeoplebe” (Genesis49:10KJV).The ‘twoor three’couldbe any twoor threemeeting inHisname—believers. It canbewithin afamily—even a husband and wife. He does not withdraw from the domesticcircle.FamilyconcernsareHisconcerns.Christfirstcametousinahome—thatofMaryandJoseph.

GodiswithusinHisfullness,notinpercentages.TheSpiritofGoddoesnotwithdraworretract,evaporate,diminishorleakaway.Heabides(IJohn4:15).Godhasnotcovenantedtobewithussometimes,butalways.

THESPIRITOFGODDOESNOTJUSTTURNUP,LIKETHEcongregationonSundays.HedoesnotwaituntilwehavepreparedforHisvisitwithsuitablesongs. We do not need to pray for God to be there, because He is there—ALWAYS. He is fully there! He would never make His redeeming workdependentonouremotionalstate,whichgoesupanddown likeanelevator intheEmpireStatebuilding—onemomentonthegroundfloorandthenextintheclouds.God’ssunneversets;Heisalwaysatthehighpoint,innoonposition.

TheLord’spresenceisACTIVEandnotpassive.Heisnotwithuslikeashadow–mute,voidofallpower,forgettableandcontributingnothingtoour existence. He is like the Sun, from which we can’t and dare notescape,whosepowerandradiancebringslifetoourveryexistence.

WHENTHESPIRITOFGODCOMESUPONYOU,THEREISevidenceofachanged life anda constantly changing life fromglory toglory (2Corinthians3:18).Your life can’t stay stagnant; that is adverse to theverynatureofGod.The Lord of the winds will calm the storms. The Prince of Peace will bringpeaceintoyourlife.Hewillhealyourbody,blesstheworksofyourhand,blessthefruitofyourwombandtransformyouintoalivingwitness.ThepresenceofGod isdiscernible; ithasdefinite impact.TheLORDsaid,“Iwillcertainlybewithyou,”andJesussaid,“Iamwithyoualways,even to theendof theage”(Exodus3:12;Matthew28:20).JesuskeptHispromise.“Thediscipleswentoutand preached EVERYWHERE and the Lord worked with them . . . ” (Mark16:20NIV).

ITISYOURTIME“Forthepromiseistoyouandtoyourchildren,andtoallwhoareafaroff,as

manyastheLordourGodwillcall.”ACTS2:39

TheHolySpiritdidnot shutdown in theBookofActs chapter28.TheDayofPentecostisalreadyover2,000yearslong.WecontinuetheActsoftheApostlestodayItwentontotheActsoftheEarlyChurchandnowtheActsoftheEnd-TimeChurch.ThebookofActsdescribedthedayofsmallthings,simplylayingthefoundationforustoday.

THE“DAYSOFPENTECOST”CONTINUE.SINCEPENTECOSTtheSpiritofGod,likeamightywind,hasbeenmovinginanewandpowerfulwayacrosstheglobeintoallthedarkplacesoftheearth.TheEarlyChurchandtheapostlesdidtheirpart,recordedinthebookofActs,butthatwasnotalltheHolySpiritdid,hasdoneor isdoing.Now,we in thisgenerationmustaddourpart to theActsoftheHolySpirit.

ThewindoftheSpiritisonthemove,andwemustmovewithit.Nomatterwhereyouareorhowdarkitis,youmustbelievethatthewindoftheSpiritofGod is blowing right there, and if you speak the Word, there will be light,salvations,deliverances,healingsandmiracles.Sobebold,andspeaktheWordwhereveryouare.Youwillseeresults,becausethewindoftheSpiritisblowingandhasalreadygoneaheadofyou.

TheearlyChristiansarenotourrolemodels.Jesusis!TheBookofActsdoesnotdescribetheclimaxofGod’spower,butafirstsamplingofthepotentialoftheHolySpirit.TrustGodtoinfinity;Hehasnomaximum!

THESTORYOFTHECOMINGOFTHEHOLYSPIRITANDTHElivesofthe first apostles and the blossoming church are only a first sampling of thepossibilitiesofHolySpiritministry.Thefieldisopentous.Christsaid,“Mostassuredly, I say toyou,hewhobelieves inMe, theworks that Idohewilldoalso; andgreaterworks than thesehewill do . . . ” (John14:12). Jesus is ourexample. Paul prayed “that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;thatyoumayknow...whatistheexceedinggreatnessofHispowertowarduswhobelieve,accordingtotheworkingofHismightypowerwhichHeworkedinChristwhenHeraisedHimfromthedeadandseatedHimatHisrighthandintheheavenlyplaces”(Ephesians1:18-20).

Inthisage,therearemassconversionsinsomeofthetoughestpartsoftheglobe.Healings,miraclesandsignsaboundintheChurch.Thetruthof theWord of God is being experienced today, even as it was in theEarlyChurch,anditisallbythepoweroftheHolySpirit.

SOMETHING POSITIVE ISHAPPENINGTO PEOPLE TODAY. IT carrieseveryBiblemarkofwhattheLordpromisedinScripture:“’Anditshallcometopassin thelastdays,’saysGod,‘thatIwillpouroutofMySpiritonallflesh;yoursonsandyourdaughtersshallprophesy,youryoungmenshallseevisions,your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on MymaidservantsIwillpouroutMySpiritinthosedays;andtheyshallprophesy’”(Acts 2:17, 18).God is keepingHisword, and Jesus is baptizing in theHolySpirit.Thereisnoargumentagainstit.Itishappening,anditwillhappentoyou.

TheriverofGodis forceful!Whenour livesrelate toHispurposes,weare carried along as He sweeps from the eternal past to the eternalfuture.Allowyourselftobe“carriedaway”bytheHolySpirit.

BEFORE HE WAS APOSTLE PAUL, HE WAS SAUL. HE COLLECTEDlettersfromthechiefpriestsandreligiousleadersofhistimetoauthorizehimtopersecute the Church. On the road to Damascus, the Lord appeared to Him.“Saul,Saul,whyareyoupersecutingMe?Itishardforyoutokickagainstthegoads” (Acts 26:14). Saulwasgoing against the currents of destiny.Whenhesurrendered to Jesus, he entered the currents of theHoly Spirit and became amightyapostleGodwouldusetoimpactbillionsofbelievers.Ifthelifeyouareleading is not worthwhile, try something new—a life authored by the HolySpirit.

Nomatterwhoyouareorwhatyourpastis,youtoocanbeusedbyGodmightily.Ifyouarefiredup,Hewilluseyou.JustsurrendertoHimandlettheHolySpiritempoweryouforprayer,forstudy,forworshipandforpreaching togo to thenations,andyouwill see thesignsandwondersthatwillfollow(2Timothy2:20,21).

WHYDOESGODUSESOMEPEOPLEANDNOTOTHERS? Imagineyouhave two stoves at home.One is hot and one is cold, and youwant tomakeyourselfacupofcoffee.Whichoneofthetwowouldyouuse?THEHOTONE,ofcourse.Doyougetthepoint?ThatisthereasonwhyGodcanusesomeandnotothers.Manypeoplepray,“UsemeLord,”butthatisthewrongwayround.Rather,pray,“Lord,makemeuseable.”Hisfiremakesususeable.TheuseableHeusesautomatically!Hallelujah.

FAITHLIKEAMUSTARDSEED“...Forassuredly,Isaytoyou,ifyouhavefaithasamustardseed,youwillsaytothismountain,‘Movefromheretothere,’anditwillmove;andnothing

willbeimpossibleforyou.”MATTHEW17:20

AtthecoreofthefruitoftheSpirit–love,kindness,gentleness,etc.–istheseed of unlimited power. The Christian is neither a timid nor tamedspecies.WemayturntheothercheekandsufferpersecutionforHissake,but rest assured, we carry in our being the full dead-raising, hell-crushing, transformingpowerof theHolySpirit.Wehavefaithtomovemountainsandtoraisevalleys.WithGodnothingshallbeimpossibletous(Luke1:37).

NOTASKISBIGGERTHANANOTHERWHENMEASUREDBYfaith.Afence, a house, a hill or amountainmakesnodifference to a bird flyingoverthemortothepersonwhosoarsonwingsoffaith.WhatGodhascalledyoutodoisonlypossiblethroughfaith;asyouwalk(andfly)infaith,youwillbeabletoliveandmoveintheHolySpiritinnewways.

Byfaith,we“mountuponwingsaseagles”(Isaiah40:31).Soaring,notsnoring!Don’t snore through life, sleepingasyou face life’sobstacles.SoaroverthemasyouspreadyourwingsoffaithtodayANDMOVEINTHEHOLYSPIRIT.

WELIVEBYFAITHANDNOTBYSIGHT (2CORINTHIANS5:7).Somesituationsinourlivesmayfeeldauntingbecauseofthewaytheyappearorfeelto our physical senses. But wait! Don’t buckle at the knees yet. Our faith isrootedintheWordofGod.“IcandoallthingsthroughChristWhostrengthensme”(Philippians4:13).

YouaremeanttobeanactivevolcanoofDivinefire.Youarenottobelikeafrostysnowcappedmountain–majesticbutcoldandpowerless.Letthevolcanoblowoffthetop,andletthefireoftheHolySpiritflowfromwithin(Hebrews12:29).

FAITHISLIKEAVOLCANO,SEETHINGANDSEEKINGAWAYTOthebrink.Onceitbreaks throughunbelief’scrust,apowerfuleruptionwill follow.Whenever God can break through our crust of unbelief, a display of Hisawesomepoweroccurs,defyingallourmoodsandperplexities.Howthickisthecrust of our doubt? How resistant are we to trustingGod? If we give up ourunbelief, a secret channel will funnel God’s fire to our relief—the fire of theHolySpirit.

More than from love and generosity,God givesHis Spirit to us out ofnecessity;GodisdesperatetofilluswithHisSpiritandempowerusforHiswork.Wedonotneedtobegorpleadforthisblessing.Heismorethan willing; He is ready. He is all-ready! Just believe and you shallreceive.

WHATABOUT“TARRYINGINJERUSALEM?”(LUKE24:49).JESUStoldthedisciplestowaitbecause,atthattime,theHolySpirithadnotyetbeengivenandwouldnotbeuntilJesuswasglorified(John7:39).Theyhadtowaitforthehistoricmoment—theDayofPentecost.BUTNOWHEISHERE.Pentecostisafact, and you can experience it personally any day of the week.We have nopleadingmeetings, only receivingmeetings. Jesus loves to fulfillHisWord inourlives.Wearebelievers,notbeggars.

NOTBYMIGHTORFEELINGS“’...Notbymightnorbypower,butbyMySpirit,’saystheLordofhosts.”

ZECHARIAH4:6

Thebaptism in theSpiritbringspermanentpowerbutnotapermanentfeelingofpower.Fortunately,wedon’tmeasurepowerbyfeelingsorbywhatwe see. Spiritual power is latent strength in our spirit. Butwhencircumstancescallforittobeused,spiritualstrengthisthere.Thesupplyisimmediate,matchingtheneedasitarises.Don’tletyourdependenceonfeelingsrobyouofyourspiritualvictories.

WIRES,WHICHCANCARRY110,000VOLTS,LOOKEXACTLYthesamewhether they are carrying current or not. Similarly,we cannot judge our ownmuscularpowerbyFEELINGSbutonlybyEXPERIMENT.Strongmendon’tfeel their strength. They can’t sit down and enjoy strength at the fireside.However,whenaskedtoliftaheavyweight,theyKNOWtheirstrengthandjustdo it.Whenwe sit and rest, we don’t feel full of power.We feel completelyordinary—we’renotawareofHismightypowerwithinus(2Corinthians10:1-6).

NearlyallprayersforpowerarereallyforaSENSEOFPOWER—adesireto feel the throb or pulsation that accompanies power. That misses the point.Strength is evident when it is used. A man lifts dumbbells, and his strengthshows.SomeneverdoanythingforGodbecausetheydon’t“feel”thepowerorstrength. They keep on praying for what they probably already have.What awasteoftimeandeffort!God’spowerwillbetherewhenit’sneeded.Richmendon’tcarrymillionsofdollarsaroundwiththem.Theydrawontheirresourceswhenevertheyplease.Wedon’tneedtobetremblingundertheweightofDivinepowerfrombreakfastuntildinner.WeworkbecauseHEhasallthepower—notus.That’sallthatmatters.

TheHolySpiritisfullypresent,whetherwefeelHimornot.Hisgiftsandpowerdonotdependonourabilitytofeelthem.IfwestandbyfaithonHisWord,theComforterwillcomeandabidewithyou(John14:16).WeknowHeisalwaysthere,andHewillneverleaveusnorforsakeus,nomatterthecircumstances(Hebrews13:5).

I ONCE HEARD OF AN EVANGELISTWHO REFUSED TO ENTER theplatform to preach. He said, “I cannot feel the anointing,” and so instead ofwalking onto the platform, he cried and prayed backstage forGod’s presence.Buthewaswrong;theHolySpiritisnotacommoditybutaperson—theThirdPerson of the Trinity. Yet, no person can appear in percentages—a half or aquarterofthemselves.TheHolySpiritisalwaysfullypresent,evenifweshouldbe absent-minded or cannot feelHim. Sometimes,when preaching in front ofhundreds of thousands of people, I do not feelHis presence.What do I do? IrememberthatJesustoldusthattheHolySpiritwillabidewithusforever.Ithenappropriate that promise by faith. I preach theWord ofGod,which is alwayshonoredandconfirmedbytheSpiritofGod.Wedonotalwaysfeelthepower,butHeisalwaysthere.TheHolySpiritneverleavesus.

All non-God-inspired operations are temporary, but the Jesus-HolySpiritpartnershipwill last farbeyondanythingelse thatmoves.This ispartofGod’sorderatcreationandgoesonforever–withorwithoutus.Wearefreetobefailuresifwewant–orheroesoffaith.

WHATEVER GOD DOES SHALL BE FOREVER (ECCLESIASTES 3:14).ThisisastrueaboutGod’screationasitistrueofourlivesandministry.WecanchoosetofactorGodintoeveryaspectofourlivesandbeChrist-centeredinourdealings, or we can choose to ignore the reality of God all together. But Ipersonallywant tochallengeyou todomore thanputGod into theequation; IwantyoutopartnerwithGodtosolvetheequation.LetHimhelpyouwithyourdestiny,yourhealth,yourfamily,yourministry,etc.Whateverconcernsyou,Heiswillingandabletobeapartofthesolution.

SUPERNATURALWORKINGPOWER“ForitisGodWhoworksinyoubothtowillandtodoforHisgoodpleasure.”

PHILIPPIANS2:13

Ifa1,000tonblockofironhadtobeliftedbycrane,howmuchcouldyouhelp?Suppose you could get a grip on it and tried to heaveandpull?Whatdifferencewouldyoumake?Therewouldbenodifference,and itwouldn’thelp.

WHAT ABOUT LIFTING THEWHOLEWORLD? THAT IS A TASK forGod,throughthepowerofHisatoningdeathandresurrection.Doyouthinkyoutake the load off His shoulders and do a kind of Hercules exchange? Is Godalmighty,andthenHeneedsalittlebitofextrahelpfromus?JesussaidHehadALLpower.That’ssurelyenough!YoumayjustaswellleaveittothepowerofGod.“CastyourburdenontheLord”(Psalm55:22).

Does thatmean thatweshouldsit idle?Bynomeans!Far fromit, foryouhaveaprivilegedandimportantparttoplay.Whatisit?Whatdohoist-operatorsdo?Theydon’tattempt to liftheavyweightswith theirownhands,butneitherdo theyhangaroundwith theirhands in theirpockets.Theyknowwhat todo,andwithoutthemtheloadwillneverbelifted.Theyhooktheloadtotheliftingmachinery!That’swhatour job is.Don’t try to lift everybody’sburden all byyourself.That iswhatonlyGodcando.Our simple task is tobringpeople toHim.TheGospel is the power ofGod to lift the entireworld (Romans 1:16).Thereispower—plentyofpower.Jesussaidso(Matthew28:18KJV).

Thevisionofblood-washedworld-continentscanonlyberealizedwhenwe believe God and act on it. Do nothing and nothing happens. Goddoesn’tneedtogiveusinspiringvisionstodowhatwecando,butratherwhatwecannot.Weexcelatbeingordinary.Jesuschoseusforthehonoroftheextraordinary.Catchthevision!Peoplesay‘Iamnotthevisionarytype.’ But Joseph, who was a “dreamer,” did not dream about thePromisedLand.HeratherappropriatedforhimselftheWordofGodtoAbraham,IsaacandJacoband“gaveinstructionsconcerninghisbones”thathismummyshouldbecarriedwiththemwhenIsraelenteredCanaan(Hebrews11:22).

SOMEPEOPLEPRAYFORPOWER,BUTDONOTHING.WELL, nobodyneedspowerfordoingnothing.OpenyourspirittotheSpiritofGod,andvisionandpowerwillflowlikeamightyriver.Jesusdoesnotsitwithsitters,norsleepwithsleepers,butHeworkswithworkersandenduesthemwiththepoweroftheHolySpirit.Heputsfightintotimidrabbitsandtransformspygmiesintogiantsworkingalongsideomniscience. Jesus changesournestinghabits, fillsuswithHisHolySpiritandmakestheimpossiblepossible.

THEWORLDISWAITING“AndHe(Jesus)saidtothem,‘GointoalltheworldandpreachtheGospeltoeverycreature.Hewhobelievesandisbaptizedwillbesaved;buthewhodoesnotbelievewillbecondemned.Andthesesignswillfollowthosewhobelieve:inMynametheywillcastoutdemons;theywillspeakwithnewtongues;theywilltakeupserpents;andiftheydrinkanythingdeadly,itwillbynomeanshurt

them;theywilllayhandsonthesick,andtheywillrecover.’”MARK16:15-18

Wehavetorelearn,nottojusthowtopreachtheGospelinchurches,butalso rediscover the highways and the byways where the lost are. TheSupremeCommissionofJesusisforourowntime.

IF YOU WANT TO WIN SOULS, DONT THROW YOUR NET INTO Abathtub.Therearenofishthere.Atbest,youwillcatchapieceofsoap.Ifyouhave aheart for souls tobe saved, throwyournet into a river, theoceanor alake.Youhavetogowherethefishare,andthatiswhereverGodsendsyou.Ifyouwonderwherethelakeis,simplyleavethesanctuary,stepoutofthechurchandontothestreets.Thatiswheretheharvestbegins.Aspeopleflowpast,theyall need Jesus. We have become too comfortable behind our stained-glasswindows;weurgentlyneedtorecoverthehighwaysandbyways.

The Holy Spirit comes in like a mighty rushing wind, and when theGospel is preached, it is with tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10). ThisGospel is like the tide–as it rises, it moves everything in its way Itunlocksstuckcallingsandfloatsthemincurrentsofgreatness.

IGREWUPATTHEMOUTHOFTHERIVERELBEINGERMANY.Whenthe tidewas out, we boys played around the barges stuck in themud. Inmymind, they were impossible to shift or move. But then the tide came in.Suddenly, the barges floated. I couldmove them from the pierwith one foot.WhenwepreachtheGospel,thetidecomesin,theimmovablebecomemovable,theincurablecurableandtheimpossiblepossible.Let’strustGod!

When the tide comes in, it doesn’t just lift one or two ships, but everyboat–exceptthosethathavenobottom.Butthereishopeforeventhoseships; they can be repaired by theHoly Spirit. Renewed and restored,thoseshipsrisetonewserviceandministry.

THEPOWEROFTHEHOLYSPIRITISABLETOTRANSCENDindividualneedsandmovesintofamilies,communitiesandcities.Don’tlimittheeffectandpower of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit agenda is always greater than oneperson,onefamilyorevenonecommunity.WhentheHolySpiritmoves,morethanone life is touched.WhenPeterwent toCornelius’house tominister, theHolySpiritfellnotjustonhimbuttheentirehousehold(Acts10).WhenPhilipministeredtotheEthiopianeunuch,awholenationwasimpacted(Acts8:26-40).

CHOOSEFAITH!“ButJoshuathesonofNunandCalebthesonofJephunneh,whowereamongthosewhohadspiedouttheland,toretheirclothes;andtheyspoketoallthecongregationofthechildrenofIsrael,saying:‘Thelandwepassedthroughtospyoutisanexceedinglygoodland.IftheLorddelightsinus,thenHewillbringusintothislandandgiveittous,‘alandwhichflowswithmilkand

honey’OnlydonotrebelagainsttheLord,norfearthepeopleoftheland,fortheyareourbread;theirprotectionhasdepartedfromthem,andtheLordiswith

us.Donotfearthem.’”NUMBERS14:6-9

Mosessaid,“Ihavesetbeforeyoulifeanddeath,blessingandcursing;therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). You have the choice tofocuson thequestions that lead todoubt,discouragementanddeathortheanswers that lead to life,hopeandblessings.TheHolySpiritgivesyoutheanswersandpowerforfulfilledliving.

AFTERJESUSHADRISENGLORIOUSLYFROMTHEDEAD, JOHNandPeterwerethefirsttostepintoHisgrave.TheymighthavesatforalongtimeandlikescholarsexaminedtheDNAoftheshroud.Iftheyhadcontinuedthere,theymighthavewrittenscientificbooksforposterity.ButthankGod, theyleftthegrave,foundtheUpperRoom,andtherethefirefell.

Let’s not beman-pleasers butGod-pleasers.Hewho is immune to thepraise ofman is also immune to the criticismofman. Let theLord beyourgloryandthelifterofyourhead.

FEARPLAYS INTOTHEHANDSOFTHEDEVIL.HECANDONO realdamageexcepttomakeusfearthathecan.Thedevilisaconartist.Balaamwasforcedtospeakthetruth(Numbers22-24).HewoundupshowingusthatGod’speoplearenotforcursing.Weareimmune.Weareredeemed.WhatwastrueofGod’sredeemedpeoplethenistrueoftheredeemedtoday.FearhearstheshoutofGoliath,butfaithhearstheshoutoftheKingofkings.

Againstallattacksofthedevil,theChristiancarriestheshieldoffaith.Itisbulletproof.Weenjoyimmunityfromdevilcontrolandenjoysalvation,victoryand freedom.Wecanbebold, impregnable through faith in theredemptivebloodofChristandtheHolySpirit.

ANEWSCHANNELONCECRITICIZEDMEANDMYWORK.Ministerscalledme and said, “Reinhard, youmust defendyourself.” I fell onmykneesand said, “Lord what shall I do?” The Holy Spirit spoke to me, “You aremanningacombine-harvesteronMyharvest-field.Donotstopitjusttocatchamouse!” Instead of defending myself, I always speak about my next Gospelcrusade. Thatmakesme happy and the devilmad. TheLord is theOneWhovindicates me. On that day, I want to hear, “Well done, good and faithfulservant”(Matthew25:21).

God’sglorywasreflected in the jewels in theHighPriest’sbreastplate(Exodus28:15-21).Splashesofprismaticcolorwouldcross thecurtainwallsreflectingonlythegloryoftheLord.Itisaperfectpicture.Wehavenogloryofourown,howevergem-likeourshiningpersonaltalents.Theonly true light comes fromJesusChrist.Wearewitnesses to that light(John1:8)asweturnourfacestoHimandreflectwhatJesuswasandis.Unlesswecatchthatlightinourownlives,nobodywillseeit.ThegiftsoftheSpiritareHisgifts,notournaturaltalentsorgraces.

WHATEVERWE CAN DO,WHATEVERWE CAN BE,WHATEVER weshoulddo,whetherbynatural or supernatural abilities, theSpirit ofGodmustburn and shine through it all that theremay be glory in theChurch byChristJesus.“ForYoursistheKingdomandthepowerandthegloryforever.Amen”(Matthew6:13).

IT’SGOTIME“ThenPhilipwentdowntothecityofSamariaandpreachedChristtothem.AndthemultitudeswithoneaccordheededthethingsspokenbyPhilip,hearingandseeingthemiracleswhichhedid.Foruncleanspirits,cryingwithaloudvoice,cameoutofmanywhowerepossessed;andmanywhowereparalyzedandlame

werehealed.Andtherewasgreatjoyinthatcity.”ACTS8:5-8

Having read this book, you have reached the “rocket of God.” Allenginesandsystemsarehotandreadyfortakeoff.Butthereisonlyonemissingelement:You.Comeon!Step into thecockpit,and let theHolySpiritshootyouintotheorbitofGod’ssupremepurposes.

ASTRONAUTSLOGHUNDREDSOFHOURSONSIMULATORSpracticingtechnicaland lifeskillscritical to theirmissionsuccess.Butasimulator is justthat—asimulation,nottherealthing.Intheend,astronautsmuststepoutfromtheircomfortandsafetyzonesandgetontothelaunchpadforthemission.Inthesameway,theHolySpiritwaitstolaunchyouintoyourdestiny.ItistimetostepintothenoseoftherocketwiththeHolySpirit,andintothelifeofwonder—fullofmiraclesandpossibilities.

“Andithappened,whileApolloswasatCorinth,thatPaul,havingpassedthroughtheupperregions,cametoEphesus.Andfindingsomediscipleshesaidtothem,‘DidyoureceivetheHolySpiritwhenyoubelieved?’Sotheysaidtohim,‘WehavenotsomuchasheardwhetherthereisaHolySpirit.’Andhesaidtothem,‘Intowhatthenwereyoubaptized?’Sotheysaid,‘IntoJohn’sbaptism.’ThenPaulsaid,‘Johnindeedbaptizedwithabaptismofrepentance,sayingtothepeoplethattheyshouldbelieveonHimwhowouldcomeafterhim,thatis,onChristJesus.’Whentheyheardthis,theywerebaptizedinthenameoftheLordJesus.AndwhenPaulhadlaidhandsonthem,theHolySpiritcameupon

them,andtheyspokewithtonguesandprophesied.”ACTS19:1-6

PARTTWO:THEBAPTISMINTHEHOLYSPIRIT–

HOWTORECEIVEITYou would think that such a precious gift as the Holy Spirit would becomplicatedtoreceive.Butonthecontrary,itisquitesimple.Rightwhereyouarenowyoucan receive thebaptism in theHolySpirit. In this session, IgiveyousomeverysimpleteachingsonhowtoreceivetheHolySpirit.

BELIEVINGTHEGIVER

Thousandsofpeoplecomeintoourcampaignmeetingsasunbelievers.Someofthem are really far away fromGod:wicked, immoral, addicted, bound by theoccult orworkinghard for religions that donothing for them.Theymust firstreceivesalvation.Paulsaidtoconvertsinhisday,“Youwerewashedclean”(1Corinthians 6:11AMP). Perhaps unclean spirits had previously occupied theirbodies.YetweseehundredsofthousandsofsuchpeoplebecometemplesoftheHolySpirit.How?Thereareonlytwoconditions:one,repentance,andtwo,faithintheLordJesusChrist.

“ThenPetersaidtothem,‘Repent,andleteveryoneofyoubebaptizedin the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shallreceivethegiftoftheHolySpirit’”(Acts2:38).

REPENTANCE

Jesussaid:“IwillasktheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper...Theworld cannot accept Him’” (John 14:16, 17 NIV). Peter said: “Repent yetherefore, and be converted, that your sinsmay be blotted out,when times ofrefreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Repent . . . for theremissionof sins, andye shall receive the gift of theHolySpirit” (Acts 3:19;2:38KJV).

AHOLYGIFT

TheHolySpiritisaholyBeing.TheBibleusestheimageofadovefortheHolySpirit.Adoveisacleanbird;itwillnotbuilditsnestonadunghill.TheHolySpiritwillnotsettleinasinfullife;Heistoosensitive.Heavenlywatersdonotflowthroughpollutedchannels–throughneitherfoulmindsnorfoulmouths.

BLOODWASHED

The Holy Spirit is only for the blood-washed sons and daughters of God.NobodycanbegoodenoughuntilcleansedinCalvary’sfountain.Bloodcomesbefore fire. No other cleansing is necessary or possible. We cannot makeourselvesmoreholyormoreworthythanthebloodofJesusalreadymakesus.TheHolySpiritisagiftandcannotbeearned.

FAITH

“AndwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod,becauseanyonewhocomestoHimmustbelievethatHeexistsandthatHerewards thosewhoearnestlyseekHim”(Hebrews11:6NIV).

“By thisHemeant the Spirit,Whom thosewho believed inHimwerelatertoreceive”(John7:39NIV).

“YoufoolishGalatians!DidyoureceivetheSpiritbyobservingthelaw,orbybelievingwhatyouheard?”(Galatians3:1,2NIV).

COMEWITHBOLDNESS

To come to Jesus begging and pleading is not having faith at all. FAITHINVOLVESTAKING.YoudonotneedtopersuadeJesusChristtobekindandbaptizeyou inHisholy fire.Hehasalreadypromised.Comewithboldness tocollect what He is offering you. It is a gift, and you must believe the GiverbeforeyoureachouttoreceivewhattheGiverisgiving.

NOMORETARRYING

Whatabout“waitinginJerusalem?”Jesustoldthedisciplestowait,butthentheHolySpirit “hadnotbeengiven, sinceJesushadnotyetbeenglorified” (John7:39NIV).Theyhadtowaitforthehistoricmoment.BUTNOWHEISHERE.Pentecost isafact,andyoucanexperienceitpersonally.Wehavenopleadingmeetings,onlyreceivingmeetings.Jesus lovestofulfillHisWordinour lives.Wearebelievers,notbeggars.

THEHOLYLANGUAGE

WhenwereceivetheoriginalbaptismintheSpirit,theoriginalsignswillfollow.

“AllofthemwerefilledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakinothertonguesastheSpiritenabledthem”(Acts2:4NIV).

How? The 120 disciples were praising the Lord. Then came “a rushingmighty wind” (Acts 2:2) and the tongues of flame, and their hearts explodedwithjoy.Theyopenedtheirmouthstospeak,andtheSpiritgavethemutteranceinlanguagesunknowntothem.Justlikethat.

SAMEEFFECT

Ifwereceivethesamebaptism,itmusthavethesameeffect.JesustheBaptizerhasnotchanged,norhaveHismethods.InGod’skingdom,wearenotcopiesofcopies,butoriginalsfromTheOriginal,JESUSCHRIST.Whenweexperiencethe baptism in the Holy Spirit, we do not receive leftovers but the originalexperience.

TONGUES

TheabilitytospeakintonguesismentionedthroughoutthebookofActs:

“The circumcised believers who had comewith Peter were astonishedthatthegiftoftheHolySpirithadbeenpouredoutevenontheGentiles.FortheyheardthemspeakingintonguesandpraisingGod”(Acts10:45,46NIV).

SpeakingintongueswastakenbytheapostleasevidenceofthebaptismintheHolySpirit.SimontheSorcerer“saw”thissupernaturalmanifestationoftheSpirit (Acts8:17-19).Paul received thebaptism(Acts9:17)andsaidhespoke

with tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18). On other occasions, the same thing isreported:Acts11:17;13:52;19:6.

On theDay of Pentecost, Peter explainedwhatwas happening by quotingJoel(Acts2:17-19).Joelhadprophesiedthatpeoplewouldprophesy.Whentheyspokewith tongues,Peter said, “This is that” (Acts2:16KJV).Speakingwithtongues,wheninterpreted,isprophecy.

ATANGIBLESIGN

What better sign couldGod give tomake us confident that theHoly Spirit iswithinanduponusaswegoouttopreachtheGospel?WhenwefeelweakandfearfulandhardpressedasPauldid(1Corinthians2:3),thewonderoftonguesassuresus.Withoutsomeoutwardmanifestation,wecouldprayforeverwithoutbeingsure,andthatisexactlywhathashappened.

THEHOLYSPIRIT’SSECRETCODE

Whatawonderfulthing!PauldescribedspeakingintonguesastellingsecretstoGod (1 Corinthians 14:2). Tongues is the only language the devil cannotunderstand.Thearch-confuser is totallyconfusedhimself,becausehedoesnotevenknowthealphabetoftheHolySpirit.SatancannotcracktheHolySpirit’ssecretcode,whichputsusintouchwiththethroneofheaven.

BUILTFORPRAYER

Ourbodiesare“templesoftheHolySpirit”(1Corinthians6:19NIV).Jesussaidatemplewasahouseofprayer(Matthew21:13;Mark11:17).Ifourbodiesaretemples,housesofprayerinwhichtheSpiritdwells,thenHewillpraythroughus pure and powerful prayers reaching the throne ofGod. The Spirit loves topray,andthatiswhytheSpirit-filledareeagertopray.Itisnotasourdutybutaglorious pleasure and privilege. Jesus said, “Howbeit when He, the Spirit oftruth,iscome,He...shallglorifyMe”(John16:13,14KJV).

ASIGNOFPENTECOST

When Solomon dedicated the Temple, the light of the “shekinah,” the visiblegloryofGod,shoneon thegoldenMercySeat in theHolyofHolies.Afterhe

prayed,theentirearea,theHolyPlaceandtheoutsidecourts,wasfilledwiththeglorysothatthepriestscouldnotenter,andtheyfelltothefloorinworshipandthanksgiving(2Chronicles7:1-3).ThatisanOldTestamentpicture.

FULLHOUSE

Ifwearesaved,thelightofChristdwells intheshrineofourinnerhearts,butwhenweprayfortheHolySpirit,Hebreaksforththroughoutourentirebeings:spirit,soul,mindandbody.Hefloodsandbaptizesourentirepersonalities.

ASK,SEEK,KNOCK

Finally,ask; that isall.Whenwearecleansed through theredeemingbloodofJesus, we are children of God. The baptism in the Holy Spirit becomes ourbirthright. Jesus encourages us especially about that gift: “Ask . . . seek . . .knock...Foreveryonewhoasksreceives,hewhoseeksfinds,andtohimwhoknocks the door will be opened” (Luke 11:9, 10). “Ask in faith, nothingwavering”(James1:6KJV).

NOIMPOSTER

WhatwereceivewillonlybefromGod.ThedevilneveranswersprayersprayedinthenameofJesus.HehasnomeansoftappingourdirectlinetoheavenifweasktheheavenlyFatherfortheHolySpirit.NofouldemoncanimpersonatetheHolySpiritandcomeinHisdisguise.ReadLuke11:11-13(NIV):

“Whichofyoufathers,ifyoursonasksforafish,willgivehimasnakeinstead?Orifheasksforanegg,willgivehimascorpion?Ifyouthen,thoughyouareevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyourchildren,howmuchmorewillyourFatherinheavengivetheHolySpirittothosewhoaskHim!”

Thatisthefinalanswer.Wecouldnothaveamoreexplicitassurance.

WHATYOUMUSTDONOW

Nowthatyouhavereadthisbook,youknowwhattheLordintendstodoinyourlife:baptizeyouwiththeHolySpirit.RememberthatJESUS,andJESUSalone,istheBaptizer(John1:33).AndHeiswithyourightnow.

IfyouhavereceivedJesusasyourLordandpersonalSavior,yoursinsareforgiven.YouhavebeenwashedinthebloodoftheLambofGod,cleansedofallyoursins,soyouqualifytoreceivethisgloriousgift.Youneednotevenwaitfor any special church service. Jesus is with you this verymoment. Begin topraiseHisname.

WorshiptheLord,praiseHisnameandyouwillbebaptizedbyJesusChristwiththeHolySpiritandwithfire.

WhattheearlyChristianshadisasmuchforyouasforanyoneelse,becauseJesus lovesyou.Remember,Jesusdoesnotneedpersuadingtodothis.Hedidnotneedpersuadingtoloveyou,andHelovesyouenoughtobaptizeyouwiththeHolySpirit,now...RIGHTNOW.

LetItHappen!Andnow,dearLordJesus,lethappentomewhathappenedtothe120discipleswhentheywerefilledwiththeHolySpirit.AsIreadinMark16:20(KJV):“Andthey went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, andconfirming thewordwithsigns following.Amen.” Iwillnotwait,buthumblyembrace Your empowerment, direction and correction. Thank you for youranointing.Letmymortal lipspreach the eternalGospel, andmymortal handsbuildyoureternalKingdom– to thegloryof theFather.Mayall theworldbesaved.InJesus’Name.