Pastor Keith & Carol Archer
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Jesus is the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit empowers believers to serve, witness, pray, and glorify Christ.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a biblical teaching found across the Gospels and the book of Acts. It shows the promise of the Father, the ministry of Jesus, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
This teaching is part of the Pastor Keith & Carol Archer and is designed to help visitors understand, reflect, pray, and grow in faith.
Found in the Four Gospels
The term Baptism in the Holy Spirit appears in all four Gospels. John the Baptist pointed beyond water baptism and declared that Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:11
Mark 1:8
Luke 3:16
John 1:33
These passages show that Jesus is the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit.
Power to Serve
The Holy Spirit Changes the Way We Serve
Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power was not for pride or attention, but for witness, service, courage, and the glory of Jesus Christ.
Scripture Focus: Acts 1:8
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers to serve Jesus with boldness, faith, and spiritual strength.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Jesus was always the Son of God, yet after the Holy Spirit came upon Him at the Jordan, He entered His public ministry in power. His ministry revealed the Kingdom of God, healed the broken, delivered the oppressed, and pointed people to the Father.
Scripture Focus: John 1:32–34
The Holy Spirit rests upon and empowers ministry that reveals Jesus.
Peter Before and After Pentecost
Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Yet before Pentecost, Peter denied Jesus. After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, Peter stood boldly and declared the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:16–17, Matthew 26:75, Acts 2:22–24, Acts 2:32–33, Acts 4:18–20
The Holy Spirit brings courage, witness, and boldness to the believer.
Paul Transformed by Christ
Paul once persecuted the church, but after encountering Jesus, he grew in strength and proved from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ.
Scripture References: Philippians 3:6 and Acts 9:22
The power of God transforms lives and strengthens believers for witness.
Examples in Acts
The Holy Spirit Given to Believers
The book of Acts shows the Holy Spirit being received by disciples and new believers. These moments reveal the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.
Acts 2:3–4
Acts 8:14–17
Acts 10:45–46
Acts 19:1–7
Old Testament Picture
Water, Cloud, and Crossing Over
The Old Testament gives pictures of God leading His people through water, cloud, and crossing into promise. These moments help us reflect on God’s power, presence, and guidance.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 10:2 and Joshua 3:14–17
God leads His people forward by His presence and power.
The Gift of the Father
Jesus teaches that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. This is not something earned by performance, but received by faith.
Scripture Focus: Luke 11:13 and John 14:12–17
We receive from God by faith, trusting the promise of Jesus.
The Spirit of Truth
Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the Counsellor and the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit teaches, reminds, testifies of Jesus, convicts, guides into truth, and glorifies Christ.
Scripture References: John 14:16–17, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7–15
The ministry of the Holy Spirit will always point to Jesus. The Holy Spirit does not draw attention away from Christ, but magnifies Jesus and the completed work of the cross.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for the strengthening and building up of the body of Christ.
Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 and Romans 12
Communication Gifts
- Tongues
- Interpretation
- Prophecy
Revelation Gifts
- Word of knowledge
- Word of wisdom
Power Gifts
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
The gifts are not for personal pride, but for service, love, and the glory of Jesus.
Speaking in Tongues
The New Testament teaches about speaking in tongues in both devotional and assembly settings. Paul gives instruction so that spiritual gifts are used in a way that strengthens the church.
Uses
- Praise and worship
- Personal edification
- Intercession
- Assembly use with interpretation
- A sign for unbelievers
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 14:4, Romans 8:26–27, 1 Corinthians 14:26–28, 1 Corinthians 14:22, Mark 16:17, 1 Corinthians 14:18, 1 Corinthians 14:39
Paul corrected misuse, but he did not forbid speaking in tongues. The teaching must be handled with biblical balance, order, and love.
Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Speaking in tongues is clearly shown in Scripture as evidence connected with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are also evidence of the Spirit’s work in the believer’s life.
Scripture Examples: Acts 2, Acts 8:14–17, Acts 10:45–46, Acts 19:1–7
There is often debate and misunderstanding around 1 Corinthians 14 because Paul moves between personal devotional use and public assembly use. The teaching should be read carefully, with Jesus and the strengthening of the church kept at the centre.
A Prayer to Receive by Faith
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit. I come to You by faith. I ask You to fill me, strengthen me, and lead me by Your Holy Spirit. Let my life point to Jesus, glorify the Father, and be used for Your Kingdom. Teach me to walk in truth, love, power, and humility. Amen.