Everything Begins With Jesus
One of the greatest gifts Jesus has given His Church is the Holy Spirit. Yet for many believers, the baptism of the Holy Spirit can feel confusing, intimidating, or misunderstood. Some have never been taught about it. Others have seen unhealthy examples and become hesitant. But when you look at Scripture, you discover that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not something to fear. It is a gift from a loving Father who desires to empower His children.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He made an incredible promise to His disciples. They had already believed in Him. They had walked with Him. They had seen His resurrection. Yet Jesus told them to wait for the promise of the Father because they would soon be “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” This was not about becoming more loved by God. It was about being empowered to live and witness for Christ.
The finished work of Jesus made this possible. Because Jesus died, rose again, and ascended to the Father, He poured out the Holy Spirit upon His people. The Holy Spirit is not a reward for spiritual maturity. He is a gift made available through the finished work of Christ. Everything begins with Jesus.
The Holy Spirit Gives Power to Love People, and Boldly Proclaim the Gospel
Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” Notice the purpose of this power. It is not about becoming spiritually superior to other believers. It is not about drawing attention to yourself. It is about being empowered to glorify Jesus, love people, and boldly proclaim the gospel.
The Greek word “baptizo” means to immerse, overwhelm, or completely surround. Just as someone is fully immersed in water during baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit speaks of being immersed in the empowering presence of God. It is God’s desire that your life not simply be influenced by His Spirit but overflow with His Spirit.
Throughout the book of Acts, believers who had already trusted in Jesus experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and it resulted in boldness, joy, spiritual gifts, and greater effectiveness in ministry. They were no longer trying to live the Christian life in their own strength. They were learning to depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit.
For many believers, one of the most recognized evidences accompanying the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts is speaking in other tongues. In several passages, this occurred as people received the Spirit. At the same time, Scripture continually points beyond any single experience to the greater purpose: exalting Jesus and empowering believers to live faithfully and bear witness to Him. The focus is always Christ, not the experience itself.
The Holy Spirit Glorifies Jesus In Our Eyes
The Holy Spirit does not come to replace Jesus as the center of your faith. Jesus Himself said that the Spirit would glorify Him. The Holy Spirit loves to reveal the beauty of Christ, remind you of His finished work, strengthen your faith, and lead you into truth. Wherever the Holy Spirit is at work, Jesus becomes greater in your eyes.
If you have never received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you do not need to approach God with fear. Jesus described the Father as a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children. You are not trying to convince God to bless you. Through Christ, you are already His beloved child. You simply come with an open heart, trusting His goodness.
If you have already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, continue yielding your life to Him every day. The Christian life was never meant to be lived through human effort alone. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now dwells within every believer, strengthening, comforting, guiding, and empowering you to live for the glory of Christ.
The Holy Spirit is Your Comforter, Your Helper, Your Advocate, and Your Guide
Whether you have walked with Jesus for decades or you are just beginning your journey, never lose your awe for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is not distant. He is not reluctant. He is your Comforter, your Helper, your Advocate, and your Guide. Through the finished work of Jesus Christ, the Father has not left you to walk through life alone. He has given you His Spirit so that you can know Him more deeply, love Him more fully, and boldly share the hope of Jesus with a world that desperately needs Him.
From Brian Romero Ministries.
