Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is an experience that is often talked about in Christian circles, but it is also one that can be misunderstood or even feared by some. One aspect of this experience that can cause confusion is the evidence of speaking in tongues.
In this blog, we will explore what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and why it is an important part of the Christian faith.
Definition of Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Firstly, let's define what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, we see several instances where the Holy Spirit came upon believers in a powerful way. This often resulted in them speaking in tongues, prophesying, or performing other miraculous signs. In Acts 2:4, it says, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit is often referred to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Speaking in tongues is the ability to speak in a language that is not understood by the speaker or the listener. It is often described as a prayer language that is given to us by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 14:2, it says, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit." When we speak in tongues, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through us in a way that is beyond our understanding.
So why is the evidence of speaking in tongues important?
Firstly, it is a sign that we have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 10:44-46, we see that when Peter was speaking to Cornelius and his household, "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God." The evidence of speaking in tongues was a clear sign that these Gentiles had been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, speaking in tongues is a powerful tool for prayer and worship. When we speak in tongues, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through us in a way that is beyond our natural abilities. It is a way to connect with God on a deeper level and to pray for things that we may not even be aware of. In Romans 8:26-27, it says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."
In conclusion, being baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is a powerful experience that will deepen our relationship with God and give us a new tool for prayer and worship. While it may seem mysterious or even scary to some, it is an important part of the Christian faith that should be embraced and celebrated.
Pastor Clark Ortiz
Senior Pastor
Center Church - Pharr, Texas