Your First Steps
Section 4: Baptized and Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit gave you new life when you received Jesus. Scripture also teaches that Jesus wants to baptize and empower His followers with the Holy Spirit.
This is not about becoming more saved or earning a higher place with God. It is His gift of power to help you follow Jesus and carry out the work He has called you to do.
The Promise of Power
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He told His disciples:
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 1:4–5
These disciples already believed in Jesus, yet He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit’s power before beginning their work.
Jesus continued: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” — Acts 1:8
The word translated as power speaks of God’s ability working through you. Jesus did not expect His disciples to fulfill their calling through human strength, knowledge, or determination. He promised to empower them through the Holy Spirit.
That promise is for believers today.
Why You Need His Power
The baptism of the Holy Spirit equips you to live boldly for Jesus.
He empowers you to share your faith, pray according to God’s will, minister to others, and operate in the spiritual gifts He gives. He strengthens you to obey God when you feel weak or afraid. This power is never given to draw attention to us. It is given so that Jesus can be revealed through us.
You do not have to carry out God’s purpose in your own strength. The Holy Spirit provides what you cannot produce by yourself.
What Happened at Pentecost
The disciples obeyed Jesus and waited together in prayer. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” — Acts 2:4
They were transformed from frightened followers into bold witnesses for Jesus. They preached the gospel, prayed for the sick, ministered in spiritual gifts, and followed the Holy Spirit’s direction.
The book of Acts records other believers receiving this same empowerment. Some received while another believer prayed and laid hands on them. Others received while hearing the Word of God. God is not limited to a particular place or method.
Speaking in Tongues
In the book of Acts, speaking in tongues often accompanied believers receiving the Holy Spirit.
Tongues is a spiritual language given by the Holy Spirit. It allows you to pray beyond the limits of your own understanding as the Spirit helps you speak.
You do not need to be afraid of it, force it, or imitate someone else. The Holy Spirit gives the words, but you choose to yield your voice and speak by faith.
Your voice belongs to you. The language comes from Him.
Ask and Receive
Jesus said:
“How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” — Luke 11:13
You may receive while praying alone, gathered with other believers, or while a trusted believer prays with you. You do not need to earn this gift or create an emotional experience.
Come to God with an open heart. Ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Surrender yourself to Him and receive by faith.
You can pray:
“Jesus, baptize me with the Holy Spirit. I surrender my life to You. Fill me, empower me, and use me for Your purposes.”