The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a very controversial topic in the church. Many say once you make a commitment to Christ (enter into the New Birth), you are baptized in the Holy Spirit. But there are several scriptures in Acts that show the New Birth and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit are clearly separate experiences:

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  • Disciples believed and later on the Day of Pentecost were Baptized with the Holy Spirit: Act 2
  • Samaritans believed and later received the Baptism after Peter and John laid hands on them: Acts 8:14-16
  • Paul believed and a few days later was filled with the Holy Spirit after Ananias laid hands on him: Acts 9
  • Some disciples believed but much later were filled with the Holy Spirit:  Acts 19

One who is filled with the Spirit or Baptized in the Spirit can see into the spiritual realm to a much greater degree, is driven by the Spirit and participates in the many gifts of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 4:1, 1 Corinthians 12).

Charles Newbold has written an excellent book about how the Baptism in the Holy Spirit drives us to a Spirit-Led Life, a Crucified Life. The Holy Spirit is the power behind such a life and a journey led by Him is the reason for this website. Read the book for free here: The Crucified Ones.

Robert Morris has a great video explaining why the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is so important and that there are three separate experiences listed below. Three bare witness on the earth: the Spirit, the Water & the Blood; and he shows how the tabernacle reflects these three: Receiving the Holy Spirit – Pastor Robert Morris

  1. Salvation / the New Birth: the Holy Spirit baptizes us in Jesus
  2. Water Baptism: a disciple baptizes us in water
  3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Jesus baptizes us in/with the Holy Spirit

Dan Mohler has a great explanation about the difference between being born again and being Baptized in the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit Dan Mohler.

Another supporting book that helps connect the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues: Tongues Scriptural Answers to Common Objections by David M Pizzimenti.