Scriptural Reflection

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Weekly Bible Reading

Selah! — THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
  1. In the new birth, He comes to live with us and be in us (John 14:16-17).

  2. After the new birth, He wants to energize us with power to transform us into effective witnesses through greater works and put us in contact with the deep things of God, even to truly give thanks well (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 16-17; 2:9-16; John 14:10-14; Mark 16:15-18). This power and access to the deep things of God comes through the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

  3. Although the presence of the Spirit with us and in us is automatic through the new birth (1 Corinthians 12:13), the empowering of the Holy Ghost is not an automatic experience. To receive, we must ask and receive by faith just as we receive salvation by faith, which is by believing the Word of God (Galatians 3:14; Luke 11:9-13; Acts 5:32). He will not force His way; He must be invited in.

  4. When we are baptized in the Holy Ghost, we are able to speak in another language, with tongues. The Holy Ghost does NOT do the speaking. Neither does He force us to speak with tongues. He supplies the words or utterance, and we must supply the voice to speak forth as He gives the endowment (anointing) to do so (Acts 2:1-4, 11; 10:44-47; 19:2-6; 8:14-17; Isaiah 28:11-12). Yield to Him and let Him flow through you as He give you the capacity to give thanks well, pray the mysteries of God, and edify yourself.