Baptized in the Spirit

Alex10

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Has anyone actually witnessed someone being baptized in the spirit similar to Acts? I believe we should be pushing on until we receive similar to Acts. To my understanding, it is done in the presence of witnesses and you will break out into speaking of tongues. It doesn't necessarily mean you will always be in tongues but that the speaking of tongue is evidence. I hope I worded this correctly
 

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Has anyone actually witnessed someone being baptized in the spirit similar to Acts? I believe we should be pushing on until we receive similar to Acts. To my understanding, it is done in the presence of witnesses and you will break out into speaking of tongues. It doesn't necessarily mean you will always be in tongues but that the speaking of tongue is evidence. I hope I worded this correctly

Hello, Alex, and welcome to CF. :)

I am quite familiar with this question, with how it plays out in several different kinds of denominations, as well as how the Church traditionally understands it.

And I will say something that some here might not agree with (we don't all have to agree on everything) ...

No, I will back up. You'll probably have 15 responses before I get this typed, but I will go into a few more details anyway, because I think the topic deserves that. If you're interested, please keep reading, because some of it may not be what you'll think I'll say by the time I get to my own opinion. :)

Generally speaking, I think that what we read of as happening in Acts does not happen in the same way today. Now, I am NOT a cessationist, and neither is the Orthodox Church cessationist. We believe deeply in the power of God, and He has not changed.

However, situations change, and while yes, I've seen what you describe happen, I don't think it's really identical to what happened in Acts.

In Acts, the "other tongues" were in most cases actual languages which could be understood by those who knew them.

The phenomenon that happens most often today, I think happens by people who are sincere, but is more of a loosening of the mind and allowing what is generally a repetitive and non-language series of sounds to be produced. Why this happens is perhaps not the point. I think people are in just about every case sincere. They often have the expectation if it happening. Indeed, sometimes they are actually pressured into it by the expectations of others, since many groups would relegate someone who hasn't done so to a sort of second-class level of spirituality, and a few deny outright that one is even a Christian without it.

I was a bit surprised myself, when I learned the phenomenon is actually quite common (and identical) among non-Christians as well.

But because I thought there had to be more - in fact I KNOW there is, I kept digging. And I have eventually come to what I sincerely believe is a balanced understanding.

I will say first that it is not absolutely useless. HOWEVER ... for various reasons I won't go into right now, it is also not perfectly safe, depending on the attitude one takes and the guidance one has. And very often, the denominations thst encourage it most strongly have the tendency to congratulate and puff up people who do it, and to praise the wrong things that happen as a result. I believe they are sincere, and love God. But I think they lack certain knowledge that has been learned over the centuries, especially from the desert fathers and others who have devoted their lives to constant prayer and service to God, and have as a result come up against the very wiliest tricks of the enemy.

So - it's not the safest way. But God uses things in our lives sometimes. Glory to God!

In our tradition, many of those I mention who devote their lives to unceasing prayer, and others, have learned a process that can lead one "into the heart". Again, this is done under guidance, because it too is spiritually dangerous if one becomes prideful, or deluded. Sometimes it happens with relative quickness but often it takes longer. But it is a means to having the heart pray, unceasingly, all the time, even while sleeping ... so it is a very blessed thing and a gift from God. And so some pursue it.

Now the thing that might be disagreeable to some, but I certainly believe this is true. And you probably won't know who the writers if the article, or the people they learned from are, but please believe me when I say - they should know what they are talking about. Especially St. Silhouan.

But the thing is, there has been the suggestion, or more than the suggestion, that while this is not what happened in Acts, and is not the recommended way, God in His mercy can use what it is - as a way of allowing a person to have this gift, and "descend into the heart" and establish prayer.

This article explains that a bit more.

I will say that I think most often, that is not what happens. And I'm not recommending it as a method, by any means. But I'm saying that it appears certainly that SOMEthing IS going on. The disposition of the person and other things may determine what the end result is though. But it can be something used by God to impart deep prayer into the heart.

Bottom line - it can be a wonderful thing, but it is only the beginning of something even greater, if you would pursue it.

And again, if you haveven't done so, I'm not recommending it as the preferred course. What often comes along with it seems to lead to destruction sometimes instead.



Ok, I've had my say. I'm happy to explain more, as far as I'm able, if anyone is ever interested.

But with all of that said, if you are looking for different kinds of responses, you might like to have this moved to a different forum area, as it is not a common practice in Traditional Churches, generally.


For a theological perspective, see here - Speaking in Tongues
 
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AJTruth

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Has anyone actually witnessed someone being baptized in the spirit similar to Acts? I believe we should be pushing on until we receive similar to Acts. To my understanding, it is done in the presence of witnesses and you will break out into speaking of tongues. It doesn't necessarily mean you will always be in tongues but that the speaking of tongue is evidence. I hope I worded this correctly

The out pouring of the Holy Spirit on the Temple Mt

Peter explains in Acts 2:14 it is a prophecy spoken by Joel 2:28 being fulfilled.

Also at the Tower of Babel. God confounded the rebellers tongues thereby separating and dividing them.

We see the flipside of the curse on the Temple Mt. Everyone present was able to hear understand and unite.

Baptized via Holy Spirit vs Spiritual Gifts

Jesus Baptizes us via His Holy Spirit at conversion.

John the baptized made clear that Christ would baptize with H/S Matt 3:11

1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Note: Translators capitalized Spirit to identify when referring the Holy Spirit. Only Christ baptizes with/in the Holy Spirit. Salvation happens at that moment.

Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision """made without hands""", in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: ONLY CHRIST CAN BAPTISE WITHOUT HANDS & NO WATER USED!

There are different spiritual gifts given to different people beyond salvation

1 Corinthians 12:
1 """"Now concerning spiritual gifts""""", brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
(Spiritual gifts beyond salvation)

4 """""Now there are diversities of gifts"""", """"but the same Spirit"""".
(Different gifts, all given by Gods Holy Spirit)

5 And there are differences of administrations (forms of stewardship), but the same Lord.
(Eph 4:11-12 prophets, evangelist, pastors For the perfecting of the saints & works in ministry)

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(Spiritual gifts are for the profit of the Church)

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
(Two different gifts mentioned here)

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
(Two more different gifts mentioned here)

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
(Five more mentioned here. Note: The gifts of: divers kinds of tongues & the interpretation of tongues)

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
(All these different gifts are by God the Holy Spirit)

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
(Our bodies have many parts. Likewise the Spirit gives many gifts)

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(Here states only one Baptism into one body. This happens to every believer at conversion. Then we see 9 additional gifts of the spirit mentioned in vs 8-10. A few more in Eph 4:11-12)

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
(Here we see Apostles, helps & governments added to those mentioned earlier)

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(After salvation: Different people are given different spiritual gifts as the Spirit leads)

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
(Everyone doesn't get the same gifts)

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
(Paul gives an order of importance in vs 28 & tells us to desire & pray for the best ones.)

Here are additional scriptures on the subject:
1 Cor 14:

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
(Desire to have & display all spiritual gifts. Seek a loving spirit 1st & prophesy 2nd)

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
(The gift of tongues only edifies the one praying)

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
(Prophesy edifies everyone that hears it)

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
(The gift of tongues only edifies the one praying. Prophesy is given to and edifies the whole Church)

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
(Paul's is prayerful all will receive the gift of tongues. But, teaches prophesy is better because is edifies all)

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
(Speaking in an unknown tongue only helps/edifies the speaker)

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
(Seek the gifts of love & prophesy 1st. These lift up many)

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
(Only use the gift of tongues in assembly. When someone with the gift of interpretation is present)

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
(The gift of tongues only benefits others when there is an interpretation. Tongues plus interpretation equals prophesy)

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
(Without an interpreter present pray & sing so that all listening can understand)

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
(In assembly your gift of tongues doesn't help anyone else. Save it for your personal time with the Lord)

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
(Paul say's he spends more personal time praying in tongues to God then ALL of them)

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
(During assembly, Paul only speaks words all can understand)

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
(During an assembly only use words everyone can understand)

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
(Prophesy is good during assembly because it is a word from God that edifies/lifts up everyone)

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
(During assembly only seek to edify everyone)

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
(If someone with the gift of interpretation is present during assembly. Have 2-3 words given that will edify all)

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
(Is no interpreter is present. Save your gift of tongues for your personal time with the Lord)

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
(During assembly allow 2-3 prophecies be given to edify all present. Usually in this setting someone in leadership has the gift of discernment)

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
(If you have a word. And someone before you gives the same word. Leave it at that)

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
(Take turns one by one)

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
(Gift are given to the church for the edification of everyone. And are to be done orderly)

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
(Words & prophesies are to be given and done in an orderly fashion) Maranatha
 
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Hello, Alex, and welcome to CF. :)

I am quite familiar with this question, with how it plays out in several different kinds of denominations, as well as how the Church traditionally understands it.

And I will say something that some here might not agree with (we don't all have to agree on everything) ...

No, I will back up. You'll probably have 15 responses before I get this typed, but I will go into a few more details anyway, because I think the topic deserves that. If you're interested, please keep reading, because some of it may not be what you'll think I'll say by the time I get to my own opinion. :)

Generally speaking, I think that what we read of as happening in Acts does not happen in the same way today. Now, I am NOT a cessationist, and neither is the Orthodox Church cessationist. We believe deeply in the power of God, and He has not changed.

However, situations change, and while yes, I've seen what you describe happen, I don't think it's really identical to what happened in Acts.

In Acts, the "other tongues" were in most cases actual languages which could be understood by those who knew them.

The phenomenon that happens most often today, I think happens by people who are sincere, but is more of a loosening of the mind and allowing what is generally a repetitive and non-language series of sounds to be produced. Why this happens is perhaps not the point. I think people are in just about every case sincere. They often have the expectation if it happening. Indeed, sometimes they are actually pressured into it by the expectations of others, since many groups would relegate someone who hasn't done so to a sort of second-class level of spirituality, and a few deny outright that one is even a Christian without it.

I was a bit surprised myself, when I learned the phenomenon is actually quite common (and identical) among non-Christians as well.

But because I thought there had to be more - in fact I KNOW there is, I kept digging. And I have eventually come to what I sincerely believe is a balanced understanding.

I will say first that it is not absolutely useless. HOWEVER ... for various reasons I won't go into right now, it is also not perfectly safe, depending on the attitude one takes and the guidance one has. And very often, the denominations thst encourage it most strongly have the tendency to congratulate and puff up people who do it, and to praise the wrong things that happen as a result. I believe they are sincere, and love God. But I think they lack certain knowledge that has been learned over the centuries, especially from the desert fathers and others who have devoted their lives to constant prayer and service to God, and have as a result come up against the very wiliest tricks of the enemy.

So - it's not the safest way. But God uses things in our lives sometimes. Glory to God!

In our tradition, many of those I mention who devote their lives to unceasing prayer, and others, have learned a process that can lead one "into the heart". Again, this is done under guidance, because it too is spiritually dangerous if one becomes prideful, or deluded. Sometimes it happens with relative quickness but often it takes longer. But it is a means to having the heart pray, unceasingly, all the time, even while sleeping ... so it is a very blessed thing and a gift from God. And so some pursue it.

Now the thing that might be disagreeable to some, but I certainly believe this is true. And you probably won't know who the writers if the article, or the people they learned from are, but please believe me when I say - they should know what they are talking about. Especially St. Silhouan.

But the thing is, there has been the suggestion, or more than the suggestion, that while this is not what happened in Acts, and is not the recommended way, God in His mercy can use what it is - as a way of allowing a person to have this gift, and "descend into the heart" and establish prayer.

This article explains that a bit more.

I will say that I think most often, that is not what happens. And I'm not recommending it as a method, by any means. But I'm saying that it appears certainly that SOMEthing IS going on. The disposition of the person and other things may determine what the end result is though. But it can be something used by God to impart deep prayer into the heart.

Bottom line - it can be a wonderful thing, but it is only the beginning of something even greater, if you would pursue it.

And again, if you haveven't done so, I'm not recommending it as the preferred course. What often comes along with it seems to lead to destruction sometimes instead.



Ok, I've had my say. I'm happy to explain more, as far as I'm able, if anyone is ever interested.

But with all of that said, if you are looking for different kinds of responses, you might like to have this moved to a different forum area, as it is not a common practice in Traditional Churches, generally.


For a theological perspective, see here - Speaking in Tongues
It is interesting to note that in my study of Early Church history, the supernatural gifts of the Spirit faded out around the Fourth Century in the Western Church.

But, in the Eastern Orthodox, tongues, prophecy and healing continued in public services right through to the 12th Century! And as you say, it looks like Eastern Orthodox Christians are not normally cessationist, even though many are not sure about the practice of the spiritual gifts in modern times.

I don't know whether I am right or not about that, but your post jogged my memory about it. It is possible that when the Bishops of Rome and Constantinople excommunicated each other, that the Eastern church may have been more faithful to the original Early Church than the Western Roman Catholic Church. It is an interesting thought...
 
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Has anyone actually witnessed someone being baptized in the spirit similar to Acts? I believe we should be pushing on until we receive similar to Acts. To my understanding, it is done in the presence of witnesses and you will break out into speaking of tongues. It doesn't necessarily mean you will always be in tongues but that the speaking of tongue is evidence. I hope I worded this correctly

That's more of a pentecostal belief than a historic, traditional belief of the Church. By receiving the Sacraments we are participating in everything that Christ intended for his Church, tongues doesn't make the list of Sacraments.

It's a phenomenon that was helpful in delivering the gospel in times when it had yet to reach all of the many language regions of the globe, and there may still be instances when something like that is necessary. But tongues as most Pentecostals and charismatics depict it today is something else [staff edit].
 
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Paul Yohannan

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But, in the Eastern Orthodox, tongues, prophecy and healing continued in public services right through to the 12th Century!

There was no change in the Eastern Orthodox church in the 12th century that would cause genuine manifestations of those things to stop, and indeed, they have not stopped.

However, we never, ever, had the kind of display of apparent incidents of this sort (which I personally am not convinced of) in the liturgy. Not ever.
 
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The phenomenon that happens most often today, I think happens by people who are sincere, but is more of a loosening of the mind and allowing what is generally a repetitive and non-language series of sounds to be produced. Why this happens is perhaps not the point. I think people are in just about every case sincere. They often have the expectation if it happening. Indeed, sometimes they are actually pressured into it by the expectations of others, since many groups would relegate someone who hasn't done so to a sort of second-class level of spirituality, and a few deny outright that one is even a Christian without it.

I may be different to a lot of the people who have spoken in tongues in your presence. When I speak in tongues, my mind is totally active, and I deliberately speak in an articulate language. I don't just babble with my mouth, but I ask the Lord to guide my tongue when I set out to pray for a particular person or about a particular issue. I find that the language that flows out of me is articulate and expressive and certainly not repetitive. I have heard Indians speak Hindi, and their language sounds more repetitive than what I speak to God. Once when interceding for a person in hospital on the danger list because of uncontrolled bleeding in her stomach, I found my self praying in a language which came out so fast I couldn't distinguish between the actual words. It seemed to come out with such intensity that when it stopped 20 minutes later, I felt quite drained. I had never spoken like that before or since. I found out the next day that the bleeding suddenly stopped and the person came off the danger list.

I have never been pressured into it by others, nor do I believe that one must speak in tongues to be saved. I see it as just one of the tools given to us by the Holy Spirit to help strengthen the body of Christ. It does not make one more spiritual than one who does not use the gift. Of course there are people who misuse it just like there are the lunatic fringe in any church. These are the ones who do it because it is their church doctrine, but they have no idea of what it is supposed to be used for.

My wife is Catholic, and Pentecostal things are not her cup of tea. We attended the Pentecostal church in which our daughter was baptised in water at the age of 16. I was not a member of that church, but as her father, I was given permission to give an Abrahamic blessing prophecy over her. My wife was standing right beside me. When I spoke, it came out as tongues, not because anything forced me, but I felt that was what God wanted me to do. So I spoke out a tongues message and then gave the interpretation over her. It came out as an articulate, deliberate language, different to what I usually speak when I pray privately. It was when I finished the tongues that the interpretation came to mind loud and clear. I wish I had it recorded because it was a beautiful interpretation for her. I think God did it that way because my wife had never heard me speak in tongues and I think I was a bit ashamed of it with her. She has a problem with people being too "holy" (a Catholic expression for those who are passionate about their faith). I think that God, having a sense of humour, and wanting to see me free that the shame of her hearing me speak in tongues, did things that way.

For me, speaking in tongues is part of my private prayer life and I pray in tongues believing that God understands what I say to Him. There are times when I have a burden for prayer but cannot put it into words. When I pray in tongues, I sense that the burden of my heart is being expressed to Him and I feel a real sense of satisfaction in my spirit and heart when I pray that way.

I told a person on another forum thread my testimony about me speaking in tongues over my daughter and I challenged him to accuse me of being inspired by the devil! If people do not believe that what I did was by the Holy Spirit, there can only be one other spirit that could inspire me, so I said, "Let's be having you. Have the honesty to tell me what you really believe, instead of trying to be all scholarly and spiritual about it."
 
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That's more of a pentecostal belief than a historic, traditional belief of the Church. By receiving the Sacraments we are participating in everything that Christ intended for his Church, tongues doesn't make the list of Sacraments.

It's a phenomenon that was helpful in delivering the gospel in times when it had yet to reach all of the many language regions of the globe, and there may still be instances when something like that is necessary. But tongues as most pentecostals and charismatics depict it today is something else
I am not surprised that tongues hasn't made the sacraments. It wasn't meant to. [Staff edit].

In actual fact, the traditions of the Church go right back to the Book of Acts and are the result of the experiences of godly men and women through the centuries. When I teach about healing, deliverance and tongues in my Presbyterian church, I tell the people that this is not just Pentecostal or Charismatic teaching; it is the Bible, and we don't have to stop being Presbyterian when we decide to believe that these gifts and ministries are available to us today. In actual historical fact, the Presbyterian Covenanters in the 17th Century practiced prophecy, and their prophecies came to pass. Once instance was that a preacher prophesied that the great plague would not come to their city. What happened was that the plague affected people all around that city, but not one case was found within the city limits.

[Staff edit].

I am convinced that my use of tongues is totally consistent with the original use of it. When I struggled with it at one stage when it seemed that I was being attacked by doubts about it, I went to the Lord and asked for help. He came back to me with this: "Do you believe the Bible?" I said yes. "Do you believe that I inspired all the Bible, including 1 Corinthians 14?" I again said yes. "Then why do you think I took up a whole chapter of My Word to explain the correct use of tongues if I didn't intend for every Christian believer to use it until My Son Jesus comes again?" I couldn't really answer that question, but the fact that He said that to me convinced me that the tongues I was speaking was genuine. Then He brought me back to mind the two events that my tongue and a friend's tongue were understood by the native speakers of the languages spoken. One by a Maori lady, when I had no knowledge of the language, and the other by a Ghanaian brother hearing my friend speak in tongues in the brother's own village dialect. My friend had never been to Africa and the brother was the first Ghanaian he had ever met. God then said to me, "Do you believe those things to be true?" I said yes. "Well then," He said, "Why are you still doubting? A double minded man is unstable in all his ways, so you need to be sure about tongues one way or the other because you cannot sit on the fence about it." I said that I am going to continue to speak in tongues, believing that He will understand and appreciate what I am saying to Him. He said, "That's good enough for Me." And that settled it for me.
 
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There is a lot of dispute on this subject, because Scripture leaves out a lot of details. What I have learned is not contradictory to any Scripture, but is also not plain in Scripture. From talking to people, the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" can be all kinds of things that I will just summarize as "God revealing himself to someone." It is a supernatural revelation of God to a person that seems to happen at some point (not necessarily soon) after a person truly believes in Jesus and has fully committed to God and is living accordingly. It can take the form of a pressure (making it easy) to speak (what sounds like) gibberish. It can be in the form of powerfully perceiving God's presence, or recognizing God is with you or in you in some other relatively tangible way. I haven't gotten the impression that it is the only time such people will end up having supernatural experiences of God, but it does seem to be particularly special (e.g., more powerful or intense than other supernatural revelations of God).
 
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Has anyone actually witnessed someone being baptized in the spirit similar to Acts? I believe we should be pushing on until we receive similar to Acts. To my understanding, it is done in the presence of witnesses and you will break out into speaking of tongues. It doesn't necessarily mean you will always be in tongues but that the speaking of tongue is evidence. I hope I worded this correctly

Unless you have a time machine and can travel back to the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured, then none of us here are going to be able to witness anyone being baptized with the Holy Spirit. That's okay though, because if we have been baptized then we have the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 12:13). The "baptism with the Holy Spirit" spoken by St. John the Baptist was about what happened when the Spirit was poured out on Pentecost, and notice that this (and the "minor Pentecost" regarding Cornelius' household) uniquely is referred to as being in fulfillment of this and nothing else. There's no indication anywhere in the whole of Scripture that baptism with the Holy Spirit is an individual, private experience of any sort, it is instead the historic fulfillment of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh, as St. John the Baptist prophesied and Christ our Lord promised, "I will ask the Father and He will give you another comforter".

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Alex10 said in post #1:

Has anyone actually witnessed someone being baptized in the spirit similar to Acts? I believe we should be pushing on until we receive similar to Acts.

That's right.

For besides getting water baptized, believers can get Holy Spirit baptized (Acts 11:15-16, Acts 10:44-46). And they usually have to ask to receive the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13b) baptism, for it is usually not given to them automatically at the moment that they become believers. That is why Paul the apostle asked some believers: "Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?" (Acts 19:2).

Believers usually receive Holy Spirit baptism through prayer accompanied by the laying on of hands, subsequent to water baptism (Acts 8:15-17, Acts 19:5-6). Holy Spirit baptism will not result in speaking in tongues for everyone (1 Corinthians 12:30), but for almost everyone, as tongues are one of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-11,28; 1 Corinthians 14:5). Many believers have not yet experienced Holy Spirit baptism simply because they have not yet asked for it, under the principle of "ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2b). Many believers have not yet asked for it because they have come under the influence of mistaken teachings which say that it is no longer in effect. Believers can get hands laid on them to receive Holy Spirit baptism at any Pentecostal-type congregation, or at any charismatic-type congregation, which can be of almost any denomination.

Alex10 said in post #1:

To my understanding, it is done in the presence of witnesses and you will break out into speaking of tongues. It doesn't necessarily mean you will always be in tongues but that the speaking of tongue is evidence.

That's right.

For the Holy Spirit's gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), which operate in Christians who have received Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 19:6, Acts 11:15-16, Acts 10:44-46), will not cease operating until Jesus' second coming. For 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 means that just as only when children become adults do they put away childish things, so only when Christians become perfect when they see Jesus face to face at his second coming (1 John 3:2) will they no longer need Spiritual gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and the word of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8,10). During the future tribulation, which will just precede the second coming (Matthew 24:29-31), are some in the church going to reject the ministry of the two witnesses, simply because it will involve them prophesying and performing miracles (Revelation 11:3,6)?

Because Jesus' second coming, like the preceding tribulation, has not happened yet, all of the Spirit's gifts are still operating in the church today, within Pentecostal-type congregations, and within charismatic-type congregations, which can be of almost any denomination. God's Word commands Christians to operate in the Spiritual gifts when Christians come together (1 Corinthians 14:26-31). So congregations today should be careful not to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), such as by despising prophesyings (1 Thessalonians 5:20) or forbidding all speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39). Tongues are one of the Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) through which Christians can be regularly edified (1 Corinthians 14:4-5,12,26). Not all Holy Spirit-baptized Christians will speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30), but almost all will (cf. Acts 19:6, Acts 10:45-46), for tongues are one of the Spirit's lesser gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:5).

Different Christians receive different kinds of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10). Some tongues are languages which people can understand (Acts 2:4,8), while other tongues are languages which people cannot understand (1 Corinthians 14:2), not even the speakers (1 Corinthians 14:14). Unintelligible tongues could include ancient human languages which are unknown to history, ancient human languages which are known to history but are not understood, and angelic languages (1 Corinthians 13:1). Unintelligible tongues are not useless, however, for when they are prayed or sung privately to God without interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:2,28), they edify the spirits of those who speak or sing them (1 Corinthians 14:4,14-15, Jude 1:20) to bless God and thank God (1 Corinthians 14:16). And when unintelligible tongues are prayed or sung out loud in a congregation and then Spiritually interpreted (1 Corinthians 12:10b-11), their interpretation edifies the whole congregation (1 Corinthians 14:5b,12-13,26). When Christians sing in tongues to God, they are singing the "spiritual songs" which the Bible distinguishes from psalms and hymns (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).

The Bible sets no restrictions on how much Christians can pray and sing to God in tongues out loud at home or silently in church (1 Corinthians 14:28) (just as regular praying can be done silently: 1 Samuel 1:13,17). Indeed, Paul the apostle prayed and sung to God in tongues in private more than anyone (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). But regarding church meetings, the Bible sets strict rules on speaking tongues out loud: They are not to be spoken out loud in church meetings unless there is someone present who can Spiritually interpret them to the whole congregation (1 Corinthians 14:28). And even when a tongues-interpreter is present, at the most only three people should in turn speak out loud in unknown tongues, which should then be interpreted to the whole congregation (1 Corinthians 14:27). Everyone who has received the gift of tongues should be praying for the separate gift of the interpretation of tongues, so that he or she can edify others (1 Corinthians 14:12-13; 1 Corinthians 12:10b).
 
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1 Cor 12:13 "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves[a] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

ALL believers are baptized in the Spirit so as to become part of the body of Christ. If you are not Spirit baptized you are not part of the body of Christ.
 
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God can do whatever he wants, whether it is in the Bible or not. He can comfort or grow the faith of someone by intersecting with their lives if he wants to.
The test of whether a manifestation is of God or not, whether it can be found in the Bible or not, is whether the person can say from his or her heart that Jesus is Lord of their life. This is not merely chanting "Jesus is Lord", but saying it because you believe that Jesus is really Lord of your life. And that the person can say that Jesus has come in the flesh; in other words, when He was born in Bethlehem, He was born a real human being. A person can only say those things if he or she is filled with the Spirit and speaking by the Spirit. Therefore, such a person's manifestations are most probably genuine rather than false.
 
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swordsman1 said in post #17:

If you are not Spirit baptized you are not part of the body of Christ.

Everyone, both believers and unbelievers, has some minimal measure of God's Spirit by which they are able to exist (Acts 17:28, Psalms 104:30) and have human consciousness (John 1:9). Believers have some greater measure of the Spirit, by which they are able to understand and believe the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:12-16, John 20:22, Luke 24:45-47). Believers who have received Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:16, Acts 19:2a,6) have an even greater measure of the Spirit, by which they are able to operate in one or more of the Spirit's gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). Because Jesus is God (John 1:1,14), he has the Spirit in an infinite amount, beyond measure (John 3:34).
 
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Believers who have received Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:16, Acts 19:2a,6) have an even greater measure of the Spirit

Every believer is baptized in the Spirit. Otherwise they are not part of the body of Christ.

1 Cor 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves[d] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

by which they are able to operate in one or more of the Spirit's gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

Every beleiver has a spritual gift:

1 Cor 12:7 "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
 
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