Baptism of the Holy Spirit & the A Team

[Zach]

I had learned about the baptism through some books my grandma had given me, written by a rather forceful preacher who insisted that the manifestation could only occur in the manner he described. As I sought the baptism for months, one day a friend of mine laid hands on me and prayed. Nothing happened, but as I walked away strange syllables of another came to mind. I dared to utter them as I walked down the road, and as I did incredible joy broke out and I laughed my way down the street babbling in tongues. Later however, I successfully talked myself out the experience, believing it did not represent a full or proper measure, as it had not happened the way I had been instructed it would. I went on a foolish mission of seeking for months, including a 3000km pilgrimage, only to discover I had already received what I was after. When I rested in that, tongues became a very important part of my faith, and a marked increase in love and power were present in my life.

[Jaylen]

I only have one small experience to draw from as far as speaking in tongues. But other than that I’ve chosen to blabber around during prayer and I assume that I’m praying in tongues. It doesn’t necessarily feel fake, but it doesn’t feel incredibly real either.
I’m not sure where I stand as to whether or not tongues will be given to everyone, but I believe that it can be. Maybe sometimes it’s people’s choice as to why God hasn’t given it to them, and sometimes it’s God’s timing. But I think a lot of times certain people never end up receiving the gift for reasons that we won’t be able to confirm. Ultimately, I think God works in us just as effectively regardless of whether or not we can speak in tongues.

[Kimberly]

I personally have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit.. YET. I did not grow up Pentecostal, and so it was never really highlighted for me until recently. I have asked to be baptized by the Holy Spirit and am excited for it to happen in God’s timing.

[Deleted User]

I haven’t personally been baptized in the Holy Spirit. I grew up in a different denomination of church where this type of thing was not emphasized or really spoken about at all. This is something I have had to study more deeply about and am still growing to understand it better every day. I know that in God’s timing, He will baptize me in the Holy Spirit. But until then, I am waiting patiently and am trusting that He will work in me.