Acts 19:1-7

Here is the second instance where believers, as in the case of Apollos and now the believers in Ephesus, were only familiar with John's baptism, signifying repentance from sin and water baptism.

Paul's question is telling: "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" The same question could be asked of us today. This passage demonstrates that one can truly believe in Jesus while still lacking an understanding of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are entire denominations today that are similar to the believers in Ephesus in that they neither teach nor pursue what the Scriptures describe as the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

As Paul explains here, Jesus is the One who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire. The Holy Spirit does not take up residence in us until we have been redeemed and sanctified through the blood of Jesus. He is holy, and His dwelling place must be made holy. That does not mean we are instantly perfected when we receive Christ, but we are clothed in His righteousness through faith. We stand before God, not in our own righteousness, but in His.

I didn't receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit when I first believed. Like the Ephesians, I knew nothing about the Holy Spirit when I was saved. I only knew about Jesus. But I can tell you this—when you receive the Holy Spirit, you know it!

Remember, this is the very same Holy Spirit Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for in Jerusalem until they were "endued with power from on high." The Holy Spirit is not merely a suggestion or an optional experience. Receiving the Holy Spirit was a command from Jesus. We were never intended to navigate this life without His help, nor can we accomplish God's purposes in our own strength. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power, and that power was given to enable them to be His witnesses throughout the world—bold witnesses, I might add.

So why is there such a disconnect when it comes to the Holy Spirit? Satan attacks whatever poses the greatest threat to his kingdom, and few things threaten him more than born-again, Spirit-filled believers who know who they are in Christ. Using the same strategy he has always employed—lies and deception—if he cannot stop someone from becoming a believer, he will try to keep them from learning about the Holy Spirit.

When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we receive power. That power is a direct threat to Satan's kingdom. It is the same power through which Jesus healed the sick, delivered the oppressed, and raised the dead. It is the same power that raised Jesus Himself from the grave. And amazingly, that very power now resides in those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Why wouldn't we want that power?

The Holy Spirit also provides the grace we need to overcome the areas of our lives that have not yet been fully sanctified. Sanctification is an ongoing process, and the Holy Spirit is the One who faithfully works within us. As we yield to Him, He equips us with His gifts and produces His fruit in our lives, gradually transforming us into the likeness of Christ.

So read about the Holy Spirit. Study what the Scriptures say. Get to know the Person of the Holy Spirit. He is not merely a force or an influence; He is God, our Helper, Counselor, Teacher, Comforter, and Guide. We were never meant to walk through this life alone. We were meant to walk hand in hand with Him every step of the way.