Luke 11:13 "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Jesus had a special relationship with Holy Sprit, a relationship that is most important for our own personal lives. This article explores that relationship and its practical implications, (For further details and explanation of Jesus’ relationship to Holy Spirit, see links at the bottom of this article.)

The article that follows is borrowed from The Fire Bible, study edition, and the scriptures are NIV translation.
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Old Testament Prophecy:
Many Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah (the Anointed One, Savior, Christ) specifically, predicted that He would be guided and empowered by Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2, 61:1-3, Matthew 3:16).
When Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue at Nazareth, He stated, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:18-21)

Jesus’ Birth
Both Mathew and Luke state clearly that Jesus came into this world as a result of a miraculous act of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit (without a sexual  union between a man and woman) and born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:27).  Because of His miraculous conception, Jesus was completely holy (pure, perfect, spiritually complete, separated from evil and entirely devoted to God's purposes, Luke 1:35). This meant that Jesus came into the world unstained by sin (unlike all others born into the human race) and free from spiritual corruption.
This made him completely worthy to become the perfect sacrifice required for the sins (offenses against God) of humanity, He was able to take our total guilt on Himself and pay in full our penalty for sin (Matthew 1:23). Without a perfect, sinless Savior, we could not experience complete forgiveness and a restored personal relationship with a holy God.

Jesus’ Baptism
When John the Baptist baptized Him, Jesus was personally anointed (empowered, commissioned for service) by Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 3:21-22). At that time, the Spirit came upon Him in the form and appearance of a dove, equipping Him with great power to fulfill His ministry, including His work of redemption (restoring our opportunity for a personal relationship with God).
When Jesus went into the desert after His water baptism, He was full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1). Later, Jesus Himself would baptize (immerse, cleanse, empower His followers with the Spirit [Luke 3:16; Acts 1:4.5, 2:33, 2:38-39)], which He continues to do even today. All who have experienced a spiritual salvation — whose lives have been supernaturally transformed by the Holy Spirit — ought to experience the baptism in the Spirit to empower their lives and equip them for ministry (Acts 1:8). (For more on this, see articles on Baptism in the Holy Spirit and The Doctrine of Holy Spirit.)

Jesus’ Temptation by Satan
Immediately after His baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days (Luke 4:1-2). It was only because He was full of the Holy Spirit that Jesus — as a human — was able to face Satan and resist those temptations. In the same way it is God’s intention that we never face the spiritual forces of evil and sin without the power of the Spirit, We must be equipped with His full authority and follow His leading in order to be victorious against Satan and his demonic powers. In fact, in God's sight we are not God’s children and do not belong to Christ — unless His Spirit lives in us (Romans 8:9, 16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22), continually empowering us to overcome sin and do what is right.

Jesus’ Ministry
When Jesus referred to Isaiah's prophecy about the Spirit coming on Him, He used the same passage to outline the primary purposes of His ministry: preaching, healing and liberating people (freeing people spiritually, physically, emotionally)  (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:16-19).
(1) The Spirit anointed (commissioned and empowered) Jesus for His mission. Though Jesus was God (John 1:1), He was also human (1 Timothy 2:5). As a human being, He had to rely on the Spirit's help and power — just as we do — to fulfill His responsibilities and purpose (Matthew 12:28; Luke 4:1, 14; Romans 8:11; Hebrew 9:14).
(2) It was only as a Spirit-anointed, Spirit-led man that Jesus could live, serve and proclaim the gospel as God intended (Acts 10:38). Jesus is a perfect example for all Christians, who should receive all the Spirit has to offer and rely completely on the Spirit for guidance and power (Acts 1:8, 2:4).

Jesus’ Promise Regarding Holy Spirit
John the Baptist had prophesied that Jesus would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16, John 1:33), a prophecy that Jesus Himself repeated again and again (Acts 1:5; 11:16). In Luke 11:13, Jesus promised to give the Holy Spirit to all who asked.
All of these verses refer to the full presence and power of the Spirit that Christ promises to give to God's children (people who have accepted Christ's forgiveness and have a personal relationship with God). This promise was first fulfilled during the first Pentecost after Jesus had returned to heaven (Acts 2:4). The promise remains in effect for all who have become His followers  and who ask for the baptism in the Spirit (Acts 1:5; 2:39) (also see article on Baptism in the Holy Spirit).

Jesus’ Resurrection
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was raised from the dead, proving that He is the true Messiah and Son of God. In Romans 1:3-4 we read that through the Spirit of Holiness (Holy Spirit) Jesus was declared with power to be the Son of God,  and in Romans 8:11, that “the Spirit … raised Jesus from the dead."  Now, that same power enables Christians to live for Him. Just as Jesus depended on the Holy Spirit for His resurrection, so Jesus' followers must depend on the Spirit for power and guidance in their lives now and for their bodily resurrection in the future (Romans 8:10-11).

Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven
After Jesus' resurrection, He returned to heaven and took His rightful place at the right hand of His Father (the position of honor and authority) as co-ruler of God's Kingdom (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:8-10).
In this exalted position, he received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out the Spirit on His people, starting at Pentecost (Acts 2:33, John 16:5-14). Fulfilling this promise affirms Jesus' Lordship (His supreme leadership and authority) as Prophet, Priest and King (Matthew 3:12; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5, 5:5, 7:28; 2 Peter 1:13). This outpouring of Holy Spirit at Pentecost (when God generously sent His Spirit to fill and empower His followers) and throughout this present church age is proof of Jesus' continual presence, power and authority.

Jesus’ Nearness to His People
As one of His present tasks, Holy Spirit honors Jesus by revealing Jesus' truth and purposes to His followers (John 16:14-15). The benefits of spiritual salvation and a renewed relationship with Christ are made available to us through the Spirit (Romans 8:14-16, Galatians 4:6).
The most important benefit is Jesus' nearness to us (John 14:18). Through His Spirit, Jesus remains  with us constantly. The Spirit makes us aware of Jesus' personal presence, His love, blessing help, forgiveness, healing and all that is ours through faith. The Spirit also inspires us to pursue a deeper relationship with God through His Word; prayer and worship (John 4:23-24, 16:14).

Jesus’ Return for His People
Jesus has promised to return and take His faithful people to be with Him forever (John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This is referred to as "the blessed hope" of all believers (Titus 2:13). It is the event that we should pray and long for (2 Timothy 4:8). The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit inspires our hearts to cry out to God for our Lord's return.  In fact, God's Word describes the Holy Spirit as “a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14). It is the Spirit who testifies within our hearts that our restoration and relationship to God remain incomplete until Christ returns (Romans 8:23). At the very close of the Bible, the Holy Spirit inspired the words, "Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).

For additional information, you may find the following articles helpful: The Attributes of God, The Doctrine of Holy Spirit and Baptism of Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:5 "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

One of the core doctrines of the New Testament is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Although it is much debated between Christian denominations today, we find the context of scripture clear on the matter. That said, we assert that these discussions should be driven by love for one another as well as a love for God and a sincere heart to grow in our relationship with Him. We have included the following article as a resource for you. We hope it helps answer some fundamental questions.  And as always, Center Church staff and elders are available to help you work through any questions that arise here.

This article that follows is borrowed from The Fire Bible, study edition, and the scriptures are NIV translation.
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An Introduction:
In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus tells His disciples: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John Baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
This gift that God the Father promised (Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11) is the baptism in Holy Spirit. The fulfillment of that promise is described as b being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4). This means that being “baptized in the Spirit” and “filled with the Spirit” are at times used interchangeably - in place of one another in the book of Acts. However, not every reference to being filled with the Spirit is speaking of the baptism in Holy Spirit.
This baptism in the Holy Spirit is not the same as receiving the Holy Spirit. When we accept the forgiveness of Christ, and surrender our lives to Him, we receive the Holy Spirit and become spiritual saved. The Baptism of the Spirit is a filling, verses receiving. These are two distinct works of the Spirit, sometimes separated by a period of time. (Don’t worry. We are about to dive deeper into this!)
The preposition “with” is the translation of the Greek word “en” and is often translated as “in.” This means that the phrase also could be interpreted, “you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” In the same way, “baptized with water” may be translated “baptized in water.” The word “baptized” suggests being immersed, so baptism in the Spirit is being immersed in and saturated with the Holy Spirit and His power. Jesus Himself is the one who baptizes His followers in the Holy Spirit.
All of the gospels (the accounts of Jesus’ life: Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) state that Jesus is “He who will baptize with (in) the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 3:16; Jn 1:33). The baptism — a sign of cleansing and empowering — was to be the dynamic characteristic and distinction of Jesus’ followers. The Holy Spirit would be poured out on them (and into them) so that spiritual salvation throughout the world (Acts 1:8). The task of baptizing in the Spirit is the ongoing purpose of Jesus to this day (Mathew 3:11, Acts 2:39).
Continue reading for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Biblical Facts about the Baptism
The baptism in Holy Spirit is a gift God wants us to have. Jesus said that this gift is a promise from God to the Father (Joel 2:28-29; Lk 24:49; Ac 1:4-5, 8)

(1) This is for all Believers.
The baptism in the Spirit is for everyone who has accepted Jesus’ forgiveness and given control of their lives to Him. Such people have been spiritually born again (John 3:3-7). God's Spirit has come to live within them to transform their lives, redevelop their character and guide them into God's purposes. Receiving the Holy Spirit in this way (at the point of spiritual salvation), however, is not the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

(2) This was one of the main goals of Christ's mission.
One target of Jesus’ mission on earth was to baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33).  Jesus told His disciples that one of the main reasons He had to leave them shortly after His resurrection was so that Holy Spirit would come and be with them from then on (John 16.5-7). The Spirit's constant presence is that important!
Before He left the earth to return to heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples not to begin the Great Commission, their mission to spread His message throughout the world, until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and "clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).
Jesus Christ, Himself, did not begin His public ministry until He had been "anointed .. with the Holy Spirit and power" (Acts 10:38. Luke 4:1, 18). To be anointed means to be set apart, commissioned and empowered for service. To be baptized suggests being immersed.  Like Jesus, we must be immersed (completely soaked or saturated) and empowered by God's Spirit so we can continue His mission of spreading the good news about forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus.

(3) The baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct and separate from spiritual birth (salvation).
On the day of Christ's resurrection, He breathed on His disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22), giving them new spiritual life. Then later He told them they must also be "clothed with power" by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49,  Acts 1:5, 8). For the disciples, this experience clearly followed their spiritual birth.
The Bible describes a similar sequence of events following the spiritual salvation of the groups of Believers mentioned in Acts 8:14-17, which says, "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that people in Samaria had accepted the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
See also Acts 19:1-7, where disciples in Ephesus, who had accepted the message of Christ and were baptized in water, then received the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and prophesying. Yet, the fact is that a person can be born again or saved spiritually - which means that the Holy Spirit lives within them - but still not be baptized in the Holy Spirit - not yet filled with Holy Spirit.

(4) To be baptized in the Spirit means to be filled with the Holy Spirit
See Acts 1:5; 2:4 The word "baptize" actually means to immerse or to dip into; but since the Spirit works within a person, baptism in the Spirit implies an overflow of the Spirit. For example, a person who receives spiritual salvation is like a container that was empty being filled with fresh, clean water. Like the container, the person is no longer empty, but has the Holy Spirit living inside. Then, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is like pouring more clean water into the container until it overflows from within.
A person who is baptized in the Spirit becomes saturated and immersed with God's presence to the point that it spills out of his or her life and is so evident that it influences others. The specific experience of being baptized with the Holy Spirit occurred only at and after Pentecost (Acts 2). For those who were described as filled with the Spirit before Pentecost (Luke 1:15, 67), Luke does not use the term "baptized" in the Holy Spirit. This would occur only after Christ left the earth and returned to heaven (Luke 24:49-51; John 16:7-14; Acts 1:4).

(5) An Initial Sign: speaking in tongues
In the book of Acts, one of the initial outward signs or physical evidence that a believer had been baptized in the Spirit was that they spoke in tongues as the Spirit prompted them, or gave them the ability and the words to speak (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6).
Speaking in tongues involves a language that the speaker has never learned (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15), although it may be a language spoken somewhere on earth. In Acts 2:6, the people who heard the 120 in the upper-room speak in tongues recognized the languages. However, it may also be a heavenly language - unknown to anyone on earth, as in 1 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul mentions speaking in "tongues of angels”.  Whether the language is understandable to the hearers or is like no other language on earth, it is a means of communicating with and expressing praise to God.

Note:  At Center Church, we do not believe that speaking in tongues equals being filled with  Holy Spirit. Although many Christians, even whole denominations, have asserted that speaking in tongues is a filter to determine whether someone is Spirit-filled or not, Center Church does not adhere to this elimination standard. We hold that there are legitimate reasons why someone might be Spirit-filled and unable to express this gift, including theological background and fear of man (worry of what others will think). If this is a struggle for you, we encourage you to reach out to our leadership or a trusted, bible-believing spiritual mentor.  
We do encourage you to eagerly pursue all spiritual gifts!  God will use them through you to be a blessing to you and anyone around you.  And we have found this particular gift invaluable to our daily walk in a personal relationship with God.  (See 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is linked so closely with the outward expression of speaking in tongues that this should be considered a normal sign when receiving this baptism. Some think that this powerful experience was only as a sign to help get the early church started. But the purpose was not just to get people's attention or prove God's power as the church began. Jesus said the Spirit would provide His followers with ongoing power and guidance (John 16:13). This purpose is just as relevant today, for we still need that power and guidance to carry on Christ's mission in the world. (For more on this distinction, we recommend The Essential Guide to the Power of the Holy Spirit, linked below.)

(6)  Boldness and Power - for the works of Jesus today
The primary purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to bring the personal boldness and power of God's Spirit into a Christian's life so that he or she can accomplish Christ's purposes with His authority. The highest aim for this spiritual power is to cause Christians to be effective in spreading His message throughout the world (Acts 1:8; 2:14-41; 4:31; 6:8; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 2:4).
This power is not some impersonal force, but is an expression of the Holy Spirit which makes Jesus' presence, power and purposes a reality for His people (John 14:16-18; 16:14; 1 Corinthians 12:7). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just a matter of speaking in tongues on having a "deeper" spiritual experience. Christ's followers are to use the Spirit's power to share Jesus with those who do not know Him. On the day of Pentecost, the outward sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4), but the outward result was that many who did not know God were introduced to Him that day (Acts 2:41).

(7) Other results
Speaking in tongues is only a portion of a genuine baptism in the Holy Spirit. Other results include:

• prophetic messages (statements that foretell, warn, challenge, encourage or inspire) and declarations of praise (Acts 2:4, 17; 10:46; 1 Corinthians 14:2);
• a greater sensitivity to things that offend God and grieve His Holy Spirit, a deeper awareness of God's judgment against sin and a greater desire and ability to do what is right (John 16:8, Acts 1:8);
• a life that brings honor to Jesus Christ (John 16:13-14, Acts 4:33);
• new visions and comprehension of God's purposes (Acts 2:17);
• active use of the various gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-10)
• a greater desire to pray (Acts 2:41-42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 10:9; Romans 8:26);
• a deeper love and understanding of God's Word (John 16:13; Acts 2:42);
• an increasing awareness of God as one's loving Father (Acts 1:4; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).

In general, the baptism in the Holy Spirit enhances and heightens the level of the Christians' personal worship and empowers their public witness (Acts 1:8; Romans 8.26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:2-4)

(8) God's Word gives several conditions that must exist before receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

• First, we must accept by faith Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord the Forgiver of our sins and Leader of our lives — which includes turning from our own sinful way (Acts 2:38-40; 8:12-17). This involves surrendering our own will — our desires, purposes land motivations to God ("to those who obey Him," Acts 5:32).  We must avoid and abandon anything that offends God before we can be "an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:21).
• We must desire to be filled. Christians should have a deep hunger for the baptism in the Spirit and the fullness of God's presence, power and purpose that the Holy Spirit brings (John 7:37-39; Isaiah 44:3; Matthew 5:6; 6:33).
• We receive this baptism in answer to prayer (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14; 2:1-4; 4:31; 8:15, 17).
• We should anticipate that God will baptize us in the Holy Spirit (Mark 11:24; Acts 1:4-5)

(9) The baptism in the Holy Spirit is sustained (maintained and continued in a constant flow) in the believer's life by consistent prayer (Acts 4:31), bold witness (Acts 4:31, 33), worship in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-19) and a life that is continually growing in godly character (Ephesians 5:18).
Though a person's experience may be powerful or extraordinary at the beginning, if they do not develop these disciplines, along with an increasing desire for holiness (moral purity, spiritual wholeness, separation from evil and dedication to God), the experience will soon fade.
For further comments on how the baptism in the Holy Spirit and praying in tongues can enhance the effectiveness of your prayer life.

(10) The baptism in the Spirit occurs once in a Christian's life. It marks a point at which the person is set apart, approved and empowered for God's work of spreading His message in power and purity. The Bible teaches that there may be new or "fresh" fillings with the Holy Spirit after a Christian has been baptized in the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 4:31; Ephesians 5:18).
The baptism in the Spirit brings a Christian into a special relationship with God's Spirit that is to be continually renewed (Acts 4:31) and maintained (Ephesians 5:18). One way to ensure the flow and life of this relationship is to pray daily "in the Spirit" (Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18).
This is a crucial part of one's spiritual development (1 Corinthians 14:4). Being filled with the Spirit is more than a one time experience; it is an ongoing aspect of Christian life that enhances one's ability to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Getting Ready to Receive God’s Gift
Once you realize that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift God wants you to have and a gift that you want and need, you may still have questions about what might happen as you open yourself to be baptized with the Spirit. Keep in mind that your personal experience may differ from that of other people. No one can tell you exactly what you will experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready to receive.

(1) Get right with God.
Repent of any sin: admit, express true sorrow for, and turn from anything that may have offended God, receive forgiveness from Jesus and submit to His leadership in your life.

(2) Ask in faith.
Pray and believe that God will fulfill His promise to baptize you in the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; Acts 1:4; 2:33). This prayer is driven by a strong desire for greater holiness (moral purity, spiritual wholeness, separation from evil and dedication to God) and should accompany your prayer.
Do not partner with doubt that you will speak in tongues as the initial physical evidence that you have received God's gift. If you are uncertain, confess that to God, and leave the results submitted to Him.

(3) Be prepared.
Some physical things may happen, and that is not uncommon. Stammering lips, tears and trembling or shaking may accompany this extraordinary experience as God's power often overwhelms a person's physical senses. However, do not try to manipulate the situation by stirring up your emotions. You may have seen well-meaning Christians surround a friend who is praying for the baptism. They may pray louder, get more expressive or try to prompt the friend in some way; but God does not work that way. Do not seek an experience; rather, desire more of Jesus!

(4) Stay focused.
Receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a choice. Some people never receive because they are waiting for a mystical, uncontrollable experience. But Holy Spirit does not overpower a person's will. You must cooperate with and invite Him into your life.
There are times when the Spirit may seem to completely take over as a person speaks effortlessly in tongues. But this is not how you are likely to exercise the gift on a regular daily basis. The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are subject to (used at the discretion of) those who receive them (1 Corinthians 14:32). God does the baptizing, but you are responsible for how you respond.

Receiving the Baptism of Holy Spirit
There is no specific, lengthy formula to guarantee being baptized in the Holy Spirit; but there are some helpful patterns you can follow as you pray and prepare to receive this powerful gift:

1. Relax.
Receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is not always an immediate experience. In the book of Acts, the believers in the upper room waited ten days. Do not get discouraged.

2.  Worship God.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a means of honoring God. It is not about what you get from Him; it is about what He gives to you. Turn your complete attention toward Jesus. Create an atmosphere of worship and thanksgiving by expressing love and appreciation out loud, not just in your mind.

3.  Seek the Giver, not the gift.
Your focus should not be on tongues or a spiritual experience; it should be on getting more of Jesus and His power in your life. The Holy Spirit's desire and purpose is to draw us to Christ (John 16:13, 14). This is our standard in all of our relationship with God - not only when we are desiring to operate in a particular gift. Our whole desire is more of God, always.

4.  Leave your native language so you can speak a new language.
As you worship and wait, you may sense strange, unknown words or syllables coming to your mind. You cannot speak two languages at once, so at some point you must stop speaking in your own language and start praising in the spiritual language. The Holy Spirit will bring words to your mind, but you must do the speaking.  
If your lips and tongue start stammering or trembling, the Holy Spirit is likely trying to get you to speak. You may not hear the words in your mind, but when you surrender to the Spirit and step out in faith, He will honor your faith and help you speak.
Speak, even if it does not sound like a language. Many languages and dialects may not sound like anything to you, only because you do not understand them. Being filled with the Spirit is not based on your understanding, but on speaking in obedience to the Spirit's leading.

Speak, even if it is only a few syllables. Do not worry if your spiritual language seems limited at first. More will come. Do not go back to your native language after you start speaking in tongues, whether there are many words or just a few. Cooperate with the Spirit. Do not be afraid to move your tongue and lips to form the words.  (Keep in mind, however, that another person cannot begin your experience by instructing you in what to say or by giving you incoherent syllables to begin with. Only the Holy Spirit can give you the words.)

Trust that you are getting what you asked for. God promises to give the good gift of the Holy Spirit to those who desire Him with all their heart (Luke 11:9-13). Often, when people begin to sense the Spirit prompting them to speak, they are afraid it might just be their own words or simple gibberish (meaningless talk). But if your focus is truly on Christ, and you are willing to take a bold step and use the gift, you can be confident that you are getting exactly what He promised.

Summary
Jesus told His followers to expect the gift of baptism in the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49) and to be continually filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). He knew the spiritual power and sensitivity it would bring to their lives. From Acts to Revelation, we read about what Jesus' followers did through the power of the Holy Spirit. To this day, the baptism in the Holy Spirit continues to fill Christians with the desire and urgency to carry out Christ's commission to take His message throughout the world (Acts 1:8; 2:42-47).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is as relevant now as it was in the early church because Christians today need the same power and guidance to live for Christ and accomplish His purposes.

For more information on the Baptism of Holy Spirit, we recommend the books:
The Glory Within: The Interior Life and the Power of Speaking in Tongues by Corey Russell.
The Essential Guide to the Power of the Holy Spirit, God’s Miraculous Gifts at Work Today, by Randy Clark.

(This article is borrowed from The Fire Bible, published 2009, editor Donald C. Stamps)

Definition of True Worship
The English word "worship" comes from the Old English word "worthship." The word describes actions and attitudes that highly favor and honor the worthiness of God and express awe and adoration toward Him.
True worship is God-centered, not human-centered. It focuses on God's character traits. Christian worship involves Jesus' followers responding with holy love and reverence to God's character and presence by expressing gratitude for who He is and what He has done for us. Sincere, or true and heartfelt, worship requires a faith commitment and a confession that God is the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth. It means knowing and confessing that God is the only Lord — the leader and highest authority-in our lives.
We were created to honor and worship God (Psalm 100:2, 3; Isaiah 43:6, 7; Romans 12:1; Colossians  1:16, 17; Revelation 4:11).

A Brief History of the True Worship of God
Human beings have worshiped God from the beginning of history. Adam and Eve enjoyed a personal relationship and interaction with God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). Their sons, Cain and Abel, both brought offerings (Hebrew: minhah, also translated as "tribute," or "gift") to the Lord. Cain brought plant life, and Abel brought animal life (Genesis 4:3-4). Seth's descendants called "on the name of the LORD" (Genesis 4:26). Noah built an altar to the Lord for a burnt offering after the flood (Genesis 8:20). Abraham set up many altars throughout the region that would later become Israel's promised land so that he could present offerings to God (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:4, 18; 22:9) and experience close personal companionship with Him (Genesis 18:23-33; 22:11-18).

However, it was not until after the exodus (the departure of all Israelites from slavery in Egypt), when Israel built the tabernacle (the portable structure that served as a worship center and represented God's presence), that public worship became a formal ceremony or activity to honor God. After that point, sacrifices were offered continually, especially on the Sabbath (the day God set aside for rest and worship). God also established several annual religious feasts as occasions for public worship (Exodus 23:14-17; Leviticus 1-7; 16; 23:4-44; Deuteronomy 12; 16).
This worship was later brought to a central location, namely the Temple in Jerusalem (see David's plans as recorded in 1Chronicle 22-26). When the Temple was destroyed in 586 BC, the Jews built synagogues as local places of instruction and worship while they were in exile and wherever they settled. These buildings continued to be used for worship even after the Second Temple was built under Zerubbabel's leadership (Ezra 3-6). There were synagogues throughout Judea and all over the Roman world during New Testament times (Luke 4:16; John 6:59; Acts 6:9; 13:14; 14:1; 17:1, 10; 18:4; 19:8; 22:19).
Worship in the early days of the New Testament church took place both in the Jerusalem temple and in private homes (Acts 2:46-47). Outside of Jerusalem, Christians worshiped in the synagogues as long as they were permitted to do so. When that was no longer allowed, they met elsewhere for worship — usually in people’s homes (Acts 18:7; romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2) though sometimes they had access to some other public facility (Acts 19:9-10).

Expressions of Christian Worship
The Bible describes true and heartfelt worship that takes many forms and postures, including:

• bowing down (Genesis 24:6 1; 1Kings 1:47, 48)
• standing (Exodus 33:10)
• dancing (2 Samuel 6:14)
• clapping and shouting (Psalm 47:1)
• raising hands (Psalm 134:2; 1Timothy 2:8)
• kneeling (Daniel 6:10)
• walking and leaping (Acts 3:8) and 
• lying facedown or flat on the ground (Revelation 5:14).

As long as these expressions are suitable for the particular situations and are sincere responses to an awareness of God's presence, they are acceptable to God.
Regardless of the posture of worship, several elements tend to characterize true godly worship. All worship should lift up the Lord, not the individual worshiper.

(1) Two key principles help direct Christian worship:
(a) Genuine worship takes place in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). That is to say, true worship is not just a physical or mental activity.
True worship is a spiritual exercise — giving an equal response to how God has revealed Himself to us, particularly through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Worship involves heartfelt interaction between the human spirit and God's Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-12).
(b) The practice of Christian worship must fit the New Testament pattern for the Church (Acts 7:44 - 53). Jesus’ followers today should desire, search after, and expect the same kinds of worship expressions and experiences described throughout the New Testament.

(2) The key feature of Old Testament worship was the system of sacrifice (Numbers 28-29). Since Christ's sacrifice on the cross completely fulfilled this system, there is no longer any need for the shedding of blood as part of Christian worship (Hebrews 9:1 - 10:18). Through the sacrament, or a symbolic ceremony, of the Lord's Supper (communion), the New Testament church continually celebrates in memory of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Also, the church is urged to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise  —  the fruit of lips that confess His name" (Hebrews 13:15).
Also, we are to offer our bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1).

(3) Praising God is necessary in Christian worship. Praise was an important element in Israel's worship of God (e.g, Ps 100:4; 106:1; 111:1; 113:1; 117), as well as in early Christian worship (Ac 2:46-47; 16:25; Romans 15:10-11; Hebrews 2:12)

(4) One important way to praise God is by singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
The Old Testament is full of encouragement to sing to the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalm 95:1; 96:1-2; 98:1, 5-6; 100:1-2).
At the time of Jesus' birth, the entire heavenly multitude burst into a song of praise (Luke 2:13-14).
 The New Testament church was a singing community (1Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13).
The Bible describes New Testament Christians as singing with words from the mind (with a known human language) or with the spirit (in a spiritual language, or tongues, 1 Corinthians 14:15).
Never did they consider or practice singing as a form of entertainment disguised as worship. Although singing and music are important expressions of worship, we must be careful not to view music as the primary means of worship. We must not allow it to take the place of true worship. Music certainly can inspire and move our hearts to offer up true worship, but at times it can also overpower the senses. This is when attention is directed away from God. In this way, people end up worshiping a song, a singer on a feeling rather than worshiping God.

(5) Prayer is another important part of worship. The Old Testament saints constantly communicated with God through prayer (Genesis 20:17; Numbers 11:2; 1 Samuel 8:6; 2 Samuel 7:27; Daniel 9:3-19; James 5:17-18). The leaders of the New Testament church also prayed continually after Jesus was lifted up into heaven (Acts 1:14). Prayer became a regular part of Christian worship (Acts 2:42; 20:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
These prayers could be personal (Acts 4:24-30), or they could be intercessory prayers (prayers for others) (Romans 15:30-32; Ephesians 6:18). Christian prayer must always involve giving thanks to God (Eph 5:20; Php 4:6; Col 3:15, 17; 1Th 5:18). As with singing, praying could be done with a known human language or in tongues (1Co 14:13-15).

(6) Confession of sin (openly admitting our offenses toward God) was clearly an important part of Old Testament worship.
God had established the Day of Atonement for the Israelites as a time for national confession of their offenses against God (Leviticus 16). In his prayer at the temple dedication, Solomon recognized the importance of confession (1 Kings 8:30-39). When Ezra and Nehemiah realized how much God's people had neglected His law, they led the entire nation of Judah in a passionate public prayer of confession (Nehemiah 9). When Jesus gave his followers an example of how to pray (often referred to as the Lord's Prayer), He taught them to ask for forgiveness of sins (Matthew 6:12). James instructs believers to confess their sins to each other (James 5:16). Admitting spiritual faults and failures can provide accountability and inspire assurance of God's gracious forgiveness (1 John 1:9)

(7) Worship also includes public reading of God's Word and preaching of its truth. In Old Testament times God commanded that every seven years, at the Feast of Tabernacles, all Israelites were to assemble for a public reading of the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:9-13). The clearest example of this part of Old Testament worship came during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8:1-12). Scripture reading became a regular part of the synagogue worship on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16-19; Acts 13:15). In a similar way, when New Testament believers gathered for worship, they also heard God's Word (1Timothy 4:13; Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27) along with teaching, preaching and practical challenges based on the truth of the Word (1Timothy 4:13; 2Timothy 4:2; Acts 19:8-10; 20:7).

(8) Whenever God's Old Testament people assembled in the courts of the Lord (places of worship), they were instructed to bring tithes (a tenth of one's income or produce) and offerings (Psalm 96:8; Malachi 3:10).
In the New Testament, Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians about gathering funds for the Jerusalem church: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income" (1Corinthians 16:2). This is an example of how true worship of God must be planned for, especially in presenting our tithes and offerings to God.

(9) One unique element of New Testament worship was and is presently the role of the Holy Spirit and His various expressions given through Christ's followers. Among these spiritual gifts and expressions — all of which are intended to honor Christ and build up the church — are the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, extraordinary faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between types of spirits, speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues (1Corinthians 12:7-10).
The charismatic (Spirit-led, enthusiastic) nature of early Christian worship is further described in Paul's instructions: "When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation" (1Corinthians 14:26). In his letters to the Corinthian church, Paul provided principles to guide and regulate these gifts of worship (1 Corinthians 14:1-33). The most important principle of all was that any exercise of the gifts of the Holy Spirit during worship had to strengthen and help the whole congregation (1Corinthians 12:7; 14:26;).

(10) The other unique element in New Testament worship was the celebration of the sacraments — the symbolic ceremonies of baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion). The Lord's Supper (or the "breaking of bread,' see Acts 2:42) was probably observed daily among believers right after Pentecost (the day on which God sent His Holy Spirit to fill and empower Jesus’ followers (Acts 2:46-47). Later, it became at least a weekly practice (Acts 20:7, 11). Baptism, as commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20), happened as often as people were converted to faith in Christ and added to the Church (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 9:18; 10:48; 16:30-33; 19:1-5).

God’s Blessings for True Worshippers:
When true worship takes place, God responds with many blessings. He promises:

• to be with them (Matthew 18: 20) and to have close personal interaction with them (Revelation 3:20),
• to guide and surround them with His glory (Exodus 4035; 2Chronicles 7:1; 1Peter 4:14)
• to shower them with blessings (Ezekiel 34:26) especially peace (Psalm 29-11)
•  to give them overflowing joy (Psalm 122:1; John 15:11)
• to answer their prayers when offered in sincere faith (Mark 11:24; James 5:15)
• to give them a fresh infilling of His Holy Spirit and boldness to live for Christ and tell others about Him (Acts 4:31);
• to work among them in special and obvious ways through the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 12:7-13)
• to guide them into all truth through the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; 16:13)
• to purify, develop and set them apart for His purposes through the power and instruction of His Word and the Holy Spirit (John 17:17-19)
• to comfort, encourage and strengthen them (Isaiah 40:1; 1Corinthians 14:26; 2Corinthians 1:3-4; 1Thessalonians 5:11)
• to expose the reality of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8
• to spiritually save people whose sinfulness is revealed to them and who respond in faith during a worship service (1Corinthians 14:22-25).

Hindrances to True Worship:
When God's people gather for worship and do what seems right outwardly, this is no guarantee that true worship is taking place or that God is accepting their praise and listening to their prayers.

(1) If the Worship is simply a matter of words and formalities and the people's hearts are not centered on Him, then God does not accept the worship. Jesus severely criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy!  They religiously followed the regulations of God's law while their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:7-9; 23:23-28; Mark 7:5-7).
Notice that the same type of criticism was given to the church in Ephesus. They continued to worship the Lord even though the people had dost their true love for Jesus (Revelation 2:1-5). In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul warns believers that those who participate in the Lord's Supper without repenting of their sin and without giving proper consideration to their fellow Christians are actually bringing judgment on themselves (1Corinthians 11:28-30; 11:27). The truth of this matter of worshiping God is that we can expect God to accept our worship only if our hearts are in a right relationship with Him (James 4:8; Psalm 24:3-4).

(2) Another obstacle to true worship is a lifestyle of spiritual compromise, sin and immorality.
God refused to accept King Saul's sacrifices because he disobeyed God's command (1Samuel 15:1-23).
Isaiah scolded God's people as a "sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers" (Isaiah 1:4), even though they were still offering sacrifices and celebrating their holy days. For this reason, the Lord declared through Isaiah: "Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts, my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:14-15).
In the New Testament Jesus urged the worshipers in Sardis to wake up because "I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God" (Revelation 3:2).

Likewise, James reminds the followers of Jesus that God will not hear the selfish prayers of those who have not separated themselves from the world's ungodly beliefs and behaviors (James 4:1-5). God's people can expect Him to reveal His powerful presence and accept their worship only if they keep their lives spiritually pure (Psalm 24:3-4; James4:8). Worship must be more than a service or ceremony; it must be a way of life that reflects the highest respect, reverence and honor for God — in words and actions — in all situations (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15, 16).