The first thing recorded in all four Gospels is the story of John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. All the Gospels have different starting points in the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The first common thing is John the Baptist and his declaration about the coming Messiah. In all four Gospels the statement of John is recorded thus; “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matt. 3:11(NKJV)
Though the wording is slightly different the message is the same. Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit. To John, Spirit baptism was far higher in value than water baptism. In Acts 1:4 Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Promise of the Father.” Throughout His ministry Jesus told His disciples about the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit. He told them of His importance and urged them to be ready to accept the Spirit’s work in them.
Jesus made it clear to the disciples that the Holy Spirit would be sent to replace Him in the earth. He (The Holy Spirit) would revolutionize their lives by infusing them with power to be witnesses. His presence would be evident by the display of fruits and works. In Acts 2:4 the first evidence was speaking in other tongues “as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The New Testament gives ample instruction about the use of tongues about which most believers know little or have been taught wrongly. You must come to this subject with an open mind and not with information based on denominational bias.
Today we will search the Scriptures to see if these things be so. Go with me on the venture and allow the Spirit Himself to speak to you. Jesus said the Spirit would teach us all things and guide us into truth.