Speaking In Unknown Tongues

SPEAKING IN UNKNOWN TONGUES MAN’S OPINION vs GOD’S WORD Ron Payne. For Christians who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour through one of the traditional churches, the gift of speaking in tongues can present a problem. There are more than enough articles written on the subject without another coming from this author. Therefore rather than undertake another in-depth article, let the Scriptures speak for themselves. This may be far more appropriate, for where else can we look for guidance, other than scripture? A few comments that are given above each verse will assist the reader on each point being made by scripture. A summary will follow and the whole idea of this presentation is twofold: 1. To place sensitive people who may feel awkward or not understand this particular gift, more at ease. 2. To not give an in-depth argument for or against speaking in tongues, but to allow scripture to simply speak for itself. Firstly we see that it was promised. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:17) We see too that it is one of many gifts given to Christians. 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: (1 Corinthians 12:10) It has a distinct place in the Christian church. 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. (1 Corinthians 12:28) Not every Christian has the gift. Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:30) Without an interpreter no one would understand what was being said. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (1 Corinthians 14:9) When tongues are spoken publicly at prayer or a service it is important that it be orderly and that not more than three deliver messages in tongues. It is also important that there is an interpretation of what was said. let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. (1 Corinthians 14:27-28) A short discourse in a known language, is better than thousands of words in an unknown tongue. 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. (1 Corinthians 14:19) Prophecy is a gift, which could be better than the gift of tongues. 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. (1 Corinthians 14:5)

One of the purpose of speaking in tongues is to edify yourself. This can be quite useful in your quiet time. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (1 Corinthians 14:4) While your spirit is praying, you could be unaware of what you are saying. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (1 Corinthians 14:14) It would be helpful, if you could interpret what you pray or say in an unknown tongue. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (1 Cor 14:13) It is also speaking directly to God and can be a spiritual mystery. 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. (1 Corinthians 14:2) 1. To place sensitive people who may feel awkward or not understand this particular gift, more at ease. One of the purposes of speaking in tongues, is to edify yourself. This can be quite useful in your quiet time. SUMMARY: With all the arguments we hear for and against the speaking of tongues, I am sure that the scriptures show us that speaking in tongues is still scriptural and for the church of today. If it were not so, why then all this advice on assembly behaviour? The argument most commonly used against the gift of tongues, is that it is no longer required for the church today. Below is a quotation from W.E. Vine's expository dictionary: There is no evidence of the continuance of this gift after Apostolic times nor indeed in the later times of the

Apostles themselves; this provides confirmation of the fulfilment in this way of 1 Cor. 13:8, that this gift would cease in the churches, just as would “prophecies” and “knowledge” in the sense of knowledge received by immediate supernatural power . The completion of the Holy Scriptures has provided the churches with all that is necessary for individual and collective guidance, instruction, and edification. (Underlining my emphasis.) If tongues were to cease, why would the Holy Spirit provide so much instruction in the Bible, regarding a gift that would no longer exist? No clear statement from the Holy Spirit regarding the cessation of tongues can be found in Scripture. To claim that tongues have ceased without such a statement would surely be confusion. And confusion there is, but it has come from commentators who have not clearly understood or experienced the gifts of the Spirit. If those who maintain that the gift of tongues, ‘super’natural knowledge and prophecy are not from the Holy Spirit, then the assumption must be that these gifts are false. If they are false, then any falsehood found in the Church, must come from Satan, who constantly attempts to undermine and bring confusion into the Church. If this were true, then the question must be: "Why are these gifts increasing church membership? Why are these churches experiencing phenomenal growth? Why are these congregations praising and worshipping God in a manner and zeal unknown to them previously? Does this then come from Satan? That question must be answered with the same answer our Lord gave to those who refused to accept His Miracles and accused Him of doing evil works. But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “He can cast out demons because he is Satan, king of devils. Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, A divided kingdom ends in ruin. A city or home divided against itself cannot stand. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is fighting himself and destroying his own kingdom. Mathew 12:24-26 The Living Bible In regard to the gifts of Prophecy or Knowledge, I have yet to hear anyone who claims to have either of these gifts, insist that he or she is uttering a new revelation from God as did the prophets in Biblical history and must therefore be added to scripture. In the use of the gift of prophecy, those who have the gift are simply confirming God’s prophetic promises, which the prophets of old had already prophesied. These prophecies found in scripture are simply brought to the people as a reminder of what God is doing or is still going to do. An example of this is a prophetic utterance from a member of the congregation, that God was going to do a marvellous work at the Hatfield Baptist Church, that if they were told what it would be, they would never believe it. Shortly after this prophetic announcement, the Church grew literally overnight from an extremely small congregation to thousands of

members all over South Africa. The prophecy made that night, can be found in the book of Habakkuk chapter 1 verse 5. “Look among the nations and watch— Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe though it were told you.” Herb 1.5 Living Word Originally this prophecy concerned Israel. The previous four kings of Israel had brought the people down into sin to the point that Habakkuk in desperation pleaded with God to do something. The above verse was God’s promise that He would. Members of the Hatfield congregation were desperate for their Church to grow. Like Habakkuk they pleaded with God to do something. Why would God not put into the heart of one of the members to reiterate what He would do but in this case under different circumstances? Considering what God has done in Hatfield, who would dare deny it by reducing the hand of God’s work by insisting that it was merely coincidence or from the devil? Finally, the scripture in 1st Corinthians which is used to enforce the belief that tongues have fallen away, reads as follows: Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (1 Corinthians 13:8) Their argument is, that Paul is saying that tongues will cease. But have they? Paul is also saying that knowledge will vanish away and prophecies will fail. But we know, that knowledge has not passed away and not one Bible prophecy has ever failed. But praise God there are still bold servants of His, who are able to take hold of God’s promises found in Scripture and prophesy that God will apply those promises, to fit our needs for today. In regard to the thirteenth chapter of 1st Corinthians, it is obvious that Paul is not speaking of the age in which the Apostles and all Christians presently live in, but of the age which is still to come. This is stated quite clearly in verse 10. Let’s look at a number of Bible versions of this verse. But when we have been made perfect and complete, then the need for these inadequate special gifts will come to an end, and they will disappear. The Living Bible. But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. The New International Version

When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away The King James Version When reading this verse from different versions we get a clearer understanding of what Paul is saying. i.e.The perfect and perfection is still to come and then and then only will the imperfections disappear. Not before. The new dispensation (a new heaven and a new earth) in which prophecy, tongues and present day knowledge, will no longer be required, because we will all have the mind of Christ, looking to the new future ahead of us. Some would say that the perfection that is to come that Paul speaks of is Jesus Christ, But Jesus had already come and perfection had still to be attained No, Paul is speaking of a time that is still to come, when we will all attain perfection, with our Lord Jesus the Bridegroom in our midst. MORE IMPORTANT. Whilst tongues are mentioned in chapter 13, the real issue has nothing to do with tongues. This chapter focuses on LOVE, a gift far greater than any of the other gifts. Love is a gift that is to be coveted in this age and unlike the present gifts, it is a gift which will last forever, through the ages to come. Why should we use this chapter to prove something which is not really being said? In fact using this chapter on love to prove that the gift of tongues has fallen away, has never really gained acceptance. This chapter does not deal with the subject of tongues or Prophecy, therefor the Holy Spirit can never confirm something which is different to what His Word is telling us . If there is any teaching or lesson in regard to tongues and prophecy in this 13th chapter, it would be that these gifts are with us, to aid us, until we are perfect and made complete in Christ, and then these gifts will cease. Many clerics who insisted that the days of miracles, healing, speaking in tongues and casting out demons, was only for the time of the Apostles, are discovering that these teachings were not correct. They themselves are being liberated and practice these gifts. Unfortunately through this form of teaching, the Church has for a time been robbed of one of it’s greatest assets, namely the gifts of the Spirit.. Is that possible? Yes! Very much so. During one period in Church history, the Church which was supposed to be the light of the world, took the world into the dark ages - simply because men who were considered the leaders of the religious world at that time, were more personally and politically focused than they were heavenly minded. CONCLUSION. Paul says quite plainly: 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. (teaching, instruction, strengthening.) (1 Corinthians 14:26) With the verse just quoted in mind, the question then asked of today's churches and congregations concerning the gift of tongues is: "Does your church have a psalm, a revelation, a doctrine, a tongue, an interpretation? Are all these things done in your church to edify each other?" If the answer is: "No we don't speak in tongues in our church." Then be careful of criticising those that do, because Paul's final statement on speaking in tongues is: Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. (1Cor 14.39) If speaking in tongues has put you off or frightens you as it once did the author, I wish I could say more to console you. But I trust that the Scriptures will speak for themselves, with the knowledge that God in His wisdom knows exactly what your needs and aspirations are, and if the gift of tongues is one of the desires of your heart, God will attend to it with all the love and gentleness you require.

God bless you in your search and your needs. The Controversy. There are still a number of Pastors particularly in the South African Baptist churches who still reject some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of speaking in tongues. In fact the author knows of Pastors who were asked to exclude themselves either from their Church or the Baptist Union. It was said of one such pastor, that "He had gone funny." It is not unusual to find, that amongst these orthodox churches, there is very little taught about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In fact it would appear that they do not want to face or discuss subjects which they consider controversial. The outcome of this is that amongst them there is a very limited knowledge of the Spiritual gifts. While not enjoying the role of pointing fingers, part of the problem lies with those who advocate and pursue with zeal the gift of tongues, namely the Pentecostal churches. Pentecostals use the term "Baptised with the Holy Spirit" completely out of context and this is what upsets and cause rejection by the more orthodox churches and students of theology. A verse which is commonly used by Pentecostals to assist their doctrine is found in Acts 1:8 where Jesus gives the promise of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; The Pentecostalist's assumption is that when you are born again, you do not necessary have the "Fullness of Holy Spirit Power". This power which the Holy Spirit will give you, with any one or more of the following gifts, will enable one with power, to preach,

witness, heal the sick, prophesy, speak in tongues etc; Therefor accordingly, one has to be Baptised by or in the Holy Spirit, after being "born again" in order to receive this power. While Pentecostalist's may not say it in so many words, yet the insinuation is there and suggests that no one who has not had this "Baptismal experience" will not have the ability to preach, heal, witness etc; with Holy Spirit power. Some would even go further than that and say that without the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, whatever man had done in the body of Believers, he would have done it in his own strength. Yet we see, hear, watch and listen to any amount of men of God, who bring and continue to bring people to a Saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, through their preaching and witnessing. They do this without any claim to a "Baptism of the Holy Spirit for power" as proposed by Pentecostals. The obvious reason given by those who have these gifts without the "Pentecostal experience" is that they already possess the Holy Spirit of God by Spiritual Baptism. We see therefor a group, filled with the Holy Spirit and power, who by their very actions deny and disprove the Pentecostal doctrine. These Christian workers will deny a Baptism of the Holy Spirit as proposed by Pentecostals, but will readily claim a continual "Filling" of God's Holy Spirit as a necessity for their ministry. If you INSIST that they must have, at some time been Baptised by the Holy Spirit, these mighty men of God will agree with you and point to the day of their "New Birth" when they were Baptised by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ: For by one Spirit are we all baptised 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. 1st Cor 12:13. For Pentecostals to say this is correct but that there is still a further Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or that these men had a Holy Spirit Baptism without realising it, ignores the testimony and integrity of the word of these men. To say that this cannot be, or is impossible for men to HAVE THIS POWER without a Baptism of the Holy Spirit experience as preached by Pentecostals, ignores the wording in 1st Corinthians 12 verse 13 - "For by one Spirit WE ARE ALL BAPTISED into one body", and Ephesians 4:5 "One Lord, one faith one Baptism. Romans 8:9 tells us quite plainly that the Spirit of God dwells within us. This happened when we became Christians and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ and Believers But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Look as we may the New Testament does not speak of a further Baptism that one must experience. This second Baptism will only be found in Pentecostal doctrine. To insist that there is still a further Baptism of the Holy Spirit is false. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is completed at the New Birth and from that moment on, one only reads of the Apostle's command to: "Be FILLED with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17, Ephesians 5:18 It is also interesting to note that when Saul (Paul) after his conversion on the Damascus road went to Ananias, he was prayed upon by Ananias and told to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Not Baptised but filled, because Saul had already received the Baptism of the Holy

Spirit similar to every believer in Christ, past and present at their conversion. "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9:17).

Please Note: Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians was prepared to go to some length on the doctrine of "Speaking in tongues." Surely if the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second experience required if one had not received the gift of tongues, Paul would have gone to greater lengths to expound on the doctrine. Yet Paul is quiet. Why? The answer is simple. Paul has already stated that we have All been Baptised by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ, he therefor has no reason to expound on a doctrine that does not exist. But how many times does he instruct us to be filled with the Holy Spirit? In our opening verse we quoted Jesus as saying “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;" We need to complete this verse, which says:"and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This is a promise to EVERY Christian simply because all Christians receive power to witness when they are "Born Again" Some receive more than others, depending on their will and commitment. To use this verse as a "second experience requirement" is tantamount to saying that whatever men do without a further Baptism in the Holy Spirit, is in their own strength. Where then does the problem lie? It lies with reading more into the three occasions when the Holy Spirit was given. It requires creating a doctrine to these events which cannot be upheld by Scripture. The problem is increased when they take the instructions from Jesus to the disciples in that the disciples "Should wait and be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days hence." Acts 1:5. and use it as an instruction to us. This instruction was to the disciples to wait. God had planned the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to occur on the day of Pentecost. This happened and there are no further instructions in Scripture for Christians today, to do as the Apostles did, i.e Wait or look for a Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was a very special event. Remember the disciples spoke in tongues that were foreign languages. They were understood by foreigners. It was not a gift of ecstatic tongues as we normally experience today; “ for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 91Cor. 14:2 that no man understands.

The Introduction and outpouring of the Holy Spirit was accomplished at Pentecost and from that moment on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit would be undertaken automatically by the Holy Spirit immediately at the conversion of new converts. The word "Baptised" means to be totally engulfed. Not only are we engulfed by the Spirit but He dwells within us. Romans 8:9 1 Corinthians 6:19

To be baptised in water, a Believer is totally engulfed by the water. Surely when Paul says that we are all Baptised into one Spirit and when he speaks of One Lord One Faith One Baptism (Eph 4:5) he has total immersion of the Believer in the Spirit in mind and not a partial baptism with hopes of further baptisms? Should Pentacostals say that they know all this then it is still encumbent upon them to show where the Scriptures speak of more than one Baptism of the Holy Spirit in order for Believers to experience power and the gift of tongues. Another problem the Pentecostals have is reading into a verse, as to what it does not say. Jesus did breathe on the disciple and say: "Receive ye the Holy Spirit" John 20:22. But what did Jesus mean? To say that it was then that the disciples were born again, is pure assumption and being dogmatic on this point is fruitless. (Who knew the mind of Jesus when he said this?) It is difficult to say with authority what Jesus meant. But it must be remembered that the thinking of that day in respect to the Holy Spirit was that The Holy Spirit in O.T. theology could be given temporarily to a man when he was about God's work i.e. "Prophesying, healing, etc; and then taken away. This was the O.T. experience of Prophets and especially King David who pleaded with God not to remove His Spirit from Him. With this in mind, the disciples were still totally unaware of being Baptised, filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit, hence it was necessary to make (the giving of the Holy Spirit as a continual indwelling presence,) a display which no one could doubt had occurred in the Gentile Believers. Which is what God did. After Pentecost and hearing the Gentiles speak in tongues as did the Apostles, no one could doubt that the Holy Spirit had been given to all who believed. To use the instruction from Jesus: To wait and they would be baptised not many days hence as evidence that as Christians we are to wait on God for this Baptism to receive power is not supported by scripture. Why did the disciples have to wait? There may be more than one reason, but one that holds true is to displays God's timing on the matter. (Remember three thousand souls were saved and how man more who witnessed it?) Again at the meeting with John the Baptist's disciples and again at the inauguration of Gentile Believers into the Church of God. None of these Baptisms of the Holy Spirit had or have anything to do or say that we therefor, must look for or wait for a Baptism of the Holy Spirit, after the New Birth. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit with the gift of tongues on those occasions were similar to Pentecost, simply to display God's agreement and approval of these people being accepted by God into fellowship with Jewish Believers. To turn these events into doctrine is unfounded and cannot be upheld other than to read into them something they do not say. Remember there were disciples and followers who were against the acceptance of Gentiles into the community. It would not have helped the growth of the Church for the disciples to simply say: "God has accepted them as He has us." Another Pentecost display was required to leave no doubt in their minds. After this the Baptism of a Believer into the Church became an event of Faith and not sight. It is accepting God's Word in Faith that every believer at conversion is Baptised by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. The sad reality of the conventional Christian Church and Pentecostal churches is that both experience "converts" who fall away almost the day after their "delivery". But it is more tragic when a person "Christian or not" under the influence of others is prayed for to Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and shows evidence of this to those who prayed for

him by speaking in tongues, or by acceptance of Jesus as Saviour, but immediately thereafter hardly attends church or Bible study let alone prayer meetings. Happily this of course is not the fault of either churches. But it does put a question mark on "You shall receive power" as argued by Pentecostals. If the new convert finds that nothing has or is happening in his or her life since receiving the "Baptism" then doubt is going to set in. One must take into consideration that this new convert has been placed on the pinnacle of a Christian experience and has heard it preached that "You shall receive power when you are "Baptised" in the Holy Spirit" Here then is a man or woman who has not the slightest understanding of Christian dogma and theology, even the language that Christians use. The church has placed the convert in a situation where the convert might feel more lost than saved. The "New Birth" experience in itself can leave a new convert confused and insecure because of the lack of knowledge and understanding. How then must this same convert inwardly feel when everyone around him or her is rejoicing because the convert may have uttered a few words in a strange tongue or imitated one of the Christians?. Therefore when converts become uncertain of their salvation, we must assume that they have been told to expect too much from such a "Baptism of power" experience. Also what kind of Christian walk will this new convert display? There are ofcourse exceptions to the norm. The conventional church adopts a different approach to the new convert and that is: "You have been Baptised (immersed) by the Holy Spirit into the fellowship of Believers. Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit". This places the responsibility where it belongs on "The Believer" to grow in faith. Without any promise given by the Church that "Having received the Baptism and spoken in tongues, you now have Holy Spirit power, similar to the Apostles" It is the the Church's responsibility is to encourage this convert to focus on what Jesus has done and will continue doing in the converts life. It becomes the duty of the church to nurture and assist in the growth of the new Christian thereby encouraging continuity in the Christian faith . There is plenty of time for new Christians to grow and be strengthened in doctrine before rushing out to save the world. Remember Paul himself went into seclusion for three years to be taught by God the Holy Spirit before presenting himself to the Apostles. Galatians 1:17-18 When the time comes and it can only be in God's time, the convert may or may not desire the gift of tongues. Often with the gift comes a feeling of euphoria, of freedom and achievement. This is because the convert has received his or her desire and put faith into action. With it may come a new in filling of the Holy Spirit, but must not be mistaken as the Baptism of the Spirit, which has already been accomplished at the converts conversion. Invariably the gift should also be followed by a closer walk and relationship with Jesus. God does not give gifts to play with therefor, this closer walk with the Lord should also attract people, thereby placing the convert in a position of service to the Lord, whereby souls may be won.

What then is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit? Simply put. When a man or woman comes to the cross, truly repentant and believing that Jesus Christ the Son of God died on the cross for all who turn to him in repentance, then

that person is born again. In this process the Holy Spirit Baptises that person into the body of Christ and that he or she is sealed into the body (The Church of Christ) by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit may give one or more gifts at this time and the Believer may ask for more as he or she grows in faith. This "babe in Christ" must be encouraged to be continually filled with the Spirit. All this is found in Scripture without having to read into experiences and instructions the disciples received and then try to make them our own. The Holy Spirit and other Christians will be the new convert's teacher and guide.Helping to sift through false and true doctrine, guiding and correcting the convert in the new life, as quick and as willing as the convert is prepared to learn A Barrier The Barrier between Baptists and Pentacostalists regarding the Baptism of the Spirit can be broken down. Both parties must assume some of the guilt. Pentecostals must look to their Theological terms and Baptists must face up to the fact that although the Pentecostal's may be using the wrong terminology, the Pentecostals do have more insight to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Pride must not stop either of them breaking down this barrier as some Baptists churches have already done. The process of salvation comes by: i) Hearing the Word In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Eph 1:3 It must be pointed out here that God requires repentance which is a turning away from the past and sinful life previously led. Remorse is not repentance. Remorse is simply being sorry for the sins in ones life, but does not mean that there will be a change. ii) Being Baptised by the Holy Spirit. For by one Spirit are we all baptised 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. 1st Cor 12:13. iii) Receiving gifts for Service And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ Ephesians 4:11 - 12 The performance of the Believer then depends on his will and commitment. The Holy Spirit will urge and assist where and when needed or is asked for help. The Believer will be encouraged by all members to be continually "Filled" with the Holy Spirit. But must not be expected to wait upon the Lord for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. There is no Scripture for this. This is a Baptism already accomplished.

Believers may and can definitely wait daily upon the Lord for a renewal and filling of the Holy Spirit, where power may be given for the task required or even the gift of speaking in ecstatic tongues may be given as a gift if asked for and sometimes when not asked for. The Holy Spirit and other Christians will be the new convert's Teacher and guide.Helping to sift through false and true doctrine, guiding and correcting the convert in the new life, as quick and as willing as the convert is prepared to learn. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26) Ron Payne