Most Pentecostal churches draw a distinction between the work of the Holy Spirit in your life at water baptism and the Spirit's work in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We believe that when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live in your life. Water baptism is a sign of God's saving grace in your life, a public witness that you have become a Christian.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is different from water baptism, is available for any born again Christian and is evidenced by speaking in other tongues. It is a sign of total surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and empowerment for ministry. Most Pentecostals would not say that a person whose ministry and fruit is evident but has not spoken in other tongues, is somehow "less" in the kingdom of God. However, we do believe that the Holy Spirit desires to be released in the believers life through speaking in tongues.

The IPHC believes the Bible teaches there are four distinct ways that tongues are given for a Christian.

1. Speaking in other tongues as initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; 19:1-7). Contrary to popular usage, this is not the "gift" of tongues.
2. Speaking in other tongues as a supernatural gift of a foreign language so that the listeners can hear the gospel in their own language (Acts 2). This is sometimes called the "gift of tongues."
3. Speaking in other tongues that should be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:1-31). This is also commonly called the "gift of tongues."
4. Speaking in other tongues as personal prayer and singing language (1 Corinthians 14:14, 15). Sometimes this is called a "prayer language."

As to prophets, the Holy Spirit does use prophets and prophetess's in the church today. But you should confirm their prophecies with the Bible and other trusted Christians to whom you are in submission, such as your pastor.

The primary purpose of all spiritual gifts is love (1 Corinthians 12:31; 13:1-13). It is important to notice that 1 Corinthians 13, the great love chapter of the Bible, is between the two major chapters that deal with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 14). That means that humility, peace, joy, and service are the ultimate purposes of what the Lord is doing in your life.

Last update on 10/4/06
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