Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, i.e., not against people; it is against the evil spiritual forces that drive these individuals. Fighting these enemies requires God’s mighty (dunamis) power.

Jesus said in Mark 16:16-18 NLT, Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages… They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they (the sick) will be healed.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues is the powerful gift needed to do the works of Christ. With it we can cast out demons and use Jesus name to perform miracles. As born again believers we have the authority in Jesus’ name. But we need the power that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit provides. Power comes and increases as we use the gift more and more.

Jesus promised His disciples this baptism which they received at Pentecost. The baptism radically changed their lives. Instead of bickering and competing, they became world changers willing to die for the cause of Christ. Immediately Peter preached to the crowds and thousands were saved. From then on the Church grew mightily in both size and influence.

Water baptism with full emersion is also necessary. It declares to those around us that we have begun a new life, leaving our old life beneath the baptismal waters.

Scripture References:

Ephesians 6:12, Acts 19:14-16, Acts 3 & 4