The Gift We Overlook

The Gift We Overlook: Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Language of Heaven

Pentecost Sunday is often treated like just another day in many churches. But what if it’s actually one of the most powerful and significant events in the church calendar—second only to the resurrection of Jesus? Imagine walking into a church on December 25th and hearing a marriage series instead of the Christmas story. Strange, right? And yet many overlook Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came in power.

At The Gathering, we believe Pentecost isn’t just a historical event—it’s an invitation to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a gift that is still available today. This gift isn’t just an abstract idea. It comes with an unmistakable expression: the ability to speak in tongues.

What Happened in Acts 2?

Acts 2 describes how the disciples were gathered in obedience to Jesus’ command. Suddenly, a sound like a rushing wind filled the room. Tongues of fire rested on them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit—and they all began to speak in other tongues. This wasn’t random chaos. It was a supernatural moment where 3,000 people heard the gospel in their own language.

The Pattern of Tongues in Scripture

This isn’t an isolated event. Jesus predicted it in Mark 16:17. Peter witnessed it again in Acts 10 when Gentile believers spoke in tongues. Paul confirmed it in Acts 19, where new disciples received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Even in Acts 8, the baptism of the Spirit was evidenced by something observable—again, likely tongues.

So why tongues? Because it’s a communication gift. It’s how God empowers you to speak directly to Him. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14 that when we speak in tongues, we speak mysteries to God. It’s a love language from heaven, a direct line to the Father, unhindered by our emotions, logic, or limitations.

Tongues: More Than One Purpose

Some people think tongues are strange, scary, or irrelevant. But Scripture shows that it’s incredibly practical:

• Communication: You pray God’s heart back to Him (1 Cor 14:2).

• Intercession: You pray when you don’t know what to say (Romans 8:26).

• Edification: You build yourself up spiritually (Jude 1:20).

• Sign for unbelievers: It draws attention to the supernatural (1 Cor 14:22).

Just like we use different types of prayer—healing, thanksgiving, intercession—tongues serve different spiritual purposes.

But Isn’t It Weird?

We get it. You’ve seen it done poorly, awkwardly, or manipulatively. But weird people don’t disqualify a good gift. There are weird people at Walmart too, and you still shop there. Don’t let someone else’s misuse cause you to miss out on something God wants to give you.

Paul even says, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you” (1 Cor 14:18). This wasn’t a side issue for him—it was a source of strength.

Is It Required for Salvation?

No. Just like air conditioning isn’t required to live in Texas—but it sure helps. You receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit is about power, partnership, and intimacy. You don’t need it to get into heaven, but it sure helps you bring heaven to earth.

How Do I Receive It?

You don’t need to have someone lay hands on you—though that’s one biblical method. The key is desire and surrender. You must want the gift. Just like salvation, it’s available to all, but it’s only received by those who believe and ask.

And yes, at some point, you’ll need to stop praying in English so you can start speaking in this new heavenly language. It may begin as a single syllable or sound. Like a child learning to talk, it starts small but grows as you use it.

Final Thought: Why Wouldn’t You Want It?

If your earthly father knows how to give good gifts, how much more does your heavenly Father want to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13)?

The baptism in the Holy Spirit isn’t for spiritual elites. It’s for anyone who wants deeper communion with God, more effective prayer, and boldness to live on mission.

So the question is simple: If God is offering a gift—why wouldn’t you receive it?

Me too, Lord.

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