I received the baptism with the Holy Spirit when I was 21 years old after searching for it several months. Although some people receive the gift of God easily, for me it was a struggle that lasted far too long. I attended every full gospel church and prayer meeting within a 25 mile radius of my house asking every Christian who would to lay hands on me to receive. I finally received the gift in a prayer meeting with no one laying hands on me. It is curious how Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for this gift. The word "wait" simply means to hang around, but it is derived from a more ancient Greek word which means extreme passion. The disciples clearly understood what Jesus had said to them as they fasted and prayed for 10 days before receiving, a fact that should not be lost on us. Since receiving the gift of God I have spent untold hours praying and singing in tongues. I have read many books on the subject but have always been disappointed as so much valuable information concerning the gift was left unsaid. Then the Lord impressed on me to write a book myself. With the Holy Spirit's guidance, this book is a definitive work on the gift of tongues, but is by far not complete. Each of my books contain tidbits of truth concerning the gift that is not in the other works. Many of these truths I have never heard taught by others in the body of Christ. Since to receive the gift of tongues is the only command Jesus gave the Church, what does this say about the importance of it? |