This information is only for followers of Jesus Christ who are, “Born-again” believers.  This is the “supernatural inheritance” God gives to His children, so they may live the victorious, abundant, yet unselfish, miracle-filled life of a “Spirit-filled” Christian.  If you are not yet a follower of Jesus, please click here to find out what it takes to be one, and to qualify for this wonderful, earthly inheritance. However, if you have already given your life to Jesus Christ, and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Savior, read on to learn about the supernatural “Gifts” God wants to give you.  They are the inheritance of every true child of God. Unfortunately, many Christians don’t know about this supernatural inheritance. Your Heavenly Father has reserved these very special Gifts just for you.  All you have to do is receive them!

1. Becoming Empowered:

After you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it is time to become prepared for service in the Kingdom of God .  You have joined the army of Jesus Christ, who came to defeat the works of Satan.  Christ’s children must be trained and equipped.  This includes becoming familiar with your new authority, the weapons and tactics of spiritual warfare.

As a child of the King, you now have an incredible inheritance, part of which is available in this life.  At birth, God gives each of us “natural” gifts such as artistic, musical, athletic or intellectual ability.  However, after you become a believer, God wants to also give you “supernatural”, miracle-working Gifts.  The complete set of nine supernatural Gifts is listed in 1 Corinthians 12.  These “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” are given, as God desires to His children, for the good of others.  All believers need these supernatural Gifts operating, so they can more effectively serve Jesus Christ, and our fellowman.

When you were “Born-again”, you were given the “authority” of a son, or daughter of the King, the Most High God.  The Bible says “all” authority was given to Jesus (Matthew 28: 18). Jesus Himself then said He gave supernatural authority to His followers (Luke 10:19) so they might do the “works” He did (John 14: 11-12).

Technically, you already have all the Gifts inside of you, because the Holy Spirit comes “into” you at the moment of salvation, with the Father and the Son.  All the Gifts are with Him.  However, these supernatural Gifts don’t normally manifest in frequency in a believer, until you ask God to “release” them into your life.  This is a “one time” experience, like salvation, given by grace to those who come with a humble, teachable spirit.  You can’t earn or buy these miracle-working Gifts (Acts 8:20).

During this “Baptism,” the Holy Spirit comes “upon” you, and the result is “power” for ministry.  This is the “Gift”, or “Promise of the Father,” Jesus said His followers would need (Luke 24: 49 & Acts 1: 4), which equips them with supernatural power, insight and boldness (Acts 1: 8).

Note that throughout the New Testament, this empowering experience follows the initial “filling,” or “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit; which occurs immediately at salvation, when someone first believes.  The disciples “received” the Holy Spirit on the first day of the week, after the resurrection (John 20: 22).  Then, Jesus told them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the “empowerment” (Luke 24: 49), which occurred 47 days later, at Pentecost.  The Apostle Paul “believed” on the road to Damascus (Acts 9: 3), and three days later Ananias prayed for Him to be healed, and receive the empowerment (Acts 9: 17).  Paul was never the same afterwards, which is true for virtually all believers who pray for this wonderful experience.  As I have explained in the past to people, it is like going from a bicycle to a jet plane!

It is also true, that even though you can only be “saved once,” and “empowered once,” we are told to continually ask God to refill us with His Spirit, and to “stir up the Gifts” (2 Timothy 1: 6), so we can serve Him most effectively everyday.  There is always more of God to be revealed and experienced.  Do not fear the supernatural Gifts, God only gives good Gifts to His children (Matthew 7: 9).

When you are “Born-again”, the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5: 22) begins to manifest in your life.  This is the character or “nature” of Christ.  However, the supernatural “ministry” of Christ doesn’t normally begin to manifest until the “empowerment.”  A believer needs both the “Fruit of the Spirit” and “Gifts of the Spirit” operating, to experience the “fullness” of the Spirit.  This is what makes it possible to live the victorious Christian life, despite the circumstances.  However, without the supernatural Gifts in operation, you are like a soldier without the weapons of warfare.  “Fruit” and Bible knowledge alone are not enough, if you desire to serve Jesus most effectively.

Millions of Christians have experienced this supernatural empowerment, since it was first poured out on believers at Pentecost.  However, in every generation there are always believers who never move into this supernatural realm of the Christian life. 

Genuine, verifiable miracles still occur today to believers who embrace the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”  You may have wondered about the incredible claims of some Pentecostal or Charismatic Christians.  Not every miracle claimed is genuine, but many are real, and can be verified.  My family has personally witnessed hundreds of supernatural, documented miracles in our lives.  Jesus said His followers would work many great miracles in His name.  Jesus never lies.  However, He also said to “test the fruit and the root” (Galatians 5:22 & John 15:1) to determine if a miracle, supernatural experience, or person is actually from Him.  He warns us of counterfeits, which Satan uses to make people fearful of the real thing.

As a result, today many Christians don’t experience God’s supernatural miracles in their lives, because they have taken a theological position against the supernatural.  This worldview is the result of either a lack of knowledge, religious tradition, or religious pride.   However, the Apostle Paul warned Christians “not to be ignorant” of supernatural, Spiritual Gifts” (1 Corinthians 12: 1).  God won’t force you to receive, or use His wonderful, supernatural Gifts – it’s your choice.

The Biblical pattern is obvious in the New Testament Book of Acts, which details the birth of the Christian church.  First, someone believes and is “Born-again.”  Then “water” Baptism usually occurs, followed by a dynamic, empowering experience, which results in the supernatural Gifts manifesting.  Many of the best-known champions of the Christian faith, throughout history, said they experienced this same empowerment, though they gave it different names.  The result, however, in each case was the same – power for ministry!

If you would like a more detailed, scriptural explanation of this empowering experience, click here to read the original letter I sent on May 19, 1990 to our friends at Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville, Texas.  This letter was written in an effort to explain what happened to Sherry and me, after praying for this empowerment in July of 1989 with a stranger named Bill Banks, of Springfield, MO.

2.  Benefits of Empowerment:

A.     Passion for God – You will have an increased hunger for God and all the things of God.  You will move into deeper levels of prayer and worship.  You will better understand God’s nature, personality, power and Word.

B.     Passion of God – You will begin to be much more concerned about the things God is most concerned about.  Salvation is first; God will give you His concern for the “lost.” He will even give you love and compassion for people you don’t even know.  You will have a new compassion for the hurting and wounded.

C.     Power of God – You will immediately begin to experience God’s supernatural power in your life.  Large and small miracles will begin to occur in your life, and in the lives of those you pray for, as you “walk” in obedience.  Always give God the glory for any miracle He works through your prayers.

D.     Sensitivity to God – You will develop a higher level of receptivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and become much more aware of God’s divine intervention, and demonic activity around you.  You will talk to God and will actually hear Him communicate back to you, in a variety of creative ways.

3. Prayer of Empowerment:

Dear Lord Jesus, I ask you now to equip me with the supernatural Gifts of the Holy Spirit, listed in 1 Corinthians 12.  I yield my will to You one hundred per cent, and ask You now to release into my life all the Gifts You desire for me, to better serve You.

I renounce any ties to the occult or false belief systems.  I renounce any religious oaths and curses that I have brought against myself, in the name of Jesus Christ.  I thank you for forgiving me of my sins, and for making me a clean vessel of service, by the blood of the Lamb.

Jesus, I ask You now to Baptize me with the Holy Spirit, with power and fire!  Come upon me Holy Spirit and fill me to overflowing.  I promise to give You all the glory for the miracles You work through me.  I receive this empowerment by faith, and thank You for manifesting these supernatural Gifts in my life, as You choose.

I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Congratulations! You just prayed one of the most important, life-changing prayers of your life! 

If you sincerely prayed this prayer, you are now empowered for supernatural ministry.  Some churches have a name for this empowerment experience, others don’t.  It is often called the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” the “Infilling of the Holy Spirit”, “Receiving the Holy Spirit” or being “Filled with the Holy Spirit” or “Spirit Filled”.  What you call it is not important, receiving this empowerment is important!

Your life is about to change in amazing ways.  You will want to write this date in your Bible.  Pray for and expect miracles.  Read the entire Bible and let the Holy Spirit guide you.  One of the first Gifts to manifest will be your private, prayer language (tongues).  After you pray in your known language with “understanding”, then ask God to pray through you with His language.  As you give God sound, He will put strange syllables in your mind.  Say them out loud in faith and a wonderful devotional language will begin to flow out of you, like “living water.”  Praying in tongues is a great way to pray, when you don’t know how to pray in a situation.  This Gift is also great for worship and spiritual warfare.  Use this Gift everyday.  It is just one of the nine supernatural Gifts, all of which are evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Usually, the Gifts manifest at different times, as there is a need for them.  Use the Gifts God gives you to help others.

4. Spiritual Growth:

During the rest of your life you will become more like Jesus.  This is a process, as you “work out your salvation.”  Each day you must choose to obey the Holy Spirit, and turn from sin and temptation.  Holding on to unconfessed sin will ruin your “fellowship” with God, but not your relationship.  You will always be His child, and can always receive forgiveness, if you repent.  God will discipline you, if you refuse to obey Him, because He is training you to walk in righteousness.  Sin opens the door to demonic attack and will keep you from receiving all the blessings and miracles God wants to give you. Avoid sin.  God’s way really is the best.

"Divine Servant"® Life-size Bronze Sculpture

5.  Recommendations:

1. Pray – everyday, all the time, in tongues and in your own language.  Sincerity and frequency are crucial.
2. Read the Bible – all the time.  Pray for understanding before you read.  Read the New Testament first, then the Old Testament.  Use a modern translation, such as the NIV or New King James, Living or Good News Bible.  The Books of John and then Acts are good places to start.
3. Find a Church – that believes and teaches the entire Bible, welcomes the operation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, welcomes all people of all races and backgrounds, helps the needy, and “presses into” God through worship.  Ask God to lead you to the right church, He will.  Also, realize that there are no “perfect” churches, because they are no “perfect” people.  Churches are the places where people can grow in the knowledge and likeness of Jesus.  Give grace to others, because grace has been given to you.
4. Get Water Baptized – once you find a church, in obedience to Christ, as a public profession of your new faith in the Lord.  Jesus said if you are ashamed to acknowledge Him in front of people, He will be ashamed to acknowledge you in front of the Father (Mark 8: 38).
5. Tithe – give back to God with tithes, offerings and gifts, to your church, and other needs that God reveals.  If you don’t do this, Satan has legal right to attack your finances and steal your money.  God promises to bless you if you tithe.  He will.  We are living proof!
6. Witness – and tell others about Jesus and what He did for you.  This is your “testimony,” which has great power and defeats the works of Satan (Revelation 12: 11).  Share about God’s plan of Salvation, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Pray for people to be “Saved”, “Baptized in the Holy Spirit,” and for other needs God reveals.  Lift up Jesus everywhere you go, and He will lift you up
7. Obey – the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit and His Word.  He will guide you all your life, and allow you to do “His stuff” if you obey His voice and keep the “vessel” clean. 

6. The Full Meal Deal!

Now you are “Born-again” and “Baptized in the Holy Spirit”!  Welcome to God's Army!

There is a world of wonderful Christian resources out there including great books, music, conferences, radio and television shows.  However, I always urge new believers to please read the entire Bible, in a modern translation, as soon as possible, so you will be able to rightly discern everything you find.  Remember, always do the “Jesus Test”:  “Test the fruit and the root.”  The Holy Spirit will guide you into all understanding.

Would you please take a moment to send us an email and let us know if you just prayed for “Salvation,” or the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit?”  Please tell us what God has done for you, and if you experienced any Gifts, or miracles as you prayed.  Thank you. This is a great encouragement to us.  Click here to send us an email now.

7.  Prayer of Blessing:

Finally, let me pray over you:

Dear Lord, I thank you for saving and baptizing my brother or sister with your Holy Spirit.  I ask that you now that You use them powerfully in your Kingdom, to bring Your light into the dark places.  I pray as they walk in obedience to You and Your Word, that you will guide their every step.  I pray that as they pray, you will give them faith, wisdom and the desires of their heart.  Give them Your visions and show them Your plans for their lives.  May they walk in the many blessings of God all the days of their lives, and may their children and their children also remain in your blessing and know You.  In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray.  AMEN!

Max Greiner, Jr.

Click here to read the Greiners' 1990 letter to Trinity Baptist Church, written to explain the empowering experience they had recently received.