Questions I've had about the baptism of the Holy Spirit are numerous, so assuming you know something about this topic, listed below are my statements concerning what the Bible says. You can look up the provided scriptures. Speaking in tongues seems to be the key point of evidence for this baptism. So then, Biblically speaking, tongues are the initial physical evidence that one has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2, 10 and 19.
1. When one initially comes to Christ, there has been no time to bear fruit. As one matures and develops Godly character, fruit should eventually be forthcoming, and as one has had the opportunity to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ," fruit will eventually become evident. 2 Peter 3:18 When speaking in one's heavenly language, it indicates that one has clearly received God's blessing by initiating his or her walk with Christ. This is the first reason for speaking in tongues.
2. Tongues is necessary for having the power for Christian service and witnessing about Christ. Mark 16:15-18 and Matthew 28:18-20.
3. Speaking in tongues aids in the Christian development of the receiver's attitude and personality. It is edifying as it constructively builds one's personality. It is a nonintellectual means of meditation and
inner release by pouring out one's heart to God. It also provides for personal edification of one's emotions and this is a deepening conviction of fuller commitment and greater love. 1 Corinthians 14:4.
4. For praying, in the Spirit and through the Holy Spirit, to have dialogue with the Lord. This is our prayer language, our heavenly language used not on an intelligible earthly plane, but on a level higher on a heavenly plane that is beyond the narrow limits of our daily used language. It open a window of spiritual depth in which nothing shall ever be the same. It is for the enhancement of our prayer life. Romans 8:26.
5. Praying in the Spirit is actually the gateway or open portal to the dynamic manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are given to enhance spiritual worship and to edify the whole Church body as well as to make converts. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-7
6. A further reason is for the edification of the believer. This edification is to strengthen one spiritually, and to increase one's faith and spiritual life. In fact, it is to improve oneself. Many find it to be very therapeutic. Christ's baptism in the Spirit provides power for Christian service like evangelism of nonbelievers. It is for the development of the believer's inner most personality, for the enhancement of his prayer life, and for strength to endure the stresses of daily life. Edification is at the central core of all spiritual prayer and it never ceases to be cleansing.
7. Believers should desire to speak with tongues because Jesus Christ desired it for us, all of us, in all ages. Jesus knew the benefits of speaking in a prayer language, and He knew that this divine supernatural way of communicating with God would be assisted by and through the Holy Spirit, and those words would reach the Father immediately and have great meaning, meaning beyond even our simple comprehension. Yes, God wants this gift to be fully used, He has orchestrated the heavenly channels to allow our words to flow through them without interference. It is His desired gift for us to use. Acts 1:4,5. James 3:8.
8. Praying in tongues makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered in articulate speech. These groanings have meaning on a spiritual place beyond our comprehension. They are sent to the Father with the assistance of the Holy Spirit who guides them into His presence. Thus, praying in tongues eliminates the possibility of selfishness and praying outside of the will of God, because one is praying within the perfect will of the Father. This praying is praying as the Spirit gives utterance - it is Spirit-directed praying. The Holy Spirit has been sent to dwell in us at our water baptism and when we receive our baptism by fire, we respond in more fully and Godly manner to our Father. The Holy Spirit came to live in us as a counselor, helper, an advocate, an intercessor and to standby us, in all times. Romans 8:26.
9. Speaking in tongues keeps us free of contamination like the ungodly and profane elements of the world. It filters out all that is unholy and vulgar. 1 Corinthians 14: 28.
10. Lastly, praying in tongues allows us to give thanks to God our Father directly, without interfere of any worldly nature. I Corinthians 14:15-17.
