Governing Authority | Tim Sheets

Today I want to return to teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It has been about a month since we focused on this subject because recent events in our nation led us in other directions. But now it is time to continue, because understanding the baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential if we are to function properly as heirs of God’s Kingdom.

This truth has been misunderstood by much of the modern church, creating confusion and producing a weak, passive Christianity. That must be addressed. Previously, we talked about being filled with the Holy Spirit and receiving the ability to speak in other tongues, also called spiritual language. Today I want to explain that more fully. What does it mean to pray in spiritual language? Why is it important? And what truths has the church often missed concerning this gift?

We also discussed what it means to be born again and born of God. When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord, God creates a new spirit within us and imparts His own life. This is not symbolic. It is a real spiritual birth. God’s very nature is planted within us, just as the Apostle Peter described. Because of this new birth, spiritual language can now be restored to mankind.

Today I want to explore more of the benefits of praying in tongues and maintaining a life filled with the Holy Spirit.

In the beginning, humanity was created in God’s image and likeness. According to Genesis 1:26, mankind was given dominion and instructed to fill the earth, subdue it, rule it, and steward it. At that time, all creation functioned in harmony with God’s order. Father God, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the angels moved in perfect unity, and Adam and Eve were designed to live in that divine flow.

This language of heaven was more than communication. It carried life, authority, and creative power. Jesus is called the Word of God, and the essence of His life was connected to divine speech. God’s Word is living, active, and powerful. It carries authority, dominion, and creative ability. The same voice that said, “Let there be,” formed the universe.

But at Babel, fallen humanity chose rebellion. They sought power, fame, and spiritual independence apart from God. They built a tower centered on pride and false worship. To stop this destructive path, God confused their language and scattered the nations. Humanity was divided by natural languages and separated according to speech.

This continued until Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. There, Christ established His church, His Ekklesia, on the earth. Through the cross, resurrection, and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the dominion mandate was restored. Jesus was building a spiritual house not made by human hands.