Q: What are the signs of the baptism of the Holy Spirit? In Christianity, speaking in tongue is one of the signs. Let me know what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is all about. What are witches and wizards? Why are they so powerful in committing destruction in this part of the world—Africa. How can we overcome them spiritually?

A: It’s great to be talking about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since we are in the season of Pentecost, when that good spirit was bestowed.

The Holy Spirit that was given on Pentecost is none other than the Spirit of Truth, that spirit comforter that Jesus promised before he left the planet. It was bestowed for the first time that Pentecost and has ever since, been bestowed to all flesh. I want to give you a Urantia Book quote that will give you an idea of what really happened:

ABOUT ONE O’CLOCK, as the one hundred and twenty believers were engaged in prayer, they all became aware of a strange presence in the room. At the same time these disciples all became conscious of a new and profound sense of spiritual joy, security, and confidence. This new consciousness of spiritual strength was immediately followed by a strong urge to go out and publicly proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and the good news that Jesus had risen from the dead.

Peter stood up and declared that this must be the coming of the Spirit of Truth which the Master had promised them and proposed that they go to the temple and begin the proclamation of the good news committed to their hands. And they did just what Peter suggested.”

p2059:2 (194:0.2)

A lot of things happened at Pentecost. Read about it here Pentecost

I can tell you briefly that the sign of this “baptism” of the spirit in humans beings is an increased consciousness of Jesus, and an ability to discern the truth. The Spirit of Truth IS Jesus to us. Since he left us in the flesh, he sent this good Spirit in place of his physical presence. He is now a spirit presence in our minds, and he ministers to ALL people, everywhere, all the time.

Read lots more about the Spirit of Truth, at this link: Spirit of Truth

Here is more on the “Baptism of the Spirit:”

Many queer and strange teachings became associated with the early narratives of the day of Pentecost. In subsequent times the events of this day, on which the Spirit of Truth, the new teacher, came to dwell with mankind, have become confused with the foolish outbreaks of rampant emotionalism. The chief mission of this outpoured spirit of the Father and the Son is to teach men about the truths of the Father’s love and the Son’s mercy. These are the truths of divinity which men can comprehend more fully than all the other divine traits of character. The Spirit of Truth is concerned primarily with the revelation of the Father’s spirit nature and the Son’s moral character. The Creator Son, in the flesh, revealed God to men; the Spirit of Truth, in the heart, reveals the Creator Son to men. When man yields the “fruits of the spirit” in his life, he is simply showing forth the traits which the Master manifested in his own earthly life. When Jesus was on earth, he lived his life as one personality—Jesus of Nazareth. As the indwelling spirit of the “new teacher, ” the Master has, since Pentecost, been able to live his life anew in the experience of every truth-taught believer. (194:3.1)

As for witches and wizards, they are people who manage to scare people—a lot. They seem to have power, and maybe they do. But there’s NO power greater than that of God and the Spirit of Truth—these two beneficent spirits, who indwell each of us in our minds, will work together with you to help you and your associates overcome the influence of witches and wizards. Just ask, and have faith. Always be aware that you carry within yourself the actual presence of God, and rely on that as a very real protection. And also always be aware that Jesus is actually with you, as the Spirit of Truth. Learn to talk to that Spirit within as you would a trusted friend, and you will be guided into the correct paths—and this is advice you can give to any of your brethren who are fearful. You are a beloved child of God, and there is no one who can stand between you and your Heavenly Father, whose child you are. People who try to scare you in the name of religion or of the spirit world, are not doing God’s work.

I suppose that if people would stand up to them, in the name of God, the witches and wizards would quickly fade away. They are likely very convincing and people allow themselves to be scared because they believe that the wizard is magical and in touch with the spirit world. The truth is, that all of us are God’s children and we all have HIS spirit within to help us through the maze of life. And we have the Spirit of Truth—Jesus’ real presence—with us. God, as revealed to us by Jesus, is a loving, merciful Father to all of us. His spirit does not produce fear and destruction. Spead the word! These people who claim to have magical power over others are not of God, and have no real power.

Thanks for your question…and best wishes!