John the Baptist Blvd mourns the passing of a spiritual giant, Jimmy Swaggart, whose fiery preaching, soul-stirring music, and anointed teaching touched millions. “Jimmy Swaggart was a preacher who shook the heavens, a teacher who unveiled God’s truth, and a songwriter who sang the heart of the Gospel,” says John Arwood, founder of John the Baptist Blvd. Today, we honor his legacy by revisiting one of his most powerful sermons, How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, a message that continues to ignite faith and transform lives.
A Sermon That Still Sparks Revival
In his landmark teaching, delivered with the passion and clarity that defined his ministry, Jimmy Swaggart unpacked the profound experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:4, Swaggart emphasized that this divine encounter is not a one-time event but a gateway to a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. He taught that the baptism in the Holy Spirit equips believers with supernatural power for ministry, boldness in witnessing, and a deeper communion with God. Swaggart’s sermon, rooted in Pentecostal fire, often highlighted the evidence of speaking in tongues as a sign of this transformative experience, referencing the Day of Pentecost when the disciples “were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4, KJV).
Swaggart’s message was clear: the baptism in the Holy Spirit is available to every believer who seeks it with faith. He urged listeners to pray, surrender, and expect God’s power to flow through them, just as it did for the early Church. His teaching, preserved in his book How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and countless broadcasts, remains a cornerstone for those hungry for a deeper walk with God.
Baptism vs. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Understanding the Difference
Jimmy Swaggart’s teaching illuminated a critical distinction between water baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, a truth that sets hearts ablaze with understanding. Water baptism, as Swaggart explained, is an outward act of obedience, symbolizing a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). It is a public declaration of faith, commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, and marks the beginning of a Christian’s journey.
In contrast, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct, supernatural experience that follows salvation. Swaggart taught that while water baptism signifies union with Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service, enduing them with divine strength and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Referencing Luke 24:49, he described it as being “clothed with power from on high,” an immersion in the Spirit that fuels bold proclamation and holy living. Unlike water baptism, which is a one-time act, the baptism in the Holy Spirit can lead to repeated fillings, as seen in Acts 4:31, where believers were “filled with the Holy Ghost” again for renewed boldness.
Swaggart’s emphasis on this difference was not just theological—it was practical. He called believers to seek this empowerment, assuring them that God’s promise in Acts 2:39 extends “to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” His teaching demystified the experience, making it accessible and urgent for every Christian.
A Legacy That Lives On
Jimmy Swaggart’s ministry, spanning decades through television, radio, and print, brought the message of the Holy Spirit’s power to a global audience. His sermon on the baptism in the Holy Spirit remains a rallying cry for revival, inspiring believers to pursue a Spirit-filled life. At John the Baptist Blvd, we celebrate Swaggart’s unwavering commitment to preaching the uncompromised Word of God.
“Jimmy’s voice may be silent, but his message still roars,” says Arwood. “We invite everyone to revisit his teaching, share his sermons, and seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit for themselves. Let’s keep the fire burning!”
Let’s honor Jimmy Swaggart by living the Spirit-empowered life he preached. Seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit today, and watch God move in your life like never before!
About John the Baptist Blvd
John the Baptist Blvd is a ministry dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel, equipping believers, and honoring the legacy of anointed preachers like Jimmy Swaggart. Founded by John Arwood, we are committed to sparking revival through biblical teaching and Spirit-filled resources.