There is quite a controversy in the evangelical world about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Some recognize it as a separate baptism and others say that it does not exist and reject it as something "not from "God."

Let's examine what the Bible says.  The Bible clearly says that a person must be "born of the Spirit."  Jesus and Nicodemus discuss this in  John 3 .   It is generally understood that a person becomes saved or "born again" by acknowledging Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Paul says in  Romans 10:9-10 that if we "confess" with our mouth that Jesus is Lord because we believe in our heart thatJesus was resurrected (and what this resurrection means to mankind), we shall be saved.  The premise of this scripture is that we believe.  And because we are deeply convicted, we express this belief in words.  Let me say that this belief is not a one time thing.  When we belief, we are making an on-going, lifetime committment to follow God.

In many churches, those who make this declaration make a public confession by being water baptized.  This certainly is scriptural.  John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River when they repented from their sins.  Jesus, Himself, set the example by being water baptized by John. Matthew 3:13-17  We see when Jesus was baptized, God set him apart; the Spirit of God descended live a dove and a voice from heaven was heard.

But what was it that John the Baptist has told people about the Messiah, the one who was to come after him?  He said one mightier than himself would come to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11  Jesus foretold that a Comforter would come to those who love him.   John 14:15-16  This Comforter would be a spiritual teacher and testify of Christ.   John 14:26 and  John 15:26

It may be said that this is the Holy Spirit that comes to dwell within one who is "born again."  This certainly could be the indwelling spirit that is mean for the believer to cause a change within himself.  Then what is meant when there is said to be a separate "baptism" of the Holy Spirit.  
Is there really a separate "receiving of the Holy Ghost?  I believe there is.

Consider Acts 8 .  Philip preached about Jesus Christ in the City of Samaria.  They believed and were baptized.  Peter and John traveled to Samaria to pray for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.   Acts 8:15-16  Note that these people had been saved and baptized ( Verse 12 ) but had not yet received the Holy Ghost.  If water baptism was all inclusive, why was it necessary for Peter and John to visit Samaria? ( Verse 17 )  It appears that they went just to tell them about the Holy Spirit and impart it to them by the laying on of hands.

Acts 10 tells us the story of the centurion, Cornelius.  Peter preached to him, his household and his friends.  They believed what he said about Christ.  The Holy Ghost fell upon them.  Peter heard them speaking in tongues and believed that indeed these Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit.  Therefore he commanded them to be baptized (by water) in the name of the Lord. Acts 10:46-48

Okay, there appears to be the baptism into salvation and a separate falling of the Holy Ghost upon people which could be called the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  But what's it for?

As I said earlier, the baptism of salvation is for the person himself.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is one that turns the Believer outward.   Acts 1:8 One receives a power that will enable him to be a witness for Christ.  It gives an extra enthusiasm that urges on to share the Gospel.   These people are the ones who really are a living testimony of their faith.   These Believers are the ones who get up out of their armchairs and follow Christ's admonition to "Go."   Matthew 28:19-20
These are the ones who receive the gifts that enable a person to reach out to others.  Not just to believe in or follow Jesus, but to be a true Disciple. Christ elaborates that signs will follow those who believe.   Mark 16:15-18  The Holy Spirit gives us power and the wisdom to  know when and how to use it.  The power only works according to God's Will so we must become sensitive to the voice of God so we can follow Him.

One objection by mainstream religion is that spiritual gifts such as miracles, healing, and tongues are no longer in effect today.  The reason we don't see more of them is because people don't believe in them.  Jesus said that his disciples would do greater things than he.   John 14:12  In 2000 years of denominationalism this has  not been the case, and even created the need for "Apologetics", as a branch of "Theology".  Apologizing for God, because we didn't believe in him enough to just do as he says!

Supernatural signs and wonders are to be expected.  Jesus did them; why shouldn't we?  Miracles do occur or things wouldn't happen that are unexplanable by human reasoning.  My husband, Mark, prayed for a neighbor who had almost total hearing lost from a disease; (Newsletter Link Here) his hearing returned.  This is only one of the "things" we've seen happen since coming to rely on God.  I Corinthians 1:7 indicates that gifts will only cease at the second coming of Christ.  

Christ told the disciples that believers would do even greater works than he had done.   John 14:12 His death/resurrection and ascension made it possible for believers to receive the Holy Spirit as an empowerment.  I described this Baptism as turning the believer outward.  Don Krow in Discipleship Evangelism Level 1 page 168 adds a wonderful metaphor.  "The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an outward work of the Holy Spirit described as Rivers of Living Water.  He refers to John 7:38-39 .  I believe this means our love for the Lord combined with the spiritual gifts He gives us makes us so excited about Him that we just bubble over with wanting to tell of his greatness and what He has done for us.
 
I first heard of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1999 while at a retreat.  I was given a tape on the subject.  I became convicted that this was something that I wanted.  It had been suggested that if I agreed that it was something I needed, I could simply ask God for it.  I went to bed after saying a heartfelt prayer telling God that I was open to receiving.  In the middle of the night, I was awakened with a sense of energy and "a voice" telling me that I was being filled with the Holy Spirit.  Needless to say, I will never forget it.  The next day, I told my pastor friends what had occurred and they prayed a special prayer of thanks to the Lord.

From what I've seen and heard, some people have a unique experience; I've never head of anything exactly like mine.  I think that God gave me this special time because he knew that I would have difficulties in the coming months and needed to assurance that he was with me.  Many people don't see or feel anything.  They just have to believe.  That's where faith comes in.  Belief is the key to receiving from God.  Biblical examples show that believers also may manifest the gift of speaking in tongues during this time of receiving of the Holy Spirit.  This is a gift from God and is available to all believers.  However, this gift is not forced on anyone.  For more information on this gift from God, read Tongues: Why do I Need It?

It is generally said that there are two ways to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Note that I said "to receive."  The Believer has to want this and believe in it in order to receive.  

In many cases person learns about this baptism and is convicted during a church service.  Believers are asked to come forward to receive the Laying on of Hands.  While this "ceremony" is not necessary, as with water baptism, going forward is a public declaration of your acceptance of this gift.  As the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to turn a person outward, the very first event could be the encouraging of another believer by having the opportunity to impart it to another. If one desires to speak in tongues, then it can be helpful to receive instruction from the "ministers" who lay hands upon the believers.  My belief is that anyone who has already received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit can administer it to another; it does not have to be minister ordained by a human organization.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit does not have to be administered in a corporate setting.  It could be at a seminar or a meeting conducted by a missions group, or during a one-on-one meeting with another Believer.  While Laying on of Hands is the generally accepted method of impartation, it is not required.  The second way a person can received this Baptism is as simple as asking God for it.  When you have studied this subject and believe in your heart that this baptism is indeed for you, you may go directly to God.  Such as you did at the time of Salvation, all you need to go is speak from your heart, confessing with your mouth that you believe in this Baptism and ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit.  Thank him for it and receive.  

Once you have received this Baptism, then you should have greater insight into the Word as you do your daily study.  Your worship time becomes more meaningful.  Stay close to God.  Ask Him to show you through the Holy Spirit what you should be doing.  Learn to listen to Him and then obey.  By "walking after the Spirit," one can truly do the works of Jesus Christ.

We need to believe in Him enough to just do as he says!  The power of the first century church has never left us. We've ignored him. We need the Holy Spirit in power--and to listen and work according to his will.  This, is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.