JESUS BAPTIZES BELIEVERS WITH HIS POWER AND FIRE
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“I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” – Matthew 3:11 –
⇒ Do you long for the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life?
The baptism that Jesus offers His followers far surpasses that of John the Baptist. John awakened people to their need for repentance, baptizing them with water alone. Jesus baptizes with His resurrection power and Holy Spirit fire.
“Behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” – Luke 24:49
What is this power from on high promised by Jesus to all His disciples? It is His Holy Spirit fire. This fire is elemental to effective, eternal work for God’s kingdom. Jesus knew His disciples would need Spirit fire to fulfill their mission. When our ministry work is inspired, led and impassioned by the Spirit, it will have powerful kingdom results.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” – Acts 2:38-39
⇒ Have you received the fire of the Holy Spirit?
Peter speaks boldly before the crowds, exhorting them to repent so they may receive the promised Holy Spirit. This covenant gift is not just for the people of Peter’s day. It is for all people… all who are called by God… all whom He draws to Himself.
“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:3-4
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers as visible tongues of fire. This fire of God symbolizes His presence with them. The Spirit is the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ in all believers, now and for all eternity.
“I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!” – Luke 12:49
Jesus entered His creation with a divine mission… to set the world on fire. Although the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him (John 1:10). Yet He came of His own accord to be a light to all mankind… an eternal hope… a mighty fire that would ignite all believers and spread throughout the earth.
⇒ What does Christ’s Holy Spirit fire bring to believers?
† His Holy Spirit fire purifies us – Fire melts silver so its impurities can be removed. The Spirit’s fire melts us, removing all that is undesirable in our lives. We are cleansed, sanctified, made holy.
† His Holy Spirit fire warms us – Christ’s Spirit is the heat in our lives that saves us from the chill of death. His loving presence causes us to glow with His warmth to a cold world.
† His Holy Spirit fire transforms us – The Spirit’s energy is transforming, changing us into the likeness of Christ. We become new creations with His confidence, boldness and courage.
† His Holy Spirit fire empowers us – The divine Spirit infills us with the power of Christ. He blesses us with new spiritual gifts, abilities, wisdom and revelation to be used for His kingdom mission.
† His Holy Spirit fire sets our faith afire – The Spirit deepens our trust in Christ and melts away our fears. Any half-heartedness or complacency is ignited into enthusiastic obedience to our Lord.
† His Holy Spirit fire kindles our passion – Once the apostles received the Spirit’s fire, they became inflamed with a new conviction and excitement. Christ’s Spirit works in us to give us a divine purpose, mission and passion for our lives.
† His Holy Spirit fire sparks our zeal – The Spirit sets our hearts on fire to evangelize the lost. It fans to a flame our devotion for the cause of Christ, inspiring us to spread His good news to all the world.
Lord, rain down Your Holy Spirit fire upon me. Purify me and make me holy. Warm me with Your love and Your life. Transform me into a bold, courageous witness for You. Empower me for kingdom work. Fire up my faith. Ignite my passion for the gospel. Kindle Your spark of holy zeal within me to spread the fire of Your saving message to all the lost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
