The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3:15-16
Happy Saturday friends! How would you rate your relationship with Jesus? I find it AMAZING that one of the metaphors used in the Bible to describe God is fire and lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the Holy Spirit. That’s because I think it’s something we all need to consider as Christians, therefore, I’m devoting a new series of messages to the topic called “HE IS FIRE!” Think about those words spoken by John the Baptist explaining the supernatural empowerment we all need to serve Jesus in this world. He said the baptism in the Holy Spirit is like fire. If you’re like me, you were taught at some point that our moment of salvation and subsequent emersion in water IS our baptism into God’s Spirit. And this is true. Our baptism in water is a divine symbol of the new nature we have in Jesus through a spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit. This new identity can never be taken away from us because God has given us eternal security. However, keep in mind that the supernatural baptism the disciples received at Pentecost created a new “fire” in them as a people who were already “baptized” into Jesus. In other words, the disciples were already saved and yet they received a new baptism. Therefore, John’s description of this baptism makes it unique from our baptism in water. As saved people we can grow dull and get comfortable in our walk with Christ so we need a Spiritual filling to accomplish God’s purpose for our lives. So if you hear nothing else I say please remember that THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FIRE!! This same Spirit lives in you as a believer. So if you’ve never done it before ASK GOD TO FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT and give you a fresh experience in your walk with God so that you are able to serve him more powerfully in this world. When you do, you might speak in tongues or receive a new vision for the world around you. Regardless, you will catch fire in a whole new way that more closely resembles the experience of those we read about in the Bible!
Application:
What are three words you would use to define your relationship with the Holy Spirit?
Why do you think John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize us with fire?
How do you think you could benefit from being more “on fire” for God? Pray by yourself or with your pastor asking God to empower you Spiritually with this filling!
