Tag: fire
Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Fire!
Scripture reading for January 5th: Matthew 3
John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus, came on the scene when Jesus was nearly 30 years old. He preached that the kingdom of heaven was at hand and that all men needed to repent. John wore the clothes of a prophet and lived in the lonely places of the Judean wilderness. Matthew records that he was the one spoken of by Isaiah, “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'” (Isaiah 40:3) Many people came and confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River.
When the Saducees and Pharisees came to observe, John warned them of their need to repent and be baptized. He told them that having a genetic tie to Abraham was not enough with God. God was looking for fruit of obedience in each life and would judge all who had none! He also warned them that there was one coming after him who would be more powerful and honored. The “Coming One” would baptize men with the Holy Spirit and with fire, not just water! This One would gather in the faithful, but punish the wicked! (Matthew 3:11-12)
Jesus then appeared to be baptized by John. John recognized Him as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) Jesus was insistent and John baptized Him. As Jesus came out of the water, the Holy Spirit came down and rested on Him like a dove, and a Voice from heaven stated: “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Water baptism is a step of obedience that all disciples should follow. But Jesus also is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and Fire! Go after all He has for you!
Power to Be a Witness
Scripture reading for November 6th: Acts 1-4
I was saved as a young teenager in a little country Methodist Church in rural Iowa. I gave my life to Jesus but did not know about the Holy Spirit or His work on my behalf. I grew up, went to college, got married and began to build a family and farming business, still unaware of His presence and power. I rededicated my life and my wife got saved in our late twenty’s and we began to hear about the Holy Spirit. The people we were studying the Bible with were different. They had power in their lives and were full of joy. The talked about being filled with the Holy Spirit and we heard some of them praying in a different language. When we visited their church, we heard a message in a different language and then an interpretation! This was fascinating! We even heard them singing in other languages and it sounded like heaven!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
This experience began with a promise and command from Jesus right before He ascended into heaven. He ascended into heaven and two men dressed in white told the disciples that this same Jesus would come back in the same manner as He left them. They were to wait for the promise of the father as Jesus had told them! (Luke 24:49-53) This power from on high was sent from the Father to bless the disciples and enable them to do the work of God.
We all know what happened on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4. The disciples were all together in the upper room and suddenly, the wind began to blow inside their room! Tongues of fire entered and rested on each one and they all began to speak with other tongues and glorify God. They went out from that room speaking in other languages telling the wonderful works of God. Peter stood up and preached and 3000 repented, were saved, baptized and told to receive this gift of the Father for power! (Acts 2:38-41) The church was born and powerful witnesses spread the Gospel throughout the world!
Let me encourage you to seek the Lord for this power. Simply ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:9-13) The Holy Spirit is our “helper” sent from the Father to live in those who believe on Jesus Christ. (John 16:7-15) He takes the Word of God and reveals it to us. He is our Counselor. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is with us to strengthen us and enable to be a witness. We receive Him when we repent and are born again. We are filled with Him when we seek the Lord Jesus for that power. May God fill you with His Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18)