Baptism

Matthew 1-4 

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Matthew 3:11

Jesus came with spiritual power to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Does this describe our reality, or are we more comfortable with John’s water baptism for repentance of sin?

It is wonderful when both baptisms occur as a part of the same conversion process. However, many in the Church today are familiar with repentance, but not the Holy Spirit. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality. But it is more than that. The baptism of the Spirit is the difference between fearful disciples in Acts 1, and bold witness in Acts 2. The immersion into the life of the Spirit is evidenced by a Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered life. Living on mission with Jesus requires this kind of Spirit-empowered humility, faith, love, and hope. The fire of the Spirit’s baptism cleanses us from sin and the life of self. We no longer live for ourselves, but rather, we live to please the Holy Spirit.

Have we yielded to Jesus in repentance and empowerment through the Holy Spirit?

This daily choice marks Christ’s disciples.

“Lord Jesus, baptize me again this day in your Spirit and fire, for your glory.”