Baptized with Fire

Scripture:

Matthew 3:11  "I baptize you with water for repentance.  But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire".

Observation:

John the baptist was out baptizing in the Jordan river and prophesying at the same time.  He was speaking to the people and telling them that his baptism was for repentance, but that one was coming who would baptize in the the Holy Spirit and fire.  He was speaking of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.  Of all the things he could have said about Jesus, he said this one.  He could have said, one is coming who will heal your sicknesses, pay the price for your sins, etc., but he said that He would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Application:

We generally see the main purpose of Christ was to pay for man's sins, bring about atonement, redeem the world back to God, etc.  John the baptist, who Jesus called the greatest prophet and more than a prophet, said one of Jesus' main missions was to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.  We tend to give so much emphasis to Jesus dying on the cross to forgive our sins, which is huge for our relationship to God, but we should give the same priority to the words of John the Baptist and seek to understand that Jesus came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Prayer:

Father, the baptism in your Spirit and fire has become such a minor piece of your church.  There is little emphasis given any more about being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire.  Help me to present you clearly and accurately.  Jesus, baptize me in your Holy Spirit and fire today and baptize my church in your Spirit and fire this weekend.

Yours,
Jeff