So lately we have talking about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. While putting together last week’s message a scripture that I had read many times spoke to me in a new way.
“John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” --Luke 3:16 (NKJV)
It occurred to me that the Bible is saying that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a baptism that Jesus gives us. That is, for me, another reason to believe how necessary it is for us to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Who would turn down being baptized by Jesus?
Over and over again we see Jesus making the point about the importance of Holy Spirit baptism. Too many Christians believe that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an optional accessory to their Christian walk, however, from every reading in Scripture about the early church it was expected that when someone was saved they then asked for and received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I know from my own experience how desperately I need the power of the Holy Spirit in order to defend myself against the pressure to bow to the values of the world around me. But the Spirit gives me the strength and more importantly the insight to avoid making the choices that would cause me to fail in my walk.
Every day I am discovering reasons why we need to be filled with the Spirit. I hope that you are seeking Him too!
“John answered, saying to all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” --Luke 3:16 (NKJV)
It occurred to me that the Bible is saying that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a baptism that Jesus gives us. That is, for me, another reason to believe how necessary it is for us to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Who would turn down being baptized by Jesus?
Over and over again we see Jesus making the point about the importance of Holy Spirit baptism. Too many Christians believe that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an optional accessory to their Christian walk, however, from every reading in Scripture about the early church it was expected that when someone was saved they then asked for and received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I know from my own experience how desperately I need the power of the Holy Spirit in order to defend myself against the pressure to bow to the values of the world around me. But the Spirit gives me the strength and more importantly the insight to avoid making the choices that would cause me to fail in my walk.
Every day I am discovering reasons why we need to be filled with the Spirit. I hope that you are seeking Him too!
