“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
(Matthew 3:11 – NKJV)
On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood before thousands of people declaring the promised Holy Spirit had come (Acts 2:14-39). An empowered Peter stood boldly as he delivered a clear message to a sinful world, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Ever since that powerful world changing event the Holy Spirit has dramatically impacted millions of lives, giving them the ability to do things for Jesus that were not possible without Him. I can testify that my life has never been the same since receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is frequently referred to in Christian circles, and many times through history the Holy Spirit has come in power and anointed man to bring explosive breakthroughs and revival to many parts of the earth; manifesting Himself through signs wonders and miracles as He witnessed to, and glorified Jesus Christ. Praise God!
John the Baptist not only spoke of the coming baptism in the Holy Spirit, he also said this baptism would also be one of fire. The baptism of fire in its entirety is not often spoken about, and at times its truth is distorted.
Jesus said, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49).
The fire of the Holy Spirit is the sanctifying (1 Corinthians 6:11), purging (Isaiah 6:6-7), refining (Malachi 3:3) presence of God which comes to cleanse you of everything that is not of God. This baptism is very much needed in the modern day church, and I believe we are living in days where the fire of the Holy Spirit is going to be poured out upon the world in preparation of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.
We need the Holy Spirit fire in our lives. Too often we lack God’s presence in our meetings because our carnal practises have taken over, or we lack revelation in His word and have taken our eyes of the truth that He is still “Holy, holy, holy…” (Isaiah 6:3).
We need a baptism of Holy Spirit fire to cleanse us of all unrighteousness so we can stand before our “Holy, holy, holy” God and declare to a sinful generation His goodness and in doing so, demonstrate His power. Get ready…these are days of holy fire!
“Oh, bless our God, you peoples! and make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9 Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. 10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. 12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.”
(Psalm 66:8-12)
I have encountered the holy fire of God and to be honest it was not an enjoyable process as I passed through this baptism; everything in my life became subject to the fiery flames of the Holy Spirit. But thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ who brought me through and in doing so equipped me with truth and many principles that I want to share with others. One way I endeavour to do this is through this blog platform.
As we journey forward together, I am hoping to:
- Encourage people in their journey and bring them into an encounter with Him
- Equip people as they pass through the Baptism of Fire
- Bring Christ’s healing to the nations
- Be the voice He has called me to be today.
This is the day to be open to His cleansing flames, to be purified and sent forth in power, bringing glory to Jesus Christ.
Shaun Hickey
Shaunhickeyministries.com
