Holy Spirit Baptism – Luke 3 Encouragement

Greetings,

     John the Baptist “came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:3) “Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized.” (Luke 3:21) Have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptized “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins?” – Jesus had no sin.

     When this is talked about in Matthew, Jesus is quoted as saying, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15) It’s like Jesus was saying, “Yes, I am sinless now, but I will be made sin with your sin not many days from now. Just like when I go to the cross, I am doing this for your sake and in your place – to wash away your sin so that you may have My Righteousness.” That’s Powerful!!

     And another baptism took place that day. “And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.’” (Luke 3:22) He was baptized with the Holy Spirit!

     John said, “He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16) And ever since He was baptized in that way, He has been baptizing those of us who want the baptism He gives.

     It is a baptism that lights a fire for God in your spirit that makes you alive like you never knew was possible, and it gives you the freedom to quit striving because you know-that-you-know-that-you-know that you are a child of God and He is very well-pleased with you!

     So, here’s the Encouragement: Don’t settle for anything less than Jesus’ baptism; the Holy-Spirit-baptism. Ask Him for that baptism; believe for it; receive Him in that way. Then rest in the knowledge that God is pleased with you – and let the fire burn!

God bless,

Dave