The Holy Spirit Baptism

After I received Christ’s baptism, known as the Holy Spirit baptism or the baptism that comes by fire, I began to tell people what happened to me.

Unfortunately, the first person I told–whose father was a pastor–basically called me crazy (in a loving way) and told me I was feeling guilty for my past sins.

I was floored.

I honestly thought that I could easily share this amazing testimony of how Jesus does a mightier work than man with the idea that every Christian would relate and be immediately excited for me that I had been born again.

Wow, I was completely wrong about that.

I got sympathy votes, strange looks, and flat-out “no, that didn’t happen to you”s. I was shocked. These were Christian people!

I knew the truth. I knew that Jesus sent the fire upon me and burned that sin away. I knew that He put His Holy Spirit inside of me. I now had spiritual gifts that I did not have after getting water baptised. And— I knew that the unbelieving naysayers had no clue.

That’s scary— for them.

However, for me, things were amazing, yet things were also troubling. I was learning that I had a cross to bear among the very people I thought would believe. Once I realized that they were trying to make me squash the truth, I made it my mission to shout it louder.

Jesus still baptises with the Holy Spirit today.

[11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: [12] Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. ~Matthew 3:11-12 KJV [Spoken by Jesus’ cousin, John the baptist, to the crowd.]

It is different from water baptism. I knew the Holy Spirit was with me after being water-baptized and I experienced many things with the Lord (e.g. Still small voice of knowing, miraculous healings, audible instruction). However, when I was fire-baptized, I received evidence that went above and beyond.  Unfortunately, when sharing it, I was experiencing division.

[49] I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? [50] But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! [51] Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [52] For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. [53] The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. ~Luke 12:49-53 KJV [Spoken by Jesus]

Yes, if you have been fire-baptized, take heart when no one believes you or cannot relate. Stay strong because you know the truth. Now stay strong for the journey.

Rejoice!

Cite this article: Please update the Accessed or Retrieved date (September 13, 2015).