Spirit baptism is a controversial topic. ’Cause it involves power, and people either covet power, or fear it.
Luke 3.16-17 KWL - 16 In reply John told everyone, “Indeed I baptize you in water.
- And one stronger than me comes. I’m not able to loose his sandal strap.
- He’ll baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.
- 17 The winnowing-shovel is in his hand to thoroughly clean his threshing-floor.
- He’ll gather together the grain in his silo.
- He’ll burn up the straw with endless fire.”
Getting
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his students to wait in Jerusalem for that baptism,
Acts 2.1-4 KWL - 1 When the 50th day
after Passover drew near, all were together in one place. - 2 Suddenly a roar came from heaven, like a mighty wind sounds,
- and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
- 3 Tongues, like fire, were seen distributed to them,
- and sat on each one of them, 4 and all were filled with the Holy Spirit.
- They began to speak in other tongues,
- in whatever way the Spirit gave them the ability.
This, we recognize, is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire which both John and Jesus spoke of.
A number of Christians believe this was a one-time deal. The brand-new church, needing a kick in the pants from God to go out and do everything Jesus commanded them to, had God the Holy Spirit specially appear to them, prove he was among them, empower them, and from there they could go out and do the work of mighty Christians. Wouldn’t need to do it twice.
A larger number of Christians believe this so wasn’t a one-time deal. ’Cause it happened again. And again. And again and again and again. Happened to us. Still happens.