How can we prepare our hearts for Jesus' transformative baptism today? Hearing John’s Voice Today “John answered all of them, ‘I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’ ” (Luke 3:16) The Promise Behind the Words • A greater Baptizer is coming—Jesus Himself • Two elements of His baptism: the Holy Spirit and fire • Both are literal, life-altering realities for every believer Why Our Hearts Need Preparation • Sin hardens (Jeremiah 17:9) • God promises a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26) • Holy Spirit baptism empowers holy living (Acts 1:8) • Fire purifies, refining our motives and works (Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Corinthians 3:13) Gospel Foundations for Readiness 1. Hear the call to repent—turn fully from known sin (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:38) 2. Believe the finished work of Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4) 3. Obey in water baptism as public identification with Him (Acts 10:47-48) 4. Receive the gift of the Spirit by faith (Acts 11:16; Galatians 3:2) Practical Steps to Prepare Your Heart • Immerse yourself in Scripture daily; God’s Word washes and renews (Ephesians 5:26) • Maintain a lifestyle of quick confession (1 John 1:9) • Ask confidently for the Spirit’s fullness—“how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) • Cultivate an atmosphere of worship; God inhabits praise (Psalm 22:3) • Fellowship with believers who stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Practice obedience in the small prompts; obedience fans the flame (2 Timothy 1:6) Guarding the Fire • Do not quench the Spirit by deliberate disobedience (1 Thessalonians 5:19) • Feed the flame with continual prayer in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18) • Serve others; the Spirit’s gifts are for building up the body (1 Peter 4:10) • Keep short accounts with God and people; unforgiveness smothers zeal (Ephesians 4:30-32) Living in Expectation The same Jesus who once stood on Jordan’s banks now stands ready to immerse willing hearts in His Spirit and purifying fire. Stay receptive, stay repentant, and stay expectant—His transformative baptism remains a present-tense promise. Further Passages for Meditation • Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 2:38-39 |
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