Pastor’s Pen

Beloved, the most important types of baptism are discussed in our text this morning and there is much controversy surrounding how this historical narrative should have application to believers today. It should be clear that there is some type of progression in view from - first, the baptism of John the Baptist that, is described as a baptism of repentance, of preparation for faith in Jesus Christ to -second, a baptism by fire.

What does not seem to be in view here is any type of infant baptism experience or any type of connection between baptism and circumcision as if Christian baptism is somehow the fulfillment of circumcision.
The big idea is this: Christian Baptism should symbolize both our union with Jesus Christ and our reception of the Holy Spirit.

While many may argue whether or not there is a second filling of the Holy Spirit, which some call the baptism of the Spirit, the reality is this: many Christians do not appropriate all of their sufficiency in Christ. Many believers leave so much of God unwrapped and unused for His glory. May that not be said of us!