Baptism of Fire

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31 NLT)

In the Old Testament, fire can sometimes be used to denote God's power or presence. When Elijah wanted to prove that Yahweh was the true God of Israel, he used the test of fire to prove to the nation that Yahweh was the true God. He said, "Let the God that answers by fire, be God." (1 Kings 18:24). The baptism of fire can also be referred to as the baptism of power or fresh fire. The language the enemy understands is power; whenever you confront the forces of darkness, power must be released.

A believer can be spiritually weak. Though he has the exceeding greatness of God's power available to him, without growing in his knowledge of God and spending quality time in prayer, that believer will remain powerless.

The Spirit of God is referred to as "the anointing, the fire, and the power of God." I also need you to know that the Holy Spirit is given in measures, so whenever you pray for the baptism of fire, you are simply seeking greater measures of the anointing, the fire, and the power of God. Christ received the Holy Spirit without measure, but as a believer, we received the Spirit in measure, and we'll keep receiving more of the Spirit till we grow into the full stature of Christ.

"For he is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit". (John 3:34 NLT)

Types of Baptism

1. The Baptism of Water

Water baptism integrates us into the body of Christ.

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

2. The Baptism of Fire

Baptism of fire integrates us into the power side of Christ. The baptism of fire comes with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Why Do You Need the Baptism of Fire?

1. You need the baptism of fire so that you can effectively witness the gospel of Christ. (Acts 1:8)

2. You need the baptism of fire so that you can overcome the attacks of the enemy.

Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!

Through the greatness of Your power

Your enemies shall submit themselves to You." (Psalm 66:3)

3. You need the baptism of fire so that you can do greater works for the kingdom of God.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (John 14:12)

4. You need the baptism of fire so that you can subdue kingdoms, undo the works of darkness, and break evil yokes.

³³ By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. ³⁵ Women received their loved ones back again from death. (Hebrews 11:33-35)

5. You need the baptism of fire so that you can set the captives free.

But the Lord says,

“The captives of warriors will be released,

and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved.

For I will fight those who fight you,

and I will save your children". (Isaiah 49:25)

6. You need the baptism of fire so that you can cast out devils, and become a terror to their kingdom.

¹⁷ These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. ¹⁸ They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” (Mark 16:17-18)

7. Without power, demons will hide in secret places. It is through power that they are driven out of their hiding places. Power is needed for survival and victory.

⁴⁴ As soon as they hear of me, they submit;

foreign nations cringe before me.

⁴⁵ They all lose their courage

and come trembling from their strongholds. (Psalm 18:44-45)

What are the Things That Can Quench the Fire of the Spirit?

“Do not quench the Spirit…” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

1. Lust and Sinful Thoughts (Matthew 15:10-11, 17-20)

2. Cares of this Life (Mark 4:19

3. Prayerlessness (Luke 18:1)

4. Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:30)

5. Lies, fear, doubts, and unbelief (Romans 14:23)

How Can You Generate Spiritual Power

Fast and Pray

Fasting can launch you into higher realms of spiritual authority.

Whenever we are fasting, we are positioning ourselves for a fresh encounter with God. You cannot have a fresh encounter with God and remain weak. Every encounter produces fresh fire.

Word of God

The word of God is loaded with power, every time you study, you receive a new deposit of power.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12)

There is fire and power in the word of God. The word of God is anointed with the Spirit of God. If you spend time with the word, you will generate spiritual power.

But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord

or speak in his name,

his word burns in my heart like a fire.

It’s like a fire in my bones!

I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! (Jeremiah 20:9)

Death to Self

Without death to self, the power of the Spirit cannot increase in your life. God’s power must be used for God’s purpose. When self is not crucified, the power of God can be used for selfish purposes.

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. (John 12:24)

Bible Reading Plan : John 15-19

Day 17: 40 Days Fasting & Prayer

Baptism of Fire

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