“I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11, CSB)
Early in my childhood, I made a life-changing choice. One that still shapes my perspectives, desires, hopes, and dreams. That decision also had some disappointments and heartaches—especially that one game when the actions of a fan caused the Cubs to lose the division title. Oh, you thought I was talking about something else?
Giving our lives to Christ is deeper and more profound than choosing the team we’ll root for. And yet, sometimes, we approach faith that way. I’m on team Jesus. Good start, but shallow.
God promises that His Spirit will indwell us. Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16–17, CSB) The Holy Spirit is in us, on us, and works through us. Leading us to truth, comforting us, revealing our sins, empowering us, growing fruit (love, joy, peace…), and gifting us to serve in many ways.
This baptism with the Holy Spirit is far more profound than choosing a team. By the way, I did ask Christ into my life at an early age. That decision has shaped my perspectives, desires, hopes, and dreams. There has been sorrow and joy along the way, but also an abiding presence that continues the transforming work of Christ in me. I’ve seen God do amazing things through simple obedience. I’ve experienced His presence on my worst days, my best days, and all the in-between days.
Here’s the most significant difference between rooting for a team and following Jesus. A fan is just a fan sitting in the stands watching the game. But those in Christ are on the field, playing the game (so to speak) – everyone gets to “play.” God is with us through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit for every moment of it.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- Matthew 5:6
- Ezekiel 36:27
- John 14:16-17
- 1 Corinthians 3:16
- Acts 1:8
- Acts 2:38
- Luke 11:13
- Acts 2:39
- Joel 2:28
- John 14:26
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
- John 15:26
- John 16:7
- 1 Corinthians 2:12
- Galatians 3:14
- John 4:14
- Proverbs 1:23
- 2 Corinthians 1:22
- Ephesians 1:13
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