Baptism

Baptism by Fire

The next topic we will discuss is baptism by fire. Baptism by fire happens after baptism by water. This is done by the Holy Spirit on an individual basis. It is mentioned several times in the New Testament:

Matthew 3:11 – I indeed do baptize you with water to reformation, but he who after me is coming is mighter than I, of whom I am not worthy to bear the sandals, he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, (YLT)

Mark 1:8-9 – I indeed did baptize you with water, but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit. And it came to pass in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galille, and was baptized by John at the Jordan; (YLT)

Acts 1:5 – because John, indeed, baptized with water, and ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit – after not many days. (YLT)

So what does this mean exactly? Being baptized by fire and the Holy Spirit are one in the same. Christians also refer to this as “being filled with the Holy Spirit.” The big instance of this happens in the Bible is found in Acts 2:

Acts 2:1-4 – And in the day of the Pentecost being fulfilled, they were all with one accord at the same place, and there came suddenly out of the heaven a sound as of a bearing violent breath, and it filled all the house where they were sitting, and there appeared to them divided tongues, as it were of fire; it sat also upon each one of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, according as the Spirit was giving them to declare. (YLT)

Acts mentions this took place during the Pentecost feast. If you have read The Barley Overcomers, you know that the Pentecost feast was the second feast of Israel. So being baptized by fire and being filled with the Holy Spirit represents the second phase in becoming a Christian (salvation would be the first). In the passage, Jesus’ disciples receive the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues as a result of being baptized by fire. Some Christians argue that unless you can speak in tongues, you have not been baptized by fire, but I would disagree. There are many spiritual gifts which one can receive, and they all of the same purpose of glorifying God’s kingdom and spreading His word. Therefore, baptism by fire is simply reaching a new level of Christianity. It is being able to understand your spiritual gift(s) and how to use them for God.

Spiritual Gifts

The different spiritual gifts are outlined in the Bible several times. Here is one of them:

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – for to one through the Spirit hath been given a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; and to another faith in the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings in the same Spirit; and to another in-working of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy; and to another discerenings of spirits; and to another [divers] kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues: (YLT)

There are many different ways to catergorize and test your spiritual gifts. Most Christians have taken at least one spiritual gift test at one point or another. If you have not taken a test, I would encourage you to search online and take one. I will now go over the genral gifts. Remember that you may have several of these gifts, or variations of a particular catergory. Personally, my main spiritual gift is prophet/perceiver, as God has given me great wisdom. This is one of the reasons I started this website. My secondary gifts include teaching and leardership.

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