Baptism of Fire by Praisim Peter

July 23, 2024•7 min read

"I tried sharing the Gospel, but without success—until I was baptized in the fire of God. Though I had the Holy Spirit, I lacked His fire and power. Once baptized in God’s fire, I saw lives transformed, and people were saved like never before. That’s why Jesus, even after breathing the Holy Spirit on the disciples, told them to wait in the city until they were clothed with power from on high."— Praisim Peter

Sermon: The Fire of God & the Baptism Of Fire

Introduction: The Promise of Fire

Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, John the Baptist prophesied about the coming baptism:

• Matthew 3:11 – "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

This prophecy points to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by fire. Throughout Scripture, fire represents God’s presence, holiness, and power, from the Old Testament to Pentecost. Today, we’ll explore how God’s fire moves from the Tabernacle, to the Temple, and into our hearts.

There's two separate manifestations that John the baptist talks about - Baptism with the Holy Spirit & Baptism with Fire!

To understand what Baptism of Fire is let's look at what the bible says about fire!

1. The Fire at the Dedication of the Tabernacle

In the Old Testament, God revealed His presence through fire multiple times. When the Tabernacle was completed, God demonstrated His approval and presence through a supernatural act:

• Leviticus 9:24 – "Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown."

This fire was not ordinary. It came directly from God, consuming the sacrifices on the altar. It symbolized God’s approval and holiness.

2. Maintaining the Fire

After the fire fell, it was the responsibility of the Israelites to keep it burning. God commanded:

• Leviticus 6:13 – "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out."

Even in the wilderness, where resources were scarce, the Israelites found ways to keep the fire burning. They brought wood and kept it alive for over 400 years. This dedication symbolizes our call to steward the presence of God in our lives.

3. The Fire Returns at Solomon’s Temple

Years later, when King Solomon built the Temple, God’s fire appeared again. At its dedication, Solomon prayed, and God responded with fire:

• 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 – "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple."

This was the second time fire came down from heaven, signifying God’s presence and His covenant with His people. The Temple became the central place of worship, where sacrifices were made, sins were atoned for, and freedom was received.

4. Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice

The sacrifices at the Tabernacle and the Temple pointed to a greater reality — the coming of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice.

• John 1:29 – "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

When Jesus died on the cross, He became the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His sacrifice fulfilled the need for the physical altar, paving the way for God’s presence to dwell in a new place: the hearts of believers.

• God's heart: "I will no longer dwell in temples made by human hands. I will dwell in the hearts of My people."

5. The Fire of Pentecost

After Jesus’ resurrection, He instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit:

• Luke 24:49 – "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

• Acts 1:8 – "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

On the Day of Pentecost, the prophecy was fulfilled:

• Acts 2:2-4 – "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This was the same fire that appeared at the Tabernacle and the Temple. However, this time, it didn’t remain on an altar; it rested on the believers. For the first time, God’s fire came to dwell in His people.

6. You Are Now the Temple of God

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers became the new temple of God.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 – "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"

The fire of God no longer dwells in physical structures but in the hearts of believers. This fire:

• Purifies us.

• Empowers us to live holy lives.

• Equips us to boldly proclaim the Gospel.

7. A Heart of Sacrifice Invites the Fire

Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern: God’s fire falls where there is a sacrifice.

• In the Tabernacle, fire consumed the burnt offerings.

• In Solomon’s Temple, fire consumed the sacrifices.

• On the cross, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, God’s fire falls on a heart of sacrifice.

• Romans 12:1 – "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

When we offer our lives as living sacrifices, God’s fire will purify and empower us.

8. The Call to Receive the Fire

The same fire that fell on the Day of Pentecost is available to us today.

• Luke 24:49 – "Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

When the fire of God comes upon you:

• You are filled with power.

• You are equipped to carry His presence.

• You are empowered to be His witness to the ends of the earth.

• The fire of God purifies you & empowers you!

Conclusion: Are You Ready for the Fire?

Just as John the Baptist said, Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire. Today, if you have a heart of sacrifice, if you are washed in the blood of Jesus, the same fire can fall on you.

• That fire will:

  • Transform you.

  • Empower you to carry His presence.

  • Equip you to boldly proclaim His name.

Who’s ready to receive the fire of God today?Let us pray for a fresh baptism of fire, that His presence will fill us, and we will boldly carry His glory to the ends of the earth.

Amen! Hallelujah!