Given our Wesleyan/Methodist heritage, we should be okay with the concept of being baptized by fire- that is, being conscious of having had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit. Fire baptism changes us permanently: we become aware of the depth of God's love for us, and as a response we increase in our love for God and our fellow men. The Spirit of God gives us the strength and the desire to love the unlovely who cross our path.
Pastor Richie spoke of the heritage of faith as a type of spiritual gift bestowed upon us by the Spirit of God. Many of us have memorized Second Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Our pastor shared a deep insight regarding this verse. The gifts are given to us, and the gifts are given for us. We are to demonstrate these gifts in our personal lives, and we are to use these gifts for the benefit of others who need to experience a profound encounter with God through us.
And, though I've used the term "profound encounter" in each of these paragraphs, let's keep in mind that this baptism of the Spirit is a basic component of the Christian life. The writer to the Hebrews lists baptisms as part of the "elementary things" of our faith (see Hebrews 6:1-2). The exercise of power, love, and self-discipline can and should be apparent in the life of every believer, no matter how young or old he may be.
The question from Acts 19:2 is a question for us today: "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" If so, then we are urged to be living examples, demonstrating the power, love and discipline of the Spirit to a world that desperately needs to see Him at work in us and through us. If not, then today is is your day to join the ranks of those who are engaged in relevant works for the kingdom of God. Embrace the baptism of the Spirit, which is a basic thing. And in doing so, experience the profound encounter that will change your life permanently.
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