John must have been amazed when he found out that people were wondering if he was longed for Messiah (Luke 3:15-38). He explained to them that the One who was coming was mightier than he. In fact he was not even fit to take off the Christ's shoes like a lowly slave might do.
John went on to remind them that the baptism he was accomplishing was with water, but the expected One would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. That seems to be the key difference.
Jesus repeated this difference in John's water baptism and His promised Holy Spirit before His ascension (Acts 1:5). Then Peter remembered, when teaching Cornelius' family, how Jesus "used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 11:16)
John went on to remind them that the baptism he was accomplishing was with water, but the expected One would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. That seems to be the key difference.
Jesus repeated this difference in John's water baptism and His promised Holy Spirit before His ascension (Acts 1:5). Then Peter remembered, when teaching Cornelius' family, how Jesus "used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 11:16)
A baptism is a thorough drenching. Lord, fill us with Your Spirit, especially in areas we have held back from You. We want life in the Spirit.
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