Repent and believe the good news
“and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15 NASB)
Repent and believe, then Jesus will do as John the Baptist prophesied. “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11 NASB)
The fire happens when the Spirit touches the flesh. Back to that first word again, “repent.” Believers are born of a holy seed, and God disciplines His children. Believers have been baptized with the Holy Spirit who brings a refining fire. More than a hyper conscience, it is God pointing out your ways. Believers know what the beginning of wisdom is, and they remember what the Spirit said about raising a child.
“He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” (Proverbs 13:24 NASB)
“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15 NASB)
Before the day of Pentecost the disciples received the Holy Spirit. After three years living with Jesus they were changed men. “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'” (John 20:21-22 NASB)
Something more. “Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5 NASB) We all should know the results of this baptism, bravery and power.
The Holy Spirit enabled these repentant men and women to boldly preach the gospel. Listen to Peter’s first sermon. “Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 NASB)
That’s it! No Mumbo Jumbo. It’s not magic, there are not any tricks to be learned. We only have to repent and believe that what God says is true. No signs are required to prove you believe. God knows if you do or not! We do not have to beg, only repent and believe. If we do, the Spirit of God will do the rest. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13 NASB)
Don’t let any deceiver tell you otherwise. We are a witness to our own salvation, as the Spirit and fire change us into Christ’s likeness.
His Family Table 