I've been enjoying 40 Days with the Holy Spirit A Journey to Experience His Presence in a Fresh New Way.
I caught wind of R.T. Kendall on Charles Spurgeon’s Warning: Are You Missing THIS?, his big idea is links a dove's sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit rested on Jesus (like a dove) and remained with him. Imagine abiding in Christ, being led by the Spirit with the illustration of being so calm and peaceful that a dove would come to you and rest on you.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 ESV - And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; Matthew 3:16 ESV
Sensitivity of the Holy Spirit is described in Eph 4:30, "grieving" is the same as having "hurt feelings." While "grieving the Spirit" refers to actions that cause sorrow, "quenching the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19) refers to actively resisting or hindering the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Consider the impact of spending quality time with the Lord, reading his word, reflecting on his promises and praying for people around you according to their needs and God's desire. In this discipline we are anointed for the work God has for us to, we have mature fruit for people in abundance.
Christian always grows by nutrition not by addition. (Troy Dobbs)
It's interesting to compare John's baptism of repentance, Jesus baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire and the churches baptism of confession that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.
John's baptism of repentance
John's Baptism was for everyone in Judah so that everyone would see the glory of the Lord revealed on Jesus Christ, the salvation sent from God. I like the Amplified version of Matthew 3:1-17, Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”... At that time Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.
This fulfilled Isaiah 40, “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! / Clear a road for our God! / Fill in the valleys, / and level the mountains and hills. / And then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, / and all people will see the salvation sent from God. / The Lord has spoken!” Compare Matt 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6.
...So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]; and do not presume to say to yourselves [as a defense], ‘We have Abraham for our father [so our inheritance assures us of salvation]’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children (descendants) for Abraham. And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“As for me, I baptize you with water because of [your] repentance [that is, because you are willing to change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret your sin and live a changed life], but He (the Messiah) who is coming after me is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to remove [even as His slave]; He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire (judgment). His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom), but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus replied to him, “Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him. After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!”
The Baptism of Jesus is so important that it's in all 4 gospels, but especially described in detail in John 1
Jesus baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire
Jesus baptizing the truly repentant with the Holy Spirit is described by Jesus in the Gospel of John 13-17. He washed their feet and opened their minds to the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Church baptism
What does Baptism mean, why do it? Make disciples: baptized and then taught to obey
I'm remembering an early word from Pastor Troy Dobbs, from 8 years ago: How the Gospel Frees Us From Religion
Christian always grows by nutrition not by addition.
- feasting on God's word and his Son. Not doing more things to try and win God's favor.
Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I say.
- he says "Come to me (with heavy burden), put my yolk upon you...my burden is easy, light"
- he says "believe God, believe also in me, I Am The Way, The Truth and The Life, no one comes to the Father accept through me."
We have to persevere but we won't if we aren't rooted in him. He lives in you and have everything you need (Eph 1, 2 Peter 1)
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