BAPTISED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT & FIRE

Ps David Jones

Sunday Message – 8th of June 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsUk3nRg9wY

The Promise Foretold

Matthew 3:11 -12 NIV – (Also found in Luke 3) “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. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

John the Baptist prepared people for Jesus by calling them to repentance. But he also pointed ahead to something greater — Jesus would baptise not just with water, but with the Holy Spirit and fire. This was not symbolic language. The Spirit would come in power, purifying hearts and empowering people to live boldly for God.

Discussion Questions:

• What does it mean that Jesus Baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire?

• Why do you think John used such strong imagery like fire and a winnowing fork?

The Promise Fulfilled at Pentecost

Acts 1:5  “For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”

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.”

At Pentecost, the promised Spirit came with fire and wind — a dramatic sign of a new beginning. The disciples were transformed. This wasn’t just an emotional moment; it was a filling that led to boldness, miracles, and deep community. The fire John spoke of was now burning in them — and it still burns in us. We are living in this fulfilment now.

Discussion Questions:

• What stands out to you about how the Spirit came at Pentecost?

• Why is power a key word when describing the work of the Spirit?

Five Empowerments of the Spirit

1. Empowered to Be a Witness

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.”

Jesus said the Spirit would give us power to be His witnesses — people who tell the truth about who Jesus is. The Greek word μάρτυς (martus), means martyr.  Someone willing to lay down their life for what they’ve seen and believe. You may not preach like Peter, but your story matters. The Spirit gives us courage to speak up.

Discussion Questions:

·         What does it mean to be a witness today?

·         How can your story point others to Jesus?

2. Empowered with Boldness

Acts 2:38–41 “38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

Peter once denied Jesus in fear. But after being filled with the Spirit, he stood up publicly and boldly declared the gospel. The Spirit transforms fear into faith and gives us words we didn’t think we had. He empowers ordinary people to stand firm.

Discussion Questions:

·         What changed in Peter after Pentecost?

·         Where do you need boldness in your life right now?

3. Empowered for Miracles

Acts 6:8 “ Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people”

Acts 8:4 – 8 “ Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city”

Stephen and Philip weren’t apostles — they were everyday believers. But filled with the Spirit, they saw healings, deliverance, and joy spread. Miracles are not the goal, but they are signs that point to Jesus. The Spirit still heals, speaks, and moves in power today.

Discussion Questions:

·         What is the purpose of miracles in the Christian life?

·         Have you seen or experienced one?

4. Empowered with Wisdom

Acts 6:10 “ But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he [Stephen] spoke.”

When Stephen spoke, his words had such clarity and truth that no one could argue. That’s the Spirit’s wisdom — not just being smart, but being led in what to say and how to say it. He gives us insight for hard situations and tricky conversations.

Discussion Questions:

·         Have you ever had a moment where the Spirit gave you wisdom beyond your own understanding?

5. Empowered for Divine Appointments

Act 8:29 – The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.

Philip was listening to the Spirit when he was led to a specific person on a lonely road. God often arranges these “divine appointments” — moments we didn’t plan, but He did. The Holy Spirit leads us when we’re listening.

Discussion Questions:

·         Who is one person in your life that God may be preparing for you to reach?

·         How can you be ready?

Thirst for More

John 7:37-39 “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”

The Spirit doesn’t just come once. We’re meant to keep being filled — like breathing in fresh air each day. If you're spiritually thirsty, Jesus invites you to come to Him. If we’re empty, He can fill us again and again. Don’t settle for dry religion. Seek the fire and the fullness of the Spirit.

Closing Response & Prayer

Invite the group to a time of response and a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.