baptism

The Baptism Of Fire
Beloved Servant
Oct 25, 2005

FIRE - the visible, active phase of combustion, manifest in the light and heat. BAPTISM - Symbolizing rebirth and purification, commitment to Christ. The dictionary also gives a definition for BAPTISM OF FIRE�A soldier's first experience of actual combat; any crucial ordeal or purification experience.

We have received a water baptism, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but what is coming is the Baptism of Fire, which will purify the saints, by the fires of PERSECUTION. it will make you fervent for Christ or a coward, which do you choose? God wants us on fire for Him, not lukewarm. for if we are lukewarm, He will spew us out of His mouth. Those who have been persecuted for the sake of Christ have come out to be totally surrendered to His will. We can learn it now or go through the fire.

The Lord said, "Will I find faith on the earth when I return?"

The Christian today has been taught that he will be whisked off to his mansion in the sky so that he will not have to endure any real trials and tribulations, even though Christians from around the world are still here and still facing suffering and death on a regular basis, and have been for many many years.

God is not a respecter of persons, and if the early church suffered great persecutions as well as the rest of the Christian world what makes the American church think it is any different, they all read the same scriptures and trusted Jesus for their salvation.

How is the church in America so different from the rest of the world and from the early church?

They have been taught the rapture, that Jesus will whisk them away so they do not have to suffer. Hmm. Doesn't it say that he who suffers with Christ will reign with Christ?

They have also been taught once saved always saved, so it doesn't matter how they live because they will be changed into Jesus image when they are whisked away.

1Co 6:9 Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,

Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Rev 21:8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

So it is either we choose the baptism of fire or we will be culled, just like in Giddeons army. God will try you by fire, to see if you are really surrendered to him, if you are a real believer and not a mouth professor, if you are really standing in faith or are you playing church.

1Pe 1:7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

I know this is a hard word, but we have to understand that those who suffer with Christ shall reign with Christ, we can't be a bunch of fearful unbelieving whimps when it comes time to face the fire. What we will face may well be greater than any persecution any other Christians have suffered.

If you do not study the word for yourself, you shall surely be deceived and that is what has happened to much of the Church, they have believed a lie because they did not have a love of the truth.

This world is passing away and everything will be burned as chaff, so holding onto possessions in this world is all for naught, the prosperity teaching has made Christians world centered and self centered and now are taught that if you have to give up your mansions here you will get another in heaven. And so are not at all prepared for what is coming. Lord have mercy.

God is going to come for a church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but there is nothing more purifying than fire, and the church definately needs to be purged of its lukewarmness, and sin.

What is coming will call for enduring faith, you will have to believe for your very life, rather than the list of things you think you need in your life now.

God loves us and he will work everything for good to those who are called according to His purposes.
It is not going to be easy saints, the Lord will judge His people, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,
He will use satan for our good, He will use people for our good,
He will use governments for our good, and he will use what ever it takes to purify His church, and that means persecution.
What ever was done before will be done again, and we will not be immune to it as we have been taught.

He is going to shake this world one more time, and He will use His Army of on fire saints, those who are fervent for Jesus Christ, and loved not their lives unto death but by the blood of Christ and by the word of their testimony, they overcome.

Saints, be quick to repent of any sin, keep yourself pure, be holy as he is holy. spend much time in fellowship with the Lord, study to show yourself approved, and be ready to give your life for Christ or your brethren if need be.

There will come a famine of the word, if you do not heed what is spoken by the prophets sent of God to warn you, then you will be looking for a word from God and their will be none. Prophecy shall cease. And you will be on your own.

Amo 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord Jehovah, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of Jehovah.

Amo 8:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they shall run to and fro to seek the word of Jehovah, and shall not find it.

Oh! prepare yourself, these are solemn warnings, repent of any unforgiveness, any pride, jealousy, envy, offense, bitterness, hatred, sexual sins before it is too late. There will be many more judgements upon the earth and then the baptism of fire.

Bathe yourself in the love of the King of Kings, stay in that secret place of abiding in His Presence, that is where you want to be, it will carry you through everything that shall come, believe me He has promised, and all we need to do is obey. May God have mercy upon us all.