1 Corinthians 6:11
(Use the link below to
read the verses.)
Have
you ever felt like you’ve been baptized by fire? When I started in insurance
sixteen years ago, I didn’t know anything. Limits of liability, med pay, and
uninsured motorist bodily injury were terms that made my eyes glaze over.
Probably not too different from what your eyes are doing right now.
Baptism
by fire is when you are learning something the hard way. It might be because
you’ve been thrown into a situation that you aren’t prepared for; or you’re
just facing a very difficult circumstance in life. But here’s how John the
Baptist spoke of it.
11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn
to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater
that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize
you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Matthew
3 NLT
Baptism
by fire includes the death of our old nature. It doesn’t matter what sinful
behavior we acted out in the past, or will do in the present or future; we are
forgiven.
A number of you know from
experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list (of sinful behavior). Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given
a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us,
the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:11
MSG
Baptism
by fire for you may have come as the result of the death of a loved one; the
loss of a friend; being let go or looked over at work; diagnosis of a deadly
disease; or dealing with an addiction. You don’t feel prepared; nobody educated
you on how to deal with something like this. Yet here it is.
Just
know that through Jesus’ Baptism by Fire he has made it possible for you to
live a new life, free from the power of sin; free to love and to serve him. He
gives you hope; gives you a fresh start; gives you renewed purpose.
We’re
not perfect… just forgiven.
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