Baptism by Fire
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another take on the passage, in an even broader context: this commentator does take liberty with the word baptism i don't think any of us here did. interesting nonetheless.
Jesus Christ administered the baptism of fire in 70 A.D., when He burned up the city of Jerusalem and miserably destroyed those wicked Jews who had crucified Him.
1. John the Baptist specifically prophesied the baptism with fire (Matt 3:11; Luke 3:16). 2. This baptism with fire was to burn up every Jewish tree not bearing good fruit (Matt 3:10; Luke 3:9). It was not the gentle tongues of fire symbolizing the gift of tongues on the heads of the 120 at Pentecost.
3. This baptism with fire was to be with unquenchable fire for the destruction of the Jewish chaff (Matt 3:12; Luke 3:17). It was not the gentle tongues of fire symbolizing the gift of tongues on the heads of the 120 at Pentecost.
4. The baptism with the Holy Ghost, which John also prophesied, was to occur first. And it did occur on Pentecost, when Jesus Christ poured out His Holy Spirit in such abundance that the 120 were immersed in His glorious Presence (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 11:15-17). So we must look for a fiery judgment coming upon the Jews after the giving of the Holy Ghost.
5. Jesus prophesied He would miserably destroy that generation of Jews and burn up their city with fire (Matt 21:33-46; 22:1-7; 23:34-39; 24:1-34; Luke 19:41-44; 23:28-31).
6. Peter, prophesying on the very day of Pentecost, uses many words to persuade his audience to avoid the coming judgment on that generation (Acts 2:19-21,40). Peter did not think the symbolic tongues of fire on their heads fulfilled the prophecy at all.
7. Paul prophesied Jesus would soon utterly destroy the Jews (I Thess 2:14-16; Heb 2:1-4; 6:4-8; 10:25-31; 12:25-29).
8. James prophesied Jesus would soon utterly destroy the Jews (James 5:1-9).
9. Malachi had prophesied of this fiery day of judgment coming shortly after John the Baptist (Mal 4:1-6; 3:1-6).
10. Moses had prophesied of this baptism of destruction (Deut 28:45-68).
11. David had prophesied of this baptism of destruction (Psalm 2:1-12).
12. Daniel had prophesied of this baptism of destruction (Daniel 9:24-27).
Baptism of Fire
~
anyways....i guess that's it for me.
Fire Baptism
Jesus Christ administered the baptism of fire in 70 A.D., when He burned up the city of Jerusalem and miserably destroyed those wicked Jews who had crucified Him.
1. John the Baptist specifically prophesied the baptism with fire (Matt 3:11; Luke 3:16). 2. This baptism with fire was to burn up every Jewish tree not bearing good fruit (Matt 3:10; Luke 3:9). It was not the gentle tongues of fire symbolizing the gift of tongues on the heads of the 120 at Pentecost.
3. This baptism with fire was to be with unquenchable fire for the destruction of the Jewish chaff (Matt 3:12; Luke 3:17). It was not the gentle tongues of fire symbolizing the gift of tongues on the heads of the 120 at Pentecost.
4. The baptism with the Holy Ghost, which John also prophesied, was to occur first. And it did occur on Pentecost, when Jesus Christ poured out His Holy Spirit in such abundance that the 120 were immersed in His glorious Presence (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 11:15-17). So we must look for a fiery judgment coming upon the Jews after the giving of the Holy Ghost.
5. Jesus prophesied He would miserably destroy that generation of Jews and burn up their city with fire (Matt 21:33-46; 22:1-7; 23:34-39; 24:1-34; Luke 19:41-44; 23:28-31).
6. Peter, prophesying on the very day of Pentecost, uses many words to persuade his audience to avoid the coming judgment on that generation (Acts 2:19-21,40). Peter did not think the symbolic tongues of fire on their heads fulfilled the prophecy at all.
7. Paul prophesied Jesus would soon utterly destroy the Jews (I Thess 2:14-16; Heb 2:1-4; 6:4-8; 10:25-31; 12:25-29).
8. James prophesied Jesus would soon utterly destroy the Jews (James 5:1-9).
9. Malachi had prophesied of this fiery day of judgment coming shortly after John the Baptist (Mal 4:1-6; 3:1-6).
10. Moses had prophesied of this baptism of destruction (Deut 28:45-68).
11. David had prophesied of this baptism of destruction (Psalm 2:1-12).
12. Daniel had prophesied of this baptism of destruction (Daniel 9:24-27).
Baptism of Fire
~
anyways....i guess that's it for me.
The following is from the the Net Bible, First Edition, Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C., Version 5.830, 2005, p. 1926, footnote 17.
[Begin quote] With the Holy Spirit and fire. There are differing interpretations for this phrase regarding the number of baptisms and their nature. (1) Some see one baptism here, and this can be divided further into two options. (a) The baptizing of the Holy Spirit and fire could refer to the cleansing, purifying work of the Spirit in the individual believer through salvation and sanctification, or (b) it could refer to two different results of Christ's ministry. Some accept Christ and are baptized with the Holy Spirit, but some reject him and receive judgement. (2) Other interpreters see two baptisms here: the baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to the salvation Jesus brings at his first advent, in whch believers receive the Holy Spirit, and the baptism of fire refers to the judgement Jesus will bring upon the world at his second coming.
One must take into account both the image of fire and whether individual or corporate baptism is in view. A decicision is not easy on either issue. The image of fire is used to refer to both eternal judgement (e.g. Matt 25:41) and the power of the Lord's presence to purge and cleanse his people (e.g. Isa 4:4-5). The pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost, a fulfillment of this prophecy no matter which intepretation is taken, had both individual and corporate dimensions. It is possible that since Holy Spirit, and fire are governed by a single preposition in Greek, the one baptism view may be more likely, but this is not certain. Simply put, there is no consensus view in scholarship at this time on the best interpretation of this passage. [End quote]
[Begin quote] With the Holy Spirit and fire. There are differing interpretations for this phrase regarding the number of baptisms and their nature. (1) Some see one baptism here, and this can be divided further into two options. (a) The baptizing of the Holy Spirit and fire could refer to the cleansing, purifying work of the Spirit in the individual believer through salvation and sanctification, or (b) it could refer to two different results of Christ's ministry. Some accept Christ and are baptized with the Holy Spirit, but some reject him and receive judgement. (2) Other interpreters see two baptisms here: the baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to the salvation Jesus brings at his first advent, in whch believers receive the Holy Spirit, and the baptism of fire refers to the judgement Jesus will bring upon the world at his second coming.
One must take into account both the image of fire and whether individual or corporate baptism is in view. A decicision is not easy on either issue. The image of fire is used to refer to both eternal judgement (e.g. Matt 25:41) and the power of the Lord's presence to purge and cleanse his people (e.g. Isa 4:4-5). The pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost, a fulfillment of this prophecy no matter which intepretation is taken, had both individual and corporate dimensions. It is possible that since Holy Spirit, and fire are governed by a single preposition in Greek, the one baptism view may be more likely, but this is not certain. Simply put, there is no consensus view in scholarship at this time on the best interpretation of this passage. [End quote]
E
It is your opinion that the "fire" in vs 17 is not the same "fire" in vs 16. So saying someone twisted, or removed something is incorrect.
Number 9 was a response to number 8 and number 4. In which vs 17 was used. I did not add anything to vs 16. If you think I did. you did not read correctly. Maybe it was your wish that I did this??
Baptism. A verb. meaning to immerse or place into. John used two things in which we will be baptised into or with (the HS or Fire) So there are two baptisms. Not one. Your trying to make it one, and in doing so destroying the meaning of the word.
If I say I will baptise you in a tub and a lake. You do not interpret it to mean one thing. It is forced to mean two baptisms. One baptism in a tub, and one in a lake. A tub is not a lake, anymore than the HS is the fire.
if you want to give your opinion. this is fine. But to claim someone did something they did not do in order to prove your point is not helpful to you. All it does is make you look sneaky and manipulative. Which I am sure you are not (at least I hope not)
It is one thing to say I disagree that the two fires are the same, and the two baptisms are different. This is a disagreement. To say we did stuff we did not do because you disagree. this is another story however. This is called manipulation.
Number 9 was a response to number 8 and number 4. In which vs 17 was used. I did not add anything to vs 16. If you think I did. you did not read correctly. Maybe it was your wish that I did this??
Baptism. A verb. meaning to immerse or place into. John used two things in which we will be baptised into or with (the HS or Fire) So there are two baptisms. Not one. Your trying to make it one, and in doing so destroying the meaning of the word.
If I say I will baptise you in a tub and a lake. You do not interpret it to mean one thing. It is forced to mean two baptisms. One baptism in a tub, and one in a lake. A tub is not a lake, anymore than the HS is the fire.
if you want to give your opinion. this is fine. But to claim someone did something they did not do in order to prove your point is not helpful to you. All it does is make you look sneaky and manipulative. Which I am sure you are not (at least I hope not)
It is one thing to say I disagree that the two fires are the same, and the two baptisms are different. This is a disagreement. To say we did stuff we did not do because you disagree. this is another story however. This is called manipulation.
A
Another thing as i reread all the thread...the motives came through loud and clear....those i totally agree with...but not the handling of scripture. But thats ok...but do me a favor
why on the first appearance of the babtism of the Holyspirit was there fire(and dont lecture me on the fact it wasnt real fire)given for a sign.
I think there should have been fire over the temple if it was refering to that. And since fire is made a reference to our purification why was that and the other examples i gave thrown down like i had some motive....i have no motive. It says what it says.
why on the first appearance of the babtism of the Holyspirit was there fire(and dont lecture me on the fact it wasnt real fire)given for a sign.
I think there should have been fire over the temple if it was refering to that. And since fire is made a reference to our purification why was that and the other examples i gave thrown down like i had some motive....i have no motive. It says what it says.
E
Why did John say we would be baptised by the HS and Fire if it is one thing.
why did jesus say we would be baptised by the hs, and leave the word fire out. I am sure jesus knew exactly what John said, he is God. So why did he make a mistake and leave such an important word out.
why does scripture over and over speak of the believer being baptised by the HS. and not once does it mention a baptism of fire.
why did jesus say we would be baptised by the hs, and leave the word fire out. I am sure jesus knew exactly what John said, he is God. So why did he make a mistake and leave such an important word out.
why does scripture over and over speak of the believer being baptised by the HS. and not once does it mention a baptism of fire.
A
wow see you did it again...John did not say: babtised into or with...(the HS or Fire) John said: AND.
Im not proving a point. you are. Ive done nothing to the text...im not manipulating anyone...you just did what i was talking about changing the word "and" to "or".
Opinions are fine so dont get on me about that throughout and at the end i not only welcomed them but agreed with your motives and agreed with the sentiments. Its not your opinions that were a bother....its the way you shift words in the text.
Im not proving a point. you are. Ive done nothing to the text...im not manipulating anyone...you just did what i was talking about changing the word "and" to "or".
Opinions are fine so dont get on me about that throughout and at the end i not only welcomed them but agreed with your motives and agreed with the sentiments. Its not your opinions that were a bother....its the way you shift words in the text.
E
See here we go again. John told a bunch of religious people who wanted nothing to do with God that he indeed baptises with water. (meaning he uses water as his means of baptising) and that there was one coming after him who was mightier than him who would baptize you (plural meaning all of them) with the HS AND fire)
what does logic dictate? We know Jesus did not baptise all of them with the HS. for many of them rejected Christ until the day they died. So how is it that Christ will baptise them, since John makes it clear Jesus WILL BAPTISE THEM. The only thing left is since Jesus did not baptise them with the HS, he will baptise them in fire. It is not twisting or distorting or adding words. It is using logic to determine what it is John said. John said JESUS WILL BAPTIZE YOU. If Jesus did not baptize any of them with neither of the two things John said Jesus would use. John is a liar.
If water was the means in which John baptised.. why would we take away that the HS and Fire is a means in which Christ would baptise?
You say I shift words in the text. THATS YOUR OPINION?. If it is your belief that is fine, we can agree to disagree. But when you say I twist words, and make ist as fact. You are wrong. And this is why we can not communicate!
what does logic dictate? We know Jesus did not baptise all of them with the HS. for many of them rejected Christ until the day they died. So how is it that Christ will baptise them, since John makes it clear Jesus WILL BAPTISE THEM. The only thing left is since Jesus did not baptise them with the HS, he will baptise them in fire. It is not twisting or distorting or adding words. It is using logic to determine what it is John said. John said JESUS WILL BAPTIZE YOU. If Jesus did not baptize any of them with neither of the two things John said Jesus would use. John is a liar.
If water was the means in which John baptised.. why would we take away that the HS and Fire is a means in which Christ would baptise?
You say I shift words in the text. THATS YOUR OPINION?. If it is your belief that is fine, we can agree to disagree. But when you say I twist words, and make ist as fact. You are wrong. And this is why we can not communicate!
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hi Abiding:
the Miracle of Pentecost, when The Lord poured out His Spirit (baptising) the disciples and they spoke in the languages of the NATIONS (Gentiles); He provided the SIGN of the languages themselves appearing visibly as fire, and separating, landing one on each disciple.
not surprsingly, we have the same ELEMENTS seen here.
the disciples (believing israel) spake to the multitudes gathered at Jerusalem from among the NATIONS (gentiles) in their own languages and dialects....
this Miracle accomplished many things, we need not go into the going forth of the Gospel here, though that is clearly the MAIN purpose of Pentecost (the equipping of those saints with Power from on High to carry the Good News to all the nations).
the METHOD and visual elements (SIGNS) God chose to perform this Miracle with fulfilled prior prophecies, and repeated a pattern used WHEN JUDGING APOSTATE ISRAEL (not the faithful). they would be spoken to through the lips of the lips of foreigners (their captors), yet would still not listen (obey).
THE GENTILE LANGUAGES WAS A SIGN, and signified Judgment (though it was a fulfillment of the promise to include the gentiles)
THE LANGUAGES TAKING THE FORM OF FIRE WAS A SIGN, and signified Judgment (just as the Holy Spirit descending as a dove was A SIGN to John the Baptist)
Isaiah 28;11
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people,
Acts 2:4
And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability
1 Corinthians 14:21
In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord.
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Consider the following passages of scripture as part of God's whole counsel when you consider this baptism of fire. I propose that the baptism of fire is the baptism of the word in the heart of the believer.
Lk 24:31,32 And their eyes were opened , and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another , Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Jer 23:28,29 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Jer 20:9 Then I said , I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing , and I could not stay.
Jer 5:14 Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
2Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I do not feel [his] weakness? Who is made to stumble and fall and have his faith hurt, and I am not on fire (with sorrow or indignation)?
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Lk 24:31,32 And their eyes were opened , and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another , Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Jer 23:28,29 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Jer 20:9 Then I said , I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing , and I could not stay.
Jer 5:14 Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
2Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I do not feel [his] weakness? Who is made to stumble and fall and have his faith hurt, and I am not on fire (with sorrow or indignation)?
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
E
Thanks red, but those verses don't fit with baptism. Fire is the subject one is being baptized with, or placed into. Non of those verses show anyone being baptized with or placed into fire. One would not say, as in your jeremiah example. "I will make my words in thy mouth water, and his people wood, and it shall devour them, and take this to mean someone is baptised in water. Why should we used it with baptism in or of fire? It makes no sense! Just because the word "fire " is used does not mean we should make it baptism. any more than the word water being used in John 3: 5 should not automatically be interpreted as water baptism like so many try to do.
Remember that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable in doctrine (2Tim 3:16)... There just may be more than one type of fire being referred to in (Mt 3 & Lk 3). Also, if your definition above in (red) is what you base your understanding upon, then explain what is meant in the following passage...
1Cor 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant , how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them : and that Rock was Christ.
Were the children of Israel (fathers), that were with Moses, who passed under the cloud and through the Red Sea, all (baptised with or placed into) Moses? What does that mean and how did that happen and does (v.3,4) give us some understanding of what it means? The cloud and fire was given before the law and continued after the law was given according to (Ex 13:21,22, and Ex 40:34-38)...
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light ; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37 But if the cloud were not taken up , then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up . 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
I think it would be safe to say that the people were baptized unto Moses in the cloud by day and the fire by night and through the miraculous trial of the Red Sea in the beginning of their journey from Egypt (the world) and from the bondage of Pharaoh. Also consider, when God puts a believer or a local assembly through a trial they are submersed into that trial (just as the three Hebrew boys were trust into the fiery furnace in Daniel 3) because of what God wants to produce in the heart of every believer. Trials test the word of God that we have heard and been given so that it will be profitable and produce fruit (Is 55:11, Jn 15:7,8).
I also think that it is vital that we learn what it means to be baptized by the word and have it immerse every fiber and bone of our being (Jer 20:9, Heb 4:12, Lk 24:32, Jer 23:28,29). That it would be a burning in our heart and occupy every imagination and thought of our life (2Cor 10:5, Is 55:7-11) as it becomes the spirit of burning (Is 4:1-6)...
1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying , We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. 2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning . 5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Acts 7:30-38 And when forty years were expired , there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled , and durst not behold . 33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. 34 I have seen , I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come , I will send thee into Egypt. 35 This Moses whom they refused , saying , Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out , after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear . 38 This is he , that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
When we take (1Jn 4:16) and also (Heb 12:29) and meditate on these two eternal attributes that reveal who God is along with the others scriptures mentioned, then it is not difficult to understand that fire does not always represent judgment... and the baptism of the Spirit is referenced to the baptism of burning fire (burning - Is 4:4) of God's love (Rom 5:5) that we can not be seperated from (Rom 8:35,39) nor can be quenched...
Song of Sol 8:4-7 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up , nor awake my love, until he please . 5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth : there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it (the substance of his house) would utterly be contemned (insignificant) .
1Cor 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant , how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them : and that Rock was Christ.
Were the children of Israel (fathers), that were with Moses, who passed under the cloud and through the Red Sea, all (baptised with or placed into) Moses? What does that mean and how did that happen and does (v.3,4) give us some understanding of what it means? The cloud and fire was given before the law and continued after the law was given according to (Ex 13:21,22, and Ex 40:34-38)...
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light ; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37 But if the cloud were not taken up , then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up . 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
I think it would be safe to say that the people were baptized unto Moses in the cloud by day and the fire by night and through the miraculous trial of the Red Sea in the beginning of their journey from Egypt (the world) and from the bondage of Pharaoh. Also consider, when God puts a believer or a local assembly through a trial they are submersed into that trial (just as the three Hebrew boys were trust into the fiery furnace in Daniel 3) because of what God wants to produce in the heart of every believer. Trials test the word of God that we have heard and been given so that it will be profitable and produce fruit (Is 55:11, Jn 15:7,8).
I also think that it is vital that we learn what it means to be baptized by the word and have it immerse every fiber and bone of our being (Jer 20:9, Heb 4:12, Lk 24:32, Jer 23:28,29). That it would be a burning in our heart and occupy every imagination and thought of our life (2Cor 10:5, Is 55:7-11) as it becomes the spirit of burning (Is 4:1-6)...
1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying , We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. 2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning . 5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Acts 7:30-38 And when forty years were expired , there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled , and durst not behold . 33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. 34 I have seen , I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come , I will send thee into Egypt. 35 This Moses whom they refused , saying , Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out , after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear . 38 This is he , that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
When we take (1Jn 4:16) and also (Heb 12:29) and meditate on these two eternal attributes that reveal who God is along with the others scriptures mentioned, then it is not difficult to understand that fire does not always represent judgment... and the baptism of the Spirit is referenced to the baptism of burning fire (burning - Is 4:4) of God's love (Rom 5:5) that we can not be seperated from (Rom 8:35,39) nor can be quenched...
Song of Sol 8:4-7 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up , nor awake my love, until he please . 5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth : there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it (the substance of his house) would utterly be contemned (insignificant) .