The Fire Of God: 1.The Baptism Of Fire - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message emphasizes that true reception of Christ requires repentance, which means changing one's mind and attitude about sin, not just acknowledging grace. The speaker warns that many Christians misunderstand the seriousness of sin because they have neglected the message of John the Baptist. Furthermore, he stresses that the primary responsibility for leading children to Christ rests squarely on the parents, not on church programs like Sunday School or youth groups.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Repentance as Changing Your Mind About SinJohn the Baptist's foundational message was one of repentance, which means changing your mind and attitude toward sin and turning away from it.Matthew 3:2
The Danger of Preaching Without RepentanceChurches that preach salvation without repentance risk producing converts who are falsely assured of their salvation rather than truly born again.
Parents Carry the Responsibility for Their ChildrenFathers and mothers are directly responsible for bringing their own children to Christ and teaching them the fear of God, rather than shifting that duty to Sunday schools or youth meetings.
The Prophesied Ministry of Elijah and John the BaptistThe scriptural promise of Elijah returning before the great day of the Lord points to turning the hearts of fathers back to their children.Luke 1:17
Water Baptism Versus the Baptism in FireWhile water baptism is administered by men and can sometimes include those not truly saved, Jesus is the only one who baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit and fire.Matthew 3:11
The Modern Equivalent of Baal is MoneyJust as Elijah forced a choice between Jehovah and Baal on Mount Carmel, believers today cannot serve both God and money.
Recognizing the Root of Evil WithinThe love of money resides in the flesh of every descendant of Adam, and believers must honestly acknowledge this inner sickness rather than assuming it vanished instantly at conversion.
The Flaming Sword and the Tree of LifeGod placed a flaming sword and cherubim to guard the Tree of Life, showing that approaching God requires the death of our self-life rather than mere accumulation of Bible knowledge.
God Responds to the Fully Yielded OfferingUsing the examples of Cain and Abel and the Levitical sacrifices, true divine acceptance is marked by God's fire consuming the complete offering placed on the altar with nothing withheld.
Beware of Strange Fire and False ComfortNadab and Abihu offered strange fire, picturing how modern emotionalism, psychology, and compromised preaching falsely pacify people instead of bringing true inner purity.Leviticus 10:1–2
A Call to Respond to Specific ConvictionTrue divine fire reduces the self-life to ashes and purifies the inner being, prompting believers to respond to God in a specific area of conviction to prepare for Christ's return.
