5 Key Scriptures

As we begin 2024 there are many questions that consume our minds. These questions range from; “What is happening to our nation?” – to “Why are food prices sky-rocketing?” – to “Why has our education system become so infected with the ‘woke-mind-virus’?” – to “Is our church making disciples?”

The list of questions could fill pages. These questions are not for dramatic effect, but actual questions that I have heard repeatedly. No matter the political landscape or cost of living, there is a general sense in people’s heart that 2024 is shaping up to be a very traumatic year on many levels. So what do we do?

I am beginning my writing and posting for 2024 by taking a fresh look at the Holy Spirit. I will begin by taking a high level view of the fore-telling of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. Specifically, I want to draw your attention to five (5) key passages that refer to John The Baptist’s statement and Christ’s reference to this as well. Here are the five passages from the English Standard Version of the Bible..

Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance, But he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize  you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Mark 1:8

“I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16

“John answered them all, saying, I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

John 1:33

“I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:4b-5

“……you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Take your study deeper. What terms are repeated in all five (5) passages? What is different about each passage?