Holy Ghost and Fire
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 07/20/2025
Foundation Scripture:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Matthew 3:11 KJV
1. A Baptism of Power and Purity.
a. The baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire is a divine promise, and a spiritual reality meant for every believer.
b. When John the Baptist declared that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire, he wasn’t speaking symbolically.
c. He was speaking of a supernatural experience that would mark the New Covenant with power, purification, and purpose.
2. What Is the Holy Ghost and Fire?
a. The Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) is the third Person of the Godhead.
b. He is God’s presence dwelling inside believers.
c. Acts 2:4a KJV –– And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost…
d. The Holy Ghost is our Comforter, Teacher, Guide, and Empowerer.
e. John 14:26 KJV –– But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… he shall teach you all things…
f. The Fire, in Scripture, represents purification, zeal, judgment, presence, and empowerment.
g. The fire of God burns out sin, ignites passion, and energizes the believer for service.
h. Malachi 3:2-3 speaks of the Lord God as a “refiner’s fire.”
i. Acts 2:3 KJV –– And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
j. Together, the Holy Ghost and Fire represent the indwelling Spirit and His active, cleansing, and empowering work in our lives.
3. What Does It Mean to Be Baptized with the Holy Ghost and Fire?
a. To be baptized means to be fully and completely immersed.
b. This is not a partial touch or a one-time feeling.
c. It’s an overwhelming, transformative encounter where God fills every part of your being.
d. Luke 24:49 KJV –– Tarry ye… until ye be endued with power from on high.
e. As in Acts 2, the baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire is a personal Pentecost, available to every believer.
f. It marks a transition from natural ability to supernatural anointing.
g. Acts 1:8 KJV –– But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…
4. What Is the Purpose of the Holy Ghost and Fire?
a. Empowerment for Witnessing.
b. The primary purpose is to empower us to be bold, effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.
c. Acts 4:31 KJV –– They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
d. Purification from Sin.
e. Fire purges impurities.
f. The Holy Ghost convicts of sin and burns away worldliness, pride, and fleshly desires.
g. Galatians 5:16 KJV –– Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
h. Passion for God.
i. The fire of God stirs holy zeal and fervency for prayer, worship, and service.
j. It awakens hunger for God’s presence and His Word.
k. Romans 12:11 KJV –– Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
l. Preparation for Ministry.
m. Before Jesus launched His ministry, the Holy Ghost came upon Him (Luke 3:22).
n. Likewise, we need the fire of God to equip us for Kingdom work.
5. Evidence and Fruit of the Baptism.
a. Speaking with Tongues.
b. The initial evidence of the baptism with the Holy Ghost in the New Testament was speaking in other tongues.
c. Acts 2:4b KJV –– They…began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
d. Boldness and Power.
e. Lives were transformed—timid men became bold preachers.
f. Miracles took place; people were saved, healed, and delivered.
g. Acts 3:6 KJV –– In the name of Jesus Christ… rise up and walk.
h. A Holy Life.
i. The Spirit empowers us to live in holiness and walk in love, joy, peace, and righteousness.
j. Galatians 5:22-23 KJV –– But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance…
6. Receive the Fire!
a. The Holy Ghost and Fire is not optional for the believer; it is essential.
b. Without Him, we are powerless.
c. With Him, we are unstoppable.
d. Jesus came not only to forgive our sins but to fill us with divine power and purify us with holy fire.
e. Don’t settle for cold religion or intellectual Christianity.
f. Cry out to God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire.
g. He is ready to fill those who are hungry and ignite those who thirst for more.
h. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matthew 3:11).
i. Let that fire burn in you today!