From the Pulpit...

We continue our study in Matthew chapter three focusing on the introduction of Jesus Christ. The ax is laid to the root of the tree and is cut down if it does not bear good fruit refers to the irreversible judgement that was imminent. Also, Three types of baptism are referred, including: 1) with water unto repentance. John's baptism symbolized cleansing 2) with the Holy Spirit. All believers in Christ are Spirit-baptized (1 Corinthians 12:13); and 3) with fire. Because fire is used throughout this context as a means of judgement, this must speak of a baptism of judgement upon the unrepentant. The winnowing fan is used to symbolize how He will judge the righteous from the unrighteous. Jesus will gather those who belong to Him into His kingdom and the unrighteous will be cast into eternal fire. John's baptism symbolized repentance, and John saw this as inappropriate for the One he knew was the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29).