French writer and scientist Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) had a defining moment in his life that is summarized in one word – fire.

He wrote these words on a piece of paper, sewed it into the lining of his coat, and carried it with him for the rest of his life: “Fire. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of the philosophers and scholars. Certainty, certainty, heartfelt joy, peace. God of Jesus Christ. Joy, joy, joy, oceans of joy!”

The Holy Spirit is like a fire. While John the Baptist baptized people in water for repentance, Jesus baptizes us “with the Holy Spirit and fire” for empowering us and purifying us (Matthew 3:11).

Just as fire purifies precious metals and burns up whatever is worthless or impure, the Holy Spirit purifies and burns away everything within us that is unholy, unclean, impure.

The Spirit’s fire burns down our idols. His flaming love, his jealousy, consumes whatever we depend on other than Jesus. His fiery presence refines our faith as pure gold.

Fire was always an evidence of God’s presence: In the Old Testament, Moses encountering God in the burning bush. God descending upon Mount Sinai in fire. A pillar of fire standing over the tabernacle in the wilderness and guiding God’s people at night.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist, “was a lamp” on fire for God “that burned and gave light” (John 5:35). The two men from Emmaus, walking with the risen Jesus, their hearts burned within them.

When you feel God’s presence burning like a fire within you … when you have a passionate love for Jesus … when you are consumed by God’s Word … that is the Holy Spirit!

The fire of the Holy Spirit is also the mark of God’s power. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit came both audibly by wind and visibly by tongues of fire.

Just like fire falling from heaven upon Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel, the Holy Spirit fell upon God’s 120 gathered people.

The Holy Spirit is a fire within you that burns away sin. He softens your heart toward God. He sensitizes you to the hurting cries of those around you. He heats up your passion to tell your world about Christ.

Purified by his holiness. Burning with his presence. Aflame with his power. The Holy Spirit is like a fire.