Month: February 2025

The Wilderness Way, Part 2 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.[1] In biblical descriptions, the wilderness is not a place one goes of one’s own volition. During the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, things got so bad they begged to return … Continue reading The Wilderness Way, Part 2

The Wilderness Way Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.[1] When I was in my late-twenties I purchased 10 acres of remote, wooded land and moved a trailer onto it as my home. I had to tame the area enough to clear space for a … Continue reading The Wilderness Way

Baptism by Fire, Part 6 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] There are a number of indirect references to baptism by fire throughout the Bible, but they can easily be missed if one is not looking for them. Some passages use fire literally; others use fire metaphorically … Continue reading Baptism by Fire, Part 6

Baptism by Fire, Part 5 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] Baptism with water can be a powerful ritual that welcomes a person into church membership and can offer a symbolic cleansing of one’s old self. A lot depends on how we approach and receive it. If … Continue reading Baptism by Fire, Part 5