Author: Greg Hildenbrand
I am a contemplative spiritual director, author, and a leader of contemporary and blended worship at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. I am a happily married father of two awesome, adult children. I write a blog, Life Notes, every week and have published numerous books and music CDs, all of which are available on my website and other typical outlets. I enjoy writing, both music and text, and exploring and experiencing where spirit meets matter, in both seen and unseen ways.
The Wilderness Way
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
Podcast of “Baptism by Fire, Part 6”
Baptism by Fire, Part 6
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
Podcast of “Baptism with Fire, Part 5”
Baptism by Fire, Part 5
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
Podcast of “Baptism by Fire, Part 4”
Baptism with Fire, Part 4
Baptism by Fire, Part 4 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [1] After my children were baptized, both as infants, our extended family went out for a nice dinner. It was a celebration of a happy, traditional ritual, after which we all returned to life as usual. … Continue reading Baptism with Fire, Part 4
Podcast of “Baptism by Fire, Part 3”
Baptism by Fire, Part 3
Baptism by Fire, Part 3 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] When John the Baptist was asked if he was the Messiah – the anointed one chosen by God to save the Jewish people – he responded that one greater than he would come as the Messiah. … Continue reading Baptism by Fire, Part 3
Contemplating Grace 