Contemplating Grace

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

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

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