In the previous post, we learned that the religious leaders have accused Jesus of being a lawbreaker and blasphemer. Though not placed on any kind of official trail, Jesus treats it as one, calling witnesses to testify on his behalf. First up, as we read in the previous post, Jesus referred to John the Baptist’sContinue reading “Jesus on trial calls his 2nd and 3rd witnesses – John 5:31-47, Part 3”
Tag Archives: baptism
How to be baptized with Spirit and fire – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 5
This week in our Advent 2022 series on Matthew 3, we’ve been seeking to understand why Jesus got baptized. We learned that Jesus, through his baptism, demonstrates humility and togetherness, leading to joy. In today’s post, we seek to understand what Jesus meant when he said that he needs to be baptized to fulfill allContinue reading “How to be baptized with Spirit and fire – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 5”
How Jesus’ baptism upends American individualism – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 4
In March 2023 I’m traveling to India to teach in my denomination’s seminary there. Initially, I was going alone, and I thought it might be a good opportunity for a solo adventure. As I invited people to preach at Faith Church for me, one of my friends asked if, instead of preaching in my absence,Continue reading “How Jesus’ baptism upends American individualism – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 4”
The Philadelphia Eagles and humility – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 3
Two Philadelphia Eagles players were in Lancaster yesterday for an autograph signing event at the Park City Mall. Imagine you’re coaching a local high school football team, and through the grapevine you find out the Eagles players want to come meet with local high school football players. They want to do some community outreach, investContinue reading “The Philadelphia Eagles and humility – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 3”
Who is the Spirit and Fire Baptizer? – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 2
Who is the Spirit and Fire Baptizer? During Advent 2022, we are studying the preaching of John the Baptist’s in Matthew chapter 3. In the previous post, we looked at verses 11-12 where John introduced us to a person who would come, a person who is greater than John because while John baptizes with water,Continue reading “Who is the Spirit and Fire Baptizer? – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 2”
John the Baptist’s big surprise – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 1
Have you ever seen sidewalk chalk illusions? I’m talking about the realistic, 3D pictures that look like a real deep cavern has opened up in the road coming up. Or maybe the picture is a monster lurking in a cave. The dog in the picture above seems like it is not fooled at all. InContinue reading “John the Baptist’s big surprise – Advent 2022, Week 3, Part 1”
The important difference between Tom Brady and John the Baptist – John 3:22-36, Part 3
At 45 years old, it is astounding that NFL superstar and living legend, Tom Brady is still playing professional football at the highest level. Just last year (2021), also in his 40s, he was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the 7th time. As I write this in fall of 2022, though, Brady seems to beContinue reading “The important difference between Tom Brady and John the Baptist – John 3:22-36, Part 3”
When Jesus and John the Baptist had competing ministries – John 3:22-36, Part 2
As Jesus’ ministry was getting underway, we learn in John 3:23 that John the Baptist’s ministry was still going strong too. John hadn’t stopped his ministry just because Jesus was now on the scene. How much time had passed since John baptized Jesus in John 1? If you scan through the days mentioned in JohnContinue reading “When Jesus and John the Baptist had competing ministries – John 3:22-36, Part 2”
Why Jesus didn’t baptize – John 3:22-36, Part 1
If you walk around many institutions of higher learning or hospitals, you’ll see all sorts of plaques on walls noting who gave money to help build a building. Sometimes the names are in the titles of the building. Sometimes there are brick walkways, where each brick has names engraved, names of people who gave money. Continue reading “Why Jesus didn’t baptize – John 3:22-36, Part 1”
The backstory of John the Apostle – Gospel of John Preview, Part 2
When did John write this Gospel? To answer that question, we need to learn more about John’s life story. He was born into a fisherman’s family in the northern part of Israel, a region around the Sea of Galilee. He and his brother continued the family business. One day John and his brother James heardContinue reading “The backstory of John the Apostle – Gospel of John Preview, Part 2”
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