Baptized with the Holy Spirit & Fire: This Doesn’t Mean What We Think It Means

There’s a somewhat peculiar passage in the early chapters of both Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels. There we read about being baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. This will be an act of the Messiah, Jesus, over and above John’s baptism in water. Here are the words in Luke’s account: Continue reading

Holy Week Reflections: Sacrifice, Silence, Salvation

Jean_Jouvenet_Descent_From_The_CrossAbove is a painting by Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet entitled Descent From the Cross.

The Christian church identifies this week as the most important week in the history of humankind – Holy Week.

We have Maundy Thursday, focused on the Last Supper of Christ with the twelve. This is followed by Good Friday, whereas Christ is sacrificed upon the cross for humanity’s sin. Next we have Holy Saturday (or Silent Saturday), a day that many evangelicals might not call to mind, as it lies between the death and resurrection of Christ. Lastly, we have Easter Sunday, the day of celebrating Christ’s defeat over death through resurrection. Continue reading