Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3.16). We may well ask what it means to be baptized with fire. Perhaps the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego gives us a good example. They were thrown into a fire that separated them from all the idol worshippers and they emerged from it as men who could be trusted and empowered. The fire that Jesus baptizes with is not natural fire but it does produce similar results.
Look at a full moon on a clear night. Its light is captivating, something that has inspired both poems and paintings. But this light is borrowed. It is just a reflection of the sun. Take away the sun and the moon cannot shine; but remove the moon and the sun will continue to blaze with…
“Jews getting baptized?” queried Joshua, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “Yes, lots from all over Judea,” said Zaccheus, “And not just common folk either. You remember that educated guy from Alexandria, Apollos? I saw him too!” “But we’re Jews, Zach! Why do we need to be baptized? We are God’s people!” “Well you should hear…
Jesus was tempted to flee and live but decided to obey and die. Today Christians being beheaded in Iraq are facing similar decisions. What trials are you facing? Financial? Marital? Fortunately when things are dark and confusing we can look to Gethsemane and follow what Jesus did.
If the local church is strong, the whole church is strong. God’s world-wide church is designed to work in family groups. It’s vital that every believer be passionate about their local church.
“Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” This is what Jesus said about Nathanael. Mary Magdalene, Matthew the tax collector, James and John the Sons of Thunder, were not known for their spirituality, but they were genuine. Jesus could help the honest sinner, but not those with religious masks.
After Judas left the room, Jesus taught the rest of his disciples to remain in him. He said “I am the vine, you are the branches … remain in me and I will remain in you.” No more disciples left. Sure, Peter got pruned, but then he bore lots of fruit.
Vineyard Mombasa is called to be a new wineskin – a new structure for God’s wine. In an age where much of the church is being criticized for falseness we aim to be real and to reach those the religious cannot reach…
At the Ascension the angels asked ‘Why are you looking into the sky?’ Were these angels dumb, or were they making a point? Definitely the latter; the disciples were to forget about when Jesus would return and get on with being obedient…
Some were sceptical. There was power. Two were healed; a few spoke under inspiration. It was supernatural, but was it good. Many had abandoned the magic arts to follow Christ and the new power felt different; it left them with a bubbly joy. But was it really God? Read on at …