Tag Archives: holy spirit

A Necessary Encounter – part 1

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. – John 4:1-3 (ESV) Evidently, Jesus did not think the baptism controversy beneficial to John’s mission, so He put some space between the Baptist and Himself. He turned His face to Galilee and His disciples followed. And he had to pass through Samaria. … – John 4:4ff (ESV) Samaria wasn’t considered a prime vacation spot. This was a journey most Jews took with … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

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An Evening With Nicodemus – part 1

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night … – John 3:1-2a (ESV) One evening, when the disciples were with Jesus, there was a knock at the door. Who should it be but a well-known and highly-respected member of the Sanhedrim. He hadn’t come to chit-chat – it was obvious he had something on his mind. …”Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” – John 3:2b (ESV) … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

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First Sign – First Faith

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

When John wrote his gospel, he decided to include details the other gospel writers left out. It appears from Matthew’s account that John the baptist was already in prison when Jesus began His public ministry (Matthew 4:11-12), but John clarifies this misconception, filling in the missing details from what he witnessed. There was a period of time when Jesus and John the baptist were both ministering (John 3:22-23). John felt no need to repeat most of the details mentioned in the other gospels. Instead he wrote of the things he saw Jesus do that made an impact on him, hoping … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

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Jesus’ Preparation For Ministry – part 3

Posted on November 19, 2011 by

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. … – Luke 4:1-2 (ESV) You would think, having been baptized and filled with the Spirit, Jesus was now ready for His public ministry, but the Holy Spirit took Him out of the spotlight one more time for a final stage of preparation. Jesus was compelled to leave the life-giving Jordan for the barren desert to prove His baptismal commitment. He went alone. As yet, … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

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Jesus’ Preparation For Ministry – part 2

Posted on November 11, 2011 by

Before Jesus came to be baptized, John proclaimed Him as a mysterious Person: “He who is coming after me is mightier than I … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” At some point, I imagine John asking, “Lord, You sent me on this mission to prepare Your people for the Messiah. When He arrives, how can I be sure of Him so I can say to the people ‘This is the One I’ve been telling you about’?” And God said: … ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

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Jesus’ Preparation For Ministry – part 1

Posted on November 1, 2011 by

John’s ministry was flourishing. Great crowds of people were coming to hear him preach and be baptized. His message was meeting with success, for many asked the Big Question of repentance, “What shall we do?” (Luke 3:10-14, Acts 2:37). Upon baptism, some had gone the next step and become disciples of John. Andrew was one, and perhaps Philip and another young man named John. These had recognized their need for a change of heart and life, and they knew they couldn’t do it on their own. But the baptizer was not able to effect the change in his followers, for … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

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