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Sunday, May 31, 2026
Should I NOT have my infant baptized in water if Jesus will baptize him in the Spirit ?
Yes I offered "Free Baptism (in the Spirit)" but here's the Catch :
1. Water vs. Spirit (The Two Baptisms)
The easiest way to clear up the confusion is to point to how John the Baptist himself distinguished the two. He explicitly stated that his baptism was physical, but Jesus's baptism would be spiritual.
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." — Matthew 3:11
Water Baptism: A public, symbolic act performed by a person (like a pastor) to show an outward sign of an inward change.
Spirit Baptism: A divine act performed by Jesus Christ Himself, where the Holy Spirit comes to live inside a believer.
2. No Human Mediator Required
You do not need to wait for a Sunday service, an altar call, or a pastor to authorize it. In the New Testament, salvation and the reception of the Spirit happen the exact moment a person genuinely turns to God.
The story of Cornelius’s house in Acts 10:44-48: While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon everyone listening to the message. They hadn't touched water yet, and no pastor had laid hands on them for salvation—they simply heard the truth, believed, and were instantly indwelt by the Spirit.
3. The Simple Gospel Promise
Scripture ties the indwelling of the Holy Spirit directly to faith and repentance, making it an immediate promise for every believer:
Repentance and Faith: Turning away from self-reliance and placing absolute trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Instant Indwelling: The moment that faith is professed, Ephesians 1:13 says you are "marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."
so what exactly does it mean to be
"baptized by fire" ?!
The phrase "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" from Matthew 3:11 is one of the most vivid expressions in the New Testament. Because fire has multiple properties—it cleanses, it illuminates, but it also consumes—theologians and scholars generally understand "fire" in this context in two main ways.
Here is a breakdown of what the baptism of fire means:
1. The Purifying Power of the Holy Spirit (The Inward View)
In this view, fire represents the intense, purifying work of God inside the believer. Just as physical fire is used to melt down metal to remove impurities and dross, the Holy Spirit acts as a refining fire in a person's life.
Refining Character: When a person places their faith in Christ and is indwelt by the Spirit, the "fire" begins to consume sin, worldly desires, and ungodliness, leaving behind a pure and refined faith.
The Pentecost Connection: This is visually demonstrated in Acts 2:3, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers on the Day of Pentecost, appearing explicitly as "tongues of fire" resting on each of them. It signifies passion, power, and radical spiritual transformation.
2. Divine Judgment and Separation (The Contextual View)
If you look at the verses immediately surrounding Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist is using heavy agricultural imagery dealing with judgment. He mentions trees being cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:10) and winnowing forks separating wheat from chaff (Matthew 3:12).
Therefore, many understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire to be a dual promise representing two entirely different outcomes for two different groups of people:
The Wheat (Believers): Gathered into the barn and baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The Chaff (Unbelievers): Burned up with unquenchable fire of divine judgment.
In this sense, Jesus's ultimate ministry is a dividing line. To those who repent and believe, He brings the life-giving, purifying fire of the Spirit. To those who reject Him, the fire represents ultimate accountability and judgment.
The Third View: The Fire of Testing
Some scholars look back to the Old Testament backdrop that John the Baptist was pulling from—specifically Malachi 3:1-3, which speaks of the Messiah coming like a "refiner's fire" and "launderer's soap."
In this view, the baptism of fire isn't either inward purification or hellfire; instead, it is a single, overwhelming wave of God's presence that every human will pass through.
For the righteous, that divine fire burns away their dross, leaving them pure.
For the wicked, because there is no faith or substance to refine, they are entirely consumed by it.
It views Jesus's arrival not just as a gentle invitation, but as a crisis point for the entire world where everyone is exposed to the same fiery holiness of God, and your spiritual condition determines how you react to it.
Summary
Ultimately, whether viewed as the internal purification of a believer's heart or the undeniable power that separates truth from falsehood, a baptism of fire means that a direct encounter with Jesus Christ changes everything. It is not a stagnant, ritualistic experience; it is active, powerful, and utterly transformative.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
🕊️The Relationship Between Baptism and Salvation ✝️
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
"Archaeologists Unearth Strange Christian Artifact That Gives Insights Into Early Church Baptisms |"
Friday, April 3, 2026
🕊️👍"France Breaks Historical Record with More Than 13,000 Adults and 8,000 Adolescents Who Will Receive Baptism at the 2026 Easter Vigil -"
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Monday, March 2, 2026
In Loving Memory: Rev. James (Jim) R. Kok 1935-2026 & Funeral slideshow
Remembering Jim Kok (1935-2026)
for anybody unsure, this is about the James R. Kok who grew up in Hills (MN), Bellflower (CA) & Holland (MI) and became a Christian Reformed Church (CRC) pastor, working most of his career at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in west Michigan, & the rest of his career mostly at the Crystal Cathedral in Southern California. (this is noted because there are/were more than one Rev. James R. Kok affiliated with the CRC over the last several decades). (His wife's name is Linda).
(I am not in charge of posting the official obituary so I am posting a secondary obituary notice here on my own website blogs to provide further context & information). There has been some obituary information posted online already at the following links:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-kok-obituary?id=60896647
https://www.communityfuneralservice.com/obituaries/james-kok
https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-kok-obituary?id=60896647
On March 21, 2026, all are welcome at the burial ceremony at Artesia Cemetery in Artesia (CA) ( 11142 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703 beginning around 9:00 am (pst). It is a small cemetery and we do not know how many people will attend. If more than expected do attend, we hope the cemetery staff will help direct you to "overflow parking" outside the cemetery (but apparently parking in the high school parking lot across the street is discouraged)
Later in the day, all are also welcome at a formal memorial service at the Shepherd's Grove church (4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604) later in the day beginning at 1:30pm (pst), after which there will be gathering in the community hall at the same location for refreshments & an informal time for people to reflect, socialize, & remember Jim, possibly with an open mic to share stories, as well as a photo slideshow, & memorial table etc)
here's my version of Jim Kok's life & legacy:
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted."
— Matthew 5:4
Remembering James R. "Jim" Kok
(1935–2026)
James R. Kok, affectionately known as Jim, passed peacefully on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, & a lifelong dedication to Christian kindness. In a striking alignment with his mission, his passing occurred on February 17, 2026, which is also known as Random Acts of Kindness Day, a fitting reflection of the life he spent serving others with compassion, care, love & kindness.
Born on March 29, 1935, in Hills, Minnesota, Jim was the second of five children: Sherwood, Jim, Faith, Kay, & Gary. As an infant, he moved with his parents,Gareth & Katherine, to Bellflower, California, where his father founded Valley Christian School & served as pastor of a Christian Reformed Church (1st Bellflower CRC aka "1st Bell "). The household was steeped in faith, learning, & service, shaping the values that would guide Jim's life.
The family later relocated to Holland, Michigan, where Jim attended Holland Christian Junior High & High School. Tragedy struck during Jim's teenage years when his mother, Katherine, passed away just as Jim was in his final years of high school, leaving a profound mark on him as he struggled with "grief" early in life, which influenced the depth of compassion & understanding he would later bring to his Christian ministry.
During this time, basketball became both a passion & a source of friendship & community, as he played alongside his lifelong friend Tony Diekema (future president of Calvin College) at Holland Christian High, & later Don Vroon as well (future Calvin professor & coach, RIP) (among others he remembered fondly), continuing together at Calvin College (original location) & winning multiple MIAA championships.
Growing up, Jim worked various jobs to make ends meet. In Bellflower, in the 1930's, he picked & sold avocados door-to-door; & also sold the Press-Telegram from street corners, & even drove a tractor for alfalfa harvesting time (Bellflower at that time still being mostly an agricultural & dairy farming area).
Later, still growing up, in Holland (MI) he also worked as a "paper boy" delivering the GR Press & Holland Sentinel. In addition he worked at various local grocery stores; & at the Holland ballpark selling popcorn & peanuts.
As a young adult he also worked at Chris Craft, as well as another factory, while going thru college; among other things. As a child he enjoyed boating on Lake Macatawa & also the "car life" with his brother Sherwood.
After college, Jim studied at Michigan State University (MSU) for a master's in counseling & worked in Kalamazoo in vocational rehab for one year while also still playing basketball for various leagues with friends etc. After one year in Kalamazoo, Jim answered God's call to ministry starting at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia & then Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, eventually becoming an ordained pastor for the Christian Reformed Church.
His pastoral care experience included internships at the University of Michigan & a hospital in Gowanda, New York, & he went on to become a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) supervisor & Pine Rest Hospital & later the Crystal Cathedral, mentoring generations in spiritual care, grief support, & compassionate counseling.
He also started the annual International Care & Kindness Conference at the Crystal Cathedral.During seminary, Jim met his beloved wife, Linda Peters, daughter of Leo Peters of Butterball Farms. Together they raised four children—a daughter & three sons across New York, Michigan, Iowa, & California, & were blessed with many grandchildren who continue to carry forward his legacy of faith & kindness.
Jim's ministry spanned decades: serving as pastor in Iowa City starting in 1965, 14 years as CPE supervisor at Pine Rest Hospital in Grand Rapids, & many years as Director of Pastoral Care at the Crystal Cathedral in California. He authored several books, contributed a weekly column to The Banner, and for many years led the annual International Care & Kindness Conference at the Crystal Cathedral, inspiring countless attendees to embrace Christian compassion in both words and actions.
Even in retirement, Jim continued mentoring, counseling, & supporting family, friends, & his community. The timing of his passing on Random Acts of Kindness Day poignantly mirrors the heart of his lifelong mission: to model & promote Christ-centered kindness & care for all.
Jim Kok will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, uncle, loyal friend, mentor, & servant of Christ. His life stands as a testament to faith, resilience through grief, & a steadfast commitment to loving & serving others.
Jim would be "tickled pink" if you commit a "Simple Act of Care & Kindness" (SACK) in his memory, for the sake of our Savior Jesus.
Rest in peace, Jim. Your faith, care, & kindness, will continue to bless the lives of many.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Sunday, July 27, 2025
"Hulk Hogan Was Baptized 18 Months Before His Death"
Friday, July 11, 2025
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
"Getting God’s Word into the Hands of Secret Believers in Southeast Asia -" International Christian Concern
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Monday, November 25, 2024
They talk a lot about baptism near the end of this podcast in case you're interested
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
"3 things Catholics should remember about baptism -" U.S. Catholic
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Friday, October 4, 2024
Monday, September 30, 2024
"Can Nations Be Baptized? "| Peter J. Leithart | First Things
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Friday, August 9, 2024
Water baptism vs Spirit baptism
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
May 2024 "More than 6,000 faithful baptized at Huntington Beach, the largest day of water baptism
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Saturday, July 27, 2024
re the “Jesus Revolution Baptism 2” happening [TODAY] at Pirate’s Cove in Newport Beach" [I'm here praying for NB]
We have the "Jesus Revolution Baptism 2" happening TOMORROW at Pirate's Cove in Newport Beach, CA!
This is where we used to baptize people during the Jesus movement days. Cathe and I were baptized there too.This is where we also shot the scenes for the Jesus Revolution film.… https://t.co/WVN4EnBKsv
(https://x.com/greglaurie/status/1816827587026714810?t=-fzuBXqvfiqu6KJKg_NvNw&s=03)
Friday, July 26, 2024
re BIG BAPTISM event at Pirate's' Cove Newport Beach (from Jesus Revolution movie) July 27, 2024
https://harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/pirates-cove-beach-baptism-with-greg-laurie/
https://harvest.church/events/jesus-revolution-baptism/
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET ACCEPTED CHRIST as Savior and/or been baptized, this is a good time to do so if you are in southern California. Come on out to Pirates' Cove and be baptized, maybe by Greg Laurie himself (not sure if he's participating or if it's others from his church; but I would assume he will be there).
Thursday, July 11, 2024
"God ‘makes a way’ for unique baptism" | Baptist Life | kentuckytoday.com
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Hallelujah 👍 "12,000 Christians Baptized Yesterday in 'Largest Synchronized Day of Water Baptism in American History' "-
Monday, April 29, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Prayers4 🙏✝️ Harrison Ford to AcceptChrist2bSaved2day: Repent & Be Baptized, Harrison !
Sunday, April 7, 2024
"Inside the Christian Nationalist Church Where Proud Boys Go to be Baptized"
"Orzame uses the Telegram channel to broadcast his upcoming appearances; recently, he said he'd be at a school board meeting to protest LGBTQ-inclusive policies, an effort that has preoccupied southern California's far-right for the last two years. These appearances often devolve into violent brawls. "THIS IS GROOMING BEHAVIOR," Orzame wrote before a visit to Don Lugo High School in Chino.."
Sunday, March 31, 2024
"Why BAPTISM isn’t an easy choice in Bangladesh -"
I hope it included repentance & thoughts of the unborn "NYC Mayor Eric Adams is baptized by Rev. Al Sharpton during Good Friday visit to notorious Rikers Island jail "
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
"Hulk Hogan Invites Fans to Turn to Jesus: 'Knowing of Jesus and Knowing Him Are 2 Different Things' »"
Friday, March 1, 2024
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
✝️👍 "Basketball Star Reads Bible on Bench on Biggest Stage: 'Gotta Bring Your Sword to Battle' | "
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
In My Father’s house are Many Mansions;
Saturday, September 2, 2023
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me:
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Prayers for the Sentinelese to #RepentAndBeBaptized ✝️🙏#AcceptChrist2bSaved
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Things that really matter 👍✝️🙏 "'Revival is here!' hundreds of salvations, baptisms across U.S."
Things that really matter 👍✝️🙏
"'Revival is here!' From beaches to prisons, hundreds of salvations, baptisms across U.S."
https://www.wnd.com/2023/04/revival-beaches-prisons-hundreds-salvations-baptisms-across-u-s/
Monday, October 10, 2022
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Thursday, February 17, 2022
"Catholic Church Voids Thousands of Priest's Baptisms Due to 1-Word Mistake " PEOPLE.com
Monday, November 29, 2021
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Monday, October 18, 2021
"Sicilian Catholic Church leaders issue ban on godparents at baptisms"
Friday, May 21, 2021
Saturday, April 3, 2021
INVITATION to ACCEPT CHRIST & BE SAVED TODAY ! & Please Pray with us for America & the Whole Wide World


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