'..Thousands and Millions..'

Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:38

Just so there is no misunderstanding - this picture does not mean in any shape of form that I agree with or advocate infant baptism - No, it's daniel's first bath!!!. Sorry, as you can tell, Rachel and I are totally in love with our new little boy who is giving endless pleasure and joy to us, and all the family and friends who have visited us - it means there may be a few more pictures of him on the blog in the next few weeks!

God has spoken to me so much over the last few days through my son coming into the world. The whole process of delivering a baby is totally awesome and a testimony to the miracle working power of God in bringing new birth in the natural as we have seen this week with Daniel coming into the world.

That same miracle working power is also evident when people are born again, and become christians - as Jesus talked about in John 3 they don't have to go into their mother's womb all over again and be delivered in labour (I think once is enough!) - but there is a process of new birth when you become a Christian that is similar to when you are born as a baby.

Everything in a maternity department is set up and ready for new babies to be born, and on the maternity wards their total and primary concern is the care and nuturing of new babies and helping them to grow. I believe there is a parallel here with the Church in that we are called to set ourselves up and be prepared to 'Go and make disciples, baptising (full imersion on the basis of faith in Christ!) them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit' - The whole process and job of making disciples of Christ and establishing them in the truth of the Kingdom of God and in Faith is a great call for the church, a great opportunity and a great challenge.

After this week, I am even more up for seeing new birth now in the spiritual aswell as in the natural with Rachel at some point in the future!

God, let your kingdom come and your will be done through new birth and thousands of people giving their lives to becoming disciples of Jesus Christ

Physical life comes first, then spiritual - 1 Corinthians 15:46

And now with a sober awareness of the mystery of the kingdom -- present yet future; fulfilled but not consummated -- let us go on as a church to seek the kingdom first -- to discover all we yet should be for the salvation of lost sinners and the glory of King Jesus!
John Piper - http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper90/02-04-90.htm