Oh to have the faith of a child. Jesus said:
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:13-16)
An amazing thing happened this last week at Northview Church. 347 people stepped forward to be baptized in water by a spontaneous invitation from our Lead Pastor Steve Poe. The invitation was spontaneous to the church members, but Northview had it planned out. Every detail was accounted for to take away any excuse a person might make. Shorts, tee-shirts, towels, changing rooms, hair dryers, etc. All were present to remove any obstacle. That is except fear. Fear was the one obstacle that would still prevent a person from coming forward. I have to imagine that as the team at Northview were planning for this service if they wondered how many people would step forward. How do you plan for a movement of God? You can't. You just pray and hope the Spirit moves people.
The Spirit did indeed move people. At the Saturday night service they ran out of dry supplies and people were literally wringing out wet clothes to let others use them. Those in attendance that had previously been baptized in water cheered for each person that stepped forward. Our hearts were touched as so many responded in obedience to God by getting baptized.
The Spirit is indeed moving at Northview.
The best part of the weekend? My son Camden prayed to accept Jesus into his life on Saturday night. Holli and I are so proud of him. He's talked about it in the past, but this time I truly feel like he understood and was ready. What a blessing as a parent to help him make that decision and pray with him. Camden decided on Sunday morning to step forward and get baptized too. He was one of the 347.
I got to walk with him up the stage and back to the changing rooms.
I got to accompany him to the stage and helped him into the water tank.
I got to watch as he confirmed to Steve that he has committed his life to live for Jesus.
I got to watch as he was dunked and brought back up.
I got to help him out of the tank and hug and squeeze him so tight.
I got to tell him how proud I was of him.
Later that day, completely unprompted, Camden says to me "Dad, I just feel different now". "You know why that is?" I asked him. "That's the Spirit living inside of you now."
Childlike Faith. That's all Jesus tells us that we need. If you are reading this and you don't think you have ever prayed to ask Jesus to be a part of your life, you can do that right now.
Just pray something like this:
"God, I've sinned against you. I've made mistakes. I ask that you forgive my sins and come into my life. I believe that Jesus died so that my sins can be freely forgiven by you. I believe that Jesus paid my price. Right now I pray that you fill me with your Spirit and lead me in a life focused on you. Amen."
If you pray this prayer, the Bible says that the angels in heaven rejoice over your decision. (Luke 15:10)
[image by >wouteR<]
If you have questions about what I wrote, please feel free to contact me privately using the Contact link above. I'd be happy to talk with you.
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