Lenna and I occasionally send out a newsletter to keep friends up to date with what we are doing. The last one we sent out was the most successful – Mailchimp informed us that whereas on average 68% of recipients clicked on and opened the newsletter, this time 82% did so. Why was this edition so successful? It started with a big picture of our adorable grandson Luka! People love babies.
On Sunday we will joyfully witness a baptism. In John 3:3 Jesus says ‘you must be born again’, and in 3:5 he explains this means being born of ‘water and the Spirit’. Most commentators accept that this means spiritual new life is imparted through water baptism and the Spirit. Conversion is often a long and complex process, but an essential part is obeying Jesus by following him through the waters of baptism. Baptism is like a birth, the beginning of the new life.
Too often modern evangelicals seem to think that if someone prays the sinner’s prayer and is baptised, then their problems are sorted, their future is secure, and all they need to do is come to church regularly. Parents of a new born baby know that the birth is just the beginning of intense disruption and sleepless nights. Ensuring the baby stays healthy and grows strong demands devoted attention, constant feeding and frequent nappy changes. This is far too much for just one individual, as it requires the efforts of a whole family.
First of all, the baby needs the warm embrace of sacrificial love to impart the sense of belonging and security that are essential for future emotional health. Lots of hugs, eye contact and words of affirmation are what every baby needs.
Later on, come training and discipline, also essential to provide a sense of secure boundaries. Firm and loving guidelines establish patterns of desirable behaviour. With this loving acceptance and gentle correction the infant absorbs the values of the family, as their world-view and ethical standards are imprinted on the young one’s heart.
Another vital aspect of growth is helping with simple tasks. There is work to be done, and being part of the family means lending a hand with family responsibilities. Contrary to some modern expectations, life is not just about pleasing myself and doing what I want.
Finally, of course, the child becomes a mature adult able to start their own family. We know this does not always work out, for many different reasons, but all parents hope to become grandparents, which is the big plan for the survival of the species! The first command was ‘Be fruitful and multiply!’
Here at QP we are embarking on a series entitled ‘Strengthening the Heart of the Fellowship’, and last week Brodie wrote in his blog that this means going deeper in our discipleship. The baptism this Sunday points to the path by which our spiritual new borns grow to become mature, healthy adults, embedded in the fellowship and living out their faith in the world.