A couple of months ago (please excuse our lateness in this post), our family, friends and church body were excited to welcome the two oldest children: Belle and Boy as self-professing believers in Jesus Christ! They made their profession and we welcomed them through the administration of their baptism.
I was very happy to have the opportunity to give the "Father's Blessing."
I shared with my children the tremendous joy that I have to be a part of their lives, and the job that we share together in sharing our growth in Christ. I am grateful to share with them the significance of this milestone in their lives, and charged them that this is only the beginning of a lifelong journey, that there would be many ups and downs throughout their spiritual lives. But reminded them about a famous Puritan preacher, Richard Alleine, who told us that "The World (is) Conquered by the Faithful Christian," and that we are a part of this great battle that is occurring all around us everyday, remembering that we must take up our swords, which is the Word of God, which will give us encouragement and is the most powerful weapon in the hand of a diligent steward of the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
Pastor was excited to administer this sacrament to the children, sharing with them, and all the body, the importance of baptism as a public demonstration of God's grace in their lives. It was a tremendous encouragement to all the faithful.
We were elated to have a fellowship meal the following day, and the family was able to share together their first communion with the new professors also!
We provided a floral arrangement, demonstrating the blessed transformation that we experience, from a mixed bouquet (sinners), through the precious blood of our Savior (crimson roses), to the glorification of a redeemed family of God (white tulips). The cake also shared one of our favorite verses:
For by grace we have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
Great Uncle and Aunt were on hand also, making a trip up to our neck of the woods, to celebrate this special day.
We did a little shopping for everyone so we could together share and communicate that we are clothed in Christ's righteousness, and it is by his stripes with which are healed.
May all men everywhere know that the Lord Jesus is able to save any man from his sin, and present them new to himself as a glorious creation forever worshipping his Redeemer, saved by the grace of God.
The righteous shall live by his faith!
Habakkuk 2:4
