Posted Feb 19, 2012
“…Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)
It has been so encouraging to see baptisms at practically every worship service in 2012! As the passage above states, baptism is a work of God. When we submit to being buried with Christ in baptism, our sins are washed away, and we are raised with Him. How does God do this work?
God works in each person’s heart to bring about faith and repentance. When Peter made his declaration that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus’ response was: “Blessed are you… because this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17) Truly everything we have is a gift from God, even our faith! In a mysterious way, our faith grows from a flicker to a flame. We believe because God causes it to be so; it is His work in us.
God works through His word, the Bible. The scriptures are the tool that God uses to help each person learn His will and His ways. We often see people’s eyes light up with understanding as we study the Bible with them. Christ becomes real, and the solution for guilt and shame becomes crystal clear. An obscure and vague understanding of Christianity evolves into conviction and confidence. “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” (I Thessalonians 2:13)
God works through the church. The body of Christ is a testimony, guiding the searching heart. It is the collective community of disciples that makes an impact. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (I Corinthians 12:27) When we see the baptisms that take place, or hear of them, it is good to consider that each member of the body is a part of that person’s conversion. We are all in this together!
Yes, God is working. We pray daily that God will continue to work through the Northern Virginia Church, with many souls being inspired to honor Him with their lives.
We will miss being with you all today, as we are in Annapolis speaking for the church there. We love being able to “represent” the Northern Virginia church and will be sure to share the good news of how God is working in His church!
Much love from,
Randy and Kay McKean
