She Claimed Atheism, and I Blamed Myself

I barely know the girl.

She is one of many campers.  One of many who come and go.

And yet when she claimed atheism last week, I found myself praying "Father, forgive me."

She claims the lack of evidence brought her to this, and I agree.

I, and others like me, do a great job of showing the Do's and Don'ts of Christianity, but nothing more.

No evidence for the God of the universe.  No evidence of Spirit induced change.  Not a shred of supernatural conviction, power, or courage that would lead this young soul to awe at something greater than scientific achievement.

Yes, she is the one turning away from God...

Yes, I still have firm conviction...

Yes, she is responsible for her own decisions...


...But I cannot shake the feeling that I played a part.

Baptism and the Holy Spirit

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

" For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

 "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, 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."

 "...because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."

 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."

__________


As I read through the New Testament statements on baptism, particularly the historical events relating to baptism, something stands out to me:

Water baptism is always tied to Spirit baptism and Spirit baptism is always tied to water baptism.

Water baptism is the expected response of faith to the gospel message, and the Spirit is the expected response from God to faith.

What a beautiful truth!