I still remember T’s response when I invited her to Bible study. She became quiet, then took a deep breath and said, “I’ll come twice.”
She did come twice. I said nothing, but I prayed. The third week she was there again! She continued for several months. One day I broached the subject, “I’m glad you’ve continued coming to Bible study. What are your thoughts about the Bible now?”
She said, “I believe it’s true, but I don’t think I could ever become a Christian.”
“Why is that?”
“I could never live the life.”
“I understand because I was there once. What I discovered is that when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ He sent the Holy Spirit to live in me. He gave me His power to live above my circumstances and to obey God. I could never have done it on my own. It wasn’t so much that I had to live a different life. God actually came and changed me—inside and out!”
A few weeks later T called to say she had given her life to Jesus Christ. “I did it two weeks ago, but I didn’t say anything because I wanted to be sure it was real. It IS real! God has changed me. I have joy and a peace like never before.”
A week later: “I feel as if I’ve just been born and I’m seeing life with newborn eyes. I think I’ll send out birth announcements to the gals in our Bible study!”
T painted flowers on the front of each card. Inside it read, “This is to announce the birth of a new child of God, T___ D___, sister to Jesus. Born Again on February 22. Praise God and thank you for your prayers!” She handed out the announcements at Bible study. We were all teary-eyed.
Doesn’t a birth announcement call for a shower? Two weeks later I hosted a New Birth Shower for T. The sign on our front door read, “Come in and celebrate the addition of a new name in the Lamb’s Book of Life!”
We enjoyed a brunch which included a casserole of eggs, sausage and mushrooms. Of course a shower must have gifts! T received a new Bible, some inspirational books and CDs. Then she shared her story of how Christ had changed her life. It was a precious day we will always remember!
- You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:7
- The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Revelation 3:5
- Have you ever considered giving a New Birth Shower for a new believer? What are your thoughts?
- INTO THE LIGHT – Lyrics and Music by Kathleen
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This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
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I absolutely LOVE the idea of a ‘new birth shower’! What a wonderful way to keep mentoring and discipling new believers.
Thank you Anita! It’s an idea I hope will catch on!
What a precious idea Kathleen … Do we really comprehend the absolute miracle of our new birth? Lord help us to celebrate this sweet knowledge daily.
That is so true! Even if it’s been many years since the new birth took place, it’s a miracle that it ever happened in the first place, and could not have happened if HE had not drawn us to Himself in the first place! (John 6:44)
Wow! Kathleen, you are creative. That is a great idea to give a new birth shower. New believers need the encouragement. Good for you and your friend!
Thank you Betsy, it was certainly a great deal of fun. I too had never heard of doing such a thing. Indeed, God is creative!