Fruitbearing: The Lord's Blessings

Yesterday, I received a surprise call from one of the brothers who have not been regular to the church meeting. In the past he had brought some new people with the motive of business. Therefore, I kind-of keep away from involving in any business as such. When he called me I made it very clear that he was welcomed as a brother for fellowship, not for business. With that I agreed to meet him and his friend. Besides, I need to leave for Jabalpur in the afternoon so I asked him how much time he would need. He said about thirty minutes, which was manageable for me.

A few minutes after noon, he brought a new friend. As we conversed I sensed his friend's seeking heart. I wasted no time, and started preaching th gospel to him. After the gospel, I further felt the need to lead him to prayer and receive the Lord, which he willing did. Then, having further sensed the need for him to be baptised, I explained to him what is baptism and why it is needed. On asking him if he would like to be baptised, he replied in the affirmative again. Everything went on smoothly, yet I wanted another brother to coordinate with me in baptising a new brother. Therefore, I called up another brother to come to the meeting hall so that we together in coordination and one accord can baptise him.

Meanwhile, I got a help from my cousin brother to make baptism tub ready. To further strengthen the truth of the gospel, I and the two brothers read through The Mystery of Human Life, emphasising on  the six keys, explaining each key in detail. Then, we once again prayed the sinner's prayer to him receive the Lord and helped them, including the brother who brought him, to call on the Lord outloud. I also explained the significance of calling upon the name of the Lord. Another burden for the brother who brought the new one was the need for him exercise his spirit more. Therefore, the burden on calling upon the Lord’s name was emphasised. When my brother arrived, we prayed for the new brother and baptised him. 

We have been praying for the saints to bear fruits. Much more, that each one in the church should bear at least one remaining fruit. Though we have not resumed the church’s going out to preach the gospel, the Lord answered our prayers and brought fruit. This was the second baptism for the year post pandemic.

After the baptism, we still sat for fellowship to further strengthen the faith of the new one and also the brother who has brought him. Though I committed only for thirty minutes earlier as I needed to leave, I ended up spending two and half hours. Gospel preaching, leading the new one to salvation, explaining the significance of baptism, baptizing, and then strengthening fellowship. Therefore, I needed to change my travel plan. Instead of taking metro I booked a cab and went straight to the train station to catch a train to Jabalpur.

Praise the Lord! When the Lord blesses, He blesses. If not for the Lord's blessings, no matter how hard we try, the fruit is not forthcoming. 

May this new one be graced by the Lord To be under constant shepherding and be a remaining fruit in the church life.