There is no greater expression of the purpose and beauty of the church than baptism. The vivid depiction it displays of the forgiveness of sin from the cross and the gift of new life in Jesus!

My prayer is that Urban Hills never gets “used” to baptisms but that the celebration increases in number and affections. May we never grow weary or comfortable with hearing stories of Jesus saving people from the sins of morality, addiction, religion, idolatry, and self-obsession; but grow in affections for people being redeemed and getting on board with the Gospel.

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is fitting…

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Join me in praying for the next 100 baptisms that God graciously allows us to celebrate for His glory!