May 18

“In Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:15

Abraham, so we are told, is the father of all them that believe. This is an interesting expression, for it shows us that all true spirituality is based on birth and not on preaching, Men are not changed by listening to doctrine or by following a course of instructive teaching. They are changed by birth.

First God chose one man who believed, and from him were born the many. When an unbeliever meets a man who has been saved by believing, he becomes aware that this man has something he does not possess. That something is not just information; it is life. He has been born again.

Those who have this seed of life in them should, like Abraham, be giving birth to others. Paul’s words here about his sons in the faith show that he was not merely their preacher or counselor, but their spiritual father.