We had one of those Baptisms today!  With an anticipated half-empty church, because of another bank holiday, I arranged to have the baptism to fill the empty pews. (Well, that wasn't the only reason, but you know what I mean!)

I talked a wee bit to this congregation, mostly made up of non-church-goers about God's grace, and how it was all free. I talked about the practice in some churches of refusing baptism, and explained how I could never refuse the Grace of God to a little one, whatever the family circumstances.

After the service I was approached by a few "strangers", some offering me money for the church, (they had been out for a fag during the collection, I think), some saying "thank you" for something that had obviously moved them, but another couple talked to me about this free Grace, and asked me if I meant it!

They then asked if they could be re-married to each other. After a Registrar's wedding some years ago, and a subsequent divorce, they have come together again in a renewed commitment and wanted to make promises to God this time around, as well as to each other.

Now. Do I ask permission to re-marry these divorcees? I will, but I doubt if a Church that preaches that God's Grace is free, could possibly say no. The Epistle from Paul today says some important things about judging others!

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.