Welcome to the Feminine podcast. This is Nancy Wilson. Thanks for joining me today.

Today we're going to wrap up Martin Lloyd-Jones book, My Soul Magnifies the Lord,

and I hope it's been an encouragement to you this Advent season. The last chapter is called

the Christian's experience, and the emphasis is for us to pause and take stock to see just where

we stand, spiritually speaking. We should think about how many times we have heard the gospel

this past year and then consider whether it has made any vital difference to

us. In other words, the gospel changes everything and makes all things new, including us, when we are

born again. Has it changed you? None of us has anything to do with our physical birth. As babes in the womb, we did not decide that it was now time to be born. In the same way, being born again is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not the work of man. Being interested in Christianity does not make us Christians. Doing good does not make us Christians. Attending church does not make us Christians. Doing good does not make us Christians.

Attending church does not make us Christians. These are all things we do, but just like the

incarnation, our own spiritual rebirth is the work of God. Mary expresses this in the Magnificat.

She is undergoing a spiritual experience. Some people go through a

gradual change while others have a sudden conversion. When Mary was first greeted by Gabriel,

she was troubled. She questioned, she doubted. But then she submitted to his word and said, be it unto me according to thy word.

She becomes aware that God is blessing her. He is doing something. He is doing something.

She has not made a decision to become the mother of the Messiah, it is not her doing at all.

She gradually became aware that God was doing something

to her. This is very important. You can't be a Christian without first being aware that God is

doing something in you and to you. He who created you in the beginning of your life is remaking you.

Next is a surprise and amazement that Mary expresses.

She had doubted and stumbled, but now she stunned and surprised that God has chosen her.

He who is mighty hath done to me great things.

When we come to Christ, this surprise is evident in

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