Dec. 1, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 5-6 : PM – 2 Peter 3

The Children of God
Galatians 3:26-29

26 " For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

Today, genetic research is lending scientific support to the old saying, “He’s a chip off the old block.” Scientists tell us many of the traits of children will be determined by the DNA bequeathed to them by their parents. But specialists in the field warn against the notion that everything is preordained by our genetic makeup. Our genes interact with our environment. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped to a large extent by our responses to life experiences. As one biologist put it, “Nurture reinforces or retards nature.”

Isn’t that true of the Christian life? When we become children of God we are created anew (2 Cor. 5:17). We receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:36) and are endowed with the capacity to become more like our Father. But this new nature must be nurtured. As “dear children,” we are to become “followers of God” (Eph. 5:1).

Father, as Your child, help me to be a credit to the family name.

Nov. 30, 2008

The Message of Christmas

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 4 : PM – 2 Peter 2

The Faith Revealed
Galatians 3:19-22

22 "The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe."

I love Christmas. People appear more compassionate and cheerful. Decorations brighten the atmosphere. Cards and gifts convey love.

Among the Christmas decorations is the manger scene: a baby, a woman, and a man surrounded by animals. Joyful Christmas carols fill the air. To Christians this scene depicts the message of Christmas, the birth of God’s Son. But what does this message convey to the lost person? A baby, a woman, and a man surrounded by animals? “So what,” the lost may say.

To the Christian, the message is found in who the Baby is. He is the Son of God who grew to be a man and died to save humankind from the bondage of sin. Human kind is kept under the law of death because of personal sin. The Baby in the manger is the Savior. Through faith in Jesus, humankind is redeemed. Until eyes and hearts are open to who He is, the true message of Christmas is missed.

Father, open my eyes that I may know the true message of Christmas found in who Jesus is.

Nov. 29, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 3 : PM – 2 Peter 1

The Promise of Jesus Christ
Galatians 3:19-22

22 "The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe."

“Free from the law, O happy condition, Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, Grace hath redeemed us once for all.” These words from an old hymn depict what God did for us through Jesus.

Every person is under the curse of sin. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”(Rom. 3:23). God promised deliverance from sin. Jesus is our escape from the curse of sin. “God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

The fulfilled promise of Jesus Christ causes believers to sing, “Free from the law, O happy condition.”

The true message of Christmas should cause Christians to joyously celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Promise, with a new realization of the meaning of His sacrifice for us.

God, as I prepare for Christmas, may I concentrate on the real message of Christmas: Jesus!

Nov. 28, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 2 : PM – 1 Peter 5

Because of Jesus Love
John 15:15-17

16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

Remember when you were a small child and sides were chosen for the games? The leaders of the teams tended to choose the bigger, stronger, faster kids first. Each leader alternated with the other to choose a child until finally you were chosen. Remember the excitement you felt when you were chosen?

The reality that God has chosen us should bring such excitement. To be chosen by friends to play a game is exciting; but for Jesus, God’s only Son, to choose us is incredible. He could have chosen any one, but He chose me – not on the basis of my abilities or position, but because He loves me. He chose me to “go and bring forth fruit.” He commands me to tell the good news about His love for all people. My love for Jesus and His love for me should motivate me to obey Him.

Thank You, for Your love. May I be faithful in sharing Your love with other people

Nov. 27, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 1 : PM – 1 Peter 4

Because God Seeks All
Matthew 18:14

14 "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish"

Years ago, during Student Week At LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center, just before going into the worship service, the students learned that three of the students were lost in the mountains. The night was a cold stormy one. As the lightning flashed and the thunder echoed in the mountains; students cried and prayed for the students’ safety. Ironically, the sermon was about the lost sheep. When the service concluded, the announcement was made that the three were found unharmed. Jubilant rejoicing broke out.

God is the Shepherd seeking His lost sheep, much like the searchers sought the students lost in the mountains. God does not want harm to come to the smallest sheep. He wills that not even the least important person nor the most violent offender perish. Imagine the jubilant rejoicing in heaven when one lost person is rescued.

If God continues to seek those who are lost, should we not join Him.

Lord, thank You for allowing me to join You in seeking those who are lost.

Nov. 26, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 47-48 : PM – 1 Peter 3

Because God Will Judge
Acts 17:28-31

31 "Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

In a court of law the judge hears both sides of a case along with lawyers’ comments. Then he makes his decision based upon evidence presented to him. And he determines the punishment. The judges’ decision is final because he is the judge.

Every individual who has ever lived will face God as Judge on judgment day. He will judge everyone by his or her relationship with Jesus. The evidence will already be recorded. God has already determined the punishment for the guilty parties. God’s decision will be final.

On judgment day, God will divide the saved from the unsaved. The saved will go to heaven; the unsaved will go to hell. One good reason to tell everyone the good news of salvation is so they can be properly prepared for judgment.

Oh, God, help me today to show someone how to be properly prepared for judgment.

Nov. 25, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 44-46 : PM – 1 Peter 2

Because All Persons Matter to
God
Acts 17:22-27

127 "They should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us."

Those who work in our association’s prison ministry find many women who feel worthless and question whether or not they really matter to God.

Sometimes when I know I displease God, I wonder why He loves me when I am so unlovely. Paul listed some evidences that persons matter to God:
· God is the creator of all things.
· He is Lord of all.
· He is everywhere.
· He is all sufficient.
· He is the giver of life and breath.
· He is the determiner of the times when people live and were they live.
Why do we matter to God? He wants us to have fellowship with Him and to worship Him.

If persons matter to God, should we not tell them how much they matter to Him?

Oh, God, thank You that I matter to You; help me tell others today they matter to you.

Nov. 24, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 42-43 : PM – 1 Peter 1

Because So Many Follow Idolatry
Acts 17:16-21

16 "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols."

On a missionary journey into the wilderness of India, William Carey “paused to watch villagers offering frit and bowls of rice to an image of the god of learning. The idol, hung with garlands, stood under a rough shed; the priest . . . had white god marks gleaming upon his brown forehead, chest, and arms, and . . . musicians made ‘horrid music’ with their tom-toms and flutes. Care watched in silence. I felt very much concerned for these poor people,’ he wrote.”

Many forms of idolatry exist today. Materialism and secularism are among them. These idols bring temporary satisfaction but do not meet the need of people to fill the emptiness they have inside. Like William Carey and Paul, we must be concerned about people who follow idolatry and respond by telling them about the real God.

Father, give me boldness to

share the good news with people who are lured by idolatry.

Nov. 23, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 40-41 : PM – James 5

Because Some Will Believe
Acts 17:10-15

12 "Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men."

Adoniram Judson was a missionary to India. He was faced with “constant problems and suffering. Adoniram was put in prison for preaching about Jesus to people unwilling to hear. He was often beaten and driven in chains across the burning desert sands. . . . Judson preached for seven long years before even one person accepted Christ as Savior. . . . Because of his faithful work he left behind 7,000 Christians, 63 churches, and 163 missionaries.” (Julia H. Johnston 1849-1919)

Like Judson and the apostle Paul, we must be faithful in sharing the good news with no guarantees that people will be saved. However, seeing someone saved is a thrill equal to our own salvation experience. We share in that joy because another person is rescued from Satan’s stronghold. Therefore, we must continue to share the good news because some will believe.

Lord, today may I seize every opportunity you give me to share the good news with lost people.

Nov. 22, 2008

Reasons to Tell the Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 38-39 : PM – James 4

Because People Need To Be Saved
Acts 16:25-31

31 "So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.""

I have so many friends who have cancer. I wish I knew a cure for cancer. I would work tirelessly to share the good news with every cancer patient I could find. I am sure many people would join me.

People without Jesus are unsaved and are going to face a far greater fate than cancer. The Bible states: "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36). Those who do not heed the gospel will face everlasting punishment (1 Thess. 1:8-9).

Jesus is the cure for the suffering of unsaved people. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17). Jesus, indeed, is the Great Physician. While a cure for cancer would be wonderful news, should we not be more committed to telling people about a cure for sin than we would be for a cure for cancer.

Father, may I realize that people need to be saved. Help me share the good news with someone today.

Nov. 21, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 35-37 : PM – James 3

Suffering Persecution

Acts 16:16-24

23 "And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely."

Persecution of Christians did not end with the early expansion of the church. Just last year a mob broke down the walls of the Nigerian Baptist Seminary in Kaduna and burned the library and other buildings. Hundreds of men, women, and children were inside the high walls of the seminary compound. These faculty and student families would have been trapped except for the providence of God. Several ladders were standing against the inside of the high back wall so that hundreds of intended martyrs were spared as they escaped over the wall.

Christina persecution has become so severe that Mr. A.M. Rosenthal, a Jewish columnist for the New York Times, wrote an editorial decrying this murderous behavior. His editorial is a bright spot in our media; for the most part the global killing and persecution of Christians has been ignored. Yet more Christians have died as martyrs in this century than at any time in history.

Lord, please protect my brothers and sisters in Christ as they serve You around the world.

Nov. 20, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 33-34 : PM – James 2

Working with the Lord
Acts 16:11-15

14 "Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul."

The Ekpeye village, just across the river from Joinkrama Baptist Hospital, had a preaching point; but there were not enough Christians to establish a church. A man from the village made a profession of faith in Christ and came to the inquirer’s class. He seemed to have a lot of ability and began to lead the services at the preaching point. However, he became involved in the social life of the village and took a second wife.

Another man from the same village made a profession of faith at the hospital and burned his “juju.” That is, he destroyed all the paraphernalia related to his old pagan religion. However, he was not able to become the leader of a church. Sometimes it is very hard to find a leader who can open his or her home to start a church.

Lord, thank You for Lydia, Paul’s first European convert; and thank You for first converts everywhere. I pray that Your Spirit may strengthen them in difficult circumstances.

Nov. 19, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 31-32 : PM – James 1

Going to Help Others
Acts 16:5-10

9 "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

A man from Macedonia: a fellow so distinguished by his facial features, his skin color, and his dress that Paul knew what nation was calling to him in his vision.

When our daughter first went to Africa, all black people looked alike to her. However, she soon came to recognize the smiling, bright-eyed Massai with their red tweed blankets. Then she came to know the tall, thin Fulani men with broad-brimmed straw hats and their women with their teeth colored with a type of lipstick. She could distinguish the Eastern Nigerian tribes wearing their yellows, golds, and reds.

So many people - all so distinct and different - yet all so similar in their need for Christ.

Paul did not hesitate to share the gospel with any person or group. He was always ready to help others.

Oh God, may I be obedient to Your call to help others.

Nov. 18, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 29-30 : PM – Heb. 13

Opening the Door of Faith
Acts 14:21-27

27 "Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles."

His African host smiled broadly as he told him that he was the first white man to sit on his front porch. He pointed across the street to the little mud-walled church topped by a wooden cross and told him that a member of his family started that church.

He marveled that he could be doing a “first.” The first white man to sit on his porch. The first white man to hear the story of the first member of the First Baptist Church in his village.

The wonder is that similar “first” stories are happening to missionaries all over the world every day. New doors of faith are being opened to new people groups who have never before had missionaries in their homes. Does the Holy Spirit have plans for you to be a part of a “first” story?

Father, help me to be excited about opening new doors of faith

Nov. 17, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 27-28 : PM – Heb. 12

A Light to the Gentiles
Acts 13:47-48

47 "For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

Samuel Rutherford, the 17th-century theologian, was imprisoned because of his beliefs. While in prison, he wrote this soul-strengthening letter expressing the joy that sustained him through his trials:

“If God had told me some time ago that He was about to make me as happy as I could be in this world, and then had told me that He should begin by crippling me in all my limbs, and removing me from all my usual sources of enjoyment, I should have thought it a very strange mode of accomplishing His purpose. And yet, how is His wisdom manifested even in this! For if you should see a man shut up in a closed room, idolizing a set of lamps and rejoicing in their light, and you wished to make him truly happy, you would begin by blowing out all his lamps; and then throw open the shutters to let in the light of heaven.”

When the candles that light up our darkness are blown out, let’s rejoice that God is throwing open shuttered windows and pouring in the sunshine of His love.

Like Samuel Rutherford, let’s “walk as children of light”.

Thank You, Father, for the Light You provided to help me find my way to You

Nov. 16, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 25-26 : PM – Heb. 11

Sharing the Gospel
Acts 13:13-16

16 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

He played the accordion well, and told me once that the song he could play easiest from memory was the “Beer Barrel Polka.” Apparently he had played that song numerous times at college parties. Even so God touched his heart and called him to be an international missionary.

As part of his work he preached in African villages to all who would listen. He tried playing some English hymns on the accordion, but only a few people gathered around. Then he realized that no one in the villages would recognize the words to the rollicking melody of “roll out the barrel.” He decided to begin his services with this fast-moving tune, and large crowds came to hear him. Then he moved on to sacred melodies and finally to preaching the gospel.

Paul had a ready-made audience at the synagogue because the crowd had come to hear Gods message. However, times change and perhaps we need to look for new ways to share the gospel today.

Lord, help me use all my talents to witness for Jesus

Nov. 15, 2008

Obedience to God’s Call

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 23-24 : PM – Heb. 10

Separated by God
Acts 13:1-5

2 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

A general surgeon relinquished his commission with the Public Health Service for three years so that he could tithe his surgical career in a mission hospital. A retired married couple did indoor house painting jobs to finance their participation in a medical mission trip to Africa. A construction worker used his three-week vacation time to help build three churches in another country. A dentist took his staff with him to repair teeth in a third world country. An orthodontist has committed a block of his time each year to give continued care to straightening the teeth and improving the smile of people in another land.

This year thousands of American Christians have felt called by God to join hands with career missionaries all over the world to minister to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in the name of Christ.

God is still in the business of setting apart dedicated Christians from church congregations for special assignments. Is He calling you?

Lord, help me understand exactly what You are calling me to do with my life.

Nov. 14, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 21-22 : PM – Heb. 9

Of God’s Grace
Acts 11:25-26

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Rev. Adeldiran was the pastor of the oldest and largest Baptist Church in Ogbomosho. When Alice, a newly appointed missionary was introduced to him, he bowed graciously, looked her squarely in the eyes and asked, “Are you a Christian?” She was surprised by the question, but Alice replied meekly, “Yes sir, I am.”

Baba Adediran responded, “If you are a Christian, you will love the people.” He knew that neither the Nigerian Christians nor Christian missionaries always acted in loving ways. He was just reminding her of a Christian’s first priority – to love one another.

Christians do not have a good name in all areas of the world today, partly due to preconceived ideas and prejudice. However, we need to ask ourselves if some of this is due to the fact that we do not always act in loving ways.

Lord, help me honor you always by acting in loving ways.

Nov. 13, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 19-20 : PM – Heb. 8

Of God’s Grace
Acts 11:22-24

23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

My Baptist friend was completely confused when he attended services at my grand-mother’s Pentecostal church with me. Everyone prayed at once, some danced in the isles when the music played; and they stood, knelt, and sat at unpredictable times. The church service lasted two hours and we sang songs from shaped note hymn books.

Let me ask you a question. What did Barnabas see in the worship service at Antioch? The service was in Greek. Barnabas understood this language, but it was not his mother’s tongue. Did he see open faces filled with joy because of their hope in Christ? Did he see excited people who knew they had received the gift of eternal life through Jesus?

Barnabas saw something that convinced him he was seeing the grace of God. He saw evidence that indicated to him this was not simply a human phenomenon, but was something God was doing in peoples’ lives.

Lord, fill my heart and the hearts of my fellow church members with so much faith and joy that a visitor may see the grace of God in my church.

Nov.12, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 17-18 : PM – Heb. 7

Of God’s Saving Power
Acts 11:19-21

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

The Lord has allowed me to observe international mission efforts from the mid- 1970’s until the present. There was a time when most Christian converts came from either educational institutions or hospitals. These converts established indigenous churches in large cities, small towns, and villages. Gradually, the young people who grew up in these churches began to replace the overseas missionaries in local schools and hospitals.

Today, we are living in a time of transition for international missions. The missionaries of today have a more difficult job than those who went into the field 20 years ago. They face greater challenges to the faith. They serve in more dangerous locations. They take their families into very different cultural situations so that they can identify with the people whom they serve. And, truly, the Lord’s hand is with them; and a great number of people are believing in the Lord and being saved daily.

Lord, please bless Your missionaries around the world. Keep them safe and glorify the name of Your Son, Jesus, through them.

Nov.11, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 15-16 : PM – Heb. 6

Who Believe
Acts 8:36-40

37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Because of the dry season, the creeks and rivers had dried up to unconnected shallow pools of water. The congregation at King River Baptist Church stood in the shade of a towering tropical forest, and Keith Edwards, a medical missionary, squatted on the fallen trunk of a large Iroko tree that stretched out over the water. The ordained missionary preacher who was baptizing the converts did not know their language, so it was his job to translate the baptismal formula as he gave it in English.

Keith did not think any crocodiles had been seen in this area of the river. Still, he kept a wary eye on the water and the banks as 12 candidates entered the river for baptism.

Yes, that baptism was quite different from any we have seen here in the United States, but one thing was exactly the same. Like the eunuch, each new convert said: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Lord, I rejoice in the eternal life I received when I believed in Jesus

Nov.10, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 13-14 : PM – Heb. 5

Who Seek The Lord
Acts 8:32-35

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

While sitting in a hotel lobby I overheard two young people discussing the Jews.

One said, very confidently, that the Jews were special people because God had chosen them. The other agreed and said that at first he thought it meant God had special blessings for the Jews; but he confessed, it was confusing to see how they had suffered through the years.

What an opportunity to witness! Here were two people who were seeking to understand what God meant to happen when He chose the Jews. It was an open door to the gospel – an opportunity to help them see that God chose the Jews not to be pampered, but to be servants; not to take possession of the world, but to bless the world.

Lord, help me to see opportunities to witness for Christ in the world around me

Nov. 9, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 11-12 : PM – Heb. 4

Who Desire Help
Acts 8:26-31

31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.”

Notice in the devotional passage that Philip had not yet reached the place to which he thought he was going at the angels command. He was still on the way when he met the Ethiopian eunuch. How did Philip know the eunuch was the man to whom he was being sent? This man was ready for the gospel. This African eunuch, so different from Philip in color, culture, and economic standing, wanted help.

This past week did you encounter unbelievers who were ready for the gospel and wanted help? How did you respond?

Lord, give me discernment so that I might know the hearts and desires of the people around me.

Nov. 8, 2008

Good News for All Cultures

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 8-10 : PM – Heb. 3

To Whom Christians Go
Acts 8:4-8

4 “They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

When the young Nigerian student completed his B.S. in nursing, he went back to Nigeria. The Nigerian government told him he must work for a year, at a reduced salary, to pay the country back for his education. He was assigned to a hospital in Ilorn, the very city that had refused entry to an early Baptist missionary name Thomas Bowen.

Every Nigerian college graduate was required to give a year of service in their file of study. Christian missions in Nigeria had emphasized education. Early missionaries not only brought the gospel, they also brought the opportunity for young people to study.

Therefore, the majority of Nigeria’s college graduates at that time were Christian men and women. This group of young people were scattered throughout the country by government decree. Like the persecuted Christians in Jerusalem, these men and women not only carried education to pagan villages throughout the country, they also carried their Christian faith. God’s ways are marvelous to behold, and fortunate are the people to whom Christians go.

Father, help me glorify Christ in all circumstances.

Nov. 7, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 6-7 : PM – Heb. 2

Justification By Faith
Galatians 2:15-16

16 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified”

No one has ever behaved himself into heaven by keeping God’s law. There is no such thing as performance-based redemption.

Paul’s reminder to the Galatians teaches that no one can stockpile enough merit to allow that person to stand guiltless before God. Actually, no one has ever been made righteous by the law because no one has ever perfectly kept the law.

When Paul released his grip on the law and reached his hand out to receive God’s grace, the midnight of regulations became the sunrise of salvation. Jesus had done for Paul what he could never have done for himself. I hope this is your story also.

Thank You, Father, for justifying me by the faith of Christ.

Nov. 6, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 3-5 : PM – Heb. 1

The Gospel of Revelation
Galatians 1:11-12

12 “For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ”

Paul never wavered in his conviction that the gospel he preached was not speculation or a secondhand legend handed down from one generation to another, but rather a direct revelation from God. The method of the revelation included the apostle being stricken blind at high noon in the suburbs of Damascus, then having a conversation with God.

The message is universal. Christ provides forgiveness for our sins, hope for each day, and eternal life in heaven, for all who will receive Him as their personal Savior. He came to earth born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, preached and performed miracles. He was falsely tried, innocently condemned, brutally crucified, placed in a borrowed tomb; and three days later he arose from the grave. He instructed His friends, then went home to heaven. One glorious day, as King of kings and Lord of lords, He is coming back for His redeemed. This is the gospel of revelation that is offered to anyone and everyone who will believe.

Thank You, Father, for revealing Yourself to me through Your son.

Nov. 5, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 1-2 : PM – Philemon

The Gospel of Grace
Galatians 1:6-10

8 “As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That save a wretch like me!” This was the testimony of John Newton, the slave trader who became God’s witness. We cannot earn God’s grace or merit it. But we can gratefully by faith receive it. When I became a Christian I, too, experienced His saving grace; and Christ became my Redeemer and Lord of my life. It was the best decision I ever made.

Accepting God’s offer of grace and becoming one of His children does not imply, however, that we are “off the hook” and never need to do anything further for Him. To the contrary, as believers we should be willing to invest our time and our lives sharing personal witnesses of His wonderful grace with those who have not received it.

“Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.”

Help me, Father, to receive your grace which is sufficient to forgive all my sins.

Nov. 4, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 5 : PM – Titus 3

Repentance and Forgiveness
Acts 2:32-41

38 “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”

Bill had purchased a new car. His younger brother, desperately needing transportation, asked if he could borrow his car. Bill agreed, reminding Keith to be “very careful.”

When Keith started home, he saw that a rear fender had been mashed. Retuning home, he went upstairs and started packing; he was leaving. He then came downstairs to face his brother.

He explained he did not know how the car had been damaged, but he would pay for the repairs. He asked Bill to forgive him and waited for what he believed would be an angry response.

Bill studied the look on his brother’s face, then said: “Keith, I can get another fender; but I can’t get another brother. It’s OK.” It ended there: one son repented, the other son forgave him. Likewise, true repentance brings forgiveness from our Savior.

Lord, I am grateful daily for Your forgiveness of my sins

Nov. 3, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 4 : PM – Titus 2

The Crucified and Risen Savior
Acts 2:22-24

23 “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it”

That Friday in Jerusalem the city churned with the news: “They’re going to kill the carpenter from Nazareth today.” The cross of Christ is not a part of our salvation, a part of the gospel, or the important part of the gospel; it is the gospel. At the cross, Jesus offered Himself once and for all for our sins.

However, the story is not concluded. It continued on Sunday morning when an angel said, “He is not here: for He is risen as He said” (Matt. 28:6). The resurrection confirms our hopes as believers that there is life after death. It also proves the deity of Christ as the Son of God. Finally, it affirms for all believers that we worship a living Lord. We can weep at the cross or rejoice near the vacant tomb but the one thing we cannot do is walk away with our lives in neutral unchanged.

We rejoice, Father, that You are our living Savior.

Nov. 2, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 3 : PM – Titus 1

Salvation For Those Who Call
Acts 2:14-21

21 “It shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.”

There are essentially two decisions necessary for an unbeliever to become a Christian. One is asking the Son of God to forgive his sins, and two is trusting and receiving Him as personal Savior.

Why should a person call on the name of the Lord? Good question! If our unforgiven sins remain unforgiven, they separate us from God; we are then destined to spend eternity apart from God in hell. This is a tough statement, but it is absolutely true.

I’m glad we can define this most essential truth about salvation and give direction how to receive it with 13 simple words: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth” (Isa 45:22). A look can be a non seeing glance or a steady gaze that indicates the beginning of a lifelong focus concentrated on Jesus Christ. It can also be the beginning of a person’s salvation and a glorious life that lasts forever.

Lord, help me to share your message with those who need to experience Your salvation.