Open Heaven Devotional 1st October 2024, Thursday Daily Reading Guide
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TOPIC: The Mystery Of Our Faith
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MEMORISE
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:3
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 18:1-5
The Christian walk is very unique. This is because Christianity is dependent on an individual’s ability to believe. As a result of this, Christians are generally called ‘believers’. A scientist might say, “Prove it to me, and I will believe you,” but in Christendom, God says, “Believe Me, and I will prove it to you.” This is the mystery of Christianity.
To an unbeliever, our faith is proof that we, as Christians, are not wise. This is because a natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). However, in 1 Corinthians 1:27, the Bible tells us that God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. For example, it does not make sense to unbelievers when we say that a virgin gave birth to Jesus Christ. Most times, they think to themselves, “How can a virgin give birth?”
Jesus said something very important in our memory verse for today. He said that only those who are like children will inherit the kingdom. In other words, you must believe Him like a child believes his or her parents, whether what they say makes sense or not. Many people make the mistake of trying to relate with God logically. This is impossible because the Bible says that God’s ways and thoughts are beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9).
There are people who argue against Christianity with logic. Do not argue with such people because you cannot explain Christianity logically. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:23-25 to avoid unnecessary arguments with people concerning the truth of God’s word.
The way to prove that God is real is not through arguments but by the display of power as Elijah did in 1 Kings 18. Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” Furthermore, John 4:48 says, “…Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” No matter how hard you try, you cannot win anyone to Christ by an argument.
Once you have shared the gospel of Christ with unbelievers, commit their hearts to God, as it is only the Holy Spirit that can convict and convert them. Do not argue with them about your Christian faith, rather, ask God to use you for signs and wonders so that when they see the power of God, they will surrender without any argument.
Beloved, I pray that the power of God will be evident in your life and that He will use you to lead many people into His kingdom, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINT
Father, use me to showcase Your power so that I can win my generation for You.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: John 3-4
HYMN 21
STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST MY KING
1. Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain: Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3. Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Open Heaven Devotional 1st November 2024 Daily Reading guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
