THE SIGN OF NEW BIRTH: Devotion for Thursday September 24, 2015

THE SIGN OF NEW BIRTH         Thursday September 24, 2015

Text: 1 Peter 1:22 - 23              Memory verse: v 22

P

eter expects that Christian growth in purity and holiness would result in deeper love among Christians—not merely outward appearance or profession, but sincere love for Christian brothers and sisters. Despite our differences and disagreements, we can have sincere love for one another, and as we grow in holiness, we can learn to love each other intensely because of the Holy Spirit within us (John 13:34-35).

Peter gave another reason to love others: Believers have a common ground in Christ. We have all been born again; we are sinners saved by grace. Our new life did not come from our earthly parents; that life will one day end in death. Our new life will last forever because it was given to us by the eternal, living word of God. God’s word lives and endures forever, because God who gave it lives and endures from eternity past to eternity future. How much do you love others? That is evidence that you are truly born again.

Food for Thought: Do you have evidence to prove that you are born again?

Prayer: God, help me to love others as you loved me in Jesus name.  

GROW IN GRACE

GROW IN GRACE                   Tuesday April 28, 2015

Text: 2 Peter 3:14 – 18           Memory verse: v 18

Family Bible Notes sagely says that “The grand safeguard against the seductions of error, and the most powerful means of increase in holiness, is increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ; that experimental knowledge which is obtained under the teaching of the Holy Ghost by daily searching the Scriptures.” It is on this premise and understanding of this wise counsel that Peter gave the admonition in our text.

Here Peter advised us to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Religion in general is often represented as grace, since every part of it is the result of grace, or of unmerited favour; and to grow in grace is to increase in that which constitutes true religion. Christians grow in grace as they understand that they are living by God’s grace alone—so everything they do is a result of that grace. That is why Christian religion is all about grace.

They also grow in knowledge as they search and study the Scriptures, pray, listen to sound teachers, and apply that knowledge to their daily lives. Application of the words of God we hear or read is the key to Christian growth. If Christians do these things, they will not need to fear being influenced by false teachers.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 2:2

Prayer: God, grant me all I need to grow in grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.