They Cannot Deny It

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Friday March 24, 2017

Topic: They Cannot Deny It

Text: Acts 4:15 – 18

The Council was in a dilemma on what to do with the Apostles as they had performed an undeniable and widely publicized miraculous healing of the man born lame. This miracle and others done by the Apostles made the masses to gravitate toward Christianity abandoning the Jewish religion. Their problem now was how they could save their faces (in light of the obviously healed man), discourage further teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, and preserve the status quo.

Their solution to the above concerns was to order them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again. Unfortunately, their power and position could not convince them to be silent. When God’s will is unfolding, no one can stop it (Acts 5:34 – 39). Again, His works do not leave traces of doubt behind. The healing of this man was so obvious that the Council couldn’t deny it. They attested to it.

Most unbelievers question our salvation too when they discover that our lives do not reflect the confession we make. We give unbelievers room to doubt our faith when we compromise and live carelessly. Can people in your office, school, neighbourhood, and other places where you may be found say that your salvation and faith are undeniable? Can people actually vouch that you are a true Christian? Ponder on these questions and where there is need; amend your ways now by repenting of your sins before it will be too late.          

Food for Thought: Can people question your credibility as a Christian?

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 16b

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to live well so that people can’t deny or question whether I am a Christian indeed.

The Uniqueness Of Jesus

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday March 22, 2017

Topic: The Uniqueness Of Jesus

Text: Acts 4:5 – 12  

Sometimes, do you wonder why the Pharisees and Sadducees were always picking at Jesus and His disciples even when there are no obvious reasons for such? How can they quarrel with the disciples over the healing of a man born lame instead of being happy and returning the glory to God? The reason for this kind of behaviour is nothing but selfishness and envy or else what would have instigated such action? However, thanks to God for the boldness and authority of the disciples.

Peter used that opportunity to rebuke their hypocrisy, hatred and wickedness against Jesus Christ. He listed what made Jesus unique. Christ was the rejected stone which turned out to be the cornerstone. Peter asserted that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. All these things mention in Acts 4:10 – 12 by Peter made Christ unique.

There are two kinds of courage: reckless courage, knowing the danger, faces it without knowing the consequences and the fearless courage that knows the peril and yet is undaunted. Peter’s boldness is of the latter as he was bold to challenge these men. We should be bold to speak out for Jesus Christ not minding the consequences because of His uniqueness. He even charged us to risk our lives for Him (Matthew 10:39; 16:25). If Jesus Christ in His uniqueness died for us, what will be too much to offer Him? We should show the world the uniqueness of Jesus Christ by living His life. This will make the world to appreciate that He is unique indeed.

Food for Thought: 2 Timothy 2:5 – 6

Memory verse: Acts 4 verse 12 - And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Prayer: Lord God, let the words of my mouth and the life I live show the world the uniqueness of Christ.