C.A.C LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR JULY 18, 2022 : TOPIC – HOW REPENTANCE CAN HELP YOU
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCHBTHE LIVING WATER
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: July 18, 2022.
(Nelson Mandela international Day & World Listening Day)
TOPIC: HOW REPENTANCE CAN HELP YOU
READ: Luke 13:1-5
[1] There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
[2] And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
[3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
[4] Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
[5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
MEMORISE:
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” (Acts 2:3)
EXPOSITION
One message that should be prioritised in our lives and churches is that of repentance-a change of life and attitude, but unfortunately, the reverse is the case in some places. Many preachers deliberately prioritise “how to” messages-making money, doing business, getting suitable partners, etc., that cannot take them far. Instead, the depraved man needs salvation messages to be free from Satan, sin, death and hell (cf. Jn. 1:29).
Jesus does tell people the importance of repentance. In fact, terrible consequences await those who reject to repent and be saved (Lk. 13:1-5). Repentance is the key to prosperous life here and hereafter. With repentance, you seal your fate with God, and are free from the captivity of sin and death. Blissful and refreshing living is associated with genuine repentance (Acts 3:19).
When a man repents, there is a great joy in heaven (Lk. 15:7). It is not enough to be remorseful (feeling sorrowfully sorry/sober for sin). That didn’t help Judas. Only repentance and confession of sin lead to conversion (2 Cor. 7:10). Let godly sorrow lead you to repentance. See what repentance from sin did to Peter compared to the remorseful Judas. The former came out of the predicament to lead the church; the latter wasted himself (Matt. 27:3-10; Lk. 22:55-62). The power of repentance that brings about divine forgiveness, reformation and changed life can never be overemphasised. Never stop listening to repentance and salvation messages as today commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day and World Listening Day.
PRAYER POINT:
1. Lord, I refuse to deceive myself on the issue of repentance leading to genuine spiritual birth and Christian maturity.
2. Lord, pull off the garment ofself-righteousness and pride. come to You today, like Nicodemus. Meet my real need.
3. Holy Spirit, help our church leaders to prioritise the message of repentance, salvation and Christian grown towards maturity, in Jesus’ name.
HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 724
1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the Cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet-call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day!
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone:
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Christian’s armour,
And watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 27 – 29
AUTHOR
C. A. C. Worldwide
Remain blessed