Memorise: and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
Read: Ephesians 4:17-24
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of[a] the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Bible in one year: Exodus 4-6, Isaiah 59:16-60:7
AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL
1. An encounter with Jesus Christ is such a powerful experience that it can bring about a change of name (Mark 3:16). This change of name indicates a change of destiny.
2. His power of transformation changes you from a sinner to a saint (Romans 1:7).
3. There is no greater change than that of a changed life made possible by the redeeming power in the blood of Jesus Christ.
4. If you were known as a night crawler before encountering Jesus, you will become known as a more responsible person after encountering Him.
5. The truth is, if you really encounter Jesus Christ, you will lose most of your old friends because it would be difficult for them to relate with the new you. They won’t understand you anymore, because you won’t talk the way you used to talk, drink like you used to drink or even dress the way they dress.
6. Following a definite encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, what you like and hate will change, so much so that if you fail to leave your old friends, they will be the ones to desert you.
7. If you say you are born again, and all of your old pals still feel comfortable around you, your salvation is most likely not genuine.
8. Before I became born again, I had many friends, some of whom were sailors. When they returned from their trips, they brought me assorted alcoholic drinks. Therefore, when my friends wanted to drink alcohol, they would visit me because they knew I would have a lot in store. They sometimes said they could not pass by the house of the king without saying hello to the king. I never knew I was king of alcohol in those days. However, after my conversion, when my old friends visited me, I would offer them soft drinks. They would protest, saying that I already knew the choice alcoholic drinks they normally enjoyed, but I simply told them that I did not stock such anymore. Consequently, I lost most of my friends, but today, God has given me like-minded, godly people as replacements.
9. Have you truly encountered Jesus? What changes have you noticed in your life?
10. Are you still keeping all your old friends, or have they observed the changes in your life and dumped you?
11. Sometimes, some people are afraid of losing their old friends, and as a result, they do everything to hide their new found faith from them. This is unacceptable in the Kingdom of God.
12. The reality is that if you have met Jesus, you are linked to the greatest Friend anyone could ever have.
13. You should be proud of that and let all your friends know about it.
14. If you are ashamed of Him here on earth, He too will be ashamed to talk about you in Heaven (Mark 8:38).
SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS
A new creature can never fit into the old picture of his being. When Christ steps in, the identity changes completely. Everything you do looks strange to your former caucus. This doesn’t mean we should try to adjust just to please them. We should rather joyfully tell them of our new identity in Christ and draw them near to be a partaker. May we never deny our union with Christ just to be friends with the world in Jesus name. James 4:4 says that- Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. We should therefore be grateful for our new life in Christ Jesus and bold declare it to as many as we can as well as call them to join God’s family. God bless Pastor E.A Adeboye for this great insight into the word of God.
Action Point
Some people have bars in their house. If you are truly saved, such bars should not accommodate any alcoholic drinks. Get rid of that alcohol!
HYMN
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, No turning back
Though none go with me still I will follow
Though none go with me still I will follow
Though none go with me still I will follow
No turning back, No turning back
My cross I’ll carry, till i see Jesus
My cross I’ll carry, till i see Jesus
My cross I’ll carry, till i see Jesus
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the Cross before me
The world behind me, the Cross before me
The world behind me, the Cross before me
No turning back, No turning back
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Joesphine Ehigie
TJ