Today’s Devotion
Topic: Gospel Of Power!
Text: 1 Corinthians 4: 20
20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of POWER. Amen
We live in a very scientific age now. Several versions of sophisticated technology keep churning out of industries every hour. Everything that would appeal to our conscience must first make logical sense else it be considered a mirage and treated as such.
Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers of the gospel are having a difficult time defending the faith to a rather hostile generation who demand to be logically convinced before believing. To satisfy this demand, some preachers have had to reduce the Word of God to logical modules for interlectual appeal, debates and arguements. Raising a generation of believers who have a sense of godliness, but denies its power there of (2 Timothy 3: 5)
Dearly Beloved, the truth remains that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. From the days of Apostle Paul, the message of the cross has remained foolishness to those who are perishing. However to those of us being saved, we know it is the power of God unto salvation (1 Corinthians 1: 18). Is it not time to preach the word of God with power?
Remember the gospel does not only appeal to the conscience of its hearers, but also places a demand for the regeneration of the soul. And only the power of God can make that possible. Even if we make people believe the gospel logically, without the power of the Holy Ghost to ensure regeneration, our work is not complete.
Secondly, matters of truth need not make logical sense to be believed. They are eternal, just as it should be. Jesus one day told Nicodemus in John 3: 3 that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless his is born again”. Nicodemus’ subsequent response proved that what Jesus said did not make logical sense to him. He asked “How can a man be born when He is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4)
“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ’You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3 : 5- 8).
Obviously Jesus was not talking about physical rebirth to invite Nicodemus’ logical debate. He was talking of a spiritual rebirth that can only be possible by the act of God’s mighty power to translate a sinner from darkness to light.
Rise up therefore and preach this Gospel of Power; being not intimidated by their logical debates and arguements. The Spirit who rose Jesus from the death will quicken your mortal body for exploits.
Jesus said to His disciples right before His ascension “.. stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24: 49b). You too pray for divine empowerment for the spread of the gospel. It is our duty to make Jesus known to the uttermost part of the earth. THEN THE END SHALL COME.
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