DAILY MANNA
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 2020
SAVED TO SERVE
TEXT: ACTS 14:1-7.
KEY VERSE “And there they preached the gospel” (ACTS 14:7).
In this world where materialism holds sway, one of the cardinal principles that govern social interaction, particularly in business is ‘Quid pro quo’ – that is, nothing goes for nothing. In the U.S., the Yankees often intone, “there is no free lunch in New York.” But there is free lunch and much more with God. He sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity. The sinner therefore needs not pay any price for the salvation of his soul. The Almighty freely forgives the iniquities of the sinner. We need to reciprocate this great kindness by passing on the message of salvation.
In this passage, we see the apostles fleeing to Lystra and Derbe when they became aware of the determined hostility against them because of their preaching in Iconium. Many today have abandoned the preaching of the gospel because of real or imagined hostility against them by opposers of the gospel. Yet, they fail to realise that there are no rights without corresponding responsibilities. The price for our redemption was paid with the life of the sinless Son of God. We are not redeemed to remain idle.
The reason God has left us here on earth after we become born again is so that we can serve. And the greatest service we can render to Him, in appreciation for the vicarious death of Jesus Christ for our salvation, is to preach the gospel.
Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins; we must spread the good news to reciprocate His kind gesture.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY The redeemed is saved to serve.
COVER TO COVER LEVITICUS 8-11.
MEDITATION
The kingdom warfare
- Without satanic deception, coupled with man’s nature, no sane person will refuse the good news of Christ v1.
- A gospel without conquering first in the spiritual realm will not yield an enduring fruit vv2-4.
- When Satan is losing out in the spiritual realm, he turns on violent physical attacks v5.
- Satan must be comfortable with your Christianity if there is no opposition or persecution from enemies within or without v5.
- Every fiendish opposition should be turned to another friendly opportunity to preach the gospel vv6,7. No to discouragement!
Lord, work in me and make me a wrestler for the gospel
Ask for power to always conquer the subtle or overt attacks of the enemy
Any unyielding sinner you want to see saved? Ask God to help you to prevail in prayers for him/her
Let God arise, expose and destroy all subtle or violent means Satan is using against the gospel in this nation.
HYMN Onward Christian soldiers
1.
Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
2
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
3
Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we—
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.
4
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
5
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.
