Devotional Blog - Thursday, January 5th

Devotional Blog - Thursday, January 5th

Daily Devotional for Thursday, January 5

The Demonstration of Grace

People for thousand of years have been fascinated by things that appear to be supernatural or magical. Can you imagine the awe towards the first fellow who managed to start a fire? People probably came from all around to see such magic! Even today, we are fascinated by such things. Illusionists and “magicians,” still draw big crowds and provide great entertainment. We love that stuff. Sadly, there are many illusionists and magicians operating in the religious world as well, who are not out to entertain but to profit from the amazed masses.

The Apostles, under the power of the Holy Spirit, performed many signs and wonders. They did these not to profit, but to establish their credentials as Apostles of God. Showing the power of God illustrated their authority to speak on His behalf. As we believe, these signs are no longer needed, because we have God’s full authority to speak provide to us in the completed Bible. As long as we speak that, we speak legitimately for God.

On the other hand, there is still a lot we can show to the world. What we can show them is that Jesus made us different. The power of a changed life is immense. The change in us should be so notable that people look at us and say: “Wow, what happened to him!” Sadly, in many cases others do not even know a Christian is a Christian, because there is no change in us. Or worse yet, we jump right on the world’s bandwagon of hate and vitriol and act just like they do. Friends, the Holy Spirit has regenerated us if we are saved; we just have to let Him work so that our outside is different too.

 

Just a Thought! A changed life shows God’s transforming power better than any sign or wonder can.

Wally Fry