OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - TUESDAY - 14/10/2014 - THE OLD TIME RELIGION - BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

THE OLD TIME RELIGION

Memorise

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:16

Read

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Message

In a world of confusing and conflicting messages, there is need from time to time to check your foundation and the core of your faith as a Christian. You need the ‘old-time religion’ (Jeremiah 6:16). Ours is not dead religion as practised by the world, but rather, a way of life in the Spirit that has its foundation on belief in the Bible as the word of God. We believe in the Trinity, the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His atonement and resurrection, the need for repentance, new birth, justification, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, grace (and the possibility of falling from it), the rapture, the second coming of Christ, the judgments, Heaven and Hell. The believers of old were sticklers to the word of God. They knew that the word of God was good enough and sufficient for them. Joshua 1:8 says,

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

It is imperative that you believe and obey the word of God. If only the children of God would believe His word and obey it, the blessings they would get from God would not only grant them material success, but also eternal life. In addition, they will enjoy good health and safety from evil men and women. The word of God is a Book of Redemption. It has the inspiration (breath) of God in it. God had the Bible written by revelation; it was transmitted through a method free of error and mistakes. The word of God is authentic because every word in the Bible is inspired (Matthew 5:18). All the written words of God are immortal, infallible, and indestructible (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:23). Has God made you a promise in His word? Believe and hold on to it. That promise will definitely come to fulfilment. The Bible is also a supernatural revelation from God. As such, it has supernatural effects upon the heart, soul (mind) and will of man. It is a dynamic revelation from God which has dynamic quality. The word of God is effectual (Isaiah 55:10-11) and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), having the power to save, heal, deliver, and to set free. It cleanses (Psalm 119:9), gives wisdom and understanding (Psalm 19:7) and brings comfort and peace (Romans 15:4). It is only through obedience to the word of God that we can remain holy and preserved from sin and error. Do you want to be fulfilled on earth? Do you want to enjoy peace of mind? Do you want to be victorious? Do you want to make it to heaven? Read, meditate on and obey the word of God.

Action Point

Have you read your Bible today? Begin to study the word of God on daily basis from today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

2 Samuel 12-13

Proverbs 11:18-31