Faith Restores Life

Opening Verse

 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”  — John 20:22 (KJV)

 

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is a powerful force that can transform lives, bringing the spiritually dead back to life. Just as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can restart a physical heart, the Holy Spirit can revive a person’s spiritual heart.

 

Devotional Story

Consider a man named Peter. He had been wandering through life, feeling empty and lost. His heart was heavy with guilt and shame from past mistakes. One day, a friend who was filled with the Holy Spirit shared the love of Jesus with him. As Peter listened, he felt something stir within him. It was as if his dead spirit was being shocked back to life. He prayed, inviting the Holy Spirit into his heart, and from that moment, his life was transformed. Peter found purpose, joy, and a new beginning through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

What This Means

The Holy Spirit can work through anyone willing to be an instrument of God’s love. You can be like an AED, reviving those who are spiritually dead around you. By sharing the Gospel and living a life filled with the Holy Spirit, you can help others experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

 

Think About This

– Have you felt the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

– Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit use you to revive others?

– How can you be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your daily interactions?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask that You fill me with Your Spirit and use me to bring life to those who are spiritually dead. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading and bold in sharing Your love. May Your power flow through me to touch and transform lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 (KJV)

 

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Holy Spirit, spiritual revival, transformation, Gospel, witnessing, p ower of God, faith, new life

Living a New Life

Opening Verse:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2, KJV

Introduction

In Romans 6:1-2, Paul confronts a critical question about the Christian life. These verses challenge believers to consider the implications of grace and how it transforms our lives.

Devotional Story

Imagine a person who has been sick for many years finally receiving a cure. This cure isn’t just a temporary fix; it completely eradicates the illness, giving them a new chance at life. Would it make sense for them to go back and willingly expose themselves to the same sickness again?

In the same way, when we accept Jesus Christ, our old life of sin is cured. We are given a new identity and a fresh start. Paul uses this passage to remind us that returning to our old ways after experiencing God’s grace contradicts the very essence of our healing.

What This Means

For Christians, continuing in sin after receiving salvation is like to the cured person returning to their illness. Paul’s strong words, “God forbid,” underline that our actions should align with our new identity in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but alive to God.

Think About This

How do you view your past sins and current temptations in light of God’s grace? Are there areas in your life where you might be ‘returning to the illness’ despite having been cured?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that not only forgives my sins but also empowers me to live a new life in Christ. Help me to turn away from old patterns and to embrace the life You’ve prepared for me. Guide me in Your ways, so I may truly live free from the bonds of sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4, KJV