DCLM Higher Everyday 18 December 2022 — Resources for good reading

DCLM Higher Everyday 18 December 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Resources for good reading

TOPIC: RESOURCES FOR GOOD READING

TEXT: ACTS 8:26-35

26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

MEMORY VERSE: “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this…” (ACTS 8:31, 32a).

MESSAGE:

Christian youths are not supposed to be novices in the knowledge of the word of God. God’s ultimate expectation for every believer is maturity. “Brethren, be not children in understanding… but in understanding be men” (1 Corinthians 14:20).

Thomas Chain Reference Bible, Strong or Cruden’s Concordance Study Bibles are materials believers take joy in possessing in days gone by. Today, Christians are better positioned because apart from these books, computer software Bible materials that can edify believers are now available.

Resources for studying the Bible are packaged in software such as e-Sword, Theophilus, Power Bible CD. Bible based Christian websites like the dclm.org where past messages are preserved in audio and video; tracks for personal edification and soul-winning; magazines and soul-stirring books meant purposefully for youths are readily available. As you explore this site, you will discover the amazing repository of spiritual wealth packaged therein.

However, none of these materials and study aids is to replace the Bible. Rather, they are supposed to aid our understanding of it. We have more opportunities today than the Ethiopian eunuch.

QUOTE: We have more opportunities today.

CHALLENGE: The Bible is supreme.

PRAYER: Father, help me not to remain a babe but grow in grace.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)