Today’s WORD (Text) Luke 24:45 - 48
45/ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46/ and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47/ and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48/ You are witnesses of these things.
Today’s Witness
After Jesus’ suffering on the cross and his resurrection from the dead comes the churches proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name to every nation throughout the world. This is the heart of the Gospel. This is evangelical Christianity defined. Evangelical is not a political party or conservative doctrine; nor is it a racial or geographical category. Evangelicalism is the Church’s practice of preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations. Repentance involves a conversion of heart, attitude, and practice from a self-centered mindset toward a heart of love for God and others. We are to love God and our neighbors so unconditionally to the point of becoming reconciled with the loving God and reconciled with others. A church that does not seek reconciliation, reunion and community with the world outside its walls is not an evangelical church. Our assignment is to preach that the sins of the entire world are forgiven and that we are invited to model to the entire world what reconciliation with God and others looks like. Christ died for all generations and nations without discrimination! We are sent to be evangels or witnesses of this good news.
Today’s Invitation
Try to explain the church’s mission in the world in your own words in the simplest terms while avoiding unfamiliar theological jargon.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for fulfilling everything that was written about you in the sacred book long before your incarnation. Because you lived, died, and arose from the dead, we have sufficient ground on which to stand, ample evidence to become your followers, and adequate reasons to believe in your holy name. Make us your witnesses to the whole world of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Help us to emulate your example in all that we say, do and exemplify. Empower your Church with the holy boldness we need to proclaim your truth to all nations, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash
Today’s WORD (Text) Luke 24:45 - 48
45/ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46/ and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47/ and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48/ You are witnesses of these things.
Today’s Witness
After Jesus’ suffering on the cross and his resurrection from the dead comes the churches proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name to every nation throughout the world. This is the heart of the Gospel. This is evangelical Christianity defined. Evangelical is not a political party or conservative doctrine; nor is it a racial or geographical category. Evangelicalism is the Church’s practice of preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations. Repentance involves a conversion of heart, attitude, and practice from a self-centered mindset toward a heart of love for God and others. We are to love God and our neighbors so unconditionally to the point of becoming reconciled with the loving God and reconciled with others. A church that does not seek reconciliation, reunion and community with the world outside its walls is not an evangelical church. Our assignment is to preach that the sins of the entire world are forgiven and that we are invited to model to the entire world what reconciliation with God and others looks like. Christ died for all generations and nations without discrimination! We are sent to be evangels or witnesses of this good news.
Today’s Invitation
Try to explain the church’s mission in the world in your own words in the simplest terms while avoiding unfamiliar theological jargon.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for fulfilling everything that was written about you in the sacred book long before your incarnation. Because you lived, died, and arose from the dead, we have sufficient ground on which to stand, ample evidence to become your followers, and adequate reasons to believe in your holy name. Make us your witnesses to the whole world of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Help us to emulate your example in all that we say, do and exemplify. Empower your Church with the holy boldness we need to proclaim your truth to all nations, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash