Saturday, October 3, 2015

Saturday, October 3rd: Ezekiel 33-34, John 16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 33-34; John 16

Our Chapter 33 we see the importance of being a watchman and speaking the truth.  We are responsible to share the good news of the gospel to those around us.  We are not responsible for their response to it, but we are responsible to tell them about it in the first place.  When is the last time I/you shared the gospel with someone who needed to hear it?

It also speaks about the folly of trying to have your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds in the hopes that salvation will be granted if you tip the scales in the right direction.  We know that good deeds will not save us, but genuine believers will demonstrate good works as proof of their faith.

Chapter 34 speaks about leadership again.  False teachers and poor leaders will be responsible for what happens to the people they deceived or did a poor job leading.  This is a judgment on false teachers, as well as a warning to Christian leaders.  And it also points to the true shepherd that came in the God-man Jesus Christ who would lead His people perfectly.

In our NT passage we read about the tremendous ministry and power of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the One that works in people's hearts when we have shared the message of the gospel, as we talked about earlier.  He convicts of sin, calls people to repentance, reveals God's righteousness to all who believe, and demonstrates God's judgment over Satan.

At the end of our passage Jesus reassures His disciples, and us, that even though there will be struggles and trials in this life, we will never be alone, and ultimately we will share in His victory over this world.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ezekiel 35-36; John 17

1 comment:

Pamela said...

22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

This verse makes me think of the school shooting where students were murdered when asked if they were Christians. For the family and friends left behind they will have sorrow here on earth but they will see their loved one again. That comfort can bring joy in the midst of sadness.