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God’s Message Interpreted
Read Daniel 5:17-31
“This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it” (v. 26).
Effective witness is based on God’s Word. When the strange message appeared on King Belshazzar’s wall, no one could understand its meaning. Not even the wisest astrologers and soothsayers of his kingdom were able to decipher the words that had materialized. What could the king do?
The queen recalled a man named Daniel, in whom was “the spirit of the holy gods,” a man of excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding, who had interpreted dreams and dissolved doubts (vs. 10-12). The king called Daniel and presented him with the problem — and God gave His prophet the meaning of the words and conveyed through him the divine message.
Philip also used God’s Word as the foundation of witness when he spoke with the eunuch on the Gaza road. The eunuch was traveling in his chariot, reading a scroll, and puzzling over the words of Isaiah 53. Like Belshazzar, the eunuch read words he did not comprehend. “Does this man speak of himself or of someone else?” he asked (Acts 8:34). Evangelist Philip, using Isaiah’s words as his text, “opened his mouth . . . and preached unto him Jesus” (v. 35).
Salvation comes by way of God’s Word. We are saved through faith in Him and His promises, not by human platitudes or pronouncements. Using appropriate Scripture is a key means of giving effective witness. (SEH)
God delights in the sharing of His Word.
This week’s featured devotional is the Tuesday, May 16, 2014 entry of Opening the Word. Order your copy!
A Powerful Testimony
May 11, 2014 - Lesson 11
Printed Text: Acts 26:19-29
Central Truth: A Christian should take advantage of every opportunity to witness for Christ.
Lesson Outline:
- An Accusation (Acts 25:1-27)
- A Witness (Acts 26:1-23)
- A Rejection (Acts 26:24-32)
Delivered From Trouble
Read Daniel 3:26-30
“Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire” (v. 26).
What a wonderful testimony of the power of God! The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego must have greatly encouraged the faithful Jews and brought conviction to those who were compromising their faith.
Life may be fairly safe and comfortable where you and I are living today, but in many parts of the world God’s people are paying a high price to maintain their testimony and their separation from the world. As we move toward the end of the age, the furnace of opposition will be heated hotter and hotter, and the pressure to conform will become stronger and stronger. It will take a great deal of grace, prayer, courage, and faith for the holy people of God to stand tall for holiness, while others are bowing the knee to the gods of this world.
Revelation 13 and 14 tell of a day when those who refuse to obey the godless leader will not even be allowed to buy and sell the basic necessities of life. May God help us to be faithful to the end and keep our trust in the God of deliverance. (Marshall Mosley)
Trust in God’s power to deliver you!
This week’s featured devotional is the Thursday, May 1, 2014 entry of Opening the Word. Order your copy!
Photo credit: "flaming gold" by palo used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized and cropped.
A Positive Defense
May 4, 2014 - Lesson 11
Printed Text: Acts 24:10-21
Central Truth: To be effective, a Christian’s witness must be based upon his own experience and knowledge of Christ.
Lesson Outline:
- A False Accusation (Acts 24:1-9)
- A Bold Defense (Acts 24:10-21)
- A Deferred Judgment (Acts 24:22-27)
Results of Revival
April 27, 2014 - Lesson 10
Printed Text: Acts 19:1-12, 18-20
Central Truth: The preaching of the Word of God in faith and power leads to repentance, regeneration, and revival.
Lesson Outline:
- Receiving the Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)
- Experiencing Revival (Acts 19:8-12)
- Demonstrating Repentance (Acts 19:13-20)
A Plea for Revival
Read Psalm 85:1-13
“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (v. 6).
The familiar hymn by William P. Mackay had three verses of praise to God before this plea from Psalm 85:6: “Revive us again.” This is a good way to begin seeking revival. Give thanks for all God has done. Then begin considering what we believers should do to promote revival.
Four potted plants may serve to illustrate the likeness between plants and the Christian walk. One was healthy and growing. One was very droopy. One was not the right shade of green. One was too small and spindly and had grass growing in the soil. The learners observed that water, sunlight, and plant food were all needed for healthy plants. Grass should be removed. When all that is done, healthy plants grow and become stronger.
Christians should be growing in grace and becoming stronger in faith. God increases our capacity to be like Him, and to influence others for good as we grow. In order to grow we need:
Prayer -- Constantly keep in touch with God and pray specifically for revival and the needs of the local church.
Bible study -- Feed on God’s Word.
Walking in the light -- Be totally obedient to the known will of God.
Getting rid of the weeds -- Receive God’s grace to remove addictions
and bad habits.
Thanksgiving and praise to God -- Appreciate Him! (SSC)
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (Jas. 4:8).
This week’s featured devotional is the Friday, April 25, 2014 entry of Opening the Word. Order your copy!
Photo credit: "Hiking boot plant pots" by Bods used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized and cropped.