Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God

Devotional For July 22, 2023

Encouragement

As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to safeguard and uphold the purity of the Gospel message, resisting any deviation or distortion of the Gospel that may arise from false teachings or worldly influences. What is our role in doing so?

  1. Reject False Teachings: We must discern and reject any teachings that stray from the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We must be diligent to examine the beliefs and doctrines we encounter, ensuring they align with the teachings of the Bible.
  2. Stay Rooted in God’s Word: In order to identify false teachings, it is vital to be well-grounded in the Scriptures. Regular study and meditation on God’s Word will equip us with discernment.
  3. Guard the Gospel: The Gospel is the cornerstone of Christianity. We are entrusted with safeguarding this precious message and passing it on faithfully to generations to come. We must resist the temptation to modify it to conform to our society or personal preferences.
  4. Avoid Compromise: The world may pressure Christians to compromise in our beliefs to be accepted or avoid conflict. Compromising the Gospel is not an option. Instead, we are called to stand boldly for Christ and His teachings.
  5. Seek Unity in Truth: When we all hold firm to the truth of the Gospel, we can stand together as a strong and unified community, bearing witness to God’s love and grace.

Are you anchoring yourself in God’s Word? Are you boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel? There is someone needing hope and redemption and you might just be the one who reveals the need of salvation to them.

Pray

Lord, thank You for giving me illumination to the truth of Your Word. Help me to boldly protect against false teachings. Give me discernment to recognize when teachings do not align to the Bible. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 21, 2023

Encouragement

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
‭‭I John‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬

John provides a clear distinguishing fact to recognizing the Spirit of God—the confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. It is important that we discern between the Spirit of God and false spirits.

The confession that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is at the heart of our Christian faith. It affirms the profound truth that Jesus took on human form to dwell among men. This essential belief distinguishes the Spirit of God from the spirits of the devil.

As believers, it is crucial to have discernment in our daily journey. There are various voices and influences grabbing our attention and claiming to be from God. John tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and consider their source.

The confession of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh speaks of God’s love and grace reaching out to humanity. It reveals Jesus as the Messiah and the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). A false spirit will not glorify Jesus.

As we encounter various teachings and beliefs, let us hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. Let us align our hearts and minds with the Spirit of God. We can grow in discernment through studying the Word of God and prayer.

Are you paying careful attention to what is grabbing your attention? Discern if it is the Spirit of God or a false spirit that is deceiving you.

Pray

Lord, I thank You for sending Jesus to be my mediator. Grant me discernment to recognize the Spirit of God in a world filled with various voices. Strengthen me to share the truth of Your love with others, that they too may come to know the salvation found in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Devotional For July 20, 2023

Encouragement

holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages believers to hold fast to the word of life. This call reminds us that our lives should be lived with purpose and dedication.

The “word of life” that Paul refers to is the Gospel, the message of salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ. In a world full of despair and uncertainty, our faith, in Christ, should draw others towards the source of true life.

Being a light in the world is not always easy. Challenges, distractions, and the many temptations that surround us, dim our spiritual glow. The enemy seeks to make us think that our labor is in vain.

It is in these moments that Paul’s challenge becomes even more critical. To “hold fast” implies a firm grip, a strong commitment to the truth of the Gospel, and a deep devotion to Christ.

By holding fast to the word of life, we position ourselves with God’s purposes and find joy in knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Our lives take on eternal significance when we become faithful stewards of the Gospel, spreading its message through both words and actions.

Examine yourself to see if you are truly holding fast to the word of life. Are you living in a way that reflects the light of Christ? Are your actions, attitudes, and words drawing others closer to Jesus?

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your word, which brings life and hope into my soul. Help me to hold fast to the Gospel, to remain committed in my faith. Make my life to be a testimony to your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.