Fred's Devo #31 "The Motivational Gift of Teaching"

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7

So far, we have touched on the motivational gifts of prophecy and service. Today, we will discuss the Motivational gift of Teaching. To teach is to give instruction. Teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body of Christ in such a way that others will learn. Teachers protect the body from false teaching and sinful life styles and give us spiritual food on which to grow and mature in our Christian walk. As one who has the gift of teaching,I receive great joy from sharing the Word of God!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving the gift of teaching to the body of Christ. Anoint our teachers to exhort, rebuke, correct and instruct in the ways of God according to II Timothy 3:16. Help me to receive what you have taught me and to walk it out in my daily lifestyle. In Jesus Name! Amen.






*For more information, go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/motivational_gift_of_teaching.pdf

Fred's Devo # 30 "The Motivational Gift of Serving"

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7

If (his or her gift) is service, let him serve. On yesterday, we focused on the motivational gift of prophecy. Today, we discuss the motivational gift of serving. Oh how this gift is needed in the body of Christ! When everyone else is focused on the task at hand, the server is looking at practical things that no one else is noticing. He sees the paper on the floor and picks it up. She sees that the speaker needs a glass of water and gets it. He notices that one of the lights is out in he bathroom and changes it. The person with the gift of service is motivated to meet unmet needs related to God's work and will make use of available resources to meet the needs.*

Prayer: Lord thank you for my brothers and sisters in the body with the gift of service. May we follow their example as they can show us how to love and serve the body in practical ways. Help us all be reminded that we are servants of the most high God. Whether we have the gift of service or not, we can humble ourselves and serve each other. Help us to look for opportunities to serve someone today to the glory of God and for the benefit of the body. In Jesus Name! Amen

For more information see:
http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Serving___Helps.pdf

Devo # 29 The Motivational Gift of Prophecy

"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7

The list of gifts in this passage is described as the Motivational Gifts or Operational gifts. These gifts describe how each person operates in the body. Every believer does not have the same gift(s). It is important to understand the characteristics of each gift, even if you don't have it so that you appreciate your brothers and sisters who do. The root word of prophecy is propheteia, which means inspired speaking forth or making known. Prophecy is "the special ability to perceive and communicate truth and divinely inspired utterances in a timely and relevant manner, for understanding, correction, repentance or edification." This gift is very much needed in the body of Christ. The person with this gift is quick to discern any dishonest motives and is passionate about speaking truth and helping people come out of sin.

I do not have this gift but my wife does. She is a great blessing to me and the body of Christ.

Questions for Reflection: Do I truly appreciate the diversity of gifts that God has placed within the body of Christ? Will I honor the gift of prophecy even when they are speaking something that makes me uncomfortable or challenged?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for placing the motivational gift of prophecy within the body of Christ. Please continue to use those with this gift to speak forth your truth and to guide us away from sin and error and back to truth and righteousness.

*For more information and source sites go to: http://www.cotr.org/assets/pdf/The_Motivational_Gift_Survey.pdf

http://www.netbiblestudy.com/00_cartimages/Perception.pdf
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Fred's Devo #28 On Body: Many Functions part 2

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion" Romans 12:3-5

Just like the human body has many parts, God has created the body of Christ with many different Gifts. Some are up front gifts like preaching and teaching, others are less seen gifts like service and giving. Whatever our gift, we are to use it to the glory of God and in concert with the other gifts, not in competition with other members of the Body of Christ! Again, the gifts are for God's glory and completion of God's mission, not our glory or our agenda. If you don't yet know what your gift(s) is, begin to pray now that the Lord would reveal it to you. Then you will now your role in the body of Christ. In the meantime take advantage of every opportunity to serve him God and bless other members of the body of Christ.

Let's pray: Father, thank you that you have given each of us gifts. Help us to know what our gift(s) is and our role in the body of Christ. Help us to serve you with humility and sensitivity to other members of the body. Forgive me for the times when I am more concerned about how I look, or my chance to shine than giving you the glory or serving the body! I know that this is fleshly and self serving. Lord I commit my gifts to you again this morning. May they be used for your service and glory! May they also bless and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus Name! Amen.

Fred's Devo # 27 One Body with Many Members

3"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)

Today, we will begin to discuss One Body: Many Members

"So in Christ, we who are many form one body,and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to the grace given us."

Christians should not see themsleves, just as individuals reconciled to God through salvation. Certainly we thank God for our salvation; but in addition to that, we are connected to each other. Just like the individual parts of our body are connected to and interdependent on each other; so we are connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need them to survive.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I have acted like an independent Christian and not appreciated how important the body of Christ is to my growth and survival. Thank you for the precious body of Christ! Help me to love and serve my brothers and sisters to your Glory! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Devo # 26 "Don't Think You're All That" part 2

God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one bod "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith y, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)

Yesterday, we discussed the fact that the writer, the Apostle Paul, though he was "top dog" over the church, recognized his dependence on God's grace! So we too need to remain humble, in recognition of God's unmerited favor towards us. Today we will examine the phrase, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather with sober judgement in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Our gifts, talents resources and even our training and experiences are God given or God granted. If we are highly gifted, acknowledge that before God and give Him the glory. It is not necessary to pretend that we are not gifted and blessed. In fact many of us are gifted beyond measure! The purpose of those gifts is not for our own glory, but God's. These gifts, resources, talents, experiences and opportunities are to be used as a blessing to the body of Christ and to the world. If we do not yet recognize our gifts, we are nonetheless valuable before God and a precious member of the body of Christ. Everyone has something to give even the newest baby Christian!

Lord, thank you for the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me to have a right assesment of my gifts, talents and resources and what I bring to you and to the body of Christ. Help me to serve the body, using these gifts and blessings with a spirit of service and humility. To Your Glory Lord!
In Jesus name Amen!

Devo # 25 "Don't Think You are all That!" part 1

3"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)

You've heard it before. "He thinks he's 'all that' "." Now that she's got that job, she don't speak to nobody!" These phrases describe people who have an have inflated opinion of themselves. In today's passage, Paul tells us that "by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in according to the measure of faith given you." It is interesting that Paul begins his exhortation with "by the grace given me" Grace is God's unmerited favor. Paul clearly saw himself as one was a recipient of God's unmerited favor. He had previously persecuted the church. Although he was a church leader,over churches, he did not have an inflated view of himself.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says that: "by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast." No Christian has a reason to brag, boast or get the big head. We are all recipients of God's marvelous grace. So we should all walk in humility, not pride.

Father, thank you for your unbeleiveable grace in sending your son to die for me so that I could be made right with you! Help me to never forget what you have done for me and to maintain an attitude of gratefulness and humility. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Devo # 24 "Walking in the Will of God"

"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Sooner or later, every believer will want to know "God's will" for this decision or that decision, especially when they come to a crossroads in life: Should I take this job? Should I accept this marriage proposal? Should I join this church? or Should I move to this city? or What should I major in or What type of job should I look for? What is God's will? We often ask these questions as if they exist in a vacuum apart from everything else in our lives.

Today's passage puts knowing God's will in some perspective. Paul tells us that if we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (die to our selfish ambitions and passions) and refuse to conform to the lifestyle, values and thinking patterns of this world, that we will actually flow into God's "good, perfect and pleasing will". I find that when I am not offering myself up to God as a sacrifice or when I am conforming to the world's values, it is hard for me to hear God! It is only when I get into the quiet place of submission and listening that I am able to hear his voice.

Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have gone my own way, refusing to place my life on the altar of sacrifice and failing to allow you to transform me by the renewal of my mind. I submit to you today afresh and anew so that I may flow into your good and perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Devo # 23 "Don't Conform: Transform!"

"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Yesterday, we focused on verse one, present your bodies as a living sacrifice. Today, we focus on verse two. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Wow! that is a tall order. We live in this world and are influenced by it day and night. We are impacted by the people, the values, the lifestyle and the actions of people around us. The tv shows, the music, the movies, our friends, our fleshly desires all put pressure on us to conform to this world. Yet, Christ calls us to become come more and more like him! To be honest, the only way that I will be transformed by Christ is to spend more time with him, in his presence and in the company of his people.

Prayer: Lord I do want to become more like you. Show me the areas in my life where I am still comforming to this world. Help me also to see areas where I am becoming more like you. Help me to let go of the world's fleshly values and help me to stay in your word and in your presence so that I can be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Thank you that this is possible through your word, your holy spirit and my obedience to you.

In Jesus Name! Amen!

Fred's Devo # 22 "Offer yourself as a Living Sacrifice to God!"

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Today we begin a series of devotionals in Romans 12. Today's passage is a challenging one. In a day when the world (even many of us as christians) seem self absorbed and self focused, it is challenging, even shocking to hear an exhortation to sacrifice our bodies (our whole lives) as living sacrifices to God! Yet, that is precisely what the Apostle Paul begs the Roman saints to do - and he does it without apology! In fact, he has the audacity to say that sacrificing our whole bodies to God is our (reasonable service KJV) or spiritual act of worship! He also says that this type of sacrifice is "pleasing to God!" Amazing! Is this message for us today! Yes I think so!

Considering Christ's sacrifice for us, this is a reasonable exhortation.

Lord: Forgive me for the many times that I have failed to make you first in my life! Although it will mean surrendering my will to yours, help me in my desire to submit my body as a living sacrifice to you. I realize that I will need to do that daily. Help me to become a more and more obedient servant each day. To your Glory Lord! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Devo # 21 One God and Father of Us All part 2

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

This will be the last devotional in this series on Ephesians 4:1-6. Tommorrow, we will continue with another passage of scripture.

One God and Father of All who is over all and through all and in all:

We mentioned yesterday that God is the soveriegn ruler over all things. He is also described as the Father of all. What is the role of a Father? The Father is responsible for the very life of his children, He not only brings children into this world but he also provides for them and guides them. God is so ready to guide us as our loving Father if we would submit ourselves to him!

What is my responsibilty as God's child? My responsibility is to spend time with my Father. Read and meditate on his guide book, the Bible and follow his instructions. My goal as an obedient child is not only to do what God says but also to look more and more like him as I grow older!

Prayer: Lord I thank you that you are my loving, caring Father. Thank you for creating me and for providing for me and caring for me! Help me to respond to your love to day with obedience. I want you to be proud of me daddy! I want to be just like you when I grow up!

In Jesus Name! Amen!

Enjoy this song by Amy Grant "Father's Eyes" She essentially says, I want to be like my Father, God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmOEJXNtF0E

Devo # 20 One God and Father of All

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

After challenging us to be united, based on the fact that there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, Pauls final "one statement" is "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflections: As Christians, we believe in one God as revealed in three persons; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Each of the three persons have differing and distinctive roles" from Faith, Vision and the Glory of God" We also know from Genesis that God was "creator of heaven and earth". God has been intimately involved in the affairs of men from the time of the first man, Adam and is intimately involved with us even today! He sent "God, the Son" : Jesus, to redeem us back to himself and Jesus left "God the Holy Spirit" with us when he returned to the Father, We know that God is sovereign above all things in the earth, above the earth and under the earth and yet he loves us. What an amazing God we serve!

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that although you are such a great and awesome God, you love me and put with me and my failings. I love you Lord, I praise and magnify your name. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Devo # 19 - One Baptism, part two

"1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is

one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—

5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and

through all and in all."

On yesterday, we began a discussion of “One Baptism”. Some Christians beleive that this passage refers to water baptism while others think it is talking about Holy Spirit baptism as I described on yesterday. While I hold to the Holy Spirit explanation for this passage, I did want to share a quick explanation of both below from another brother in Christ (see link below the quote):

“As it relates to the believer, there are two different types of baptism in Scripture, ...

. Whenever the word “baptize” or “baptism” is used, it means “to immerse or submerge.”

The first type is baptism by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says:

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

The meaning here is that all believers–that is, all those who have received Jesus Christ by faith and are truly saved–are immersed into the body of Christ, which includes all believers, both living and dead. We don’t have to “ask” for this baptism, or even participate in any kind of ceremony. It’s automatic. And it’s made possible by the Holy Spirit.

The second type of baptism is water baptism, and it is meant to be a witness or a declaration of salvation. It is not a means to salvation. Jesus was baptized, and no one would say that His baptism saved Him. So when you are immersed into the water, you are symbolically identifying with Christ.”

http://christianity101online.com/blog/2009/05/02/what-does-it-mean-to-be-baptized/

Lord, I do thank you that you immersed be into the body of Christ by your Holy Spirit. I also thank you for the privilege of being identified with Christ through water baptism. Lord, help me to live a life that reflects a person who is walking with Christ and has had his sins washed away. Help me to live life worthy of my calling. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Devo # 18 -One Baptism

"1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Today, we will talk about One Baptism.

I Cor 12: 13 says 13For by ]means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and ]by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit..(Amplified)

When we accepted Jesus as our personal saviour. the same Holy Spirit came into each of our lives uniting us as a body of Christ. This one Holy Spirit unites us as Christians, making it possible for us to have instant fellowship, even with people we have just met.

Lord, thank you for your precious Holy Spirit tht unites us a believers. Help me to be sensitive you your presence in my life and in my brothers and sisters as I go throughout this day.

In Jesus Name. Amen

Devo # 17 -Christ Rules

As we continue the Ephesians 4:1-6 passage. We have stopped for several days on "One Faith". This is the last devotional on this subject, as we use the InterVarsity basis of faith.

The eighth statement of our basis of faith reads in part. "We believe in the victorious reign and future return of Jesus Christ who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemd into eternal life. "

The last devotional dealt with the second part, Christ's judgement of all people.

Today, we will look at the victorious reign and future return of Jesus Christ. Phillipians 2:9-10 plainly declares Jesus as Lord and king over everything!

⁹Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Isaiah 9:6 which talks about the future reign of Jesus: "for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Prayers: Jesus, you are my Lord and King. It is my honor to serve you. In your name O Lord. Amen.

Devo # 16 Get Ready! Christ Is Coming Back Again!

Today's Scripture:

^"1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. ⁴ For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."( Ephesians 4:1-6 - NLT)

Today is the last devotional on " One Faith" as found in Ephesians 4:5 above: I have been using the InterVaristy Basis of Faith, to illustrate the components of our Faith. The final component as mentioned in this document is:

"We believe in the victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ who will judge all people with Justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life."

Jesus says in Matthew 5: 32-38 and 41:

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: ³²And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: ³³And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. ³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: ³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. ^{..... 41}Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Prayer: Lord, you are the Rigtheous Judge who will judge every person on the earth. Thank that you are also a God who is full of love and mercy, offering your son as a ransom for my sins. Thank you for my salvation. Help me to live a life that is worthy of my calling! Give me the courage to tell my unsaved friends about your terrific offer of salvation! I do not want them to suffer eternal condemnation but eternal joy with me!

In Jesus Name! Amen!

Welcome to Fred's Daily Devotional!

Greetings Friends!

I am using this forum to post a summary of my personal daily devotionals. These are scriptures that I am meditating on daily along with a brief reflecton and a prayer. My hope is that these devotionals will encourage you to regularly spend time with the Lord in Prayer, Bible reading and Meditation on a daily basis. Developing a daily devotional is probably the most important discipline that a Christian can develop.

May we all long to spend time with the Lord like david and find the benefits that David found in Psalms 119:11-16

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
¹² I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
¹³ I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
¹⁵ I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Lord, let my friend find the joy of daily spending time in your presence through daily bible meditation, relfection and prayer. May their love and obedience toward you row deeper and deeper with each passing day. May people see the presence of God in our lives as we become more like him.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Devo # 15: The Unity of All Believers!

Good Morning!

For some time now, we have been sharing our devotionals from Ephesians 4:1-6.

¹ "Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. ⁴ For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."

We have paused for a while on "One Faith" using the InterVarsity Basis of Faith to elaborate on the components of our Faith.

The sixth plank of the InterVarsity Basis of Faith is:

"We believe in the unity of all believers in Jesus Chrits, manifest in worshipping and witnessing churches, making disciples throughout the world. "

Our passage above illustrates this perfectly:

"Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. ⁴ For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all." (Ephesians 4:3-6, NLT)

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the many diverse members of that make up the body of Christ. Help me to do everything in my power to maintain unity in your body. Help us together to tell others about your love for them shown through Jesus Christ sacrifice. Help us together to train people up in the things of God so that they will be esablished in he faith to your glory! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Freds Devo # 14 "One Faith: The Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit

Today's devotional is focused on the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity.

The Fifth InterVarsity doctrinal statement says: "

We believe in the indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service. "

John 14:16:

" ¹⁶And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

¹⁷Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you....

^{26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."}

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit, my comforter, teacher and counselor. Help me not to quench the Holy Spirit today but yield to what the spirit wants to say and do in my life.

Devo # 13: "Jesus:The Only Way to Salvation"

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. ⁴ For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. ⁵There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."( Ephesians 4:1-6, NLT)

Good Morning Beloved Brothers and Sisters!

As we continue to discuss "One Faith" in Ephesians 4:5, we are taking the time to list what we believe in as Christians, using the the InterVarsity basis of faith or donctrinal statement. This is simply a summary of what born again believers around the world believe in.

We have already talked about the fact that we believe in God, the bible and man's alienation from God due to sin. Today we will talk about Salvation through Jesus alone.

The fourth statement of the InterVarsity statement of faith states:

"We believe in Justification by God/s grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation."

Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us that "God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions." Verse 8 and 9 makes it plain, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast!"

Prayer: Lord, when I was dead in my sins, you made me alive in Christ. There was nothing that I could do to save myself! Nothing! Thank you for saving me by your precious grace! Lord even my faith came from you! Thank you for giving me the good sense to use my faith by trusting in you for my salvation. Help me to never stop trusting you-no matter what pressures of challenges come my way!. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Devo #12 One Faith: We Believe in Jesus Christ

Fred's Devo #12: One Faith: "Jesus Christ, Fully Human and Fully Divine"

As we continue on the topic of one faith, from Ephesians 4: 5, the fourth plank of the InterVarsity basis of faith is:

"We believe in Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example who assumed the

judgement due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the deand and ascended as Savior

and Lord."

Phillipians 2:6-11 (NLT) makes it plain:

6"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.

⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
⁸ he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

⁹ Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."

Prayer: Jesus thank you for humbling yourself in order to come to earth in the form of a man to save me!

Help me to follow your example and walk a life obedience and Christian humility.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

One Faith: Man: Made in God's Image but Messed Up!

^"1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6

Fred's Devotional # 12

One Faith: Man: Made in God's Image but Messed Up

Our next Doctrinal statement under “One Faith” Is:

3-We believe in the value and dignity of all people: created in God's image to live in love and holiness but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God's wrath.

Man was made innocent of sin and in the image of God according to Genesis 1:26

Man sinned and messed up his relationship with God (Romans 3:23) and therefore deserved God’s wrath (Romans 6:23)

We all deserve God's wrath, death and judgement!

Prayer: Father I thank you for sending Jesus to rescue me from my death sentence!