Memorise:
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
READ: Matthew 1:18-21
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Joshua 15-17 & Jeremiah 46:13-28
Message
Todays memory verse clearly states that the reason why Jesus Christ came to this world was to save His people from sin. Many people fail to realise the horrors of sin, hence they toy with it. If only they knew how terrible sin is, they would maintain a great distance from it. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. This "death" is not limited to physical death but also extends to every area of life. Do you know that sin can lead to physical death?
Going by the laws of many countries today, if a man is convicted of killing a fellow human being, he might have to pay with his own life. In this case, the sin of murder has led to physical death. Beyond physical death, sin can also bring about material death, marital death, spiritual death, and more. Do you know that for failing to comply with the divine commandment on tithes and offering, some people who once enjoyed a boom in their businesses have had to face dryness of the worst kind - almost to the point of begging for food? This is how sin can bring about material and financial death. It can also attract emotional death. A man or woman cheating on his or her spouse wi|| bring about emotional death in that relationship. ln any way you have attracted death to yourself, may the mercy of God intercept judgment and turn its sword away from you in Jesus' Name!
As far as God is concerned, there is only one penalty for sin, and that is death (Ezekiel 18:20). lt is important to note here that this death is separation from God. If you were brought before the judgment throne of God, accused of just one act of sin, you would not be made to face a sentence of three months, one year or even five years imprisonment; God'sjudgement for every size of sin is the same - death. Today, we categorise sin according to our understanding. We call some sins "high crimes" while some others are seen as harmless. However, whether a sin is so light or so "innocent" that everyone approves of it does not matter to God. All sins fall short of His standard and are all punishable by death. We are created to live our lives fully connected to God, but when sin comes in, it separates us from our only Source and Sustainer. If the Blood of Jesus is not applied to wash away a person's sins, the drift away from God continues until physical death occurs and the fellow is forever banished to Hell. In what way is your sinful lifestyle bringing death upon you today? Rise up and run to the cross of Jesus Christ, asking for forgiveness of sins and cleansing by His Blood. Invite Him to come into your heart, and thereafter keep a great distance from sin.
Prayer Point :
Father, in Your mercy, reverse every form of death I have brought upon myself.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 11: l HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
no turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me,
I still will follow;
Though none go with me,
I still will follow;
Though none go with me,
I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
My cross I'II carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I'Il carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I'Il carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me,
The cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me,
The cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
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