To be converted to faith in Jesus Christ is to return to the worship of the true God, and to dethrone all rivals to His authority.
– Graham Kendrick.
In 2017, 66% of the Christian youths have stopped attending church. Nick Blevins, in his blog, stated the reasons why these youths have left the church. And according to Lifeway Research, the age range is between 18-22 years old. Are you one of them? In today’s devotional, we will look into the call to return to God through Christ.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Amos 4:11. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of 2 Samuel 9:11: Are You Serving The Eternal King?
Amos reminder: Return to God
The prophet Amos preached to Israel to return to God. Moreover, he reminded them that they were saved from destruction because of God’s mercy to them. Furthermore, Amos wrote when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me,” declares the Lord. And this verse is clear evidence that the Israelites were spared. Yet, no repentance was made. Also, the Israelites did not return to the Lord God. They have continued in their evil ways.
When you search for verses about returning to God, you will notice that most of them come from the Old Testament writers. However, this does not connote that the people now are with God. Rather, it signifies that the gap between God and man can be traced back to the beginning of times. Further, the more time that we are separated from God, the more our conscience is desensitized to what is right and wrong.
Hindrances in returning to God
Theodore Epp once said, Live as though, Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow. Besides, if we do not see the urgency to take care of eternal life, we will never be concerned about it. And I can not stress enough the need for repentance in this day and age. The first step in returning to God is through repentance and faith in Christ. With these, we can achieve eternal life, too. Likewise, it is only through Jesus that we will be with the Father.
The biggest hindrance in returning to God? Pride in all forms. We refuse to acknowledge God because we think we know everything. Additionally, we refuse to return to God because we do not want to be accountable for our sins. thinking we are ‘good people’. These are only a few hindrances. Keep in mind the writings of James, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8).
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Have you left your church?
- What made you leave the church?
- Are there any hindrances from returning to Christ? Accept Jesus Now.
- Reflect on what blocks you from returning to God and pray about it.
- How do you encourage others to return to Christ?
Related Posts
- Jesus Christ Is Sure To Come Again
- The Humility Of Jesus Christ Despite The Troubled Soul
- Our Blessed Hope In The Glory Of Jesus Christ
- What Is The Anticipation Of This Year? God’s Mercy?
- Injustice In The Time Of Prosperity
Prayer
Lord God, You alone are worthy to be praised for You have created us by Your mighty power, redeemed us by Your precious blood, and You hold all things together. O Lord, I know that I have sinned against You and have acted in rebellious and wicked ways, by turning away from Your commandments and ignoring the truths that are contained throughout the Scripture for my instruction, training in righteousness and well-being.
I have not listened to Your Word and have turned aside from Your voice, I have ignored Your many calls to holiness. And I stand before You poor and wretched, naked and ashamed. Lord God, according to Your grace and mercy, I ask for Your forgiveness. Keep Your promise to me, Your child I pray, and wash away my many sins. Help me to put the past behind me and enable me to walk into the future with a desire to do Your will and to live godly in Christ Jesus.
Thank You, Lord, that Your mercies are new every morning and thank You that even though I have been so faithless towards You, You have remained faithful towards me. Cleanse my heart from within I pray, and renew a right spirit within me. May I walk in holiness and righteousness from this day forward.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
(from Knowing-Jesus.com)
