DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 27 June 2023
TOPIC: Living Epistles
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 3:1-6 (KJV)
3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
KEY VERSE:
“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.”
(2 Corinthians 3:2)
DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 27 June 2023 MESSAGE
It took the exhibition of Christian virtues of love and patience to bring an embittered lady to conviction and conversion. She, a victim of a civil war, had been severally betrayed and exploited until she lost every trust. Finally, she became close to a Christian widow who persistently showed her genuine love and kindness despite her cold attitude. At length, she could not resist the widow’s simple gospel presentation that melted her bitterness.
The likes of the widow were what Apostle Paul had in mind when he referred to believers as the epistles of Christ. In humble defence of his ministerial claims, Paul made it clear to his opposers that he needed no letter of recommendation (as was the practice then for travelling ministers). Instead, he directed attention to the transformation wrought in the lives of those under his ministry, which was very glaring to all. These Christians so reflected the life of Christ that people easily saw the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.
As Christians, our lives ought to follow that pattern if we are to be effective witnesses for Christ. There are people out there who may never go to a church or open the Bible to read. Their hearts have been clouded by past experiences, grievances or ignorance that make them steer clear of religion. To such a people, preaching alone would not be enough. You would have to practise what you preach to win them to Christ.
Do not be satisfied with mere profession. If you have encountered Jesus Christ the Saviour, let it reflect in your behaviour, words and actions. Let people see Jesus in you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Live out what you profess and preach.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 15-16
