C.A.C Living Water Devotional Guide, June 24, 2024

THE LIVING WATER (January–December 2024)

Daily devotional guide

DATE

Monday, June 24, 2024

TOPIC:

LIFE THROUGH CHRIST (III)

MEMORISE

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

READ

John 5:16-30

[16]. For this reason, the Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to kill Him because He had done these things on the Sabbath.

[17]. But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

[18]. Therefore, the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.

[19]. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

[20]. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

[21]. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

[22]. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgement to the Son,

[23]. that all should honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him.

[24]. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.

[25]. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

[26]. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.

[27]. and has given Him authority to execute judgement also, because He is the Son of Man.

[28]. Do not marvel at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice.

[29]. and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

[30]. I can of course do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgement is righteous because I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father who sent me.

Someone is questioning how it is possible for God to destroy so many people on earth simply because they didn’t accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. They are even doubting if Jesus is the only way to salvation. They are also wondering what will happen to people of other religions if Jesus is the only way to the Father. These people, along with other free thinkers, need to be reminded that there were many people on earth when God only saved 8 souls and allowed the rest to perish during the flood in Noah’s days (Gen. 6:3-5; Matt. 24:37–39). The deaths of those who were wiped away by the deluge didn’t cause God any harm. God cannot be held hostage by anyone. If the destruction of the Sodomites didn’t bring loss to God, then even if the whole world rejects Him, He will not be at a loss. He is God, and nothing catches him unaware. He doesn’t need anyone to tell him what to do. If the whole world chooses to follow Him, He has enough space for them. And if they don’t, He doesn’t cease to be God. God is self-sufficient and doesn’t rely on anyone for his existence. Instead, everything and everyone depends on Him for life. He has provided salvation for us, and we must accept His offer and use it for our eternal security. Everything we need for life and godliness is found in Christ. That is why we must approach God through Jesus Christ to receive eternal life.

1. Lord Jesus, save my soul, just as You saved those eight souls during the flood. I refuse to perish with the world.

2. Lord Jesus, help me not to be guilty of the precious blood you shed for my sins.

3. Lord, guide believers to flee from the looming destruction instead of arguing and complaining.

CAC GHB: 286

1. O Jesus, Thou art standing

Outside the fast-closed door

In low patience, waiting

To pass the threshold,

Shame on us, Christian brothers,

His name and sign who bear,

O shame, thrice shame upon us,

To keep him standing there!

2. O Jesus, Thou art knocking;

And lo! that hand is scarred.

And thorns your brow encircle,

And tears in your face have marred

O love that passes knowledge,

So patiently wait!

O sin that has no equal,

So fast to bar the gate!

3. O Jesus, Thou art pleading

In accents meek and low,

I died for you, my children.

And will you treat me so?

O Lord, with shame and sorrow

We open the door now.

Dear Saviour, enter, enter,

And leave us nevermore.

Amen.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:

Psalms 59-62