Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Pentecost: Holy Spirit who Renews All Creation
Titus 3: 1-11
" he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,"
Devotion
Under the cover of night, Nicodemus approached Jesus, initiating a conversation regarding profound spiritual truths. Christ stated no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Nicodemus asked, “how can someone be born when they are old Jesus responded by saying “flesh gives birth flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”. The assertion by Christ was that no one could perceive the kingdom of God without undergoing a spiritual rebirth and that this spiritual rebirth emanates from the Spirit.
The moment we come to accept Jesus Christ as our personal redeemer, acknowledging our salvation as an unmerited gift of divine grace, marks the beginning of a transformative journey. It is here that the Holy Spirit begins the transformative work within us. This metamorphosis transcends mere outward expressions, as Jesus alluded to with Nicodemus.
Those who are united with Christ experience an inner metamorphosis guided by the Spirit of God, resulting in the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, as described by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. This inner transformation yields traits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and will be expressed irrespective of circumstance.
This is the essence of renewal brought forth by the Holy Spirit. Prior to yielding to the Spirit's influence, external factors and impulsive tendencies often dictate our actions. However, as followers of Christ, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we are compelled to emulate Christ's character irrespective of external circumstances. We are reborn in the Spirit, the culmination of God's gracious gift.
" he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,"
Devotion
Under the cover of night, Nicodemus approached Jesus, initiating a conversation regarding profound spiritual truths. Christ stated no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Nicodemus asked, “how can someone be born when they are old Jesus responded by saying “flesh gives birth flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”. The assertion by Christ was that no one could perceive the kingdom of God without undergoing a spiritual rebirth and that this spiritual rebirth emanates from the Spirit.
The moment we come to accept Jesus Christ as our personal redeemer, acknowledging our salvation as an unmerited gift of divine grace, marks the beginning of a transformative journey. It is here that the Holy Spirit begins the transformative work within us. This metamorphosis transcends mere outward expressions, as Jesus alluded to with Nicodemus.
Those who are united with Christ experience an inner metamorphosis guided by the Spirit of God, resulting in the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, as described by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. This inner transformation yields traits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and will be expressed irrespective of circumstance.
This is the essence of renewal brought forth by the Holy Spirit. Prior to yielding to the Spirit's influence, external factors and impulsive tendencies often dictate our actions. However, as followers of Christ, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we are compelled to emulate Christ's character irrespective of external circumstances. We are reborn in the Spirit, the culmination of God's gracious gift.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your gift of grace, through Your Son and the Holy Spirit that you have sent to help us. We ask that you continue to shape us to make us worthy of Your gifts, and that we may lead lives that reflect them as well. Amen
Thought for the Day
“Every time we say we believe in the Holy Spirit, we mean we believe that there is a living God able and willing to enter human personality and change it.”
-John Owen
Dr. Ryan Jacob
Long Island Mar Thoma Church
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your gift of grace, through Your Son and the Holy Spirit that you have sent to help us. We ask that you continue to shape us to make us worthy of Your gifts, and that we may lead lives that reflect them as well. Amen
Thought for the Day
“Every time we say we believe in the Holy Spirit, we mean we believe that there is a living God able and willing to enter human personality and change it.”
-John Owen
Dr. Ryan Jacob
Long Island Mar Thoma Church