Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Son of the Living God
Matthew 16:13-20
VS.16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 
             When Jesus asked his disciples “But who do you say I am?” Peter’s answer, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:15-16).” When Saul was confronted by a bright light and a voice that said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  Saul asked “Who are you, Lord?”  The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (Acts 9:3-5)”
              Taking these two passages together, we see that Jesus is the Son of God, but we also see that persecuting other Christians (people) is the same thing as persecuting Jesus, the Son of the living God.    These two lessons were learned by Peter and Paul, and that resulted in the transformation of their lives.  This transformation was not a one-time event, but a continuous and ongoing process.   Peter grew in faith, in boldness to preach the Gospel, but he also grew in Love for all of God’s people. 
            In Acts 10, Peter is shown that he has to preach to Gentiles as well. Peter is shown that no one is profane or unclean (Acts 10:28.) Instead he can say, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him (Acts 10: 34-35.)” Saul also undergoes a transformation that is continuous and progressive. He grows in faith and in love. He expands his mission work from only Jews to include Gentiles as well.
             As these two great disciples of Jesus underwent a continuous transformation, each and every one of us should also. Our walk with God should open new revelations to us.  It should result in changes in our lives. It should result in us being more loving and more inclusive. We need to understand that loving God means loving and serving others.
         Both of these disciples endured a great deal of suffering for their faith. They encountered hardships and difficulties that most of us cannot even imagine.    Yet their faith in God and in God’s plan enabled them to sing praises to God in the midst of their hardship. They followed their Lord, wherever he led them. 
 PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may our faith in you lead to a continuous transformation that makes us more loving, caring, and serving. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christian Faith is a continuous transforming faith.
Rev. Shibi Abraham, Youth Chaplain, North East Region

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