Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Daily Devotion

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River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english

1 John 5:15-17

"And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him. If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death."

Verse 14 says: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." Why can we approach God with confidence? It is not because we have talents, or tenderness and kindness, but the salvation in Christ. By His precious blood, we can come to God's throne and pray. That is why we say "in the name of Jesus Christ" every time we pray.

"In the name of the Lord" is not just for the conclusion of our prayer. It bears great authority. It can not only allow us approach God with confidence, but also let us receive grace and blessing from God's throne. "In the name of the Lord" can set your heart free and heal your physical body. This is the authority we have in Jesus Christ. Of course, when we pray we have to pray according to God's will. Once you are willing to obey God's will and pray accordingly, you will have what you ask of him.

John also reminded us there that we have to avoid one kind of sin, which is the sin that leads to death mentioned in verse 16. What is the sin that leads to death? In Matthew 12:32 Jesus explained that "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." In the whole plan of salvation, our Heavenly Father is the planner and Jesus Christ is the executor. The Spirit is the God that actually brings the salvation into our life. The so-called speaking against the Holy Spirit actually means that when someone keeps resisting the work of the Holy Spirit inside him for a long time, eventually he may loose the chance to be saved.

Dear friend, maybe you have heard a lot of sermons, or you may be more familiar with the Bible than some Christians. But many times just because of your ego, you haven't received Jesus' salvation yet. Actually the Bible tells us to seek the Lord when you still can, and cry out to Him when He is about to come, and receive salvation before the Judgment Day.

Pray with Pastor Tong Liu

Edit Image Lord, we thank you for giving us the Spirit and letting us receive all of your grace. We specifically intercede for all the seekers. May you give them a soft heart to receive the work of the Spirit in their heart, so that they can seek you while they still can to make their life whole. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!