Agape Baptist Church Romi

DAILY ENCOUNTER (NBC)

Saturday, OCTOBER 4

GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE

Hymn - BH 41: To God Be the Glory

RBT: Matthew 7-9

Memory Verse: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29, NIV

Text: Hebrews 12:18-29

Hebrews 12:18-29 NIV
[18] You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;

[19] to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,

[20] because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”

[21] The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

[22] But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,

[23] to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

[24] to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

[25] See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

[26] At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”

[27] The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

[28] Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

[29] for our “God is a consuming fire.”

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The Old and New Testaments can be represented with two significant mountains in the Scripture namely, Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, respectively (v. 18). Mount Sinai is associated with the terrifying fear of an untouchable mountain, where the law was given to Moses, with restricted access to God. However, on Mount Zion, God is accessible to everyone through Christ, who is the Mediator of the new covenant.

According to today's passage, the faithful people of God no longer define their relationship with God primarily on the Mosaic law but on their relationship with Jesus Christ. The blessing associated with the access Christians have in Christ comes with responsibility; hence, the warning about the danger of taking the grace of God for granted. In the Old Testament, the giving of the law at Sinai took place with the awesome demonstration of God's power. The descriptive phrase 'God is a consuming Fire' refers to God's holy jealousy, anger, and judgment. It is a warning for those who depart from His righteous ways. (vv. 25-29). Those who disobey God's commandments will deprive themselves of entering the Promised Land and will face His judgment.

Since you expect a kingdom that cannot be shaken and that is devoid of evil practices, then you must worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Every true worshipper of God is expected to always listen to God and heed His warning to avoid God's punishment.

How much of God's instructions have you yielded to? Be deliberate about obeying God's instructions today.

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Perceive: God abhors all forms of unrighteousness!

Ponder: How do you approach the Sovereign Lord?

Practice: Worship God in spirit and in truth.

Pray: O Lord, let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn every impurity in me and make me acceptable for Your use.

Lord, uproot every form of bitterness in my life.

Pray for these ordained ministers and members of their churches: Samson A. Adetunji, Ibadan; Tebite Ufuoma, Delta; Ezendu Charles U., Imerienwe; Oladimeji Peter O., Lagos.

Prayer Shower
4. Lord, we pray that teenagers will see You, in Your glory and Your power will transform their lives for Your glory in Jesus' name (Psalm 63:2; Matthew 17:1).