Sep 15

At the end of the story recorded in John 4, about Jesus meeting the woman at the well, it says in verse 42 that the people of the village where she lived no longer believed in Jesus as the Messiah simply because she had told them about him, but because they had heard for themselves.

Much has been said in these devotions about our task and calling to tell the world about Jesus. It is our great commission of Matthew 28:19, 20.

But however important that call is, and however much God depends on it to get his message of salvation out into all the world, this one, important truth must never be forgotten: Salvation is an individual matter between each soul and God. A person cannot be saved without a personal relationship with God.

This truth is in marked contrast to the world's religions that simply put forth some teachings to be followed. Christianity also has teachings to be followed, but they are in response to a personal relationship with the One who gave those teachings as guidelines for maintaining that relationship. We have a personal God who desires -- and demands -- a personal relationship with every soul he has created.

Scripture for today: Luke 9:18-20
Thought for today: God has no grandchildren. I must have a personal relationship with him myself.
Prayer for today: Strengthen my relationship with you, Lord.

SEP 15