Stress Test Devotional April 27
April 27, 2024
JOHN 3:3, 21 | Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
John called people to an inward and an outward act. Inwardly, they were to sense their inadequacy and God’s displeasure and to feel sorrow over their failings. Outwardly, they were to undergo baptism, making public and outward the inner sense of their need for forgiveness. The outward act without the inward is hypocrisy. The inward without the outward is incomplete, for it misses the chance to be humble and to encourage others toward repentance and hope as they struggle with their own brokenness. The twelve-step movement encourages public, as well as private, acts of confession for this reason. “Hello, I am Theodore and an alcoholic,” is a public admission of need and brokenness. In worship, we confess together, but as individuals.
When was your last confession?
