SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
Romans 8:12-17
1 Corinthians 15:45-50

“Thy word have I
hid in mine heart…”

THE SPIRIT REGENERATING (II)

Regeneration is a mystery incomprehensible to the world but precious to the child of God. Like the preaching of the cross, it is foolishness to them that perish; “but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18). Regeneration is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit upon the soul of God’s elect, imparting to him spiritual life.

This new life makes him responsive to God’s Spirit and active in holy exercises of the heart: he sorrows for his sin, puts his faith in Christ, begins to love God and the things of God. This great and radical change is effected in spite of all the opposition of the natural man against God. “So then it is not of him that willeth… but of God that sheweth mercy” (Rom 9:16). It is the Spirit’s initiative and operation.

Wayne Storr was steeped in idolatry and worldly practices. He loved to smoke, drink, gamble and engage in filthy talk. He hated the Gospel especially when his wife was converted. However, one day by her gentle persuasion he followed her to church and came under the sound of the Gospel. The Spirit of God worked in his heart and implanted in him the new life. Being regenerated he became alive toward God and the things of God. He hated his past life, sorrowed for his sins, and turned to the Saviour in repentance.

Listen to his testimony: “After I was saved, I lost the craving for things of the world. I stopped smoking and drinking, playing cards and going to the cinema. My circle of friends was changed. I no longer enjoyed the company of worldly people. I began to love God’s Word, God’s people and the things of God. No one had asked me to do all these things, but within me I knew. Although I have less money than before, I am at peace and contented. My old sinful ways gave me no satisfaction. They are things of the past. I am truly a new man.”

Read Romans 8:14-15.

THOUGHT: (Read Titus 3:5.)
PRAYER: Lord, evermore give me to drink Thy water of life.