As you read this book, you learn who we say Jesus is. As you grew up, your parents, pastor, teachers, and friends told you who Jesus is. You've read, heard, thought, and talked about Jesus. Nonetheless, you can't live on somebody else's faith. You must have your own faith. You must make your own decision. Jesus isn't asking what others think about Him; He asks you: "Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15)
Your profession of faith must come from within you. It must be written on your heart, not merely in some book (Jer 31:33). Jesus is calling you to acknowledge Him as Lord and God (Jn 20:28), Messiah, the Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). You are able to make this act of faith, not because any mere man has told you, but because the heavenly Father has revealed it to you (Mt 16:17).
Now that you have put your faith in Jesus, you have a new covenant, a new relationship, with Him. He is your God, and you are one of His people (Jer 31:33). Grow in love for Jesus, be rooted in Him, and bear great fruit by leading many people to Him.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I commit (or recommit) my life to You and use this teaching to lead others to the same commitment. |
| PROMISE: | "All, from least to greatest, shall know Me, says the Lord, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more." –Jer 31:34 |
| PRAISE: | "God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons" (Gal 4:4-5). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College