I was brought up in a Christian... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3.

I was brought up in a Christian family, and considered the Bible a holy book. I became a member of a church and helped in the work there for many years, during which I often spoke to the clergy, deacons and presbyters. No-one ever asked me if I was a child of God. I planned church activities, administered the finance and organised the musical side of the services. Nobody was interested in my relationship with God. I planned and co-operated in the external work of Christianity without ever considering the inner, spiritual aspects.

Later I met a business friend and told him how the church had developed in the past decades and become more attractive. He replied: "That may be. But the question is: has the gospel been preached? Is it clear that everyone must turn to God personally and be born again?" That retort shocked me: I had never heard that anyone had to be converted personally.

I asked my friend what he meant by that, and he took the time to explain that no-one can be saved by good deeds or religious forms, but only through conversion to God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I was irritated, even agitated, but I listened out of curiosity when he read from the Bible: "Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). It said whoever - and that meant me!

I understood that neither church membership nor church work could save. I personally had to be born again out of sheer grace!

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 2:1-55 · Psalms 78:65-72