Scripture

Acts 17

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What was Paul’s message in the synagogue? What was the positive response? The negative response? Why were the Bereans described as being of more noble character? How did Paul use the circumstances in Athens as a witnessing tool?

Application

Do I share The Gospel plainly and “let the chips fall where they may”, even if it means some will respond negatively? Do I receive teaching with great eagerness and examine the Scriptures to see if it is true? How can I use the situations and life experiences of people within my sphere of influence as an opportunity to share Christ?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Father in Heaven, I ask that You will encourage and strengthen me to proclaim the Name of Jesus without shame or apology as Paul did. I ask that You will prepare the hearts of people with whom I come in contact to receive it and respond positively. But help me to do it even when people respond negatively, Lord, and even when it means they might cause me trouble. I ask that You would make me like the Bereans; when I hear or read teaching about You and Your Word, may I search the Scriptures to be sure it is true. Give me insight and confirmation by Your Spirit to accept truth and reject all false doctrine. Help me to recognize and take advantage of ways to relate to people and share the Good News with them, as Paul did in Athens with the shrine to the Unknown God. Train me by Your Spirit and Your Word to be an effective messenger of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Scott & Kristi Guinn
• Mike & Jamie Haberkorn (Hannah, Sean)
• Patrick Hall
• David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus)
• Bob & Peggy Hoover

Ministry:

• Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Housing

CLF:

• Pray that we would be a church that is dedicated to the breaking of bread, both in the sense of being devoted to observing the Lord’s Supper, and in meeting together for meals to fellowship, to deepen bonds, to heal offenses, and to end disputes.

Community: Pray for Kuna…

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. – John 5:24