Acts 17
April Memory Verse: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 NIV
Read: Acts 17
We're all good at something. Many of us are experts at a few things, and at least proficient at many things. I remember when I learned CPR as an EMT. It always overwhelmed me that we hold in our hand the ability to save someone's life with a rather simple skill. After I used it on a real person for the first time, I remember how I was convinced that everyone HAD to learn this skill. While I still believe that, I'm even more convinced that every follower of Jesus must learn how to proficiently share the message of the Gospel. If you can only be good at one thing (as a believer) - be good at sharing the Gospel clearly and succinctly.
In today's reading we read about Paul sharing the Good News with the people in Thessalonica.In verses 2-3 we read...
He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."
Do you know how to share the Gospel? Are you using this vital skill?
If not, decide today that you're going to learn it.
One more thought. Verse 11 says...
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Is this a description of us? When we go to church, do we just hear the Word of God or do we receive the Word of God? Are we eager to take it? Do we examine what we've heard daily to see if it is true?
This is how we learn. Ask God to help you to improve in both of these vital areas today.
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Acts 17
We're all good at something. Many of us are experts at a few things, and at least proficient at many things. I remember when I learned CPR as an EMT. It always overwhelmed me that we hold in our hand the ability to save someone's life with a rather simple skill. After I used it on a real person for the first time, I remember how I was convinced that everyone HAD to learn this skill. While I still believe that, I'm even more convinced that every follower of Jesus must learn how to proficiently share the message of the Gospel. If you can only be good at one thing (as a believer) - be good at sharing the Gospel clearly and succinctly.
In today's reading we read about Paul sharing the Good News with the people in Thessalonica.In verses 2-3 we read...
He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."
Do you know how to share the Gospel? Are you using this vital skill?
If not, decide today that you're going to learn it.
One more thought. Verse 11 says...
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Is this a description of us? When we go to church, do we just hear the Word of God or do we receive the Word of God? Are we eager to take it? Do we examine what we've heard daily to see if it is true?
This is how we learn. Ask God to help you to improve in both of these vital areas today.
By: Tim Parsons
6 Comments
This is a brilliant analogy, I really appreciate it. We should all practice the skills that could save a life: share the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Here's a thought: does verse 28 open up the idea of using cultural references to be a springboard for sharing the gospel? And is there a line that we should not cross when considering those cultural references?
Love Acts 17!!!
Thanks Korbet! Good question.... there’s always a line. Our mission is to study the culture and use the culture to reach the culture.
I'm so grateful God led me to a church so grounded in scripture, and that teaches believers to search the Word, disciple others and share the Gospel with those in darkness.
Verse 28 is one of my all time favorites "For in Him we live and move and have our being."
Thank you Lindsay! You are such and encouragement to everyone - what a gift from the Lord!
It was amazing to visit the Areopagus with you and read this. A powerful, good memory.
Me too! I was thinking the same thing when I read this yesterday! What great memories