Acts 17 - 9.24.24

SCRIPTURE:  ACTS 17:1 – 4

When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

OBSERVATION: This Scripture highlights a custom of Paul:: going to the synagogue. I know it might not be anything new to think it was his “custom” to go to the synagogue. He is Jewish and you would think it’s common but his “custom” had a different meaning. Before his conversion to Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul was a leader in the synagogue and specifically hunted new believers in the early church to bring them to religious justice and persecuting new believers.  According to Acts 8:3, it says “ But Saul (Paul) began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.” After his conversion, maybe Paul had a special heart for those in the synagogue because of his past history? He was once in their shoes before his conversion. Although he reached many for Christ, Paul used his position as a synagogue leader to specifically reach these people for Christ. He also spent a lot of time in the synagogue - three days - as “he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.” The synagogue was his special mission field and important enough to spend a lot of time with them. 

I also love the fact this Scripture includes that Paul, in his ministry to the people there, was able to bring others to Christ including “a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.” Here’s a great example of how Paul took the Great Commission to everyone – to the Jews first and also the Greek. How wonderful to see the Scripture also noting there were “prominent women” who joined Paul and Silas. Many think that women were relegated to only traditional roles in Biblical times but this shows some were in “prominent” positions - possibly  businessowners, leaders in the community, or ? We don’t know their prominent position but it was enough to show these women held a higher and special position.

APPLICATION:  Paul took his experience from the past, as a leader in the synagogue, to connect with those who needed to hear that Jesus is the Messiah. Going to the synagogue was his extra special place to share Jesus’ saving message. When I first became a believer, I tried to reach those from my BC (before Christ) days. These people were deep into the world and drugs. Some listened but it wasn’t always easy. One slammed the door in my face and another would never talk with me again because he didn’t want to hear about Jesus. Thankfully the door slamming incident was later discussed with an “I’m sorry” and we were able to establish a relationship again. Sometimes sharing our faith doesn’t end in a positive way - just like in this Scripture which said only “some” of the Jews followed Paul.  The key is to keep going!

Maybe you have a group of people that could be your special mission field?  If not, there are plenty within our normal activities that could be a special mission field. Connecting with those around you, in your sphere of influence, at work, a neighbor or just someone you happen to meet along the way can all be a special mission field.  Our Wednesday night event at the Canyon Country park or the upcoming Halloween event at Pastor’s house are all a wonderful chance to share Jesus. Each one is an opportunity to make a connection or to spend time getting to know people. As Pastor Levi has said in the past and our guest speaker Pastor Chris also commented this last Sunday, connecting and spending time with people is a great way to minister Jesus to the unsaved. These events are an opportunity to find your own “custom” and making it your special mission field.

PRAYER: Lord, give me your boldness and courage to step out and share your saving grace to all those I encounter. Forgive me Lord for letting fear of rejection or fumbling my words to keep me from not saying anything. My heart’s desire is to share your wonderful love, forgiveness and eternal life with everyone!  Lord, give me your eyes and ears on who needs to hear about your saving grace.. Help me to find a special mission field and to make it my custom to reach others for you. Guide me in spreading your Gospel. In Jesus name…. amen!

- Mary Oberg

Acts 16 - 9.23.24

Scripture:

Acts‬ ‭16:22-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.”

Observation:

Paul and Silas had just been beaten and severely flogged wrongfully, yet they responded in faith, with joy and worship.

Even through a difficult circumstance, they remembered that God was good and never lost faith.

How we respond to difficult circumstances is what will determine our joy. Joy was not based on circumstances for these men. Their joy was found in the Lord.

Application:

Give your difficult situation over to Jesus and experience peace and joy as a result.

A whole household was saved because of Paul and Silas’ surrender and obedience to the Lord and their refusal to allow their circumstances to determine and define their joy. They knew Who their ultimate protector and redeemer was and put their hope in God instead of men. Also, they ended up encouraging more brothers and sisters in the faith after being released from prison.

What difficult situation are you facing today that you need to give over to the Lord in prayer and worship?

If you are in a good place right now, who can you think of to encourage in the Lord through their difficult circumstance? What has the Lord brought you through and comforted you with in the past that can be a comfort and encouragement to another person?

Remember, after Paul and Silas were released from prison, “they went to Lydia’s house to meet with the brothers and sisters and encourage them.” (Verse 40)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You that no matter what we face, we can be encouraged that You are ultimately in control of the situation and therefore need not fear for our future. I pray that You would restore our joy in You as we respond to difficult situations in prayer and worship. I also pray that as we draw comfort from You, we would be able to comfort others going through hard times, for Your Word says that You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort and we would be able to comfort those with the same comfort we have received from You. (2 Cor. 1:3-4) Amen.

Here’s a link to a worship song by Phil Wickham called “The Jesus Way.” One of the lines says, “If you chain me, I will worship.” It reminded me of this passage. https://youtu.be/ARSGgC9iQb0?si=wPzTLEuxG0L-SjLS

-Michelle Gaddi

Acts 15 - 9.20.24

Scripture: ‭‭Acts‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

”The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: “ ‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’—“

Observation:

The disciples were working together to solve a dispute. 

The testimonies of Paul and Silas brought silence to the crowd. 

-God’s working captivates those who hear it. 

James took into account their testimonies and Simon’s (Peter’s) and then backed up what they had said with prophesy from Scripture, Amos 15:18

Application:

When a disagreement occurs, it is important to work together to find a solution by listening carefully to the testimonies of others and looking to see what God’s Word says. 

What stood out to me is that the crowd was silent.  How I wouldn’t love silence when I’m teaching my class!  Also, in any gathering, chances are someone will be talking as a person speaks. My prayer is God will work through me in such a way that when I share about it, others will be silenced and rejoice in how God works. 

God’s Word has the answers we seek. May I always look to Him for wisdom and treasure what His work says. I am grateful that He chose that all people may seek Him. 

Prayer:

Lord, 

Thank you for your plan from the beginning of time to redeem the world. You chose a group of people to bring about that work, then had a plan so all may know and be saved. Your son Jesus paid the price for us all.  

Thank you for your Word and the wisdom it contains. May I look to the Bible first when I have questions. Then, consult others for their testimonies.  Your work is so powerful!

As you work through my life, may I not be shy to share what you’ve done.  I want to share in a way that draws others to you and they are silent as they listen.  After they have heard, may they take the next step to love and serve you as well. 

Father, thank you for including me in your plan. 

Amen

- Cindy Howard