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Serve the Mission of Jesus
by Allison Antrim
I’m so glad to be a part of a church that embraces doubt and doubters. I’ve walked with Jesus for 31 years, and there have been many times when I’ve found myself praying the words of Mark 9:24, “I do believe—help me overcome my unbelief!”
That’s why I was intrigued today by Matthew 28:17, which tells us that even though the disciples were looking upon the resurrected Jesus face-to-face, some still doubted. But as Brad pointed out, these disciples’ doubts didn’t faze Jesus or keep him from giving them his great commission alongside the others. Whether your faith feels rock solid, or doubts are creeping in, whether you freely share the gospel or find yourself afraid to speak up, Jesus calls you to be a part of what he started.
This week, ask God to open your eyes. Who has he placed in your life? Can you see them like he does? Look around for opportunities to show compassion and meet some needs, both physical and spiritual. Lastly, but most importantly, share the good news of Jesus. Instead of seeking conversion, just have conversations. Instead of giving condemnation, give an invitation to come to church or another place where God is at work. And instead of presenting a sales pitch, realize that you’re part of the process God is using to reach that person.
Heartland, put Jesus first. Doing his work will make way for you to wrestle through your doubts. He has all the authority, and he will be with you always.
The Book of Acts Reading Plan:
This Fall-Winter we will be diving into the Book of Acts. For context, check out these brief videos on the major themes in Acts from our friends at The Bible Project.
[Monday, September 30]
Acts 17:1-15
In Thessalonica, Paul is an apologist providing evidence to back up the gospel. As a result, many people are persuaded by his words. In Berea, Paul is an evangelist sharing the good news. But instead of being persuaded by his words, the Bereans reason themselves into belief. The Bereans weren’t afraid to hear Paul out since they knew how to go to the Scriptures and see if his words lined up with God’s words. Maybe this is why Luke, the author of Acts, takes the time to compliment the Bereans on their “noble character” (v. 11). Are you comfortable with comparing human words to God’s words to see if they agree? This week, how might you strengthen your understanding of what the Bible says?
[Tuesday, October 1]
Acts 17:16-34
Paul, deeply moved by the vast amount of idols in Athens, stops to reason and debate with multiple groups in that city. From Jews and God-fearing Greeks to Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, as well as the members of the Areopagus, Paul presents his case for Jesus. Verses 22-31 are a great example of witnessing to unbelievers. Starting with something particular to Athens – the altar to the unknown God – Paul shows that he has paid attention to the city and tailored his message to them. He establishes God as the creator of the world and humanity, making Himself available to be found by them. Paul even takes the time to quote a Stoic philosopher that his audience would have known. He ends with the warning of judgment and the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. Although some reject his words at that point, others believe. Who in your life needs to hear the good news from you? How might you personalize the gospel for them?
[Wednesday, October 2]
Acts 18:1-17
Two important things happen to Paul upon his arrival in Corinth. First, he meets two of his most devoted ministry partners, and second, he changes the focus of his ministry. Aquila and Priscilla, Jewish tentmakers like Paul, connect with him. Together they set up shop until Silas and Timothy arrive. With their help, Paul becomes a full-time preacher trying to connect with Jews and Greeks, until the majority of the Jews in Corinth vehemently reject his message. At this point, Paul decides to exclusively focus his evangelism on his Gentile audience, yet Jews like Crispus and his family continue to come to faith along the way. Have you ever given up or wanted to give up on sharing the gospel with others? How can you apply more effort and enthusiasm in that?
[Thursday, October 3]
Acts 18:18-28
In a bittersweet turn of events, Paul separates himself from his good friends Aquila and Priscilla in the city of Ephesus to visit and support the believers in other cities. But meanwhile someone new joins the ministry: Apollos. Educated and passionate, Apollos boldly speaks up about Jesus in the synagogue. Priscilla and Aquila hear him and notice he has some gaps in his knowledge, so they invite him to their home and fill in those gaps for him. Because of their care and instruction, Apollos becomes a “great help to those who by grace had believed” (v. 27) when he leaves Ephesus to debate with the Jews in Achaia. Has anyone reached out to you to help you with your own gaps in knowledge about God and His message? Have you done the same for others?
[Friday, October 4]
Acts 19:1-7
Apollos wasn’t the only one whose faith was based on the baptism of John the Baptist. Paul meets some believers in Ephesus and takes time to teach them the difference between John’s baptism and being baptized in the name of Jesus. As soon as he baptizes these men properly, the Holy Spirit arrives with gusto, just like it had in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. What do you think is significant about this event? What does it tell you about God, specifically the Holy Spirit?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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