S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #10 February 10, 2023 "Connecting People to Jesus"

S. Acts 17:22-23 (NIV)

22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

O. Paul shared his faith not only in the synagogue but also in the marketplace (v.17). Paul looked for things in Athenian culture that people were familiar with and connected it to his message - to point people to Jesus.

Jesus did this also when he spoke in parables - using things people were familar with to teach spiritual truth.

A. It is good for us to not only share Jesus in church (the synagogue) but also in the market place (stepping out and reaching people who think about matters differently). It’s vitally important that we learn to be effective communicators so they can have a clear picture or understanding. One part of that is to set aside what some people call “Christianese” language i.e, choosing words that our listeners will understand. (Christianese language is a term that has been used to describe overly religious terms as opposed to terms or words that do not have a heavy religious tone but can still communicate and deliver the message. For example replacing the term “saved” with “receiving eternal life.”)

Also, to use things from our culture that people are familiar with to connect people to Jesus. I have tried this in the past in my messages that I preach. For example, in the fall I like to do a short series called “At the Movies” which is an opportunity to take something from the culture that people are certain to know and to use it as a connecting point to the gospel of Jesus. I’m not saying I do that well, but that’s my desire and I will continue to study and find ways to effectively help people make the connection from the known and familiar to Jesus.

P. Thank you Father for yoru word today and for Paul’s example in teaching spiritual truth. Thank you for putting great teachers in my life. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to be an effective communicator of your word. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #9, February 9, 2023 - "Faithful In Every Opportunity"

S. Acts 16:13-14 (NIV) 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

O. Paul had followed God’s “open doors” expecting to come to a place of prayer. I don’t know if this place was what he was expecting. He may have been hoping for a larger gathering of men and women (families). He began to speak to some women who were there, whether or not the place met his expectations. He was faithful to share the Gospel of Jesus and when he did, a woman named Lydia responded to receive Christ as well as other numbers of her household.

A. I desire to have such faithful obedience in my life. No matter what opportunity God places before me and regardless of my personal expectations, I will be faithful in that moment and share the good news of Jesus as well as encourage others in their faith - leaving God to do what only He can do - stir, deliver, save and heal people.

P. Than you Father for your word today and for Paul’s example. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to greater levels of faithful obedient service to you. I pray you will continue to stir the hears of those I have opportunity to disciple - in the name of Jesus!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #8, February 8, 2023 "The Good That God Can Bring From Our Troubles" Acts 15:37

S. Acts 15:37-41 (NIV)

37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

O. Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp diagreement about the ministry, that they parted ways with each other. Sometimes in serving the Lord we find that we are in disagreement with others to the extent that we go our separate ways. Despite the disagreement, their desire to serve the Lord is clear as they each continued in productive ministry - just not with each other.

However, years later they would reconcile and come together. (For further study review the following references: Acts 9:27; 11:23-26; 12:12-13, 25; 13:5, 13; Col. 4:10; Phil. 24; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Peter 4:13.)

A. I do not like it when, as believers, we have such disagreement that we part ways. That’s my human frailty. Yet, I’ve been reminded by God’s Word and by other Christian leaders, this is God’s church and He may well be working in and through these situations for His greater good and glory (i.e., He can use our human frailties and failures to bring about good things for His work.)

P. Thank your Father for your Word today. Thank you that at the end of the day, it is your church and you can take our difficulties and bring good things from them. Holy Spirit continue to fill me and guide me. Give me wisdom to see God’s hand in His larger picture of service in His church. May Jesus ultimately and always receive the praise, honor and glory.

Extra note: There’s an insightful deeper study on this topic that is a good read and be a helpful resource for those particularly in a leadership setting. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ministry-meltdown-revisiting-paul-barnabas-dispute-over-mark-barnard/?trk=articles_director