Acts 16:11-24
Reflect
These two stories of Lydia and the slave girl keep in step with one of the overall themes of Acts: the power of Christ breaks barriers that separate people, in order to create and build a new humanity. The church undoubtedly consists of believers from all different backgrounds and cultures.
In the act of reaching the unreached, it looks different for each person and culture. In the conversion of Lydia, Paul strategically started by heading to a place of prayer where people would meet to pray to the same God that Paul preached about. From there, God had opened Lydia’s heart to receive what was being proclaimed.
The second act took place at the place of prayer, but Paul encountered a girl that was enslaved by a demon. Paul then acted by delivering and freeing her from the spirit of divination. Both scenarios required human initiative, and at the same time, divine action or quickening.
Witnessing to others requires a Spirit-led boldness like Paul to seek others and share the truth of the gospel, but ultimately, it is the Lord who does the work and opens the heart of the calloused.
Apply
In what ways does sharing the gospel bring challenge and growth in your life?
How does human initiative and divine quickening intersect in your life when it comes to sharing your faith?
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our Childcare staff, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.