TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts… enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47
Read: Acts 2:46–47
Listen: Acts 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Luke describes the early believers as looking beyond themselves to a world that didn’t believe in Jesus. Because of their outward focus, the early church won the favor of the people in Jerusalem through their Christ-like behavior. They became a doorway to the Gospel, adding to their numbers.
Early believers cared about the way non-believers perceived them. So did Jesus. Luke records in his gospel that “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). As Jesus matured, his good behavior was noticed favorably. This doesn’t necessarily mean he was popular, but that he was respected.
Pastor John Dickson shared an Australian survey on how others view Christians. There were some negative responses of “hypocritical, opinionated and judgmental.” But there were also positive responses of “caring, kind and honest.” The early church teaches us the way we treat people matters. Christ-like behavior gets noticed and opens the door to the Gospel.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider how others see your behavior at home, work, on social media and in public. Ask God to show you one area where you need to improve, and then ask for his help. We would welcome the opportunity to give you some support and encouragement as you look for ways to do this. Email us at btw@adabible.org to start a conversation.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Acts 20.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
