Beyond the Weekend

September 13 | Jesus & The City

September 13, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Acts 19:10

Read: Acts 19:8-10
Listen: 
Acts 19

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Ephesus is one of the most wealthy and influential cities in the first-century Roman empire. This region of Asia (now Western Turkey) acts as a gateway to the Roman empire. It is a transportation, cultural and trade hub to the world. People can find whatever they desire in the Ephesus—goods, ideas and religion. Paul spends nearly three years in this prominent city because he knows Ephesian trade routes carry both goods and ideas. He believes if the Jesus-message catches here, traders and travelers could take the Good News of Jesus to the entire world.

Paul teaches the message of Jesus in this city day after day. He faces intense opposition, which results in an epic showdown. Yet, God changes people’s lives through Paul’s work, impacting every area of their families, careers and social activities. The power is not just what happens in Ephesus—it’s what happens because of Ephesus. Paul’s time and energy in this city create a “ripple effect” that extends into our lives today. The work of God in Ephesus spreads across the globe and spans millennia.

Through the next seven weeks, we’ll study the ripple effect of Paul’s time in Ephesus. We’ll discover how our faith in Jesus can have similar ripple effects today. As we follow Jesus and live out his message, God can use us to impact generations of families yet-to-be-born. He can re-shape the culture in our business. God can bring an entire friend group to faith. He can impact our church, churches across our region and even the globe.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Write out a prayer on page 12 in your Jesus & The City journal (download a copy at adabible.org/journal) asking God to use our church to impact the lives and futures of our community and beyond. “God, we desire to follow Jesus in ways that shape generations to come for your kingdom. Please help us grow closer to you and draw others to yourself through us. Amen.”


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Colossians 3.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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