Beyond the Weekend

October 25 | Opposition and Opportunity

October 25, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Acts 19:28-29

Read: Acts 19:23-41
Listen: 
Acts 19

TODAY’S MESSAGE

We wrap up our series Jesus and the City this week. In this series, we focused on God’s work building the church in Ephesus. Things changed from the moment Paul walks into town and begins sharing about Jesus. The effects of the gospel begin slowly to ripple out throughout the city and beyond.

The faithfulness of Paul and the work of God builds from a ripple into a tsunami in the city of Ephesus. People follow Jesus, the church community grows, people’s lives change and there is an impact to the city’s financial dynamics. Craftsmen who sell religious souvenirs at the temple of Artemis notice fewer and fewer customers. These craftsmen riot in an attempt to slow down the change.

The verses this week challenge us to consider how our relationship with God impacts our lives as well. What might the ripple effect of our relationship with God change how we spend our weekends, go about our work, speak to others and make decisions? May we have the humility to be shaped more into the character of our God this week.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Go before God in prayer. With your hands open, ask him to shape your heart and character to reflect him better this week. Ask that he would work in areas of your heart that you are not even aware need his attention.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

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

Today’s reading is Hebrews 6.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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