Bible Readings
Explore our daily and weekly Bible readings to grow in your faith and stay rooted in God’s Word. Find guided Scripture reflections, and spiritual encouragement for every season.
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- lane2136
- Oct 30
- 2 min read
Was Paul’s message a success? Not very many people became believers. It wasn’t like when Peter preached at Pentecost, and 3000 people were added to the church. So, was Paul’s message a success or a failure?
Obviously, Luke thought it was a success. Luke wrote the sermon in the book of Acts. There are not many sermons written down in Acts. This is one of them. That makes me think that Luke thought it was successful. And who am I to argue with Luke?
This is a moment where we must separate the results from the act. Numbers do not tell the entire story. When we are witnessing, our success is not dictated by numbers. Our success is determined on whether we were obedient to the call that Jesus gives us. Did we share the gospel as God desired?
What Paul did is exactly the way we should witness to people. He cared about them and was curious. He found common ground and then shared the gospel. That is how to witness.
And tonight, you get the chance to practice evangelism. Tonight is Halloween, and our neighbors will actually be outside of their homes. You can have conversations that wouldn’t normally happen. So, instead of turning off the outside light and acting like you’re not home, go buy some candy today and sit on your porch for an hour or two tonight. Give out candy to the kids (and adults. Parents need candy, too. And use this opportunity to share the love of Christ with people. You never know. The care and curiosity you have could lead to repentance by the one you give candy to. Your act of obedience could lead to the act of salvation in the life of the other person tonight.
- Josh Breslaw
- Oct 29
- 1 min read
You can have compassion and curiosity (see Monday’s and Tuesday’s devotions). You can start where they are (see yesterday). But if you don’t get around to sharing the gospel and the need for repentance, you have not done evangelism. At best, you’ve done a self-help talk, and nobody can help themselves to salvation. Only God can give people salvation.
You must present the gospel and let the people respond. If you do not do that, you are not doing evangelism. You must leave it to your audience to decide for themselves whether they believe the gospel story or not. You must let the Holy Spirit work in the life of the person in front of you. You cannot save someone; that is only the work of God.
Paul finishes his sermon in verses 30-31 with the gospel. He tells the Athenians that judgment is coming, and they need to repent. The proof of this is that he sent Jesus and raised him from the dead. This message should come through loud and clear in any evangelistic conversation we are having. Repent and have faith in God. Judgment will come, and those who have faith in Jesus Christ will be saved. And the good news is that all who want to be saved can be. Take that good news to someone who needs to hear about it today!