Topic: Nurturing the Church
Opening Prayer: Let me know more of you today dear Lord as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: Acts 8:14–25
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Message: Why was it necessary for Peter and John to meet the new believers in Samaria? See their actions in vv.15–17 and 25 and Paul’s response to the growing faith of the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15–18). Joint–prayers, follow–up visits, phone–calls, and personal or pastoral letters are methods of nurturing new believers. The two Apostles introduced the Holy Spirit to the new believers (vv.15,16).
The Holy Spirit in church life is so indispensable that Jesus instructed his disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they were baptized with him. The power they received at Pentecost helped them become effective witnesses (Acts 1:5,8). Why did Simon want power (v.17)? We need to answer the question for ourselves. Spirituality, salvation, or God’s favour cannot be bought with money or fame. In these days when wealth is glorified as the god of life, believers need to be careful that our actions are not controlled by materialistic considerations. We serve the Lord not for dishonest gain (1 Peter 5:2,3).
READ ALSO: Billy Graham Devotional 17 August 2020 – Cast Your Cares
Peter’s sharp rebuke of Simon and Simon’s reaction to the rebuke (vv.20–24) hold important lessons for us. What should be our reaction when we are rebuked for our misbehaviour? Do we become angry, defensive, retaliatory or repentant?
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Meditation: Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Prov. 9:8KJV.
Prayer Points
• Pray for new converts and new congregations that you are acquainted with, using an example of Paul’s prayers in Ephesians 1:15–18.
• Thank God for His love, making the way for the gospel train to keep moving on in spite of oppositions. Pray against laws in Europe, U.S.A. and Canada that are repressing Christians, under the false guise of freedom, diversity and inclusiveness.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with I Chronicles 22:12
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 100–102; Gal. 3
Scripture Union Daily Guide 17 August 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.