Faith Promise - Vision Week Day 05
Day 05 - Friday, November 24
Acts 19:1-12
Highlight
Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, gives a very short summary of a massively impactful ministry. Paul spent approximately three years in Ephesus, an uncommonly long time in one place for his ministry style. For two years, Paul met in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (‘Tyrant’) and taught about Jesus. Simple and consistent, but the ripple effect was profound. According to Luke, this ministry led to the entire province of Asia hearing the good news of Jesus. This is important because we are told that Paul didn’t leave Ephesus. He had a daily ministry in the same place. Yet the church spread across an entire region of the ancient world. This is the picture of what the church should be doing, sharing the burden and joy of evangelism rather than leaving the work to ‘the professionals.’ If that was the case, then Ephesus may have been impacted through the ministry of Paul, but it would have stopped at the city limits. Instead, it is the role of all of us who “have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light to proclaim the excellencies of him who called you.” 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Acts 19:1-12
Highlight
Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, gives a very short summary of a massively impactful ministry. Paul spent approximately three years in Ephesus, an uncommonly long time in one place for his ministry style. For two years, Paul met in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (‘Tyrant’) and taught about Jesus. Simple and consistent, but the ripple effect was profound. According to Luke, this ministry led to the entire province of Asia hearing the good news of Jesus. This is important because we are told that Paul didn’t leave Ephesus. He had a daily ministry in the same place. Yet the church spread across an entire region of the ancient world. This is the picture of what the church should be doing, sharing the burden and joy of evangelism rather than leaving the work to ‘the professionals.’ If that was the case, then Ephesus may have been impacted through the ministry of Paul, but it would have stopped at the city limits. Instead, it is the role of all of us who “have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light to proclaim the excellencies of him who called you.” 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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