God Gives Hope

06/03/2026

GROWTH
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACTS
PART 3
Day 8

Making the Unknown, Known
Paul makes a case for God using cultural references that make sense to his audience. Some are curious and some believe.

Read: Acts 17:21-34 (NLT)

Explore the Theme: Paul is among religious people who are curious about learning and discussing new things. Paul sees that they almost have it right, so he tells them of the one true God after whom they are seeking. What does this show you about the human heart and how the Lord reveals himself to people?

Ask God: The Athenians were searching for a God that Paul revealed. It’s true that some did mock him, but others believed. How would you respond to sharing the good news and hearing some people reject you? Would it be worth it for those who believed? What is it about God that makes him worth this risk? What do people need to hear about him?

Live it Out: Spend some time processing with whom God may be calling you to share the good news. Ask God to make you bold for the kingdom and not be afraid of what others may think.

BIBLE VERSES:
Acts 17:21-34

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

GROWTH
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACTS
PART 3
Day7

It’s All Greek to Them
Paul finds himself in Athens with much to say to the local philosophers about their system of beliefs.

Read: Acts 17:15-20(NLT)

Explore the Theme: The apostle Paul’s spirit is stirred over the idolatry in Athens. Paul responds to this stirring by sharing the truth of the gospel. He isn’t just an observer of what is not right; he acts to offer solutions to the problems he sees. Stand for a moment in Paul’s shoes. What might he have experienced as he observed a clear problem and then moved forward to work to bring change?

Ask God: How do you feel as you think about talking to others about Jesus? Do you feel you need to be a biblical scholar before you attempt to share the gospel? It can be unnerving to think about being rejected when approaching people to share God’s word. Take those fears now to God in prayer. Ask him to help you not to fear rejection and for encouragement -- especially the encouragement that his word does not return void even if it appears to fall upon deaf ears, that he can use every seed planted in every human heart. Are you willing to work with God to plant seeds of life-transforming truths? Talk to him about that now in prayer.

Live it Out: Once again, we see Paul looking for opportunities to spread the gospel, even in a place that appears completely devoid of God. Our culture values comfort and ease whereas God values taking risks to save souls. Take today to think a few things through: are you willing to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone? Take some time to think about what you would share. Would you want to share something big or something small about what God has done in your life?

BIBLE VERSES:
Acts 17: 15-20

06/01/2026

GROWTH
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACTS PART 3
Day 6

Trouble Stirs, Salvation Ensues
Paul and Silas, by now quite familiar with disquieted mobs, continue to press on with agility. Because of their courage and determination, more and more people are saved.

Read: Acts 17:1-14(NLT)

Explore the Theme: Everywhere they go, Paul and Silas face hostility to their message, and always from the same people. What do you think are some of the emotions Paul and Silas might have been feeling in each of the places they stop?

Despite the naysayers who try to thwart the mission of Paul and Silas, the message of Jesus continues to save the people who are eager to hear it. How might this encourage you when you feel attacked while serving or doing ministry?

Ask God: Ask God to reveal to you how you handle setbacks and critical people. Do you find that you take offense quickly or are easily discouraged from pressing on? What might God want to teach you about your own heart and how you handle difficult circumstances that seem, at times, unrelenting?

Notice that everywhere Paul and Silas go, they find those who are willing to welcome them as well as those who are trying to cause them trouble. Pray for the discernment to see more clearly those who want to welcome you rather than those who want to harm you. Press into investing in those friendly and life-giving relationships.

Live it Out: Spend some time today thinking about those people who make serving and doing ministry a joy. Make a list of all those people who encourage you and who happily receive what you have to give. Then, spend some time thanking God for them. Perhaps, even write them a thank you note for being so welcoming both to you and to the message of Jesus.

BIBLE VERSES:
Acts 17: 1-14

05/31/2026

SCATTERED
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACTS PART 3
Day 5

A Jailer Freed from his Inner Prison
Paul and Silas, with some help from God, make quite the impression on the prison guard, who begs to learn the secret of the gospel.

Read: Acts 16:25-40(NLT)

Explore the Theme: A great commotion forced open gates freeing the prisoners from physical chains. Often when big things happen to disturb our lives, we are faced with a fight or flight response. How do you think the jailer’s heart was moved toward his response -- and toward freedom from his own spiritual chains?

Ask God: Sometimes God shows up in ways that can move mountains and shake the earth. Other times it can be more subtle, but what stays the same is the impact of the gospel on people’s lives. We don’t always catch those moments. Ask God to awaken you to these powerful moments in your own life.

Live it Out: Take some time for prayer, asking God to show you the ways in which the gospel has left a lasting impression on your life as a whole and in daily things. See how many daily reminders you can list.

BIBLE VERSES :
Acts 16: 25-40

05/29/2026

SCATTERED
A JOURNEY THROUGH ACTS PART 3
Day 5

A Jailer Freed from his Inner Prison
Paul and Silas, with some help from God, make quite the impression on the prison guard, who begs to learn the secret of the gospel.

Read: Acts 16:25-40(NLT)

Explore the Theme: A great commotion forced open gates freeing the prisoners from physical chains. Often when big things happen to disturb our lives, we are faced with a fight or flight response. How do you think the jailer’s heart was moved toward his response -- and toward freedom from his own spiritual chains?

Ask God: Sometimes God shows up in ways that can move mountains and shake the earth. Other times it can be more subtle, but what stays the same is the impact of the gospel on people’s lives. We don’t always catch those moments. Ask God to awaken you to these powerful moments in your own life.

Live it Out: Take some time for prayer, asking God to show you the ways in which the gospel has left a lasting impression on your life as a whole and in daily things. See how many daily reminders you can list.

BIBLE VERSES:
ACTS 16: 25- 40