Acts 1:8 challenges us to carry the gospel "anywhere"—from our homes to the ends of the earth. This devotion unpacks how to share Christ’s love in your daily life and beyond. Join us in praying for The Rising Church as they equip disciple-makers in Middle Tennessee and for Deaf Pathway’s mission to provide Bible translations for Deaf communities worldwide.
Genesis 4: Cain, out of jealousy and anger, murders his brother Abel and is subsequently cursed by God to be a restless wanderer, leading to the beginnings of his lineage and the progression of human civilization through his descendants. Matthew 4: Jesus withstands Satan's temptations in the wilderness, begins His public ministry in Galilee by calling His first disciples and performing various miracles, drawing large crowds from across the region. Ezra 4: The rebuilding efforts of the Jewish exiles face opposition from local inhabitants and political intrigue, resulting in a halt to the construction of the temple until the reign of King Darius of Persia. Acts 4: Peter and John are arrested for healing a lame man and preaching about Jesus but stand firm before the Sanhedrin, leading to a prayer for boldness among the believers and a united community that shares everything in common.
What does it mean to say Jesus is Lord? This devotion explores the gospel's central truth of Jesus' lordship, challenging us to live lives that reflect His position as Lord over all. Pray with us for Real Life Church Sango in their mission to catalyze disciple-making across Middle Tennessee and for Living Hope Community Centre in South Africa as they bring holistic care and the hope of Christ to thousands.
Genesis 3: The serpent deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, leading to the fall of man, resulting in curses for the serpent, Eve, and Adam, and their eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Matthew 3: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by preaching repentance, baptizing in the Jordan River, and ultimately baptizing Jesus, marking the commencement of Jesus' ministry with divine affirmation. Ezra 3: The returned exiles rebuild the altar and begin sacrifices despite their fears, celebrate the Festival of Booths, and lay the foundation of the temple amid mixed reactions of joy and weeping from the community. Acts 3: Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, which astonishes the onlookers and provides Peter an opportunity to preach about Jesus' power and the necessity of repentance and faith in Him.
Romans 15:7 reminds us to accept others as Christ accepted us, imperfections and all. This devotion challenges us to embrace the uncomfortable parts of others for the sake of the gospel, reflecting God's grace in our relationships. Join us in praying for Scarlet Hope, a ministry sharing Christ’s love with women in the adult entertainment industry, and for Clubhouse Guatemala as they meet physical and spiritual needs while spreading the gospel in their community.
Genesis 2: God completes His creation, resting on the seventh day, and forms man and woman, placing them in the Garden of Eden with a command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Matthew 2: After the birth of Jesus, wise men visit from the East to worship Him, Herod seeks to kill Him leading to the holy family's flight to Egypt, and Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem fulfills prophetic warnings. Ezra 2: The returned exiles from Babylon, led by Zerubbabel and other leaders, are listed by family and occupation, highlighting the communal effort to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the temple, with offerings made for the reconstruction. Acts 2: The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles at Pentecost, enabling them to speak in diverse tongues and preach boldly about Jesus, leading to the conversion and baptism of about three thousand people and the establishment of a communal, worshipful, and growing church.
In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well, choosing to engage her with intentional conversation that transforms her life. This devotion explores how small steps—like asking a single question—can open doors to meaningful gospel encounters. Pray for opportunities to share Christ's love, and join us in lifting up the work of the Martha O’Bryan Center in Nashville and global workers Winston and Emmy in Zimbabwe as they spread hope and build relationships in their communities.
Genesis 1: God creates the heavens, the earth, and all living things in six days, declaring everything good and resting on the seventh. Matthew 1: The genealogy of Jesus traces His lineage from Abraham to David and through the exile to Joseph, culminating in the miraculous announcement of His birth to Mary. Ezra 1: King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree for the exiles of Judah to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling God's promise through Jeremiah. Acts 1: Jesus ascends into heaven, commissioning His disciples to be His witnesses as they prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to engage the whole person with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ, anywhere, anytime, with anybody? This mission is a call for every Christ follower to make much of Jesus in their daily lives—where they live, work, and play. Reflect on the Great Commission and Great Commandment as you consider how God has purposefully placed you to share your faith and make disciples. Pray for ministries like Oak Cottage for Women and lift up the nation of Turkey as we ask for boldness to share the gospel and see lives transformed.
In this reflective episode of Sermon Notes, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball explore the profound journey through the Bible, culminating with the study of 1-3 John and Revelation. They dive into John's writings, emphasizing themes of fellowship, love, and divine sovereignty, and discuss the distinct style of Revelation as a unifying revelation of Jesus Christ.
In Revelation 19-22, heaven rejoices over the defeat of evil with cries of "Hallelujah," as the narrative culminates in the majestic return of Christ as the conquering king, followed by the binding of Satan, the reign of the saints, and the final judgment. The vision concludes with the unveiling of a new heaven and earth, where God dwells with humanity in the radiant New Jerusalem, promising eternal life and healing to all nations.
In Revelation 14-18, the Lamb appears with 144,000 on Mount Zion, leading into a series of heavenly proclamations and dire warnings against worshiping the beast, accompanied by vivid descriptions of judgment through the harvesting of the earth and pouring out of wrath-filled bowls. This sequence culminates in the vivid depiction of Babylon's fall, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil, and calls for rejoicing among the saints as divine justice prevails against corruption and persecution.
