Read Acts 19:13-20 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What happened to the group of Jews who tried using the name of Jesus?
2. How did people of Ephesus respond when they heard the story?
3. How did the message of the Lord spread from there?
Reflect
The scene in Ephesus was a sobering one, but it ended up spreading the truth and good news of Jesus all the further. Valuable books that claimed to contain magical secrets were brought forth and burned. People believed and responded, and this only served to further spread the power of Jesus to new regions and people.
The sole reason the Holy Spirit gives us power is so the world may know Jesus, so more people in more places can hear the truth and good news of Him. It’s not about our name but His name. It’s not about drawing attention to ourselves. It’s about honoring the name of Jesus and connecting people to Him.
Would you say you have a burning desire to see the world know who Jesus really is? Is there anything keeping you from fully experiencing His power? Perhaps a dependence on material things, a career, or a relationship? Maybe a hidden sin that needs to come into the light and be released? What is God asking you to let go of or to chase so the world will know Him more?
Respond
Based on what you just read, what do you think God is prompting you to do in response? Write it down, share it with a friend, and take a step to start making it happen. Be sure to set your alarm for 12:12 pm to join us for prayer and fasting this week (more info below).
Prayer and Fasting Week
Join us in prayer and fasting at 12:12 pm, using the P.R.A.Y. model: Pause/Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield. Today, pray for your community – family, friends, coworkers, classmates, teachers, and neighbors. For more information and resources, visit tpcc.org/prayerandfasting.