Grace
To resist the idols of our day in order to seek my neighbour’s freedom from oppression.
Readings
Reading Deeper…
Jim Reiher, The Book of Acts: A Social Justice Commentary, pages 169-185.
Devotion 1
Read: Acts 17:16-28
- What are some of the systems that promise us “salvation”?
- How do these affect your neighbours?
- How can you boldly proclaim and embody another way?
Share: Communion
Pray:
- Pray that God’s Way may be lived out in your neighbourhood
- End with the Lord’s Prayer
Devotion 2
Wait: Take time to sit in silence together, allowing space for God’s voice to be heard.
Read: Acts 17:29-18:4
- How does the message of the good news cause offence in your neighbourhood?
- Who do you join with in your neighbourhood?
Share: Communion
Pray:
- End with the Lord’s Prayer
Devotion 3
Wait: Take time to sit in the silence of thanksgiving together, aware of God’s loving kindness toward us.
Read: Acts 18:5-17
Ask:
- In what ways do you see God active in this story?
At the centre of this story, in which Paul again finds himself encountering significant opposition, is an encouraging word: “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people” (v9-10).
Ask:
- Try to imagine yourself in Paul’s shoes here. What encouragement do you hear?
- How does this encourage you to live out God’s Way in your world?
Share: Communion
Pray:
- Pray for one another, for the Holy Spirit’s empowering to live out the Way of Jesus
- End with the Lord’s Prayer
Devotion 4
Read: Isaiah 55:1-9 as a Lectio Devina
Share:
- Communion
Pray:
- End with the Lord’s Prayer