Christian Faith is a Holistic Faith
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 1 day ago
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Rev. Enoch Thompson | October 21 2025 | Acts 18:1-4
KEY VERSE: “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 18:4, NIV)
MESSAGE:
True Christian faith engages the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. Our walk with God is not meant to operate in one area while neglecting the others.
Some believers relate to God mainly through learning. They love theology and doctrine but show little emotion in worship. Others express their faith through feelings—joy, tears, or laughter—but without deep grounding in the truth of Scripture. Still, others depend on outward acts of devotion without genuine spiritual or thoughtful engagement. Biblical faith brings balance. It draws the heart, mind, and body into unity. We are to love God passionately, think deeply about His Word, and live out what we believe.
In Acts 18:4, Paul reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks. His approach involved dialogue and thoughtful exchange. He didn’t merely preach—he reasoned. He engaged minds and invited understanding. This shows that our faith must be well-informed and clearly expressed.
Scripture urges us in 1 Peter 3:15–16 to always be ready to explain our hope in Christ with gentleness and respect. This requires study, reflection, and a growing grasp of God’s truth. A well-rounded believer worships with emotion, acts with devotion, and reasons with understanding. Faith that touches all parts of our being draws others to a God who renews the whole person.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Let your worship show your love for God through your body, your emotions, and your mind. Read Scripture with care. Reflect on what you learn. Be ready to discuss your faith with humility and confidence. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for giving us Your Word to guide, teach, and shape us. Help me grow in knowledge and truth. Fill my worship with love, understanding, and obedience. Let my life reflect a faith that involves all of me and points others to You. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: PERSUADE
The word “persuade” in Acts 18:4 comes from the Greek peithō, which means “to convince,” “to win over,” or “to inspire trust.”
Paul’s teaching invited conviction, not pressure. His reasoning aimed to awaken belief by appealing to truth and conscience. He connected faith to understanding and led his listeners toward trust in Christ.
Persuasion in faith is not manipulation; it is truth shared with clarity and love. When believers live and speak this way, hearts open naturally to God’s Word.
Reflect on this:
How can your words and actions today help someone trust Christ more deeply?
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