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Rev. Tse Amable | October 8 2025 | Acts 17:22-31   KEY VERSE: “For as I WALKED AROUND AND LOOKED CAREFULLY AT YOUR OBJECTS OF WORSHIP, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. .... . ” Acts 17:23   (NIV) MESSAGE:   The Great Commission Jesus Christ gave to his disciples (and by extension, to the church today) is to “GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS” Matthew 28:19 (NIV). That makes the entire world our mission field and will take us into territories we are not familiar with. To be successful in carrying out the Great Commission, we must make a conscientious effort to become acquainted with the mission field – including the people groups, their cultures, and other relevant aspects. This is what Apostle Paul did. He told the Athenians that he *walked around and looked carefully at their objects of worship." This is the approach we should all adopt. Before entering an area for an open-air crusade or house-to-house witnessing, take the time to get to know the people and the community. It helps because it gives you answers to some questions. It guides you out of potentially dangerous zones. It tells you what conduct, dressing, etc., is acceptable in that community. Thankfully, today we have online resources available to help us obtain information about the areas we are entering for evangelism and church planting. One very useful resource is THE JOSHUA PROJECT. This evangelical Christian organisation seeks to coordinate the work of missionary organisations to track the ethnic groups of the world with the fewest followers of evangelical Christianity. To do so, it maintains ethnological data to support Christian missions. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What effort do you put into gathering information and data about the people you intend to reach with the gospel of Christ? The Bible says, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6 (NIV). Gaining advanced knowledge before entering a mission field can save your life. Therefore, do advance research and be informed and educated. PRAYER: Father, I pray that you will cause me to use every means available, including the revelation of the Holy Spirit, to collect useful data and information about the people you have put on my heart to reach out to with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 281 Jeremiah 26-30 – Hope in the Midst of Opposition DAILY word study : UNKNOWN The word “unknown” in Acts 17:23 is from the Greek agnōstos (ἀγνῶστος), meaning “not known, unfamiliar, or unrecognised.” Paul used the Athenians’ altar to “an unknown god” as a bridge to introduce them to the true and living God. The word reminds us that what people do not yet know about God becomes our opportunity to share Him. Knowledge of people opens the door for revelation about Christ. Reflect on This: What opportunities might God be giving you to make the “unknown” known — to reveal His truth to those around you?

Rev. Tse Amable | October 7 2025 | Acts 17:22-31 KEY VERSE: “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. ” Acts 17:22   (NIV) MESSAGE:   When Apostle Paul opened his mouth to address THE Areopagus, the words which proceeded from his mouth were characterised by wisdom and tactfulness. He began by telling the Athenians that he saw them as being “VERY RELIGIOUS”. To me, Apostle Paul was very diplomatic in defending his faith and presenting the gospel to this very powerful audience. He chose words that “broke the ice” and set the stage for what would follow later. It did not mean Apostle Paul was intimidated and “watered down” the gospel. He used words which relaxed his audience and made them yearn to listen for more. We need wisdom and tact when presenting the gospel to people who are hostile. Our aim is to capture their attention so that we can share the gospel about Jesus Christ with them. If faith comes by hearing the word of God, we should create a conducive atmosphere, free from tension and acrimony, in which our targeted groups can hear the gospel preached to them in a way they can understand. What they do with what we tell them is between them and the Lord.  Keep in mind the promise of the Lord. He said, When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12 (NIV). Be diplomatic in your witness for Jesus Christ. Speak in a way that will make it easy for your audience to hunger for the word. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What will you do to “disarm” a hostile audience so that you can have their attention? Apostle Paul told the Athenians what he saw about them. Do you take time to study the culture, traditions and norms of the people you intend to reach with the gospel in order to make your presentation culturally relevant to them? How can you acknowledge culture and tradition without “diluting” the gospel? PRAYER: Father, I pray that you give me wisdom to know how to present the gospel to the lost, taking into consideration the culture and tradition of my targeted audience. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 280 Jeremiah 21-25 – Voices Before the Fall DAILY word study: RELIGIOUS The word Religion translated in Greek as deisidaimōn combines deido (to fear or show reverence) and daimōn (a divine being or spirit). It can describe someone who is devout or, in another sense, superstitious — depending on the speaker’s tone. Paul’s use of this word in Acts 17:22 was wise and respectful. Instead of condemning the Athenians for their idol worship, he acknowledged their spiritual interest. By doing so, he opened their hearts to hear the truth about the one true God. His choice of words reflected both sensitivity and strategy — the mark of a true witness guided by the Spirit. Reflect on this: How can you speak truth with grace in a world that misunderstands faith?

Rev. Tse Amable | October 6 2025 | Acts 17:22-31   KEY VERSE: “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the AREOPAGUS and said .....” Acts 17:22   (NIV) MESSAGE:   When Apostle Paul saw the level of idolatry in Athens, he was greatly distressed and decided to do something – preach and teach Jesus Christ. The Bible says he “REASONED IN THE SYNAGOGUE with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as IN THE MARKETPLACE day by day with those who happened to be there.” Acts 17:17 (NIV). He went everywhere to preach. The people in authority in Athens heard about Paul and therefore took him and brought him to a meeting of the AREOPAGUS, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean” Acts 17:19-20 (NIV). THE AREOPAGUS refers to both the geographical "Mars Hill" in Athens and the esteemed judicial and legislative council that met there in ancient Greece. The council, also known as the Areopagus, served as Athens' highest governmental and judicial body, overseeing significant legal and philosophical matters, including criminal cases. In today’s situation in Ghana, we will say Paul was brought before a meeting of the Cabinet and the Supreme Court. The equivalent in Jerusalem would be THE SANHEDRIN. This was a powerful group of powerful and highly-placed state officials, which would scare anybody and could change your sleeping place (imprison you). However, the Bible states, “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the AREOPAGUS and said ....” He was not afraid nor ashamed to preach and teach the gospel because he knew it was “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,....” Romans 1:16-17 (NIV). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do not be afraid to stand up before any council of Presidents, Prime Ministers, ministers of state, kings, queens, justices, etc. and preach the gospel. They, too, need salvation. STAND UP TO MAKE A DEFENCE OF YOUR FAITH EVERYWHERE. PRAYER: Father, I confess that it is not easy to share my faith with some category of people, especially persons who are deemed to be “know all”. Please give me boldness and wisdom to defend Jesus Christ when hostile unbelievers confront me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 279: Jeremiah16-20 - Living the Message DAILY word study: STOOD The word stood in Acts 17:22 comes from the Greek word histēmi, which means to stand firm, to be established, or to take one’s place. When Paul “stood up” before the Areopagus, it was a statement of courage. He took his place as God’s messenger before powerful people who didn’t believe in Christ. His standing was both literal and spiritual — a stand for truth in a world full of idols and ideas. To “stand” in faith means to be firm in what you believe, unshaken by fear or opinion. Like Paul, take your place with confidence wherever God gives you a voice. Reflect on this: Where has God placed you to take a stand for Him today? It might not be before rulers or scholars, but your courage to speak the truth — in your home, school, or workplace — is just as powerful. Standing firm in faith is how the gospel continues to reach new hearts.

Rev. Tse Amable | October 5 2025 | Acts 17:16-21   KEY VERSE: “. . . Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” THEY SAID THIS BECAUSE PAUL WAS PREACHING THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS AND THE RESURRECTION” Acts 17:18   (NIV) MESSAGE:   When Paul decided to address the limited penetration of the gospel message in Athens, he engaged with some of the leading thinkers and philosophers of that generation. The Bible says, “all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas” Acts 17:21 (NIV). This was the audience that Apostle Paul faced with great confidence and boldness.     EPICUREANS are followers of Epicurus (an ancient philosopher), and they believe that happiness comes from moderation, simplicity, friendship, and community. A STOIC is someone who shows remarkable calm, fortitude, and control over their emotions and desires, particularly in the face of adversity or loss. They endure hardship without complaint, accepting what they cannot control and focusing on what they can. These were the philosophers who were debating Paul as he preached the simple message about Jesus and the resurrection. To them, Paul seemed to be advocating the worship of foreign gods.     Apostle Paul seized the opportunity to share the good news with them. He was not overawed by these philosophers and their doctrines on life. He simply shared the gospel with them in the power of the Holy Spirit. That is the example we too must emulate to simply share Christ with unbelievers in the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to the Lord. THAT IS SUCCESS IN WITNESSING. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you afraid of sharing your faith with philosophers, professors and so-called “LEARNED PEOPLE”? Fear not! The Holy Spirit will give you what to say when you are before people who must be told the word of God. All that the Lord requires from you is to dare to step forward, open your mouth and begin to share what you know. PRAYER: Father, I confess that it is not easy to share my faith with some category of people, especially persons who are deemed to be “know all.” Please give me boldness and wisdom to defend Jesus Christ when hostile unbelievers confront me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 278: Jeremiah 11-15 - When the Covenant Is Broken DAILY word study : ADVOCATING The word advocating in Acts 17:18 comes from the Greek word katangellō, which means to proclaim, announce, or declare publicly. In Athens, the philosophers said Paul “seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They misunderstood him because he boldly preached about Jesus and the resurrection. To advocate in this sense means to speak with conviction about what one believes. Paul wasn’t promoting new gods — he was proclaiming the truth of the risen Christ. His message was clear and unwavering, even among intellectuals who mocked him. Reflect on this: When you speak about Jesus, you too become His advocate — one who publicly stands for His truth.

Rev. Tse Amable | October 4 2025 | Acts 17:16-21   KEY VERSE: “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols” Acts 17:16   (NIV) MESSAGE:   When commotion erupted in Berea, the believers did a great job by escorting Apostle Paul out of “the fire” and bringing him to a safe place in Athens. The chronicler made us know that while Paul was waiting for the rest of his team members to join him, he took time to look around the city and WHAT HE SAW GREATLY DISTRESSED HIM. HE SAW THAT THE CITY WAS FULL OF IDOLS. He could not remain silent, so he took action based on what he saw. The Bible says, “ HE REASONED in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there ” Acts 17:17 (NIV).   Many years ago, the Lord instructed Prophet Ezekiel to “ go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a MARK ON THE FOREHEADS OF THOSE WHO GRIEVE AND LAMENT OVER ALL THE DETESTABLE THINGS THAT ARE DONE IN IT”  Ezekiel 9:4 (NIV). After that command, we read the following: “As I listened, he said to the others, ‘ Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary. ” SO THEY BEGAN WITH THE ELDERS WHO WERE IN FRONT OF THE TEMPLE” Ezekiel 9:5-6 (NIV).   If the Lord today would slaughter people who are not grieving and lamenting over all the detestable things that are being done in your town, village or city, would you be exempted? Remember that judgment must begin at the house of God (see 1 Peter 4:17). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What do you see when you look around the area where you live or where your congregation is located? If you notice a high level of ungodliness, worship of idols, young people not going to church service on Sundays but spending their time on football games or following dance hall artistes, does it distress you? If it distresses you, what action are you taking? PRAYER: Father, let my heart grieve and be greatly distressed when I see the high levels of ungodliness that surround me. Move me to pray and to reach out to the lost. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 277: Jeremiah 6-10 - When Truth Is Lost DAILY word study: DISTRESSED The word distressed in Acts 17:16 is translated from the Greek word paroxynō, which means “to be stirred, provoked, irritated, or deeply troubled.” It is the same word used in other parts of Scripture to describe sharp contention or deep stirring of the spirit. Paul's paroxynō (distress) in Athens went beyond mere discomfort; he was spiritually troubled by the city's idolatry, which he perceived as an affront to God. This profound concern, stemming from love for God, inspired him to speak out against the ungodliness he encountered. Reflect on this: If your spirit never feels stirred or troubled by the ungodliness around you, it may be a sign of dullness toward God’s holiness. Like Paul, let the sight of sin move you to prayer, compassion, and faithful witness.

Rev. Tse Amable | October 3 2025 | Acts 17:10-15   KEY VERSE: “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11   (NIV) MESSAGE:   The gospel train kept on moving from one town or city to another. This was in keeping with the instruction Jesus Christ gave to his disciples. He said, “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes” Matthew 10:23 (NIV). The rejection of the gospel in one place should not be the end of our mission to take the gospel to every nation on earth. And so, from Thessalonica, the missionaries of Jesus Christ arrived at Berea. As they always did, they went to the synagogue to share the good news with the congregation worshipping there. In Berea, St. Luke observed and recorded that the believers there were of MORE NOBLE CHARACTER than the Thessalonians because they DID NOT ONLY RECEIVE THE MESSAGE WITH GREAT EAGERNESS BUT THEY ALSO EXAMINED THE SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY TO SEE IF WHAT PAUL SAID WAS TRUE.   That is a great example that all Christians must emulate. When we hear a teaching or a sermon delivered by our anointed men and women of God (pastors, apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, deacons, etc.), we should take it a step further and search the scriptures ourselves. Thankfully, today, we have an abundance of Bible study materials (commentaries, Bible dictionaries, maps, etc.), both in printed form and in electronic form on the Internet. When we search the scriptures ourselves, we should not do it to find faults or to punch holes in the teachings we have received, but RATHER TO DEEPEN OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES AND TO GROUND OUR FAITH. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you receive the messages delivered to you by the Lord through his servants? Do you receive the message with great eagerness as the believers in Berea did? Be a Bible student by taking time to study and search the scriptures on your own. It helps to strengthen you and give you confidence in what you believe and have been taught. PRAYER: Father, thank you for providing me with resources through which I can study Your Word and become a better Christian. Help me through the Holy Spirit, my teacher, to understand the truths of the Kingdom which are available in your word. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 276 Jeremiah 1-5 - Called to Speak, Sent to Warn DAILY word study : SEARCH The word “search” in Acts 17:11 comes from the Greek word anakrinō, which means “to examine, investigate, question carefully.” It was often used as a legal term for cross-examining evidence in court. The Bereans didn’t just listen to Paul with eagerness; they anakrinō — searched the Scriptures daily, carefully checking if his teaching was true. Their searching wasn’t about fault-finding, but about grounding their faith in God’s Word. Reflect on this: To “search” the Scriptures means to handle God’s Word with care and attention. Like the Bereans, we are called not only to hear sermons but to go deeper, examining the Bible ourselves so our faith becomes rooted and unshakable.

Rev. Tse Amable | October 2 2025 | Acts 17:5-9   KEY VERSE: “. . .These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here… They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” Acts 17:6-7   (NIV) MESSAGE:   What happened here in Thessalonica was a replay of what the Jews did to the King of kings, Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord was hurriedly brought before Governor Pilate on false charges, so were Paul and his teammates also brought before the city officials. In the case of Paul and Silas, the false charge was that they had caused trouble all over the world, and they were defying Caesar’s decrees. Another strategy they used was deploying mob action. The scripture says, “The crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil” Acts 17:8 (NIV). When they could not find Paul and his team members, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials. However, the good news is that the false charges did not hold up, and Jason and the other brothers were released after they posted a security bond.   Satan will use his human agents to attack you and your credibility through false accusations. They may even resort to mob action by turning people against you. DO NOT BE AFRAID . It was the same strategy that was used against Stephen (the first Christian martyr) and Old Testament prophets, notably Daniel. BUT SATAN FAILED THEN, AND HE WILL FAIL AGAIN . Your God had promised to defend you so that all can see your innocence. This is his promise, which you can hold on to: “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and YOU WILL REFUTE EVERY TONGUE THAT ACCUSES YOU . THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD, AND THIS IS THEIR VINDICATION FROM ME”  Isaiah 54:17 (NIV) FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Have you been falsely accused just because you are a believer in Jesus Christ? Our Lord predicted this would happen to his disciples when he said, “ Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” Matthew 5:11 (NIV). If you are being persecuted and falsely accused, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, BECAUSE GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN! _ PRAYER: Father, thank you for speaking on my behalf and defending me against false accusations. Strengthen me through the power of the Holy Spirit to always live a righteous life that cannot be faulted. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 275* Isaiah 62–66  Matthew 3-5 DAILY word study: CAUSED TROUBLE The phrase “caused trouble” in Acts 17:6 (NIV) translates the Greek word anastatoō, which means “to disturb, upset, or stir up.” The KJV renders it as “turned the world upside down.” The accusers twisted Paul’s preaching into something dangerous. In truth, Paul was proclaiming Jesus as King and bringing order through the gospel, but they painted it as rebellion. The gospel challenges sin and false power structures, so its opponents view it as a threat. Reflect on this: When you faithfully follow Christ, some may accuse you of “causing trouble.” Yet it is not chaos you bring, but the transforming power of God’s truth. Lies may distort the message, but God’s Word always stands.

Rev. Tse Amable | October 1 2025 | Acts 17:1-5   KEY VERSE: “But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.” Acts 17:5   (NIV) MESSAGE:   Just when the missionaries of the Holy Spirit were having a thriving ministry in Thessalonica, which had seen some of the Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women joining them, the enemy struck again just as he did earlier in Phillip. This time, the willing vessels the enemy found to use were Jews who had jealousy in their hearts. It was out of the same envy and jealousy that the leaders of the Jews plotted and had Jesus Christ crucified. They have not learnt any lesson from the triumphant resurrection of the Lord.   Our enemy, Satan, never gives up, no matter how many times he has been beaten and defeated. He will always come back and strike. He does this when our eyes are off the battlefield – when we are not vigilant. That is why Apostle Peter admonished us to be self-controlled and alert because our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We are to resist Satan, standing firm in the faith (see 1 Peter 5:8-9). The hymn writer captured the call for vigilance in these lyrics:   Principalities and powers, Mustering their unseen array, Wait for thy unguarded hours; “WATCH AND PRAY! “ FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Jealousy is a very deadly disease. Unfortunately, it manifests itself among believers who are envious and jealous of the successes their fellow believers are achieving in life, career, and even ministry within the church, denomination, or congregation. Examine your heart and see if there are traces of envy and jealousy in you. If you find a trace, ask the Holy Spirit to get rid of it from your heart. PRAYER: Father, thank you for reminding me that the enemy of Jesus Christ and the gospel never gives up, but is always looking for an opportunity to strike. Help me through the Holy Spirit to remain constantly alert and vigilant, so that I can thwart the devil's attempts. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 274: Isaiah 59–61   Matthew 1–2 DAILY word study: JEALOUS The word jealous in Acts 17:5 is translated from the Greek zēloō, which means “to be filled with zeal or envy.” It can describe a strong positive desire, but in this verse, it points to negative envy that turns destructive. The Jews in Thessalonica were not only envious of Paul’s success but also allowed jealousy to control them. Their envy blinded them to the truth and pushed them to stir up a mob against God’s servants. Reflect on this: Jealousy, if unchecked, can lead to harmful actions. God calls us instead to rejoice when His work prospers, even if it happens through others.

Rev. Tse Amable | September 30 2025 | Acts 17:1-5   KEY VERSE: “... as his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days HE REASONED WITH THEM FROM THE Scriptures, EXPLAINING AND PROVING THAT THE CHRIST HAD TO SUFFER AND RISE FROM THE DEAD. ...,” Acts 17:2-3   (NIV) MESSAGE:   We are staying with what Apostle Paul did on three Sabbath days when he arrived in Thessalonica. We find that from our key verses for today,  St. Luke (the recorder of the events) let us know that in this synagogue were Jews and God-fearing Greeks, some of whom were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, because “HE REASONED WITH THEM from the Scriptures, EXPLAINING AND PROVING that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead . . . .” . If Apostle Paul had shied away from engaging these precious souls by reasoning and explaining the scriptures to them, they would not have understood the scriptures and might not have been won for Christ. While we are called to engage our emotions and worship God through singing and dancing, we have a duty to prepare ourselves for mental engagement, to acquire knowledge, and learn how to present our faith in reasonable discussions.   Most of us, believers, are not able to engage our unbelieving friends and family members in explaining our faith to them. One reason is that we have not studied the scriptures ourselves to understand what we believe and why we hold these beliefs. We must heed the exhortation Apostle Paul gave to his spiritual son Timothy, which says “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV). Apostle Peter also exhorted the saints to be always prepared “to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV).   If Apostle Peter, who was an unschooled and ordinary fisherman, could preach that powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost, quoting from Prophet Joel and King David in the Psalms, then God can use any of us to confront philosophers and unbelieving theologians of today.  APPROVED WORKMEN AND WOMEN ARE NOT ASHAMED TO REASON AND EXPLAIN THE SCRIPTURES TO UNBELIEVERS . FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The reason you find it difficult to reason out and explain the scriptures is that you have not been a good Bible student. Make time to study the word. Invest in Bible study books and resources. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you utterance. PRAYER: Father, I confess that I have been a poor witness of Jesus Christ. Please help me spend time studying your Word. Take away fear and make me bold to be confident when I have to reason with unbelievers and to explain your Word to them. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 273 Isaiah 56–58 — A Call to Justice and True Worship DAILY word study : REASONED The word “reasoned” in Acts 17:2 is translated from the Greek “dialegomai,” which means “to discuss, argue, or engage in dialogue.” It gives us the English word dialogue. Paul didn’t simply lecture the people in the synagogue. He entered into discussion with them, explaining, answering, and persuading them from the Scriptures. His goal was not to debate for its own sake, but to lead people to the truth about Christ’s suffering and resurrection. Reflect on this: Reasoning from the Scriptures reminds us that faith is not blind. It is grounded in God’s Word and can be explained with clarity to anyone willing to listen.

Rev. Tse Amable | September 29 2025 | Acts 17:1-5   KEY VERSE: “.... explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. ‘THIS JESUS I AM PROCLAIMING TO YOU IS THE CHRIST,’ he said,” Acts 17:3   (NIV) MESSAGE:   When Apostle Paul met with these worshippers who had not yet heard the good news of free salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, he dedicated himself for 3 Sabbaths (Saturdays) to teaching and preaching the message of Christ. His message centred on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with the sole aim of proving from the scriptures that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah, or the Christ.   This was the message the resurrected Jesus gave to his disciples before his ascension to heaven. His parting words were “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” Luke 24:46-48 (NIV).   Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified ” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV).   We have no other message to preach and teach to lost people other than the message about Jesus Christ. Therefore, preach and teach the good news about Jesus Christ, whether the opportunity is favourable or not (in season and out of season). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: You cannot give to others what you do not have. Before you can preach and teach about Jesus Christ, you must first be taught yourself. Are you taking your personal Bible Study seriously? Do you attend and participate in Sunday School programmes of your congregation? Be inspired by the example of Ezra, who was devoted to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel ” (Ezra 7:10 NIV). PRAYER: Father, help me to be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ, teaching and preaching his death and resurrection to the unsaved. Holy Spirit, be my teacher and bring to remembrance what you have taught me when I am witnessing for Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 272 Isaiah 52–55 — The Suffering Servant and God’s Invitation DAILY word study: PROCLAIMING The word proclaiming in Acts 17:3 is translated from the Greek katangellō, which means “to announce, declare, or make known publicly with authority.” It combines kata (“down, according to”) and angellō (“to announce”), carrying the sense of a strong, deliberate declaration. Paul wasn’t merely sharing an opinion. He was declaring with certainty that “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” His message was grounded in the Scriptures, showing that Christ had to suffer and rise again. Reflect on this: When you proclaim Christ, you’re not offering a suggestion — you’re announcing God’s truth. Proclaiming requires both boldness and conviction, because it centres on the one message that saves.

Rev. Tse Amable | September 28 2025 | Acts 17:1-5   KEY VERSE: “AS HIS CUSTOM WAS, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, .....” Acts 17:2   (NIV) MESSAGE:   Welcome to the 17th chapter of the Book of Acts, which chronicles the work of the Holy Spirit among believers in Jesus Christ. The opening verse tells us that when the missionaries left Philippi in Macedonia, they arrived at Thessalonica after passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia. In Thessalonica, there was a Jewish synagogue, and Paul and Silas wasted no time in joining the worshippers. St. Luke made us know that it was Paul’s CUSTOM to go into synagogues to reason with them from the Scriptures . The word “CUSTOM” means it was what was reported to be Paul’s habit or something he usually did. The KJV’s rendition is “AS HIS MANNER WAS”.   Jesus Christ had a similar habit of going into the synagogue to read the scriptures. In Luke 4:16, we read “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, AS WAS HIS CUSTOM. And he stood up to read”. That was the habit of our Master.   Prophet Daniel in the Old Testament also had a good habit of praying to God daily. When Daniel learned that his enemies misled King Darius to issue a decree outlawing praying to any deity except to the king (in a bid to put Daniel into trouble), he “went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. THREE TIMES A DAY HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PRAYED, GIVING THANKS TO HIS GOD, JUST AS HE HAD DONE BEFORE” Daniel 6:10 (NIV). The dreadful penalty of being killed by lions in their den could not stop Daniel from doing what was his daily habit – praying and giving thanks to the Lord.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: From Apostle Paul’s example and the examples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we see a number of good habits worthy of our emulation – reading the Bible, helping others to understand the scriptures, fellowshipping with other believers and having a regular habit of personal times of prayer. PRAYER: Father, teach me good spiritual habits which will make me effective in my walk with you. Please help me to always practise these good habits even at the peril of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 271 Isaiah 49–51 — The Servant’s Mission DAILY word study: CUSTOM The word custom in Acts 17:2 is translated from the Greek word ethō, which means “habit, practice, or something done regularly.” It comes from a root that speaks of forming patterns of life through repetition. Paul’s “custom” of entering the synagogue was not a random act. It was his steady practice, built over time, to share the Scriptures wherever he went. The same word is used for Jesus in Luke 4:16, showing that even our Lord shaped His ministry through godly habits. Reflect on this: Spiritual habits don’t appear overnight — they grow through daily choices. When you repeat them faithfully, they become the rhythm that anchors your walk with God.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 27 2025 | Acts 16:35-40   KEY VERSE: “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” Acts 16:40   (NIV) MESSAGE:   Every journey in life and ministry has seasons of beginnings and endings. Acts 16 closes with Paul and Silas leaving Philippi after a dramatic mission: preaching, deliverance, imprisonment, and the conversion of the jailer’s household. Yet their departure was marked not by bitterness or complaint but by encouragement and blessing. Their example shows us how to part ways the mature way - with peace, love, and purpose. The following important lessons are revealed from today’s devotional: 1. Maturity prioritises encouragement before departure. Instead of leaving silently after suffering injustice, Paul and Silas visited Lydia’s house to encourage the believers. Mature Christians understand that people’s faith often needs strengthening during times of transition. Before we move on, we must pour hope and courage into others. 2. Maturity leaves behind a stronger community. Paul and Silas didn’t focus on what they endured but on ensuring the Philippian church was steady and united. They left the community stronger than they found it. Mature parting means leaving a legacy of faith and unity, not confusion or division. 3. Maturity trusts God with the next chapter. After encouraging the believers, Paul and Silas moved forward, knowing their mission wasn’t ending—it was expanding. Maturity means trusting that when God closes one chapter, He has already prepared the next. We don’t cling to the past; we step boldly into God’s future.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Mature parting is marked by encouragement, unity, and trust in God’s unfolding plan. How we leave is as important as how we serve. Seek to leave every place, relationship, or ministry stronger than when you came. PRAYER: Father, help me to embrace transitions with grace and maturity. Teach me to encourage others, leave behind unity, and trust You with the next steps. May my life and partings always reflect Christ’s love and strengthen His church. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.   THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 270: Isaiah 46–48 — God’s Glory Over Idols DAILY word study : ENCOURAGED The word encouraged in Acts 16:40 comes from the Greek parakaleō, which means “to comfort, strengthen, or call alongside.” Before leaving Philippi, Paul and Silas didn’t simply move on; they took time to strengthen the faith of the believers at Lydia’s house. Their encouragement was both spiritual and practical, helping the young church face future challenges with courage. Reflect on this: Who in your life needs your encouragement today, before you move on to your next assignment or chapter?