Each week as I look ahead at the text we’ll be in together, I think of Rob Lister’s question, “What would a believing response to this passage of scripture be?” This Sunday, I think one believing response is to be provoked.

Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. (Acts 17:16).

Another word for this is jealousy – godly human jealousy. Surrounded by examples of misdirected worship, Paul was provoked. “Only the one true God is worthy of all this worship! Jesus deserves this praise and devotion!”

“I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8)

It’s so easy to grow accustomed to godlessness in our surrounding culture. It’s the air we breathe and sadly we can lose a sense of urgency that God receive the glory that He is due. This Sunday, Jason Oakes will be preaching Acts 17:16-34 and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? And as we pray for one another, let’s ask the Lord to magnify this conviction in our hearts.

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

If you are a member of Grace, would you plan to join us at 5pm for our quarterly members’ meeting? And all are welcome to come at 6pm for our baptism service and family time.

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

Song of the Week

A Mighty Fortress by Christy Nockels

Our God is jealous for His own
None could comprehend His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens forever He is worthy