NT Fire Starters – Day 177: Acts 13:1-12

READ: Acts 13:1-12

THINK: What do you picture when you think of a missionary? Perhaps you envision a khaki-clad, Bible-toting fellow forging his way to remote jungle villages. While this description does fit some, there are missionaries of all styles, spreading Jesus’ message in all countries, communities and cultures. In reality, all followers of Christ are called to take part in Christian missions. Whether you ever set foot on a foreign field, you can contribute to the cause through prayer and giving. But you too are called to be a missionary right where you are, accepting responsibility for reaching spiritually lost people with the message of forgiveness and new life through faith in Christ. (See the “What is a Campus Missionary?” section of the Fire Bible: Student Edition introduction, pp. 12-13.)

RESPOND: In what atmosphere, or under what conditions, did the prophets and teachers hear the Holy Spirit? (See 13:2 note.) Why are believers particularly sensitive to God during such times? What is fasting as it relates to prayer and worship? What type of work were Paul and Barnabas commissioned by the church to do? (See 13:2 note.) What does genuine, New Testament missionary service involve? What’s the primary purpose of modern missionaries? What’s the relationship between churches and missionaries? (See 13:3 note.) Who must be the real guide in any minister’s life and service (v. 4)? Where did Paul get the power to firmly and effectively oppose the sorcerer? (See 13:9 second note.) What do Paul’s Holy Spirit-inspired words indicate about the nature of sorcery and other such practices (v. 10)?

PRAY: Ask God to help you grow closer to Him and more sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for any missionaries you know or who are supported by the ministries of your church. Ask God to encourage them and make them ultimately effective in spreading the message of forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus Christ.

ACT: Get a list of missionaries your church or youth ministry supports. Commit to praying at least one day a week for these faithful servants. Or perhaps you can pray for different missionaries every day. See p. 2280 for tips on praying for missionaries. Also, if you’re physically able to do so, fast one meal this week and give that time to worship and prayer. If you can’t fast a meal, give up something else (e.g., TV, music, video games) and give the time to God.