He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Acts 18:26-28

Prayer Points

Thank God that our faith is based on solid evidence: that Jesus actually rose from the dead and that the historicity of the New Testament is unquestionable.

Pray that you will be prepared to give the reason for the hope within you
(1 Peter 3:15).

Pray that God will raise up ‘quiet persuaders’ (like Priscilla and Aquila) and ‘public debaters’ (like Apollos and Paul).

Pray for evidence to be given to your three friends.

     DAY 39 : PERSUADING

There are many people who would become Christians if someone would give them a reason.

People need evidence. They need information – not religious

jargon – about how our lives have actually changed. And they

need reasons to believe: evidence, facts. It takes more than these things alone for someone to become a Christian, but they are the foundation for a real faith. First century Christians could give the names of people who had seen Jesus alive implying that those who were sceptical could check out the facts for themselves (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

They also had people who could communicate the truth

persuasively – people like Apollos and Paul.

Apollos was a gift to the church. He had a brain and he was

willing to use it. To begin with he didn’t have the full message about Jesus. Fortunately Priscilla and Aquila realised and took him aside to ‘explain the way of God more adequately’(!) Once he had got the full message, he was away. He was gifted in public debate and was able to handle all the awkward questions.

Paul also was one accustomed to giving reasons for his faith. In Ephesus he went to the synagogue for three months and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. When he was thrown out he went to a lecture hall and spent the next two years ensuring that everyone in the city and its region heard about Jesus. And they did! (Acts 19:8-12)

Irrefutable facts, persuasive people, the power of the Spirit; all these ensure that everyone has a decent chance to hear about Jesus.

Pray

*    Pray for your ‘big issue’

*    Pray for your ‘three friends’

*    Pray for a new wave of revival.