APRIL 25, 2024

DEFEND THE GOSPEL

1 Peter 3:15
“But sanctify the LORD God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Defending the Gospel is not about making aggressive arguments or forcing your beliefs on others. It is about standing up for the truth with love and confidence, a responsibility entrusted to every believer. It is borne out of the passion to see the truth of God’s Word understood and received by the unsaved.

The early church provides a powerful example; while facing persecution and societal pressure, they intensified the sharing of their faith. Apostle Paul and Silas boldly reasoned from scripture in synagogues by a deep conviction in the life-changing power of the Gospel (Acts 17:2-3). They will rather teach the Word even in the face of mockery and misunderstanding; their goal is to save many by establishing the truth and dispelling ignorance.

Remember, defending the Gospel is not about winning debates; it is about planting seeds of hope and truth in the hearts of others. So, pay attention to the study of the Word to deepen your understanding, and be prepared to answer questions that may arise as you share your faith. By no means let anyone make mockery of your faith in God!

DAILY PRAYER GUIDE

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Startup Prayer:Father in the name of Jesus, teach me to stand for the truth and to give understanding of your Word as I teach and live the Gospel today, in Jesus Name.

PRAYER FOR A NATION-TIMOR LESTE
Timor-Leste is one of the few countries in Asia where the majority of the population identify as Christian (99.6%), most of whom are Roman Catholic (97.6%).The remaining population identify with Islam (0.2%) or some other religion (0.2%). However, despite such a strong Church presence, Timor-Leste is a troubled place: one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, some 46 percent of East Timorese have never received any formal education. More than one-third of its population faces food shortages on a regular basis. Additionally, this nation has one of the world’s most traumatic recent histories.

Prayer for the nation:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask for effective ministries in the land that will cause the knowledge of the Word to grow in the hearts of the People.

Prayer for the leaders:

Father, in the name of Jesus we ask for boldness to rest upon the leaders of this nation that they will begin to make laws that defend Christians and Churches in this nation.

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL – (Ps 122:6)
Father in the name of Jesus, we ask today that there will be peace in Jerusalem and that your purposes be established in that city. Amen (Ps 122:6)

PRAYER FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH
Father in the name of Jesus, we pray for all those who have left the church because of offense, hurt, or misconduct, we ask that they will be restored to their place by your mercy in Jesus name.

PRAYER FOR SOULS/ REVIVAL
Father in the name of Jesus, we pray that the voice of the Holy Spirit will become clearer to our field workers that they may be led to ripe souls in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE STUDY
Genesis 7 & 8, Psalm 135, Romans 4