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Significant verse:
19:26
What does the verse say?
"Serious trouble" became stirred up in Ephesus by Demetrius, a
silversmith who kept many craftsmen busy making idols. But Paul
had persuaded "many people" that hand-made gods aren't really gods at
all--so much so that the craftsmen had suffered a noticeable loss of
business.
What is God saying to me?
The persuasive preaching of these first believers so dramatically
influenced their culture that local idol-makers suffered substantial
loss of business. Sin decreased due to the Word. Lord, help
me to speak in such a way that people are persuaded away from sinful
pursuits and toward you. May the speaking of the truth impact our
community and culture so much that local business leaders who make
money off of "sin" suffer substantial loss due to a lack of
business. And Lord, look at my heart. Is there any
culturally acceptable sin that I am tolerating? Purify my heart.
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