A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is claimed to be one of the best-selling novels of all time. It was first published in 1859 and set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. Some historians say that one of the main reasons for the great contrast between the bloody revolution that overtook France and the relative peace in England was because of the impact of the great 18th century revival featuring John Wesley and others. While the politics of hatred enflamed France, it was the message of Christ’s redeeming love that took root among Britain’s working classes.

Today around the world we can also see different contrasting responses to the gospel in different places. For example, there is great responsiveness to Christianity in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia, while Europe has been described as ‘the graveyard of Christianity’. Acts 17 shows us not only that this is nothing new but also how we can continue to spread the good news in all circumstances. What’s more we can decide whether we will be those who change the culture we live in for God or simply reflect the values of the culture that we are part of.

In Acts 17, Luke describes Athens, a city resistant to God, and Berea which was very receptive to God. Some key characteristics of Athens and a culture resistant to the gospel:

1. They accepted all kinds of gods (Acts 17:16-18)
2. They wanted only to debate about god not find God (Acts 17:19-31)
3. They were very mixed in their reactions to God
a. Some sneered (Acts 17:32)
b. Some were interested (Acts 17:32b-33)
c. Some believed (Acts 17:34)

In contrast Berea was not a particularly outstanding place, but it had some outstanding people who were highly receptive to the gospel:

1. They were hungry for the Word of God (Acts 17:11)
2. They really studied the Word of God (Acts 17:11)
3. They responded enthusiastically to the Word of God (Acts 17:12)

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1. They accepted all kinds of gods: Is God truly the Lord of your life, or do you tolerate other idols too? The description of Athens (Acts 17:16-18) describes the UK and other societies today. The concept of there being one God as revealed in Jesus is widely derided. Christianity, which has shaped our country’s history, is now expected to accept it is just one faith among many, rather than the predominant faith of our culture (in reality today 53.6% of UK's population still say they are Christian, 6.2% belong to other religions and 40.2% are non-religious). What cannot be denied is that there are many gods worshipped in the land; idols of pleasure, sport, careers, education, fashion, celebrity and even family life.

2. They wanted only to debate about god not find God: Do you take every opportunity to share the gospel? In the context of constant chatter and argument, Paul is given an opportunity to convince them about what he believes, even if it is only for novelty value (Acts 17:19-31). He shares: that God is Lord of the world; that man is God’s creation so he needs God; and that God and man are related so idolatry is foolish. Paul concludes with a call to abandon false ideas of God and to repent, yet this didn't go down well.

3. They were very mixed in their reactions to God: Are you discouraged by past mixed reactions you've seen when sharing the gospel? Some sneered and some were interested (Acts 17:32-33). When people express an interest in Christianity, we should follow up by talking more with them personally or inviting them to an Alpha course or Life Class. Athens wasn't the most fruitful place for the gospel, but even here people were won to Christ (Acts 17:34). We should always expect some fruit from our faithful witness to Christ no matter the state of our culture. But equally we should be quick to look for the most responsive people and places. Paul didn't stay long in Athens and moved onto Corinth where he saw many turn to Christ. As he did so, he would have also been greatly encouraged by the response to the gospel that he had seen in Berea before he came to Athens.

Berea was not a particularly outstanding place, but it had some outstanding people who were highly receptive to the gospel (Acts 17:10-14):

1. They were hungry for the Word of God: Have you received the Word of God in your own life? Are you passionate to share the love of Jesus with others? These were sincere and genuine people of true character (Acts 17:11). They were salt of the earth country people open to hear the simple good news of the gospel, not cynical city people. This isn’t to say that city people, the materially wealthy or highly educated won’t respond to Christ. Indeed, we see time and again in Acts that many do. But we should note that Jesus taught us to focus on preaching good news to the poor and that He spent most of his time training a group of very ordinary people to win the world to Christ. Historically in revivals, the biggest and best responses to the gospel come when Christians reach out to those who are not necessarily distinguished by worldly achievements and possessions, or may in fact be regarded as outsiders or even losers in life. All over the nation, all around us, are countless ordinary people of all ages and racial backgrounds who need to taste and see the love of Jesus. It is time to re-evangelise the nation which means every committed Christian disciple needs to be mobilised to plant cells and churches.

2. They really studied the Word of God: Do you study the word of God as a daily habit? The Bereans studied the scriptures and wanted to be sure that what this gifted preacher Paul was talking about actually lined up with the Bible. Every day, not just on the Sabbath, they took time and effort to check out what he was saying (Acts 17:11). To be strong Christians and to develop strong churches we too must daily read and study and meditate on the Bible so that our faith and that of our children and grandchildren is founded, not on changing experiences or circumstances, but on the unchanging truths of Scripture.

3. They responded enthusiastically to the Word of God: Do you have faith to see great results and for those you share the gospel with to respond enthusiastically? Wherever you find a people hungry for God and you faithfully declare the word of God you will always see results (Acts 17:12). You can see many more people coming to faith through your personal witness, your small group and church, including prominent people, than you may have imagined. A great wave of the Holy Spirit is coming and we must prepare for it and dedicate our lives to seeing multitudes swept into the Kingdom of God.

Despite much opposition and many attacks on the church over the past 2000 years, the church of Jesus Christ is still going strong. So how is this possible? The church, both local and universal, is the unique agency that God works through to achieve His purposes. Governments, politicians, businesses, philosophers and philosophies come and go but the church of God is key to changing the world for good. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “I will build My church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” All over the world God is raising up churches in the midst of troubled times who will model the kingdom of God in and from a given community of people.

As we come to Acts 17, the apostle Paul and his companions arrive in Thessalonica. We see from this chapter, and also the letters Paul later wrote to the Thessalonians, how Paul with his companions planted and established a great church in Thessalonica in times of trouble. It is important that we should look again at what a model church is so that we can be reminded of our vision for this local church, King’s Church International, in Windsor, Robertson and London.

1. A church that knew God’s love (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4)
2. A church committed to prayer (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Acts 4:31; Acts 6:2-4; Acts 13:3; James 5:16-18 AMP)
3. A church committed to both the word of God and the Spirit of God (1 Thessalonians 1:5a; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
4. A church of reality and accountability (1 Thessalonians 1:5b)
5. A church that multiplied disciples (1 Thessalonians 1:6a; 1 Corinthians 11:1)
6. A church that kept its joy in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 1:3,6b)
7. A church that saw results (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)
a. A church that became a base for world mission (1 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
b. A church that saw people turn to God at home base (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Acts 17:4)

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Have you personally experienced God's great love? The Christians in Thessalonica knew that they were loved by God and in turn, their church work or labour was ‘prompted by love’ (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4). Love is central to church. The early Christians, for all their humanity, truly loved each other. They daily met together; they shared their lives and possessions. They prayed together. They stayed together and lived life together. And sometimes, when persecuted, they even died together. This is what we are to be about: our hearts first touched with God’s love and then we take that love to others, starting with our own family and friends but reaching out to all people everywhere. Love is the heartbeat of the church, and the love of Christ will bring healing and reconciliation to the world.

Do you pray everywhere? Are you committed to building a prayer base in your personal life, in your cell group and in the church? Do you faithfully attend the Thursday prayer meetings? The early church lived a prayer lifestyle and saw incredible miracles and growth as a result (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Acts 1:14). Prayer is mentioned in 20 out of the 28 chapters in Acts. Through prayer, the early Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit and enabled to share the gospel (Acts 4:31). Church leaders were also determined not to be sidetracked from the priority of prayer (Acts 6:2-4). And they saw apostolic ministry to the nations, and through the generations, launched through prayer (Acts 13:3). It is impossible to over-estimate the power of prayer. Prayer has always been outstanding in every move of God through history. And your prayers are powerful (James 5:16-18 AMP). As a church we continue to meet for our weekly online Thursday night prayer meetings because prayer is absolutely key to building great churches at all times, but especially in times of great trouble. So the church and church members must be given to prayer.

Are you committed to both reading and living out the Word of God, the Bible, and to living in unity and obedience to the Spirit of God? A strong church must combine solid teaching of the Bible with a life-giving experience of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5a). It is not a case of choosing one or the other, they are entirely complementary. The Spirit gives life to the Word and the Word gives foundation and context to the Holy Spirit. Paul knew that the proclamation of the word of God needed to be accompanied by a demonstration of the works of God (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

How do you judge good leadership both in and out of the church (1 Thessalonians 1:5b)? Leadership should not be gauged by how well a person may speak or sing or organise. Rather leadership should be assessed by the integrity of a person’s character, by the quality of their relationships both inside and outside of the church and by the fruit of their family life. Leadership is about a transparent lifestyle, not a title or letters that you may have before or after your name. The apostle Paul was a visible, observable, accountable leader. He was committed to local churches with which he had a close relationship.

Have you chosen to be both a disciple and a disciple-maker (1 Thessalonians 1:6)? Notice Paul doesn’t just say that they followed Christ, they also followed their leaders (1 Corinthians 11:1). The goal of making disciples is to develop each believer as a mature Christian who can in turn make and multiply more disciples. This is what Jesus did, what the apostles and early church did, and it is what we are to do as well.

Like the Thessalonians, are you full of joy given by the Holy Spirit even in the midst of severe suffering? In spite of 'severe suffering' they were a very joyful church (1 Thessalonians 1:3,6b). How come? They had an attitude of gratitude: in the midst of everything they kept a praising and positive attitude. They valued their relationship with God more than the opinions of others and they knew the life and presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit makes all the difference: He brings comfort, contentment and confidence. And they were focussed on the eternal blessings of the kingdom of heaven rather than the temporary trials on earth.

Are you expectant to see great results both locally and globally through the church? As we have seen over recent weeks, these were not easy times for Paul, his companions and new believers, but they focused on their mission and not on the opposition and saw great results (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2).The Thessalonians were a church that became a base for world mission (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8). This church was such a model to other believers that the gospel and the people’s faith in God continued to spread and became known ‘everywhere’! And they were also a church that saw people turn to God at home base. The Christians in Thessalonica became a great church spreading the gospel both locally and globally (Acts 17:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

Giving thanks and praise to God from a pure heart is one of the most powerful things Christians can do in this world. It moves the heart of God and can bring about real change in the lives of those who discover and apply this simple truth. Wherever you see Christianity thriving, you will find a strong emphasis on praising and worshipping God as saviour, healer and deliverer.

In Acts chapter 16, Paul and Silas travel from place to place from Jerusalem on their way to Macedonia, telling the good news about Jesus and introducing people to the Christian faith. Through their activities, the gospel had reached mainland Europe! But as is often the case with the apostles, things didn't always go to plan. They were thrown into prison in Philippi. But there they discovered that praise can literally open prison doors, and it can do the same in our lives too.

1. Praise God at all times (Acts 16:20-22, 25; Psalm 84:4-7; Psalm 50:14-15)
2. Praise shakes everything up (Acts 16:26a; Joshua 5:4-5, 6:20)
3. Praise brings salvation and release (Acts 16:26b-40)

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When you are in difficult circumstances, what is your response? Paul & Silas were dragged before the authorities on false charges, stripped and beaten severely, then thrown into prison (Acts 16:20-22). They had obeyed God and seen great results, but for all the good they had done they had ended up in prison. Yet they did not complain or focus on themselves: they focussed on the Lord and began to praise Him loudly for all to hear (Acts 16:25). What comes out of us in a crisis is a good indication of what we have built our lives on. The reality of knowing Jesus in their everyday lives had changed everything for the apostles. All their hopes and dreams now rested on the risen Jesus and that's what came through in their singing. No outward force could rob them of their inner joy. They knew Jesus had suffered too & now He was right with them in their suffering. They placed their future in God’s hands, and as they sang, His Spirit in them would transform the atmosphere of the prison into a place of worship. They were chained up in body, but totally free in their hearts and minds. They refused to be defined by the situation in which they found themselves. A life of constant thanksgiving and praise transforms hopelessness into a glorious present and future (Psalm 84:4-7). Even when you may not feel like giving thanks and praise, like Paul and Silas we cannot allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions and reactions. And, in offering up a sacrifice of praise from a sincere heart, and in obedience to God’s word, we receive the promise of God's rescue (Psalm 50:14-15 AMP).

Do you need to start praising God and stop focussing on your circumstances to see the situation change? Paul & Silas were in a hopeless situation, but their focus was not on their plight. Their decision to sing thanks and praise to God was about to change everything (Acts 16:26). Their praise shook up their circumstances. We also see that when Joshua and his army obeyed God’s instruction, it was the loud shout of praise that brought down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 5:4-5, 6:20). Praising God changes our perspective on the situation. It prevents us from focussing just on ourselves and reminds us of who God is: that He is always good and that in all things he is also working for our good. Praise shakes up any negative thoughts and shakes out fearful emotions. Praise can change the atmosphere of your heart and your home from one of doubt, despair and dread to one of faith and total assurance in the promises and the love of God. And, like Paul and Silas experienced, praising God whilst in a locked up situation is key to seeing a miraculous shake up of your circumstances. In short, praise is powerful and it works!

Have you experienced how praising God brings both personal salvation and release, and brings freedom to those around you too? Paul and Silas' decision to give thanks and praise in their locked up situation affected everyone in the prison (Acts 16:26). It created an opportunity for others to encounter the presence of Jesus and give their lives to Him. Although they had been in chains, the power of God was not chained. The God of freedom had not only loosed their chains with an earthquake, but those of all the other prisoners with them. Our freedom is not just for our sake, but also for the sake of others. Paul & Silas also had the opportunity to share the word of God with the jailer and his household (Acts 16:27-34). Their decision to praise in the prison became the key to an entire household immediately experiencing the joy of knowing Jesus for themselves and becoming part of God’s family. And they saw their release from prison too. Today, be confident that your decision to praise God will unlock your circumstances and open prison doors. Choose to praise God in all circumstances and you will see how it shakes up your present reality, and brings salvation and release both to you and those around you.

The phrase ‘when one door closes, another opens’ is often used to encourage someone in a time of disappointment, but it has great truth for Christians too. In Acts 16 we see that, despite the existing churches daily growing and being strengthened in the faith, door after door appears closed for the apostle Paul and his companions to share the gospel further.

But God had the right door just about to open which would lead to the gospel spreading to Europe for the first time. We see some simple lessons we can apply in our own lives from this exciting new stage of Paul’s second missionary journey and how the gospel came to Europe:

1. With A Vision (Acts 16:6-9)
a. We Must Have A Big Vision (Proverbs 29:18; Ephesians 3:20)
b. We Must Act (Acts 16:10; Habakkuk 2:2)
2. With Prayer (Acts 16:13a; Acts 3:1; Acts 10; Acts 12:5,12)
3. With A Small Group Of People Hungry For God (Acts 16:13-15; Zechariah 4:10)
4. With A Power Encounter (Acts 16:16-24; Galatians 5:1; John 10:10; Luke 4:18-19)

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How do you respond when you see a door closed that you had hoped would be open? Do you have a clear vision from God which you are prepared to act on to see fulfilled? Everything starts with vision. Paul and his companions were guided by the Holy Spirt to alter their direction, and Paul was given a new, bigger vision from God to bring the gospel to Europe (Acts 16:9). Like Paul, we must have a big vision (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). If our vision doesn’t go beyond finishing our studies, paying debts, owning a home, being successful or raising our children then it’s not the fullness of God’s vision for our lives. God has called us to achieve great things that go far beyond our routine. Today, no matter what’s happened in your past, nor your current circumstances, you can receive a new vision from God for your life, your family, ministry and future that is bigger than you can yet imagine (Ephesians 3:20) And, once we receive the vision, we must act. The book of Acts is so-called because it catalogues the ACTS of the apostles. Paul and his companions ‘got ready at once’ (Acts 16:10). When we understand the importance and value of having a God-given vision, we won’t want to waste any time in carrying it out. We are all reaping the benefits of KCI's founding Pastor, Billy Richards, and Pastors Wes and Adriana's faithfulness in carrying out the vision God gave them for this church. And there are many who are yet waiting to hear the good news of Jesus for themselves (Habakkuk 2:2 AMP). The vision will become reality with action.

Are you devoted to prayer, daily praying big bold prayers for your life, your family, future and ministry with faith that God will hear and answer? Once Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke arrived at Philippi, the leading city of Macedonia, they immediately looked for a place of prayer (Acts 16:13a). Prayer was a key characteristic of the apostles and the Early Church. Many miracles took place as they were going to pray or were actually in times of prayer (Acts 3:1; Acts 10; Acts 12:5,12). Believing in Jesus Christ and the promises of the Bible will urge us into praying bold prayers which align with the heart and will of God. Prayer and spreading the gospel go hand in hand. The early church modelled this and the miraculous was their reality: it can be ours as well through prayer.

Do you get discouraged looking at the size of your ministry, or are you in great faith for fruitfulness this year? Europe has been a centre of Christianity for centuries. So how did it start? With a few women having a prayer meeting by the river (Acts 16:13). Paul and those with him found this small group of prayerful women and began to share with them about Jesus (Acts 16:14-15). The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message, and consequently her whole household was immediately saved. Lydia was the first woman recorded in Europe to accept Jesus as her saviour and consequently the first church in Europe was about to be birthed. Paul and those who had gone to Macedonia were also provided for by her generous hospitality in gratitude for them sharing the gospel. This small group of faithful women hungry for God were met by a faithful group of believers hungry to share the kingdom of God with them. You may have a small family, or maybe you are a leader or member of one of the church’s small groups (a cell group) which seems small right now, but do not be discouraged by how small your family or ministry may be (Zechariah 4:10). For when a small group of people is hungry for God, and when you have a God-given a vision and remain prayerful, you can be confident that there will be a fruitful outcome, just as Paul experienced.

Are you ready to share the gospel and see the power of God at work through you? fortune telling slave girl was oppressed not only by human masters but by the evil, occult spirit operating in her (Acts 16:16-18). No one thought of her wellbeing: she was just a money-maker for her owners rather than them wanting to help her. Yet Paul saw it was time for her to be set free. And Jesus said He came to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18-19). Sometimes freedom brings a reaction, whether in families or in communities. We see that Paul and Silas again face persecution and even imprisonment for sharing the gospel (Acts 16:19-24). Yet for this slave girl, her day of freedom had come. She experienced the life-changing power of an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and would never be the same again (Galatians 5:1). And we see later how even this persecution became another opportunity for Paul to further spread the gospel. Jesus desires that every single person lives in complete freedom. That’s why He died on the cross to take all punishment that was rightfully ours, and He rose again to give us ‘life in abundance’ (John 10:10). Today, no matter what you have experienced so far in your life, or the doors that appear to be closed around you, you can receive a new vision from the Lord for your life and future. As you determine to stay prayerful and hungry for God every day, He will do the miraculous and show you His great power at work.

We live in a world of conflicts of many kinds. Conflicts can develop so easily even when people love one another. Unresolved conflicts can lead to divisions between couples, families, businesses, nations and even churches.

Acts 15 begins with Paul and Barnabas coming into serious conflict with a particular group who wanted to tie non-Jewish believers to Jewish traditions, and ends with Paul and Barnabas themselves actually having a big argument and going their separate ways. From this chapter, we can see some valuable lessons on conflict resolution.

1. Some conflicts are necessary (Acts 15:1-5; Acts 13:39; Galatians 5:12; Acts 15:4; 1 Timothy 6:12; Psalms 55:22; Ephesians 2:8)
2. Conflict should be faced in a godly way
a. You need to meet together (Acts 15:6-7a; Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-16)
b. You need to listen to one another (Acts 15:12; James 1:19)
c. You need to consider the issues (Acts 15:8-11,17)
3. Conflict should be resolved (Acts 15:19-22)

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Are you ready to “fight the good fight of our faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) when there are basic principles of truth and righteousness at stake? The apostles Paul and Barnabas totally believed in the love of God and the need to do everything possible to live in unity. But they also knew that unity is not possible in situations where there are basic issues at stake that must be defended. The issue here was over the core gospel message of how you are saved from your sins (Acts 1:5). In short do you need to follow traditions and religious rituals to become a Christian or is it all by grace and faith in Christ? ‭‭‬‬‬‬Paul and Barnabas strongly and sharply disagreed with the view that was being spread by some Jewish teachers that Gentiles could not be saved without accepting the obligations of the Jewish law, something Paul had already preached clearly against (Acts 13:39). They were prepared to enter into sharp conflict with those who threatened the unity and nature of the church (Galatians 5:12). As Christians we too must always try to be peacemakers but when necessary conflict does arise, the truths of the gospel and the help of the Holy Spirit will equip and empower us to persevere through any trial and stand our ground for the truth (Psalms 55:22). As a church we must also be on our guard against division springing up from our different backgrounds or cultural traditions, remembering that our common denominator is salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8).

How do you handle conflict? Do you bury your head in the sand like an ostrich and hope it goes away? Or do you go to it and seek resolution? Paul and Barnabas sought to meet with the elders to discuss this matter of who is a real Christian (Acts 15:2). We can see here a process for dealing with disagreements in any situation: at home, work and in the church. First, you need to meet together. Paul and Barnabas were chosen and sent to meet the apostles and elders to discuss the disagreement they had (Acts 15:6-7a). In a meeting like this the apostles were following the teaching of Jesus to do all you can to resolve conflicts (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-16). We should not be afraid of conflict. When two sides meet to discuss matters equally important to all parties, it is highly likely there’ll be passionate discussions among them. So, secondly, you need to listen to one another (Acts 15:12; James 1:19). Thirdly, you need to consider the issues. Peter supported Paul and Barnabas by focussing on how the Holy Spirit was at work in new ways with the Gentiles. Peter spoke of what he had seen first-hand and what the Holy Spirit did at Cornelius’ house (Acts 15:8-9). To discriminate against the Gentiles meant to oppose God which Peter and James knew was wrong (Acts 15:11,17). Although James and Peter came from traditional Jewish backgrounds, they gave a very fair hearing to consider the merits of the case. We too should always consider the principles involved not just personalities or past experiences.

Are you determined to see conflicts resolved? In the end, it’s always best when a clear decision is made that will benefit the church and advance the gospel. Decisions require judgment and clear communication (Acts 15:19,22). It was “decided” that clear communication be sent to Antioch, Syria and Cilicia that all people were to be invited into the church, regardless of their background, although not all practices were allowed (Acts 15:20). So, because Paul and Barnabas made their stand and the conflicts were carefully considered, a new day of freedom came to the church.

So, what lessons have we learnt here? We need to be sure we are not putting unnecessary blockages in front of people exploring faith in Jesus as well as defining church too narrowly. We have also seen though some conflicts are necessary, we should do our best to approach them in a godly way to resolve them. We then need to clearly document and communicate the agreed decisions to all those concerned. Paul and Barnabas were among those chosen to send the letters to the churches. After all this progress, it seems sad at the end of this chapter to read that even Paul and Barnabas had a big conflict later and they went their different ways. But even that worked out for good because Barnabas and Mark went their own way and advanced the gospel, and so did Paul who teamed up with Silas. Together they did great things. And later, we see that Paul regards Mark with respect and love and wants to see him.

Today, whatever situation you are in, you can be confident that the Lord will bless you and help you when you stand firm when conflict is necessary and when you always do your best to face and resolve conflict.