Midweek Echo
Midweek Echo is a simple reminder of Sunday’s message—something to help you recall what you heard, reflect on what it means, and live it out through the week. It’s a way to stay rooted in God’s Word, remembering that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:17 NIV).
Sneak a Preach
We have an interesting relationship with the word preach. When someone tells us how to live and we disagree, we say, “Don’t preach at me.” When someone says exactly what we’ve been thinking, we say, “Preach it!”
The truth is, everybody preaches. We preach about politics and parenting, money and marriage, diet and exercise. Whenever we say, “This is true. This matters. You need to hear this,” we’re doing a little preaching.
Acts 17 gives us a picture of Paul preaching in very different settings. In Thessalonica, he reasoned from the Scriptures. In Berea, people received his message and then examined the Scriptures to see whether it was true. In Athens, surrounded by idols and competing philosophies, Paul reasoned in the synagogue, debated in the marketplace, and spoke before the Areopagus.
Paul adapted his approach, but not his message. He communicated the truth about Jesus.
That matters because the gospel has content. Our lives can support that message - or undermine it. Kindness, integrity, and good old-fashioned tact matter. But our lives are not themselves the gospel. A good life cannot tell someone that Jesus died and rose again or that forgiveness and new life are found in him. Those truths require words.
So perhaps Acts 17 gives us a simple challenge: sneak a preach.
Not by being sneaky. Don’t treat friendships as projects or force Jesus into every conversation. But when a natural opportunity comes, don’t be afraid to say something true about him.
Someone tells you they’re afraid - tell them where you find hope. Someone is carrying guilt - tell them what you’ve learned about grace. Someone asks why you go to church - tell them, and invite them. Someone asks what you believe - talk about Jesus.
You don’t need a theology degree or an answer to every question. The Bereans remind us simply to be people of the Book, making sure what we say is grounded in Scripture.
Listen genuinely. Speak honestly. Say what you know to be true. Then trust the Holy Spirit to work through the message.
Almighty God, give us opportunities this week to speak truthfully and graciously about Jesus, and give us the courage to take those opportunities for your glory and our neighbors good. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- Pastor Steve Johnson, September 9, 2026