In 2011, the Detroit Lions hosted Monday Night Football, and the crowd was so deafening that the visiting Chicago Bears committed nine false starts. With the 24-13 win, head coach Jim Schwartz awarded the Lion fans the game ball.

The effects of crowd noise and home-field advantage reach beyond football. In basketball, the impact of crowd noise is often seen when the visiting team struggles to make free throws. Overall, crowds play an important role in sporting events, big or small.

Acts 17 – Deliver the Good News

 Paul had no home crowd or audience when he preached the gospel message in Acts 17. The crowd responded to his message in three different ways: He was instantly rejected (17:18), his message was accepted (17:34), and the final group contemplated his message. They neither refused nor received his message but wanted to know more.

It’s helpful to know that when sharing the gospel, there will be one of these responses. Jesus commands us to “be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Sometimes, the crowd will receive the message positively, but we need to be prepared for rejection and those who need to hear the message repeatedly.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are faithful to be witnesses for Christ in sports and leave the results to God. They are prepared to deliver the message with conviction and clarity.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – But I do not make my life of any account nor dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 LSB

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