“Meeting People Where They Are”


BIBLE READING: Acts 17- 21

                How was Paul so successful in reaching the lost with the message of Jesus?  One of the reasons for Paul’s success was due to his ability to meet people where they are and lead them to Jesus.  A great example of this is found in Acts 17.  When Paul walks into Athens, he is walking into a place that was said to have more altars to idols, than people.  To introduce them to Jesus, he doesn’t begin by condemning their beliefs, but he rather meets them where they are.  On his way in, he notices an altar that was built to the Unknown God.  Paul reveals to them that their unknown God, was His God.  In finding that common ground, Paul was able to successfully teach them about Christ.  We live in a world that offers several different churches that all believe all kinds of different things.  Maybe if we began our teaching of the Truth to them by focusing on our common ground, then we will be able to share with them what makes the Church different.  If Paul had gone into Athens with “guns blazing” so to speak, they might have stoned him before he had the opportunity.  Likewise, if we go into the world to evangelize but focus on what they are doing wrong, they will shut us out and end any opportunity to reach them.  We must never compromise the Truth by endorsing religious error; by establishing a strong foundation of common ground it will open the door for them being more receptive to the Truth.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more