The account in Acts 17:24–34 vividly illustrates how Paul skillfully engages with the culture and beliefs of the Athenians to create a bridge for the Gospel. Here are some key aspects of his testimony:

1. Use of Their Authors: Paul quotes some of the Athenians’ own authors who had written something closely aligned with biblical truth. This demonstrates an impressive understanding of the culture and education of his audience. Using their own beliefs created a common ground and made it easier for Paul to take them on their own spiritual journey.

2. Seeking Common Ground: Paul leverages the commonalities he finds with the Athenians to establish a connection and then lead them a step further. This emphasizes the importance of seeking intersections and shared beliefs in evangelism to create a bridge for the Gospel.

3. Focus on the Resurrection of Jesus: After establishing common ground, Paul leads people to the central point of his testimony: the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it offers. The resurrection of Christ is presented as verifiable evidence underpinning the foundation of the Christian faith.

4. Diverse Reactions: Reactions to Paul’s message were varied. Some scoffed, others wanted to hear more, and some believed. This underscores that people react differently to the message, but it is crucial that they at least have the opportunity to hear and understand it.

5. Openness to Investigation: Paul allowed people to decide for themselves whether to reject the message or further investigate. Some chose the latter option and became followers of Jesus.

Overall, this account provides an inspiring lesson on how important it is to leverage cultural knowledge, seek common ground, and present the message of the Gospel skillfully to take people on a spiritual journey. Paul’s approach shows that people are more willing to listen when they feel that their culture and beliefs are respected.

Challenge: Please pray for God’s special guidance so that you recognize how best to testify to someone familiar to you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before you and ask for your special guidance as I contemplate how best to testify to someone from my circle of acquaintances. You know the heart of this person and their needs better than I do. Lead me so that my words and actions are permeated with your love and truth. Grant me wisdom and insight to recognize the best ways to share the Gospel. May your Holy Spirit prepare both my heart and the heart of my acquaintance. I trust that you will work in this relationship. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Challenge Plus: Explore social media as a possible “Areopagus” where you can represent the Gospel to non-Christians with the clarity and sobriety of Paul.

As I prepare to share the Gospel on social media, I pray for your special guidance, O Lord. Let me exhibit your clarity and sobriety in dealing with my posts. Help me understand the language of people on this “Areopagus” and find ways to convey your love and truth in a relevant way for them. May my words be characterized by respect and love, and open the hearts of people to the Gospel. May your Spirit be effective in social media, drawing people to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-mission-to-the-unreached-part-1-10-5-crossing-a-line/

Dear readers,

In the midst of Job’s suffering, Eliphaz appears with words that sound more like a theological defense than compassionate empathy. His considerations, suggesting that Job might deserve his suffering, seem to close the doors to a deeper understanding. In Job’s heart, plagued by pain and sorrow, the essence was not whether he was more just than God, but how much he suffered and why.

Eliphaz’s additional argument, based on “visions in the night,” added a supernatural dimension. Yet, in his zeal to emphasize God’s justice, he seemed to overlook the essential – the human experience of pain and loss. Job’s lament was not dishonest but a desperate expression of profound suffering.

12 “Job, a message was secretly brought to me, and my ears caught a whisper of it. In the disquieting dreams of the night, when deep sleep falls on people, fear and trembling seized me and made all my bones shake. A spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body stood on end. It stopped, but I could not tell what it was. A form stood before my eyes, and I heard a hushed voice: ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can even a strong man be more pure than his Maker? If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error, how much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth! Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces; unnoticed, they perish forever. Are not the cords of their tent pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?’” Job 4:12-21

The accounts of Eliphaz and Job remind us that even with a correct perspective, our words can miss the mark if not carried by a heart full of compassion. May this reflection teach us that in the depths of suffering, compassion builds a bridge between theology and human experience.

Merciful Creator,

teach us how to share your truth with a spirit of love and compassion. Let our words be sources of comfort and encouragement, especially when faced with the depths of human suffering. May your love shine through us as we strive to reach the hearts of our fellow human beings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-curse-causeless-between-theology-and-compassion-eliphazs-challenge-in-jobs-suffering-a-man-and-his-maker/

The text about Paul introducing a new God in Athens in Acts 17:24–27 shows how skillfully the apostle sought a new approach to people who were already in some way concerned with spirituality. Here are some aspects of Paul’s approach:

1. Acknowledgment and Praise: Paul began by acknowledging the present spiritual awareness and sincerity of the people in Athens. This created a positive atmosphere and showed respect for their quest for the spiritual, even if they worshiped an unknown God.

2. Study of their Religion: Paul demonstrated that he had studied their faith and found aspects in that study that he respected. This illustrated that he took their beliefs seriously and endeavored to understand their perspective before conveying his message.

3. Sharing of Insights: Paul shared something about their own religion that they admitted not understanding. This showed that he wasn’t simply criticizing their beliefs but was trying to share knowledge and explain.

4. Introduction of a New God: Paul led the people to the concept of a Creator God who does not dwell in a temple and does not require human needs but cares for the needs of people. This was a transformative idea that set apart from Greek mythology and presented a God of love.

5. The Possibility of Knowing God: Paul emphasized that the unknown God he introduced can indeed be known. This emphasis on accessibility and God’s desire for knowledge could establish a deeper connection.

6. Warning of Rejection: Paul concluded his speech with a warning about the consequences of rejecting this unknown God. This shows that he not only presented positive aspects but also pointed to the responsibility of people to accept the knowledge of God.

Overall, this section shows how Paul approached with sensitivity and respect to establish a connection with people and gradually lead them to a deeper understanding of faith. His approach relied on appreciation, study, sharing of knowledge, and the introduction of a God who allows love and knowledge.

Note Paul’s reference to the created world and God as the Creator (see also Romans 1:18–25). Why is this a very good approach for most people, at least initially? What in the created world points so powerfully to God?

Paul’s emphasis on the created world and God as the Creator is a powerful approach, especially initially, for several reasons:

1. Universal Experience: The created world is something everyone can experience. Regardless of one’s background or belief, nature is omnipresent and can be perceived by everyone. This creates a universal experience that forms a common starting point for many people.

2. Simplicity and Accessibility: The beauty and complexity of nature are easily accessible and do not require special knowledge. This makes the approach understandable and appealing to people of different educational levels and backgrounds.

3. Transcendence and Order: Creation points to transcendence and order. The breathtaking beauty and precise laws of nature inspire many people to seek a higher purpose or a Creator who designed this order.

4. Immutable Testimonies: Nature provides immutable testimonies to God’s creation. Unlike human-made things, creation remains largely untouched by human influence, making it a reliable witness to God’s creative power.

5. Spiritual Longing: Many people feel a spiritual longing when contemplating the beauty of nature. The diversity of landscapes, the depths of the ocean, the vastness of the sky can evoke a sense of awe and transcendence, prompting a search for a higher purpose.

6. Connection to Moral Values: Creation often points to moral values such as love, harmony, and environmental protection. These values can inspire people to seek a divine origin for such principles.

In Romans 1:18–25, Paul emphasizes that people can understand God’s invisible qualities through creation. The hints of God in the created world have strong persuasive power as they point to the existence of an intelligent Creator who shaped the world with wisdom and purpose.

Overall, focusing on the created world provides a common starting point for conversations about faith, allows an intuitive connection to spiritual questions, and highlights the power and beauty of the Creator.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-mission-to-the-unreached-part-1-10-4-introducing-a-new-god/

Dear Readers,

At the heart of Job’s suffering, we find his friends who gathered to mourn with him in the face of his heavy fate. The Bible describes how they initially sat in silence, overwhelmed by the tragedy unfolding before them. However, when Job finally broke the silence and voiced his complaints, they had many words of advice and supposed wisdom.

Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, revealed in his words a questionable theology and a shocking lack of empathy. His words could serve as an introduction to a book on grief counseling titled, “What Not to Say to a Grieving Person.” Instead of being compassionate, Eliphaz seemed to prioritize theological clarity over empathetic comfort.

The essence of Eliphaz’s statements could be understood as follows: The sufferings experienced by Job were a result of his supposed guilt because God is just, and only the wicked would undergo such suffering.

We can imagine how unconsoling such words are for someone in profound grief. Similar to telling an accident victim that they deserve the punishment for their mistakes, Eliphaz’s advice is marked by a lack of empathy and a failure to understand the complexity of human suffering.

In our own experiences of offering comfort, let us remember how empathetic words and supportive gestures can make a difference. Let us learn from these experiences to better respond to others in times of grief.

May our compassion run deeper than mere words, and may our readiness to console transcend theological considerations so that we can truly offer support and love.

Loving God,

We come to you with hearts yearning for comfort in the midst of sorrow. We think of Job and his friends as they mourned together and exchanged words. In these moments of pain, we recognize the importance of compassion and empathy.

Help us respond lovingly and empathetically to the needs of those grappling with grief. Let us learn from Job’s story that not all advice and words of comfort are helpful. May our support go beyond words and be guided by the power of your love.

We pray for those who are suffering today, whether through loss, pain, or tragedies. May they experience the embracing presence of your comfort. Grant us wisdom as we attempt to offer solace, and open our hearts to the deep needs of our fellow human beings.

In these moments of silence, we entrust all our thoughts, feelings, and concerns to you, knowing that you are a God of comfort and love.

In the name of your son Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-curse-causeless-comfort-woven-wisdom-compassionate-reflections-on-the-story-of-job-who-has-ever-perished-being-innocent/

The text about Paul and the unknown God in Acts 17:22–23 emphasizes Paul’s wise approach to reach the people in Athens with the Gospel. It shows how he did not condemn the false religion of the Athenians immediately but instead highlighted the positive aspects of their devotion to build a bridge for the Gospel.

The fact that Paul complimented the pagans and praised their dedication to the gods is noteworthy. He did not immediately criticize their false gods but sought common ground and praised their religious devotion. This demonstrates a respectful attitude and an understanding of the people to whom he wanted to bring the Gospel.

Paul did not present himself as a self-proclaimed expert with all the answers but as someone who cares for people and their well-being. This approach allowed him to establish a connection and be perceived as someone concerned about the interests of the people.

The mention of the inscription “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” shows Paul’s skill in finding commonalities and opening a dialogue. He did not mock their concept of an unknown God but used it as a starting point for a deeper conversation about the true God.

The emphasis that Paul recognized the Holy Spirit could work with the material available highlights the importance of meeting people where they are. Instead of immediately correcting false beliefs, Paul laid a foundation for understanding and further dialogue.

Overall, this text shows how important it is to have a respectful and empathetic approach in evangelism. Praising positive aspects, finding common ground, and opening topics of conversation that pique interest are crucial elements to effectively share the Gospel in different contexts.

What bridges and points of contact come to mind that could open up opportunities for deeper conversation with people you encounter?

Here are some approaches:

1. Shared Interests: Identify common hobbies, interests, or passions. Whether it’s books, movies, sports, music, or other activities, common interests create a foundation for deeper conversation.

2. Current Events: Discuss current events or topics relevant in the news or society. This allows for exchanging opinions and perspectives, creating connections based on shared or contrasting views.

3. Personal Stories: Share personal experiences or stories. Sharing your own experiences can lead others to open up and share their stories, creating an atmosphere of trust and authenticity.

4. Cultural References: Find cultural references, whether through shared cultural backgrounds, food, travel, or cultural events. This allows for discussing cultural differences and promoting understanding.

5. Future Plans and Dreams: Talk about future plans, dreams, and goals. This can lead to discussions about values, hopes, and desires, leading to deeper conversations.

6. Shared Challenges: Discuss challenges that many people face, whether in work, relationships, or personally. Sharing challenges creates empathy and understanding for each other.

7. Philosophical Questions: Pose philosophical or life philosophy questions. Discussions about the meaning of life, morality, ethics, and other philosophical topics can lead to deeper reflections.

8. Faith Questions: If appropriate, talk about spiritual or religious topics. This opens the opportunity to discuss faith, values, and worldviews.

It’s important to note that creating bridges and points of contact should be based on respect, openness, and empathy. The key is to find a common ground where authentic and meaningful conversations can emerge.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-mission-to-the-unreached-part-1-10-3-paul-and-the-unknown-god/