Lesson 10, “Mission to the Unreached – Part 1,” provides a fascinating and instructive exploration of Paul’s missionary strategies in Athens, as documented in Acts 17. The central message of this lesson lies in Paul’s skillful approach to the culture, beliefs, and faith of the Athenians to share the Gospel in a way accessible to them.

A standout feature is Paul’s ability to find common ground and build upon it. He doesn’t begin by criticizing the false beliefs of the Athenians but initially praises their spiritual awareness and sincerity. By quoting their own authors, Paul shows respect for their culture and education. This tactic of establishing familiarity with people’s beliefs serves as an effective bridge for the Gospel.

Also notable is Paul’s emphasis on the created world and God’s role as the Creator. Nature and its order serve as a universal experience and provide a common starting point for conversations about faith. This approach allows for an intuitive connection to spiritual questions and highlights the power and beauty of the Creator.

Another key aspect is the focus on the resurrection of Jesus as verifiable evidence. Paul manages to present the message of the resurrection in a way that is open to investigation. This underscores the importance of allowing people the opportunity to hear and understand the message before making a decision.

In summary, Lesson 10 shows that missionary work requires more than a simple delivery of the message. It demands a deep understanding of the culture and beliefs of the people, a willingness to find common ground, and the ability to present the message of the Gospel skillfully and respectfully. Paul serves as an inspiring example of how to effectively share God’s love amid diverse beliefs.

The lessons from Mission to the Unreached – Part 1 provide us with important insights and connections for our daily lives and faith:

1. Cultural Understanding: Paul’s ability to understand and respect the culture of the Athenians reminds us of the importance of understanding the cultures and beliefs of the people around us. In our daily lives, we should strive to understand the perspectives of others to create a bridge for the Gospel.

2. Seeking Common Ground: The emphasis on commonalities in the lesson reminds us that in our relationships, we should seek connections. In our daily lives, we can look for ways in which faith can create common ground, rather than being separated by differences.

3. Natural World as Witness: The emphasis on the created world as a witness to God’s existence reminds us of how important it is to recognize God’s traces in nature. In our daily lives, we can consciously take time to appreciate the beauty and order of creation and use it as a foundation for conversations about faith.

4. Verifiable Evidence of Resurrection: The emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus as verifiable evidence encourages us to build our beliefs on solid grounds. In our daily lives, we can be willing to talk about the foundations of our faith and invite people to explore the evidence of the Gospel.

5. Respectful Testimony: Paul’s respectful approach teaches us how important it is to package our testimony in love and respect. In our daily lives, we can focus on creating an atmosphere of appreciation when we talk about our faith.

Overall, the lesson encourages us to view faith not in isolation but embedded in our daily lives. It challenges us to consciously approach people around us, find common ground, and share our message of the Gospel with respect and love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-mission-to-the-unreached-part-1-10-6-summary/

Dear readers,

In Job 5, Eliphaz continues his argument, claiming that only the wicked experience evil. Yet, in the depths of Job’s suffering, this principle must have sounded like mockery. How could a righteous man endure such agony? The paradox is that not all of Eliphaz’s ideas are wrong; many are echoed in other parts of the Bible.

Let’s look at other Bible verses reflecting similar thoughts:

• Psalm 37:10: “In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.”

• Proverbs 26:2: “Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight.”

• Luke 1:52: “He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’”

• Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.”

• Hebrews 12:5: “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.’”

• Hosea 6:1: “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.”

• Psalm 33:19: “that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.”

These verses shed light on the complexity of human existence and God’s sovereignty. They reveal that apparent contradictions can coexist in the Bible and that simple answers often fall short.

In Job 5, it becomes clear how half-truths can lead to a labyrinth of confusion. May this reflection encourage us to dig deeper and discover the beauty of the Bible in all its diversity.

Lord, we conclude this moment of reflection on your Word. In the depths of Scripture, we find wisdom that is not always easy to grasp. Let us be humble as we recognize our limited understanding. Guide us in the pursuit of truth and revelation.

We ask for wisdom not only for our own lives but also for those grappling with questions and doubts. May your Spirit work in us to discern your love and sovereignty amidst life’s mysteries.

Help us dig deeper and uncover the treasures of your truth. May our faith be strengthened, and our trust in you deepened. May we find peace in the knowledge of your greatness and love, even when we do not fully comprehend the answers.

Thank you for being our Creator and Guide. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-curse-causeless-the-fools-take-root-between-truth-and-half-truth-the-foolish-taking-root/

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/