Lesson 10: Mission to the Unreached – Part 1 | 10.3 Paul and the Unknown God
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cultural References: Find cultural references, whether through shared cultural backgrounds, food, travel, or cultural events. This allows for discussing cultural differences and promoting understanding.
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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.
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Shared Challenges: Discuss challenges that many people face, whether in work, relationships, or personally. Sharing challenges creates empathy and understanding for each other.
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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.
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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/
AWR360° Zambia – Cellphone Evangelism Part 1 Ep.2
AWR360° Zambia – Cellphone Evangelism Part 1 Ep.2 #AWR #Evangelism # CellPhone #Zambia # Africa #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgvE3pHyp3Y
The Global Reach of Adventism: Part 2 With Dr. David Trim
Dr. David Trim joins ANN In-Depth host Sam Neves to continue discussing the office of Archives, Statistics, and Research for the Adventist Church. In this episode, discover the remarkable expansion of the Adventist Church, now present in over 215 countries and territories. Episode highlights: -How this global presence is the result of 150 years of dedicated missionary work. -The rich history and sacrifices of countless individuals who contributed to the church's growth, often in anonymity. -The essence of being an Adventist which intertwines with a life of sacrifice and commitment to the mission. -The crucial role of supporting missions, both through personal involvement and financial contributions. To hear more from David Trim and Sam Neves about Adventist Mission, listen to Mission 150 here: https://adventistreview.tv/programs/mission150 The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers who promise to help people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus.
Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ To ensure you never miss a new video, click the notification bell! Find us on social media by following the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventistChurch
Twitter:https://twitter.com/adventistchurch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventistchurch/ Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsyiooQITwg
Aunty, why do the genealogies of Jesus end with Joseph—who wasn’t Jesus’ actual father?
4 December 2023 | Dear Aunt Sevvy, The prophets said that the Messiah would be the son of David, from the tribe of Judah. The book of Matthew traces the genealogy from Abraham, and in Luke from Adam. But all of them lead to Joseph—and Joseph was not Jesus‘ father, he was Jesus‘ adoptive father! […] Source: https://atoday.org/aunty-why-do-the-genealogies-of-jesus-end-with-joseph-who-wasnt-jesus-actual-father/
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