What are your deeds saying?
The book of acts records this incident that happened to the apostle Paul in Athens. It reads,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?” Acts 17:17-19.
Here is an interesting incident in Paul’s life. He was presenting the Message of Christ Jesus in the synagogues and the market place. Apparently in a peaceful and civil manner.
While in the market place Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate him which led them to invite Paul to a meeting of the Areopagus a place where philosophy and other things were debated. The ancient equivalent if you will of a Ted talk.
Acts 17:20-34 tells us what happened. Paul met the Athenians where they were at. Noting that they were very religious and obviously seeking truth for they even had a temple to “an unknown god”.
From there without judging or saying anything negative about the beliefs of the Athenians, Paul presents his beliefs on Christ Jesus. The final result was some scoffed at what he said, some believed, and some wanted to hear more.
The way Paul conducted himself in Athens should be an example for Christians today.
We live in a world of vast diversity when it comes to religion, philosophy and lifestyles. We in our service to Christ will from time to time be called on to present the message of Jesus to a wide range of people. People of different faiths, philosophies, and lifestyles.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that we present the gospel of Christ in a civil, non-judgmental way.
We must keep for lack of a better term “on script”. Telling people about the Love of God through Christ Jesus. Without judging them or in anyway insulting there faith, philosophy or lifestyle.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist once said,
What are your deeds telling those around you?
Please think about it.
The book of acts records this incident that happened to the apostle Paul in Athens. It reads,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?” Acts 17:17-19.
Here is an interesting incident in Paul’s life. He was presenting the Message of Christ Jesus in the synagogues and the market place. Apparently in a peaceful and civil manner.
While in the market place Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate him which led them to invite Paul to a meeting of the Areopagus a place where philosophy and other things were debated. The ancient equivalent if you will of a Ted talk.
Acts 17:20-34 tells us what happened. Paul met the Athenians where they were at. Noting that they were very religious and obviously seeking truth for they even had a temple to “an unknown god”.
From there without judging or saying anything negative about the beliefs of the Athenians, Paul presents his beliefs on Christ Jesus. The final result was some scoffed at what he said, some believed, and some wanted to hear more.
The way Paul conducted himself in Athens should be an example for Christians today.
We live in a world of vast diversity when it comes to religion, philosophy and lifestyles. We in our service to Christ will from time to time be called on to present the message of Jesus to a wide range of people. People of different faiths, philosophies, and lifestyles.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that we present the gospel of Christ in a civil, non-judgmental way.
We must keep for lack of a better term “on script”. Telling people about the Love of God through Christ Jesus. Without judging them or in anyway insulting there faith, philosophy or lifestyle.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist once said,
“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,
God’s job to judge
and
my job to love,”
Billy Graham.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do
may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
The apostle Paul’s deeds in Athens led him to being asked to speak in the Areopagus. To tell all present about the Saving Grace of Christ Jesus.What are your deeds telling those around you?
Please think about it.
