To Boldly Go: Sharing Faith in a World of Skeptics (Acts 17 Lessons for Today)
“The church exists by mission like a fire exists by burning.” – Emil Bruner
Have you ever felt the fire of faith burning within you, the desire to share the good news of Jesus? If so, you're in good company. The book of Acts shows us the early church spreading like wildfire, fueled by the Holy Spirit and a passion for sharing the Gospel. In Acts 17, we find the apostle Paul in Athens, a city steeped in philosophy and spirituality, yet far from the true God. What can we learn from Paul's encounter to boldly share our faith today?
Paul's Strategy: Look, Listen, and Share Jesus
Paul didn't barge into Athens with a megaphone. He first took the time to look and listen. He noticed the city's idols and engaged in conversations at the synagogue and marketplace. He learned about the prevailing philosophies of the Epicureans (pleasure-seekers) and Stoics (duty-bound). Only then did he begin to share Jesus, tailoring his message to address the specific beliefs and questions of his audience.
Addressing Objections: Ancient and Modern
In Athens, Paul encountered objections rooted in the philosophies of his day. Today, we face different challenges. Some common "defeater beliefs" that make Christianity seem implausible include:
"Religion is intolerant."
"How can a loving God allow bad things to happen?"
"Christians are hypocritical."
These aren't just objections from non-believers; they can also fuel our own doubts. So how do we overcome these objections and share the Gospel effectively?
Three Keys to Overcoming Objections
Listen: Take time to understand where people are coming from. Ask questions, show empathy, and genuinely listen to their concerns.
Learn: Equip yourself with knowledge. There are countless resources available to help you understand and answer common objections. Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage with other Christians to deepen your understanding of the faith.
Lean into Jesus: Ultimately, it's not our clever arguments that win people over. It's the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. Stay close to Jesus, pray for guidance, and trust Him to open doors and soften hearts.
Practical Tips for Sharing Your Faith
Start with relationships: Build genuine connections with people. Share your faith naturally as part of your conversations.
Be authentic: Don't be afraid to share your own struggles and doubts. People appreciate honesty and vulnerability.
Focus on Jesus: Share your personal experiences with Jesus and how He has changed your life.
Offer resources: Have a few helpful books or websites ready to share with those who are interested.
Pray: Ask God to guide your conversations and give you the words to say.
Conclusion: Boldly Go!
Don't let doubts or fear hold you back. Like Paul in Athens, we are called to boldly share the Gospel with a world that desperately needs to hear it. Remember, the church exists by mission. Let's keep the fire of faith burning bright and share the love of Jesus with everyone we encounter.
Think About It:
What are some common objections to Christianity you've encountered?
How can we learn to listen better and understand where people are coming from?
What resources have helped you answer difficult questions about faith?
How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in sharing the Gospel?
With You;
Pastor Tim
