November 6, 2023
Good News | Acts 17:16-34
Speak Their Language
A fish out of water is a term we use to describe someone in unfamiliar and uncomfortable surroundings. That’s Paul in Athens. Paul was a Jewish scholar proficient in the Bible and monotheism. Athens was an idol and temple smorgasbord! In this passage, Paul has to figure out how to explain Jesus to a group of people who have never heard of Him before.
Songs for this week: Spotify
- What’s the most uncomfortable place to share your confidence in Jesus? At work? At school? At home? In the hockey change room? Explain.
- What is Paul feeling and doing before he opens his mouth to speak?
- As you study the summary of Paul’s lecture, what specific points stand out? What connects with you, especially as you think about sharing your faith
- Even the best evangelists like Paul (Jesus!) don’t always hit a home run. Paul was nearly shut out in Mars Hill. How do you handle it when people you share with don’t believe? How do you continue without getting discouraged?
- Are you any closer to having an elevator explanation (60-second gospel) for why you believe what you believe?
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Recent Sermons
Mark 1:35 - Jesus modelled a life of restraint and rhythm, showing us how to live with peace and purpose even amid urgency through the practices he shared.
Luke 6:39-49 - Jesus reminds us that we all have teachers shaping us. Some lead us astray, but when we follow him, we learn to live as we were truly meant to.
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
