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
Colossians 2:1-7-The way forward for the first Christians wasn't always easy. False teachers brought confusion and deception, prompting Paul to point believers back to the truth. Just as the best way to spot a counterfeit is to know the genuine article, the best way to recognize false teaching is to know Jesus.
Colossians 1:24-29-Suffering is one of life's hardest realities. We might expect that following Jesus would mean less pain, but Jesus himself suffered and made it clear that his followers would too. The good news is that our suffering is never lost on God and is never in vain.
Colossians 1:21-23 - Paul contrasts two powerful words—alienated and reconciled—to tell our story. Discover how Jesus did the work of reconciliation and why that is the heart of the Gospel.
Colossians 1:15-20 -Colossians centers on Jesus—the Creator of all things, the Sustainer of life, and the Redeemer who restores creation through love.
Colossians 1:9-14 - Paul prays not for comfort, but for deeper faith—knowing God’s will, living for Jesus, and receiving strength to persevere with hope.
Colossians 1:1-8 - Discover how Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds believers that Jesus is all we need. Gospel hope is true, certain, life-changing, and unstoppable.
