SCRIPTURE: Acts 17:16-34
OBSERVATION:
Paul starts with the “faith” of non-Christians, and builds his message on what they already believe, expanding their present “faith” with what God is like (not a statue!), and how God is ultimately revealed in Jesus. The resurrection is too much for these philosophers, as it still is for many today. And yet deep down, its the thing most people long for.
APPLICATION:
When I talk to non-Christians, do I look for the “point of contact” in what they do believe, then try to expand their present beliefs. Non-Christians are not wrong, nor are they totally mistaken; much of what they observe is based on God’s general communication in nature. Its just that they need to expand their thoughts in regards to what God is like, and how He is ultimatelty revealed in Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to think that my understanding is superior to that of others, but to see what is good and true in what others believe, then build on that, and help them grow with me into greater truth. Amen.