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Explore how Paul preached in Athens, starting with their religion and appealing to their open minds, proclaiming a God of power, creation, and purpose. Discover the evidence of God's uniqueness and the varied responses to his message.
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Christ Jesus, who was preached… (Just how exactly was this done?)
Preachers preach everything… • Politics • Church creeds • Personal agendas • Positive thinking • Health and wealth • Etc., etc., etc.
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion
Religion is usually tied to ones comfort, hope guidance, and faith in a superior ability. It could be… • Humanism • Science • The occult • Self • A false gospel • Paganism • Power • Wealth • Suffering • Pleasure But most all men are worshippers of something.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 • He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind • He proclaimed God a God of… Power
Psalm 19:1-4 • The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. 2. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. 3. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. 4. Their line has gone out through all the earth…
Romans 1:18-20 • For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19. because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind • He proclaimed God a God of… Power Creation
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind • He proclaimed God a God of… Power Creation Purpose
In All His Works God has Desired … • To be sought Ecclesiastes 12:13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. • To be served • To be glorified Isaiah 43:7 Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind • He proclaimed God a God of… Power Creation He Quickly Proclaimed God… Purpose • A personal God
Matthew 7:7-11 • "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9. "Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10. "Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind • He proclaimed God a God of… Power Creation He Quickly Proclaimed God… Purpose • A personal God • An unlimited God
Isaiah 55:8-9 • "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. 9. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.
What did Paul Preach in Athens? • He started with their religion • Then he appealed to their open mind • He proclaimed God a God of… Power Creation He Quickly Proclaimed God… Purpose • A personal God • An unlimited God • A holy God
Concluded with Evidence that This God was Different • Raised his Son from the dead • Gave evidence in the prophecies • In nature • In archaeology Only 3 Responses • Some sneered • Some wanted to hear more • Some believed and joined… What will be your response?