Reason and persuasion

So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:3-4

While Paul worked with Priscilla and Aquila making tents to earn his living, Paul’s greatest passion was making disciples. Note two things about his method from (v.4):

He went to the Jewish synagogue every Sabbath day to reason with Jews and Greeks. Why the synagogue? Because Paul had a heart for his Jewish brethren. Paul was a “Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). He knew what it was like to know the Hebrew scriptures, that are all about Christ (John 5:39), without knowing Christ. But having come to know Christ, Paul longed to see more Jewish people know their Messiah. With that in mind, going to the synagogue was a wise choice.

He reasoned with those to whom he spoke. While the Gospel cannot be discovered through reason but must be revealed by the Holy Spirit, the gospel is not UNreasonable. We should know the gospel well enough to present it reasonably. Just as Paul sought to persuade those with whom he spoke, so ought we—knowing that it is as we speak (reasonably and persuasively), the Holy Spirit will save His people.

A footnote. Though Paul went specifically to where he knew he would encounter Jewish people, don’t miss the fact that his efforts were fruitful among both Jews and Greeks. This informs us that Paul did not speak exclusively with Jewish people, but with Gentiles as well. This reminds us that we are to pray for and proclaim the gospel to as many as we can, without respect to who they are—and that the Holy Spirit will save His people.

Priscilla and Aquilla, and tentmaking with Paul

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. Acts 18:1-3

Once in Corinth, Paul met Aquila and Priscilla. These two are usually identified as Priscilla and Aquila, rather than as Aquila and Priscilla. Why? Isn’t it customary to put the husband’s name before the wife’s? No. In families, when speaking about a sibling and his or her spouse, it is very common to name the sibling first, then the spouse without respect to gender.

Additionally, whichever is more well known, or who seems more prominent is frequently named first. Don’t we most often refer to Jesus’s parents as Mary and Joseph? Yet when the people questioned Jesus’s authority, didn’t they say “Isn’t He the son of Joseph and Mary?” In their eyes, not understanding the importance of the virgin birth, Joseph was more important.

So what about Priscilla and Aquila? Some speculate that Priscilla may have been from a more prominent family, but we really do not know for certain.

What is of more importance was the relationship this husband and wife duo had with Paul. They were devoted disciples who became partners with Paul, not only in ministry, but in the tentmaking industry. Paul was trained in tentmaking. In that day, even intellectuals and religious leaders were trained in some sort of trade. Not a bad idea since one never knows when one must rely on one’s trade for one’s livelihood.

Paul supported himself in the ministry by making tents when necessary, and so that he would not be a financial burden on the Church.

Two takeaways: (1) It is wise for those in the ministry to have some ability to earn an income in case the Church cannot support them. (2) It is desirable, however, that the Church support it’s ministers and missionaries so they can give themselves more fully to the ministry.

Where do you want to live and shine for Christ?

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth.
Acts 18:1

Corinth. It was one of the most important cities in the Greco-Roman world in that day. Estimates of Corinth’s population in the first century vary, but it was likely the third most populous city after Rome and Alexandria. There were probably upwards of 200,000 citizens—plus 500,000 slaves. (Those numbers may seem paltry compared to the major cities of today, but enormous in that day.) Rome was an important trade route for merchant ships because it was located in a narrow isthmus connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. Cargo was transported across the isthmus so that ships would not have to sail all the way south around Greece, saving a great deal of time. This made Corinth a metropolitan city in which all sorts of people and ideas were constantly passing through.

Corinth was also known to be a “wide open” city of immorality. Even the most common religion incorporated all sorts of sexual immorality and perversity as part of the “worship.” It was commonly said in that day that an immoral person (regardless of where he lived or where he was from) was a “Corinthian”!

Why did Paul go there? Strategically, it was a place of influence where so many people were constantly coming and going, that the gospel could spread from there. Spiritually, as a city known for it’s blatant sinfulness, it is a reminder that Jesus did not come for the righteous but the unrighteous. And may it be a reminder to Christians in our day that though it may seem inviting to flee sinful cities and states in hopes of finding an easier place to live our lives, that is not what Jesus did when He left Heaven to come to this sinful world to save His people. Nor was it what Paul did when seeking to spread faith in Christ.

A vital evidence that a person has truly come to faith in Christ

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:32-34

Of course the most desirable outcome when speaking to someone about Christ is that the person believes and follows Jesus, just as some did in Acts 17:34. Let me share an important evidence that a person has truly trusted Christ: Those who believed joined with other believers. This is always important. When a person comes to Christ, the person needs Christian fellowship in a solid church in which he or she can learn and grow in their new faith.

It is important to invite and urge new believers to get plugged into a church. Invite them to go to church with you. Offer to pick them up and actually bring them with you (if that is feasible). Just as new born babies need to be loved, nurtured, and cared for, new believers need the same kind of care and we can be a part of that as we help them get established in a Bible-preaching church.

As I said, an important evidence that a person’s interest is true saving faith, is that they join with believers in a church. It is exciting when we see this happen! But let us also beware that if a person expresses interest in the Lord, but ultimately refuses to unite with other believers, it is likely evidence that he or she hasn’t yet come to saving faith. Though that may be disappointing, don’t give up. Continue to speak to the person as though he/she is not saved—the person still may be in time!

Some won't hear, but some will!

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." So Paul departed from among them. Acts 17:32-33

Paul spoke to people about Christ and the gospel. Some mocked, but others were open and were willing to hear more. Paul’s experience was not unique. While there are always those who will refuse to hear, some will hear and even be willing to hear more.

Let us refuse to be discouraged when people won’t hear. Many of us who now believe were once also resistant to the Lord. While we must be sensitive so as not to drive them further away by badgering them, let us pray for the Lord to soften hearts and to give us further opportunities to speak about Christ.

When people are willing to listen, and even open to hear more later, let us continue to pray that the Lord will soften these people’s hearts further that they may not only be willing to listen, but to receive God’s grace to truly hear the gospel and respond with believing faith.

Be sure to thank the Lord for their willingness to consider the claims of Christ.

Lastly, while we do not have all the answers to any and every question (or challenge) they may have, let us be as prepared as we can be. The first essential thing we need to know is the gospel itself, for the gospel is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16).

As for answering questions, take a look at THIS FACTSHEET on this webpage. Learn what you can, but don’t think you have to know everything. Even if you know very little, share what you do know (the gospel) and when stumped, admit it and promise to get back with the person when you find out more. Answers to most questions are in the booklet just mentioned. Let us pray for the lost, and that the Lord might use us to point them to Christ.

You can also view the factsheet on this website by clicking on RESOURCES, then TEACHING, then ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FAITH.

What is the hardest thing to believe about the gospel?

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." So Paul departed from among them. Acts 17:32-33

Interesting that some people reject Christianity because they do not believe in the resurrection. The resurrection is not negotiable! It is one of the most important essentials of the Faith. As Paul argued in 1 Corinthians 15:17: If Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is in vain and we are still dead in our sins! (paraphrased).

In our day few, if any, reject the Lord because they do not believe in the resurrection. Rather, people in our day are indifferent about the resurrection. They don’t care. People believe in all sorts of fanciful things that are indeed untrue, so most couldn’t care less if Jesus rose from the dead.

So if the resurrection is not the big stumbling block what is? Simple: the holiness of God; that He demands holiness of us, and that because none of us is holy, we are doomed.

And try as we may to convince people of this “hard to believe” truth, this is the most important first point of the gospel. We must declare it, but we cannot make anyone believe it. So as much as we must declare it, we must also pray that the Lord would grant the gift of faith that people may believe and be saved.

On a parallel note, we do no one any favors to declare that if they will believe in Jesus, their lives will improve. Why? Because that is not the gospel, and because that is not true. The truth is, Jesus didn’t come to give us better, happier, or more fulfilling lives. He came to save us from our sins. And unless one believes that he or she is a sinner, one has no reason to be interested in that kind of Savior.

Thank Him for saving you if you are saved, and pray asking Him to save others as He has graciously saved you.

Our forgiving Judge

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31

As sure as the day of God’s judgment is appointed, and therefore will take place…

As sure as the standard by which all will be judged is the perfect holiness of God…

And as sure the only hope of surviving that judgment is forgiveness of sin, available only through faith in Christ Jesus…

It is also a sure thing that our Savior, Jesus, is likewise the One who sits on the judgment seat (Acts 17:31). If this verse is not clear enough, consider Jesus’s words in Matthew 7:22-23:

Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (emphasis added)

Clearly Jesus identifies Himself as the Judge. Does that mean God the Father is not the judge? No, it is, rather, a reminder that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all three, one God. And as God is our Judge, all three members of the Trinity are our Judge.

What a beautiful truth that the One who judges (Jesus) is also the One who secures forgiveness for those who trust in Him!

Being ready for the Day of God’s judgment

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31

Why are faith and repentance important? Because all people will be judged by God. First let us be reminded by what standards we shall not be judged.

• The standard is not that we committed more good deeds than bad.

• The standard is not that we did better than others, most people, or bad people.

What is the standard by which all shall be judged? That we be perfectly holy as our heavenly Father is perfectly holy. (Matthew 5:48; Leviticus 21:8; Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7.) God is also perfectly just so He must judge righteously (justly). The bad news for we who are not perfectly holy is that no one can escape God’s judgment and the inevitability of a guilty verdict.

The good news is that in addition to being a just Judge, God is also a merciful Father. In His mercy, He has provided forgiveness for our sins by sending His perfectly holy Son, Jesus, to live righteously for us and to die, paying the penalty for our guilt for us—followed by His resurrection from the dead.

What God requires of the guilty who would be forgiven is faith in Jesus instead of in our own supposed goodness. And necessarily related to saving faith in Jesus is a change of heart toward sin, once forgiven. That change of heart is the heart of repentance, which is seen not in sinlessness, but in progressively sinning less as we grow in our understanding and appreciation of God’s grace.

The appointed day of God’s judgment is coming. Let that day find us living lives of trust in Christ and repentance concerning sin.

Faith and repentance are both gifts from God

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
Acts 17:30

Yesterday we put forth the fact that repentance is not an optional element in salvation. We demonstrated that the God commands repentance (Acts 17:30), and that key men in the New Testament preached repentance.

Today, we want to consider what repentance is and why it is not a “meritorious work” performed by people to earn salvation.

Literally, repentance is a “changing of the mind.” The change is not deciding whether to eat burgers or burritos. It is about life and death, Heaven and Hell, and whether Jesus is Lord or not! Lost people who are dead in sin (Ephesians 2:4-5) have no capacity to make this mind change. This change of mind happens when a person is born again by the Spirit of God.

The new life one receives upon being born again is always accompanied by a new heart and mind. The new heart and mind wants more than to go to Heaven rather than Hell when he dies. When we are born again by the Spirit of God, we want to turn from sin and to follow Christ as Lord and Master of our lives.

When we are born again, we not only want to turn from sin to follow Jesus, we actually do turn from sin to follow Jesus. None of us does this perfectly, and we are all maturing at differing speeds, but fundamentally, when we are born again we receive the gifts of both faith and repentance.

And since they are gifts from God, we can take no credit either for believing or repenting.

This is what repentance is and why it is not a “meritorious work” performed by us to earn salvation.

Is repentance necessary for salvation to be valid?

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
Acts 17:30

Some evangelicals minimize, or even reject, the necessity of repentance as an element of Christian conversion. I understand. I went through a brief stint of that thinking in the early 1980s. The thinking behind this unbiblical position is that repentance is a “work,” and since salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9), therefore, repentance, though good, is not necessary. In an effort to champion salvation by faith alone, apart from human effort, repentance gets scuttled.

Besides the fact that God “commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30), consider the following people who preached repentance”

• John the Baptist called people to repentance. Matthew 3:1-2

• Jesus called people to repentance. Matthew 4:17

• The twelve disciples sent by Jesus called people to repentance. Mark 6:7-12

• The Apostle Peter called people to repentance. Acts 2:37-38

• The Apostle Paul called people to repentance. Acts 26:19-20

I am sure that all believers would agree that each of these persons are important and authoritative.  Since they emphasized repentance, we would certainly be remiss if we did not.

Tomorrow, we will consider what repentance is and why it is not a “meritorious work” performed by people to earn salvation.

God commands all to repent

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
Acts 17:30

Has God “overlooked” all sin prior to Christ’s atoning sacrifice? No. All sin is sin, and God holds all people accountable for their sin, no matter who they are, where they live, or when they appear on the timeline.

A better understanding of these words is that God did not send all pagan idolaters the special revelation of either (a) His law (as He did with Israel), or (b) of Christ (as He was doing through the Apostles). All the pagans had was the general revelation Paul referred to in Romans 1—which according to Romans 1-3 relieves no one of accountability to God.

“But now”—referring to in the wake of Christ’s death and resurrection—the revelation of Christ and the gospel is complete and continues to spread ever since.

That God “commands all men everywhere to repent,” is a sober reminder that repentance is an essential element of believing the gospel. It is not an addition to believing, it is an aspect and proof of saving faith.

An Additional Footnote: Repentance does not bring about sinlessness. We continue to wrestle with sin until we are glorified and in Heaven. As we wrestle with sin, we continually confess and repent of our sins. And as we do, we gain continued victory over sin as we sin less often, and less egregiously.

The high calling (on human beings) to worship God acceptably

Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.
Acts 17:29

God created all things. That means ALL things! Nothing (but God) exists that God did not create. Therefore, all creation is subject to Him

God, who created all things, created human beings as well. Human beings are the only created beings that are created in the very image and likeness of God (Genesis 1: 26-27). That we are created in God’s image does not mean physically, since God is Spirit, and has no body. That we are created in God’s image does mean that, like Him, we are spiritual beings. Human beings are distinctively different from the animal kingdom. God even gave human beings a direct mandate to manage the rest of His creation (Genesis 1:28).

Being created in His image, and having been given the “dominion mandate,” we have special privilege and special responsibility. We are privileged to be eternal beings, and we are responsible to manage the rest of His creation according to His will and for His glory.

We are also the only beings that are called to worship Him. The rest of creation exists for God’s glory and it glorifies Him instinctively. Only human beings are allowed to worship Him volitionally (meaning we can and must, but we are allowed not to worship Him, or to do so unacceptably).

When we worship God acceptably (according to the dictates of His Word), we are blessed. When we do not, we will be cursed.

Acts 17:29 warns that those created in His image are not to worship false gods we imagine and or fashion with our hands, which is idolatry. 1 John 5:21  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Who is control of what is happening in our chaotic world?

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Acts 17:24-28

I had a conversation this morning this morning with three people at my doctor’s office. We were speaking about the sad state of affairs in our world. One of them voiced concern about how a handful of powerful people are controlling everything and that they must be stopped. Another chimed in, “Yes, but how?”

What an opportunity!

I stated my theory about “conspiracy theories.” I said, “I don’t think people are smart enough to control the world. What is happening is spiritual. Our world is under a spiritual delusion, the ‘powerful people’ who appear to control everything are pawns, being used by the powers of darkness. The great news,” I continued, “is that the Sovereign God is in complete control over everything in the universe. Even the powers of darkness are 100% subject to Him. I do not claim to understand everything God is doing, but my trust is in Him—no matter what I see happening in the world.” I told these folks that there is great comfort—especially in uncertain times—in knowing that God is the Sovereign over all, and that He only always does good.

There was a brief silence. Then the man (who voiced concern about the powerful people he believed are in control of all things) said, “You know, I think you are right. That really is comforting.”

The conversation was cut short at that point because that is what happens in the doctor’s office. I have a slew of follow up appointments between now and New Years. I am praying about how to keep the conversation going in the coming two months!

What a comfort it is that God is sovereignly in control even as we are witnessing the crumbling of our world.

The self-sufficient God

Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:25

God is not only self-existent (read the blog from two days ago), He is also completely self-sufficient. That means He not only needs nothing from anything or anyone outside of Himself, but He is neither better nor worse because of anything we may do or may not do.

I am reminded of God’s words in Isaiah 66:1-2

Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist," Says the LORD.

We sometimes say we do this or that “for the glory of God.” In truth, nothing we do or do not do either adds to or subtracts from God’s glory. God is all-glorious even if He never created anything or anyone. What we might more accurately say is that “we do this or that to declare the glory of God.”

Contrast God’s self-sufficiency with our total and complete dependence on Him. He not only created us, He sustains us, including giving us every breath we take and every pulse of our hearts.

Oh how worthy God is of our worship and praise, and how foolish we can be when we withhold it!

How to worship the Lord God Almighty

Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:23-25

Once we are thinking rightly about God, we can worship Him rightly. Paul’s words about God not dwelling in temples made with hands,” and not being “worshiped with men's hands” are yet another biblical reminder that worship “in the spirit” (John 4:24) means that we must worship Him according to His designs, not ours. This does not mean that all Christian worship will be identical in every way, but it does mean we must seek the scriptures regarding how He desires to be worshiped, and not think we are worshiping Him by expressing ourselves.

Worship is about the object of worship (God) not the worshippers (us). Here are some concepts that must guide our worship if it is to be acceptable to God: Reverence as we worship the Holy One. Humble solemnity in light of His majesty. Obedience to His will as revealed in the Bible. Gratitude in light of His overwhelming kindness. And Joy that He has called us His daughters and sons as we are “in Christ.” More could be said, but this is plenty to get us started.

Let us worship Him according to His Word!

Thinking rightly about the Creator

Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Acts 17:23-25

A.W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us… Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.” Let us therefore think rightly about God.

The God of the Bible, is the one and only true and living God (all other gods are false gods). (Jeremiah 10:10, Psalm 115:4-8)

He is the Creator of everything (but Himself) that exists. Everything. (Colossians 1:16)

He is eternally self-existent, meaning He was not created by any other, nor did He create Himself, since for that to have happened, He would have had to exist before He existed, which is impossible. Therefore God always has been, is, and ever will be. (1 Timothy 6:16)

Everything other than the eternally self-existent God owes its very being to God, who created all things. (Revelation 4:11)

Of all things created, human beings are unique in that we are the only beings created in the image and likeness of God Himself. (Genesis 1:26-27)

The Creator-creature distinction is vitally important. When that is blurred or forgotten, the creature (specifically human beings) will inevitably think themselves to be gods. This is a grave error and is blasphemy.

All creatures exist by God’s will and for God’s pleasure. (Revelation 4:11)

All creatures, but human beings in particular, are obligated to worship and obey God. (Isaiah 43:21, 1 Corinthians 8:6)

Turning the conversation toward God, His Son, and the gospel

If you haven’t read the Friday 10/22 post, pleased do. It ties in with Sunday’s message.

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. Acts 17:22-29

Longer passage, shorter observations:

(1) Paul countered the “philosophers” (and everyone is a philosopher since everyone has a worldview), with talk about the God of the Bible. Let us not get so sidetracked with political wrangling that we forget our message is about GOD, HIS SON, and the Gospel!

(2) Paul words headed toward our obligation to the GOD of the Bible, which is essential, since HE is not an idea, but our Creator to whom we owe worship and obedience. We need not worry that people may or may not believe this. It is true and must be spoken. From there, we explain that we have all failed, and are therefore guilty—which is why we need a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!

Progressive or Destructive?

Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean." For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. Acts 17:18-21

Just a simple observation on the last part of this passage. Note how the “thinkers” in that day “spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” Here we are, 2,000+ years later, and those who think they are wise are doing the same thing: always looking for something “new.” This is what the “progressives” are always doing. They think they are wise if they can come up with something new.

To be fair, we can be thankful for new things. Indoor plumbing was once new, and who is not thankful? Electricity and refrigeration were once new, and I for one am thankful for those new things. And let’s not forget that we didn’t always have computers and the internet. While they can be a bit of a pain, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, do they not?

But new for new sake (which is often what drives progressivism, is not always beneficial. Whether in politics or theology, what is new is often far more detrimental, if even completely dangerous and destructive, than what is old. This is particularly true of “new ideas” regarding Christian faith and practice. What is old—meaning what is revealed in the Bible—is right, and what is new is virtually always a departure from the faith.

Sola Scriptura. Scripture alone! Anything that “adds to” or “detracts from” the clear Word of God in the Bible must be rejected. This is not a negative message. It is positive as it points us to what God has said is sufficient, and most glorious.

Understanding those who cannot understand

Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean." For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. Acts 17:18-21

It is little wonder that unregenerate people do not understand the gospel when they hear it. Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 2:14 say:

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This passage underscores that even the smartest and most educated (frequently not the same thing!) have no more ability to understand spiritual truth than the less intelligent and/or educated. In fact, superior intelligence and advanced education often make it harder for those who possess such things to understand spiritual truth. Why? It may be that these are also afflicted with pride concerning their intellectual prowess. But that aside, the fact is, spiritual truth must be revealed by the Holy Spirit. It cannot simply be discovered or deduced by human intellect—no matter how great it may or may not be.

Let we, who know Christ and the gospel, be therefore humbled that the Lord would reveal Himself to us! Let us disavow all temptations to pride because we know what was revealed to us. Let us resist the temptation to look down on those who do not understand spiritual truth. Just as we would not look down on a person with no legs for not running a marathon, let us look with compassion on the spiritually unenlightened. And let us pray, pray, pray!

Answering common objections

Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:17

There is a limited number of objections to believing in Christ, and every one of them can be answered rather simply. Our task is to be able to give reasonable explanations to unravel commonly held falsehoods about Christ and the Gospel. We do not all need to have extensive training and a string of letters after our names do do this. We simply need to know the most common objections, and be prepared to give simple answers to demolish the roadblocks that stand in the way of people even listening.

Then, when a person listens, perhaps the Holy Spirit will do His work of saving them—but only as we do our part to reason.

Do you know how to reason with those who make these (and other) common objections?:

+Why should we trust the Bible? +Doesn’t science contradict the Bible? +When I die I will cease to exist. +This life is Hell and if there is an afterlife, everyone is going to a better place. +I am not religious, but I am spiritual. +I used to be a Christian, but not anymore.

Here is a link to a helpful resource to enable you to reason with those who do not believe. Click Here.