Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Acts 17:16-31
Acts 17:16 (NLT) "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city."
Athens was an intellectual center of its day. It was here that the philosophers, intellectuals, and students would gather to discuss the latest intellectual fads. Instead of putting in a hard day's works, these people discussed anything and everything that came up, whether it was religious and scientific. Athens was also a pagan city. Archeologists believe that as many as 30,000 statues had been erected as idols to various gods in the city. And it was here in Athens that Paul effectively communicated Christ to the people.
While waiting for Silas and Timothy to return from Berea and meet up with him in Athens, Paul was used by God to debate the intellectuals in the city. Upon entering the city, "he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city" (Acts 17:16). The interesting part about this passage is that Paul did not back down from the Spirit's high calling in his heart. Instead, the love of Christ spurred him on to boldly speak for the name of Christ against a mountain of opposition.
Though he didn't win everyone to Christ, Paul certainly made an impact for Christ in Athens. Nearly 2,000 years later, we must do the same. We must witness, make Christ's presence known in this world, and ultimately make an impact for Christ. Why? Because the Bible tells us about the One to whom we are accountable and clearly defines what is right and wrong (Acts 17:31). Like Paul, we must declare the wonderful news that God offers forgiveness to us through faith in Christ. In doing so, we can also share that we don't need to fear His judgment if we have faith in Christ alone for salvation.
Like it or not, we are accountable to God. As Christians, we are no longer accountable to accept Christ as our Savior. But we are accountable before the living God to tell the good news about His Son. Taking Paul as our example, let's take every opportunity before us as a chance to contend for our faith with love, respect, and gentleness. Faith Lesson: Witnessing should not be compelled on by guilt or fear. Rather, sharing our faith should come from a heart that is daily being connected and transformed by God to share the eternal love of Christ.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Acts 17:16-31
Acts 17:16 (NLT) "While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city."
Athens was an intellectual center of its day. It was here that the philosophers, intellectuals, and students would gather to discuss the latest intellectual fads. Instead of putting in a hard day's works, these people discussed anything and everything that came up, whether it was religious and scientific. Athens was also a pagan city. Archeologists believe that as many as 30,000 statues had been erected as idols to various gods in the city. And it was here in Athens that Paul effectively communicated Christ to the people.
While waiting for Silas and Timothy to return from Berea and meet up with him in Athens, Paul was used by God to debate the intellectuals in the city. Upon entering the city, "he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city" (Acts 17:16). The interesting part about this passage is that Paul did not back down from the Spirit's high calling in his heart. Instead, the love of Christ spurred him on to boldly speak for the name of Christ against a mountain of opposition.
Though he didn't win everyone to Christ, Paul certainly made an impact for Christ in Athens. Nearly 2,000 years later, we must do the same. We must witness, make Christ's presence known in this world, and ultimately make an impact for Christ. Why? Because the Bible tells us about the One to whom we are accountable and clearly defines what is right and wrong (Acts 17:31). Like Paul, we must declare the wonderful news that God offers forgiveness to us through faith in Christ. In doing so, we can also share that we don't need to fear His judgment if we have faith in Christ alone for salvation.
Like it or not, we are accountable to God. As Christians, we are no longer accountable to accept Christ as our Savior. But we are accountable before the living God to tell the good news about His Son. Taking Paul as our example, let's take every opportunity before us as a chance to contend for our faith with love, respect, and gentleness. Faith Lesson: Witnessing should not be compelled on by guilt or fear. Rather, sharing our faith should come from a heart that is daily being connected and transformed by God to share the eternal love of Christ.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
