A lesson on evangelism

Day 194

OT Reading: Psalms 10-12

NT Reading: Acts 17:16-34

In our reading today Paul offers a valuable lesson on how to communicate the message of Jesus to others: begin where they are.

As Paul made his way around Athens he was taken back by the myriad of idols there. Ancient Athens, it seems, was just filled with temples and idols to gods and goddesses of every variety, shape and color. And just to make sure they did not miss any, we see that they created an idol to "the unknown god." Lest he (or she) be offended by being left out of the pantheon.

Then, when Paul had the opportunity to speak to the crowd in Athens, did you notice what he did? He did not begin by berating the pagan idols that he saw. He did not begin by saying their faith was nothing but idiocy and foolishness. Instead Paul began where the people were.

Because he had spent some time with them...studying them, understanding them, getting to know their beliefs and culture; he was able to use something from their very own society - this god that they did not yet know - and from there begin to preach the gospel.

Sometimes in our evangelistic efforts we're tempted to jump into discussions about sanctification, atonement or even by just throwing out the phrase, "through the blood of Jesus." But doing so assumes that your audience (your friend, family-member, co-worker, whatever) understands what in the world these words and phrases actually mean. Most of these words are used only in the church and to use them without definition to a non-believer would be like me writing this blog in ancient Greek for you.

Instead, why not build a relationship with this person. Get to know who they are, where he is from, what she likes to do with her free time, what they think about God, Jesus, religion in general. Then, based on your knowledge and relationship, you have the opportunity to begin wherever he/she/they are at...and from there lead to the truth about Jesus.

It may sound overly easy, it may sound really complicated, but why not give this approach a shot? Realizing you likely will not do it perfectly just do what you can to begin wherever the other person is. Then, from there, lead on to Jesus.