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Filled XIV - "Relational Evangelism"

11/04/18

November 4, 2018 • Matthew Temple

Filled XIV “ Relational Evangelism



What do you think of when I Mention the word evangelism?

*** *-Skit Guys-** The skinny on evangelism

There are three types of evangelism.

* Proclamation: Church services, Billy Graham
* Confrontational: visitation, door to door
* Relational: Building Relationships to bring people to Jesus!

Very few can do 1-2, But all of us can be involved in #3.

*Example: Relating with others.*

* Football-Comic-con-
* CR-Team


_Acts 17:16-28_

* It was a society with many gods and knowledge all around it.
(They had many ‘philosophers’ of groups such as the Stoics and Epicureans).
* We must realize that we live in an Acts 17 society and that most of the people we meet—including some in our church —are Greeks (Religious)

Paul witnessed to a society of people much like today

*We must be obedient. ( Paul's Journey)*

_Acts 17:16-17_

* Paul's spirit was provoked.
* Paul arrives in Athens and right away notices that the place was full of idolatry
* Paul is *obedient* to the Holy spirit and starts to witness.

* We are to proclaim the Gospel, not simply wait for someone to ask about it.
* Many Christians live waiting to be asked about thier faith, not telling about it.
* Months in a position and no one knows you're a Christian.


**Sharing Jesus requires you to stand on the foundation of Christianity**
** **_Acts 17:18_

* Paul Preached Jesus and the resurrection -
* Paul didn't preach religion he Majored in the Majors.
* They had no idea who Jesus is.
* He talked about what mattered.

*Application*

**Let’s Look at two different approaches

**
**Acts 2** we see Peter speaking to the men of Judea and of Jerusalem. (3000 Jews)
He preached sin and judgment
** **
*Acts 17* Paul. He is speaking to a group of Greeks in Athens (Verse 22) instead of Jews.

Like Peter, Paul preaches sin and judgment (verses 30-31) but with a different outcome: some mocked, some wanted to hear more, and some believed.
** **
**There is a notable difference in content of these sermons. **

* Peter is speaking to the Jews who have a biblical foundation. To them the stumbling block is *Christ and the crucifixion*.
* However, for the Greeks there is *no foundation*, no understanding of the scriptures. For them the preaching of the cross is foolishness.
* Just like today the cross seems foolish

Why so many gods in one place?

* Trade routes
* Gods plan for Paul



**Paul found an in! Paul had to relate to them. **
_*Acts 17:22-24 _*

* Paul here is neither commending nor denying their religious practices. Rather he is noting their interest in spiritual things.* “I see that in every way you are very religious.”*
* Paul presents the gospel in a way that they will understand it.
* Restoration/ Tractors
* Paul leveraged their culture to his advantage to further the kingdom. **(Spiritual Things)**

**We must proclaim who God is!**

* _Acts 17:24-26_ He is the Creator, and we should seek after him.

**Who God is to us! **
_Acts 17:28 _ for we are indeed his offspring!

* _Acts 17:29 _
* He is our father.
* We were made to be connected to something greater.



**Challenge**


_Acts 17:30-31_

* The Men of Athens had never before heard the gospel before. Now through Paul's testimony of who God is and his Judgment that they needed a savior.

Just Like Paul God has Called us to be:

* Obedient
* Available
* Tell the story of who Jesus is.


Life group questions:

1. What comes to mind when you think about evangelism?
2. What is relational evangelism and how does it differ from other forms of evangelism?
3. What is the context of our society and how can we relate to those in it?
4. How can you share the gospel through the things you are around daily? (Tractor story)
5. We are to proclaim who God is to us. Who does scripture say He is to us?
6. What opportunities will be presented to you this week? Will you be obedient?