Jim Keena | Guest Speaker | January 5, 2024
Referenced Scripture:
Acts 17:16-34, 1 Peter 3:15b
Reflection Questions:
1) In his sermon, Jim shared the story of calling his mother after the birth of their first child. Reflect on a moment when you had the chance to share good news with someone special. What was the good news? Was it easy to tell them? How did that experience make you feel?
2) Generally, sharing good news with others is easy. But is it easy for you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others? If it’s not, why does it feel challenging for you?
3) In Acts 17:16-34, Luke recounts the story of the Apostle Paul’s visit to Athens. When he saw the city, we were told, “he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16b). Why do you believe he was so distressed by the rampant idolatry?
4) When you look at American culture, do you see us as a nation “full of idols”? Tim Keller’s definition of idolatry helps answer that question. He writes, “What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.” (Counterfeit Gods, xvii) According to his definition, which idols do we see in ourselves and others as worshiping?
5) In Athens, Paul preached the gospel to three distinct groups of people in three separate locations: the Jews in the synagogue (17:17a), philosophers in the marketplace (17:17b-18), and intellectuals at the Areopagus (17:18-31). How did he adjust his approach without compromising the message of the gospel?
6) Who do you know with little or no background in the Bible or the gospel? How would you explain the gospel to them differently than someone from a church background?
7) Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, prayed to God, “Break my heart with the things that break Your heart.” What troubles your heart about your friends and our community? What specific needs do you notice? What do you believe God is urging you to do in response?
8) In the sermon, the analogy of a traffic light was used to illustrate the three different responses that those who heard Paul preach the gospel had to his message. Acts 17:32-34 states, “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, (red light) but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” (yellow light) 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. (green light). Why is it important to recognize that responses to the preaching of the gospel can vary widely, from mockery to curiosity and, hopefully, belief? What color is your “stoplight”?
9) Is there someone you think you should share the good news with this new year?
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