In today’s passages I found it interesting how Paul changed his approach to different locations and cultures. When he saw the inscription on the altar in Athens that said AN UNKNOWN GOD, he was quick to recognize this as a perfect point of entry to introducing the one true God. We should be quick to recognizing our point of entry into a conversation about Christ is not meant to be combative or offensive to someone else, but to be positive and applicable to them. We are to reflect Christ, including His example of how to approach people who need Him. This means meeting people where they are ready to be introduced to Christ.
2012 Day 157 – Acts 17
05 Tuesday Jun 2012
Posted in Daily Reading
Daily Devotion 
There was no ridicule of their beliefs but a true care given to meet them where they were. This is how Jesus approached people. Perhaps we should take note? Again we also see Paul not forcing the message on anyone. He presents it and lets the holy spirit do the rest. And he leaves when he’s not welcome. Right in line with how Jesus handled situations
Love it!
Additionally, Paul had obviously paid attention to surrounding culture; he absorbed it and used it as a spring board to discorse, even quoting their own poets. Thereby he validates their spiritual journies to that point and says “I know the next step, I know the piece you yourselves know you are missing.”
Paul didn’t use the Roman Road or the five spiritual laws to evangelize. He took what their context was, and showed the gospel as it made sense in their world. He took an already acknowledged hole and filled it with Jesus. It’s of little use to preach Jesus, redeemer of sinners, to those who don’t realize their sin. But everyone is missing something, and Jesus always that something that is missing.
Tim, I can’t tell you how glad I am you joined us! Great insight!
Is this my Tim?