Title: Creating Connection/ Topic: Evangelism

Today’s Reading: Job 13; Job 14; Acts 17; Acts 18

Scripture: Acts 18:22-23
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

Observation: This scene is such a great example of evangelism. Paul observes the people of Athens and notices what they are interested in and what they talk about. Then he uses something that they are very familiar with to create a connection with them. He starts with something they understand and then moves them to something new; an introduction to Jesus. He also doesn't castigate them for their idol worship even though the text says he was grieved in his heart over it (see previous verses in the chapter). He is careful not to alienate or offend them so that he will have an opportunity to share Jesus with them.

Application: I need to apply this lesson to myself when it comes to evangelism. Sometimes I think Christians tend to argue about what is wrong about our society and what people are engaged in rather than simply realizing that sinners will sin; it's what they are wired for. I need to look at how I can create a connection with them so I can lead them from what they know to what they don't know--- a relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Father, help me to make effective connections with others who don't know you so that I may be the light that leads them to you. Make my light bright and attractive. I want to win souls into your kingdom.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.