Positive assurance mixed with love

Friday   10-23-15  Home in Modesto

Scripture reading:    Job 13-14   Acts 17-18

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Acts 17:22  So Paul, standing before the Council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious.   NLT

O.  Athens was the “think-tank, the “brain-storming” center of the Greek culture and the Apostle Paul, while awaiting his companions, wades neck-deep into their flood of ideas with the message of Jesus.  He caused enough controversy that these men, whose lives were caught up in seeking one more new way at looking at life, took him to the Areopagus for an official hearing.  Probably some of these men considered themselves atheists, but Paul lets them know they are religious atheists.

A.  Atheism is very definitely a religion and some atheists really push it.  In effect they are proclaiming themselves as their own creators.  They are self-made.  They “developed” over millions of years and finally got so smart they could drop the ancient idea that a “Designer” had started the process. 

When teaching “Personal Evangelism” in Argentina, I pointed out that our presentation of Jesus creates a clash of ideas.  No one is neutral.  All have their personal “religion”.  The strongest one wins.  A “milk-toast”, “maybe”, “perhaps” presentation will fail.  We must be filled with positive assurance and the fervor of the Spirit of the Living God mixed with a generous dosage of His diving love to be effective.  Paul was a single, lonely voice in Athens, but his message rattled their cage, caused major waves and some believed.

P.  Lord Jesus, if it had been me I would have waited for my team members to arrive before wading into this crowd.  I would have wanted a few believers out there to say “Amen” now and then.  But my daring brother Paul went right for the juggler vein.  “You boys don’t know the real Creator God who sent His Son Jesus who was killed and raised from the dead.  He will judge you someday.” Your servant, Paul, spoke with authority and caused sparks to fly.  Some mocked, but some believed.  Lord, the fact that some open their hearts and believe... keeps me going... for each one is an eternal soul for whom You died.  Amen. 

Ralph