THE UNKNOWN GOD
Suggested Reading: Acts 17-18
(click scripture link to read online)
The Parthenon in Athens is the most famous surviving building of Ancient Greece and one of the most famous buildings in the world. The Parthenon has stood atop the Acropolis of Athens for nearly 2,500 years and was built to give thanks to Athena, the city's patron goddess, for the salvation of Athens and Greece in the Persian Wars. The building was officially called the Temple of Athena the Virgin. "Parthenon" comes from the Greek word parthenos, "virgin."
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Acts 17:30-31
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.
Our key verses are taken from Paul’s message delivered while he was standing on a rise of rock just above the marketplace of Athens. Towering above him, already 500 years old, was the Parthenon. Imagine the boldness of Paul as he proclaimed Jesus and compared Him to the altar they had erected “to the unknown god.” What an example for us! We must never allow great temples of man’s creation, ridicule or persecution to intimidate us in any way. Paul spoke fearlessly and wisely. He even quoted one of the Greek poets. It has been said that “all truth is God’s truth.” Paul knew the Scripture found in Proverbs 11:30b, “He who wins souls is wise.” God promises wisdom to us when we ask Him (James 1:5). Ask! Open our hearts and mouths to those we encounter today. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Just start to witness…you’ll be amazed where God takes you!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, grant me the grace to practise today the very message I’m preaching to my blog partners. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When I have preached on the streets, I have had to fight and win over fear. It was the same when I went on TV for the first time almost 51 years ago. It’s really no different from the hesitation I feel in one-to-one ministry. I’ve had to just start speaking. Starting is the hard part. Once I’ve started, I know I have to keep going. Of course, I’ve had to be willing to fall apart and look like the biggest fool around. But God never let me down! Also, God lets me know when to stop. The thoughts which I’m expressing cease to come to me. I’ve heard of the person who had nothing to say, but he had to have a place to say it! We, however, have the most important message in the whole world. A ?preacher was asked how he got his message across. He answered, “I tell them what I’m going to tell them. Then I tell them what I’m telling them. Then I tell them what I told them.” May I always remember that “Jesus” is my message.
Yours for communicating “Jesus” to the whole world and one-to-one to every individual we meet,
David
Witnessing. I recoil in fear at the very thought. The formulation of connected thoughts and the ability to convey theological truths to others (amid crippling terrifying fear) just isn’t there David. I would stumble-bumble like like an idiot. I hear your boldness and enthusiasm for the subject, which I admire greatly … but I just don’t know.
Scott … you have disclosed much in your writings about a relationship with Christ, wonderfully written.
I agree, wholeheartedly!
Good morning David
Wonderful blog. I enjoy the opertunities to witness, but some times it can get a little tense. Scott is not alone on this one. I’ve had people say things that have
made me uncomfortabl after I’ve whittnessed, but its OK planting a seed is all you need.
Perhaps witnessing with words is a gift some people are given. Others perhaps have a gift of writing, helping, listening, encouraging and from that will flow a witness to Christ and open doors.
I too have the same problem as you Scott. Thank you for your honesty. We need to pray to be willing to witness with the gifts we are given and let God use our willingness to touch others.
Hi David, l’m praying with you, that through this Blog, we can all help turn the world upside down for Jesus(17:6) l was always taught that my own personal testimony was my most effective tool in leading people to Christ. We have to be approachable and of a good report,for it to be believable, reporting on the before and after of our life changing experience. l used to tell my story to as many people as l could, but have to admit that as time goes on l’ve slipped a bit.,as l have not always been received positively. However l’ve been greatly encouraged today to keep at it! Understanding that we are working as a team, some sowing,some watering and oh what joy for the person who finally leads the precious Souls to Christ !!!!!
My biggest difficulty, is sharing with someone who has walls of defence built around, such to the point it can be felt before starting. What cannot be denied are my own feelings about my belief in Christ and the meaning of His resurrection. I have found it important to acknowledge my own failures and to relate with respect, and in a practical manner. This helps to minimize defensiveness, and keeps me real. The Holy Spirit reveals. As Paul states, “He is not far from each of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being.”
Here’s a thought that comes to me as read the above comments. I like people and being friendly so it’s easy to strike up a conversation with them, then in the course of the conversation,if the Holy Spirit gives me a little nudge to say something about the Lord, I do so. In that way they don’t feel threatened. But please pray for me because I’ve just had a bad experience in that area, and I need the Lord’s help to reconcile it. Thanks. Hope that helps a little. You have got me thinking about witnessing more, David. Thanks!
Be encouraged. We plant seeds and don’t always see it’s fruit immediately.
Praying for you, Ger, that all will be reconciled. I am sure God is using you more mightily to help others, than you can imagine. Bless you!
I will pray Ger.
Through the blog and through many of you God has reached out. I knew I needed help and found my way back to God here. I screensaved the encouragement I received here to learn by heart Proverbs 3:5,6. And this scripture can be applied here too. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths”. I have shared about God and this blog to both believers and nonbelievers and I know I could do much more but I also trust/ask God to keep me willing to share and He will do the rest.
My favourite scripture verse, too, Camille!
Thanks for blessing me and all with your gift from God as you share and encourage. I thank God for this group and how the Holy Spirit works in this ministry.
scott everyday on this blog you write and encourage you are great witness,Salvation belongs to God
I feel like Scott got in my head this morning and spoke the words that were formulating there as I read your words David, for his thoughts are mine also. I tend instead to wait for where a conversation will lead. Family is the most difficult to speak with on such matters, as I don’t want to drive a wedge or create an estrangement. I remain in prayet and sow seeds when possible and try to reflect Jesus with each encounter with anyone my path crosses every day, be it in person, through a phone call, via Facebook, etc.
What a Magnifucent Speach in Acts 17:22-24. Its a wonderful description of God and what he does for us.
I write better than I speak, so I struggle in the same way as others, here. But I do know how great the Holy Spirit is to prompt us with the right words and timing and interactions, that will help us share the good news about Christ.
I especially liked the encouragement in James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Mr. Mainse,
Your daily blog is such a blessing to myself. It is comforting to me to know that I am not the only one with a fear or blindness, if you will, about speaking the word of God and speaking of Jesus.
Especially after reading Scott’s comment, and the other comments.
Scott, everyday I look forward to reading your comment along with my fellow bloggers. Isn’t it wonderful how God is using this blog to help us strengthen each other.
God Bless and Thank You To Everyone and Merry Christmas Too 🙂
Diane
Also, My thoughts are the same as Ms. Lansalls’ with witnessing to Family.
I am witnessing quietly, and trying to be a blessing everywhere I go. What Would Jesus Do?
Thanks David for challenging us to share Christ – your blogs are so full of wisdom and inspiration! . Because of rescuing me years ago, restoring our marriage and saving my family, my heart is full of appreciation to God for hearing my cry and intervening in my life when my heart was broken and I was so desperate. I can’t thank Him enough for all He has done and continues to do for me, and my desire is to share Christ’s love and forgiveness with those God leads me to. I know everyone needs Jesus as God made everyone for Himself.
I agree with you Denise we all have different gifts that God has given . I pray for my family too, but all they want to hear me say at our table is grace
Lianne Hogg
Then say it with heart, and they will forever remember.
Amen!
Thank you Camille, Beverlee, Nancy and all others who prayed for me. Beverlee, when I read your blog, the Lord broke me and I wept in the Spirit and was encouraged in the Lord. I knew the Lord heard my prayer as I was praying about that very thing this morning. I am reading and writing this day after as I was out the whole day yesterday. Yes, how wonderful it is that we can encourage and help each other on this blog, and our good friend, David Mainse and good wife are making it all possible. Thanks! Thanks fellow bloggers.
Amen! The love and fellowship here have been a cornerstone in my faith. The ministry in this blog is growing rapidly and there are some similarities to the outreach and growth in the scriptures we are studying
in Acts. I want to thank fellow bloggers to for their insight, encouragement and witnessing. And I pray for our David Mainse, his family and staff for health and strength to continue God’s work.
Praise, God, Ger!!!! 🙂
God promises wisdom to us if we ask him. (James 1:5) …….I have prayed to God for wisdom. I have prayed to God I will find work. Nothing is happening. What would you recommend I do David?